A trigger signal from a remote location can be used to automatically trigger a call from a telecommunications device. The device is preferably a programmable telephone which stores a dialling program which monitors a communications channel for a trigger signal. The user, who may be a call centre customer, selects an option to automatically initiate a call rather than holding for an agent. The call centre system then places a contact request in the call queue alongside identifiers relating to real time holding calls. When the contact request reaches the top of the queue, a trigger signal is sent to the customer's device where it activates the dialling program, causing a call to be made to the call centre. This incoming call is recognised at the call centre as relating to the contact request at the top of the queue and the call is connected directly to an agent, bypassing the other holding calls.