Communicating access information for reduced rate calls

摘要

A user of a first communications device dials the access number (eg telephone number) of a call provision unit and may be required to enter a security code such as a PIN number. Following input of a valid PIN, the user dials the access number of a second communications device and the call provision unit establishes a connection between the first and second communications devices. If the connection exceeds a predetermined time, the call provision unit communicates (eg by interrupting the call) access information to the user comprising a new access code and/or PIN which may be used to make a subsequent call at a reduced rate. May be used with phonecards associated with premium rate services which provide international calls at a slightly discounted rate for a first period of time and then provide the caller with the option to make subsequent calls at a more heavily discounted rate. The new PIN may be added to a list of issued, valid security codes and may subsequently be removed from that list following expiry of predetermined time period or following its use by the first communications device.