Voice/data switch

A voice/data switch for selectively connecting a Telco line to either a piece of electronic data communication equipment, such as a FAX machine or a computer, or an audio communication device, such as a telephone, said voice/data switch comprising:

• announcement and return signal means for producing an audible message requesting a return signal and detecting the receipt of said requested return signal;
• and,
• switch means connected to said announcement and return signal means for receiving a signal when said announcement and return signal means receives said return signal and selectively controlling the connection of either a piece of electronic data communication equipment or an audio communication terminal device to a Telco line such that said piece of electronic data communication equipment is connected to said Telco line if a return signal is not detected by said announcement and return signal means and said audio communication terminal device is connected to said Telco line if a return signal is detected by said announcement and return signal means.