Directory assistance access to intercept telephone numbers

In a public switched telephone network serving a plurality of subscriber stations comprising:

• a directory assistance operator service center for providing listed directory numbers to callers, said service center having a data base associated therewith containing subscriber directory number listings, each said directory number listing including subscriber name and directory number;
• and
• an intercept system for intercepting telephone calls dialed to non-working directory numbers;
• a method for adapting said directory assistance operator service center to changes in status of subscribers that affect directory listings, comprising:
• setting an indicator in the data base directory number listing for a subscriber having a changed status;
• retaining the directory number listing having said indicator in the data base for a predetermined maximum period of time;
• and
• connecting a call, made to said directory assistance operator service center by a caller seeking the directory number for a listing for which an indicator has been set, to said intercept system.

In a public switched telephone network serving a plurality of subscriber stations and including a directory assistance operator service center for providing listed directory telephone numbers to callers, said service center having a first data base associated therewith containing subscriber directory number listings, each said directory number listing including subscriber name and telephone number, an intercept system for intercepting telephone calls dialed to non-working directory numbers, said intercept system having a second data base associated therewith containing an index of inactive telephone numbers, and an audio subsystem for providing announcements to callers, a method comprising:

• setting an indicator in the first data base listing for a subscriber having a changed status;
• retaining the listing having said indicator in the first data base for a predetermined maximum period of time;
• entering the telephone number for the changed status in said second data base;
• and
• in response to reassignment of the entered telephone number prior to expiration of said maximum period of time, deleting the retained listing from the first data base and purging the entered telephone number from the second data base.