Methods and apparatus for implementing call forwarding services using AIN
techniques and next event list messages are described. Methods of
notifying a subscriber of a call forwarded using AIN techniques are also
described. In accordance with one feature of the present invention, a
subscriber is allowed to set the number of rings which are allowed to
occur prior to a call being forwarded. The number of rings, e.g., the ring
count, is stored as part of a customer's call processing record (CPR)
which is used by a service control point (SCP) to implement the call
forwarding service. The ring count information may be updated via the
Internet or via a dial-up telephone connection. Call forwarding customers
are provided with a distinctive ring, e.g., a ring shorter than an
ordinary telephone ring, to notify them when a call is being forwarded.
Distinctive rings may be used to distinguish between different forwarding
services. For example a different ring may be used for forwarding to voice
mail than for selective call forwarding or follow-me call forwarding. The
distinctive ring may be implemented by using an SCP to instruct a
telephone switch to provide any one of a plurality of different rings
which are supported by the telephone switch or by simply causing the
subscribers phone to ring for different periods of time which are shorter
than a normal ring.