METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALTERING THE ACCESS FORMAT OF TELEPHONE CALLS

A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system, a speech generator and speech memory to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory. The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.