METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED ANNOUNCEMENTS IN A TELEPHONE SYSTEM

Method and apparatus for providing a timed sequence of different recorded announcements to an incoming caller to hold the caller's attention in a telephone system when no operator is available to answer the incoming call. During intervals in the timed sequence when no announcement is connected to the incoming caller, music is transmitted. When an operator becomes available to answer the call, the incoming caller is disconnected from the recorded announcement or music, whichever is applicable, and connected to the idle operator.