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Apparatus and method for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service provider using voice mail

  • US 6,704,403 B2
  • Filed: 09/05/2001
  • Issued: 03/09/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • receiving a selection from a user for a selected service provider stored within a service provider database;

    initiating a connection between the user and the selected service provider for a live conversation via a real-time communications link;

    in response to a failure to establish the connection, recording a message from the user to the selected service provider;

    when the real-time communications is not established due to selected service provider unavailability, deducting a predetermined amount from the selected service provider;

    initiating a connection between the selected service provider with the user via the real-time communications link in response to the service provider reviewing the message; and

    when the selected service provider is connected with a user following review of a message, returning the predetermined amount deducted from the selected service provider.

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