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.