An Estimated Wait Time (EWT) service for a Web page provider has an
internet-connected facility for monitoring communication status with a
communication center having communication equipment hosting agents of the
web page provider, and an interactive link in a web page hosted by the
Web page provider. The interactive link is presented to a user accessing
the Web page, and when selected, connects the user to the facility for
monitoring communication status. In a preferred embodiment the facility
provides a Web page display for the user, displaying parameters regarding
the communication status, such as estimated wait time (EWT). In some
cases there are options in a user interface for placing an Internet Phone
(IP) call, for sending a message, and e-mail, and so forth, or for
requesting a call back. In the case of a cal back the user may, in some
embodiments, provide alternative numbers or addresses and times for call
back.