An Internet Call Waiting (ICW) service provides single-line subscribers
(100) connected to the Internet with incoming call information, call
screening and voice messaging capabilities. An incoming call is
terminated at an ICW server (154). The caller is prompted to leave a
voice message and the voice message is relayed in real-time over the
Internet connection (138) to permit the subscriber to monitor the
message. The subscriber can choose to answer the call at any time before
the caller disconnects. Subscriber profile options specify how calls are
treated. Calls may be forwarded to a second directory number, directed to
a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) connection, or the Internet connection may be
dropped and the call completed to the subscriber's directory number. The
subscriber benefits from being able to screen voice messages in
real-time, which assists the subscriber in determining how the call
should be terminated.