Conference call facility.

Abstract

A conference call is established in response to receiving a request 4 from the first communication terminal 3a. The request 4 is preferably an SMS or MMS and includes one or more identifiers 5, 6, 7, such as telephone numbers, associated with the plurality of other communication terminals 3b-3d. The teleconferencing server 1 assigns a teleconferencing channel and an associated identifier, such as a telephone number. Messages 10a-10c informing the conference participants are then sent to the other communication terminals 3a-3c, each message including an identifier associated with the conference call channel. Access to the conference call can be restricted to authorized users by comparing the incoming caller's identifier (eg CLI) with the identifier provided in request 4 and only allowing access if there is a match or match. If the incoming caller has concealed his CLI or otherwise the CLI is impossible to determine, then access is denied and a message is sent reminding the conference participants who must also join the conference call not to conceal this information. Alternatively, the server calls the participant at the appropriate time.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the provision of conference call facilities, and the invention is particularly suitable, but not limited to, establishing conference calls between mobile phone users via wireless communication networks. Background technique [0002] Communication systems often provide teleconferencing facilities, allowing three or more users to share a telephone call. In one known system, a first user or moderator invokes a teleconferencing facility to request a conference, specifying a date and time for the conference call. A phone number is then assigned to the meeting and passed to the host for distribution to other participants. At the agreed time, participants dial the phone number to join the meeting. Participants can also be given a password to restrict access to the meeting to users selected by the host. [0003] EP-A-1164774 discloses a system in which a conference call can be initiated by sending an appropriate SMS to a ser...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, it has been found that it is not always easy for invitees to dial in to join a conference call

Also, it is relatively easy for invitees not to receive the invitation SMS right away, which could prevent them from joining the conference call or prevent them from joining the conference call at the appropriate time

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