The purpose and the philosophy of an Intelligent Network System (IN) is to add more intelligence and control over the telecommunications network in a centralized manner. In other words, IN is the central system that:
- accommodates the logic of the various IN services being provided through the network
- controls the provision of those services
Consequently, IN offers centralized intelligent telecommunications services minimizing at the same time the cost of ownership, implementation and changes of those services.
Some of the main IN services are listed below:
- Freephone
Through the use of this service, a fixed-line user can call a non-geographic number (typically 800xxx) without being charged. He or she can call this number from anywhere within his/her country limits for free, whilst the actual cost of the call is charged to the number owner (i.e. a company). - Onephone
Through the use of this service, a fixed-line user can call a non-geographic number (typically 801xxx), that belongs to a company. The user is always charged with the cost of a local call, whereas the number owner is charged with the difference of the cost between the long-distance and the local call, if applicable. - Premium Rate
By calling a non-geographic number (typically 901xxx, 909xxx), a fixed-line user obtains access to content-based or other premium rate services. - Televoting
A fixed-line user calls a non-geographic number in order to participate in a voting process. - Short Digit Menus
The user calls a non-geographic number (typically 1xxx) and follows IVR instructions in order to get help or information (something like the white pages, or the trouble ticketing service) - Prepaid Card
The user uses a prepaid card to make a call from a fixed or mobile device. - Virtual Card
The fixed-line user through the use of his account credentials can make a phone call from practically any fixed-line device and receive his charge in his postpaid bill.
