The present invention provides for selectively blocking outgoing calls
based on blocking criteria configured by a telephony subscriber or
representative thereof. When a call is initiated, blocking criteria
associated with the telephony terminal from which the call is being
initiated are used to determine whether the call should be blocked or
allowed to continue. Once a determination is made, a telephony switch or
telephony server supporting the telephony terminal either blocks the call
or allows the call to continue as dictated by the blocking criteria. The
blocking criteria may be applied to one or more telephony terminals.
Further, the blocking criteria may be based on the party being called,
time of day, day of week, financial authorization, type of call, or any
combination thereof. The subscribers or representatives thereof can
easily and efficiently configure the blocking criteria to control whether
or not outgoing calls are blocked or allowed to continue.