Abstract

An arrangement (apparatus and method) for remotely activating service for subscribers in a public switched telephone network. A field technician telephones a voice response unit. The field technician supplies DTMF inputs to provide a subscriber telephone number and a service to be performed. The information input to the voice response unit is supplied via a Datakit network to a change processor. The change processor is previously stored with data identifying existing office equipment and facilities for selected subscribers, and new office equipment or facilities. The change processor generates recent change signals for a central office switch corresponding to the subscribers identified by the field technician. The recent change signals are supplied via the Datakit network to a switching control center system (SCCS) host processor, which distributes the recent change signals to the appropriate central office switch, as well as any facilities or maintenance databases. The present invention is directed to cable throw, rewire, and undeveloped transfer applications, but is also suited for AIN applications including remote intelligent peripherals and subscriber self-activation using soft dial tone.