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(11)

EP 0 983 675 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 08.03.2000 Bulletin 2000/10 (21) Application number: 98923535.3 (22) Date of filing: 19.05.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H04M 3/50 (86) International application number: PCT/US9810/254 (87) International publication number: WO 9853/593 (26.11.1998 Gazette 1998/47)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE CH DE FR GB IE IT LI NL SE (30) Priority: 20.05.1997 US 859411 (71) Applicant: MCI Worldcom, Inc. Jackson, MS 39201 (US)	(72) Inventors: LA RUE, David, L. Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 (US) IVEY, Brian Marion, IA 52302 (US) LEONARD, Timothy, M. Coralville, IA 52241 (US) (74) Representative: Rupp, Christian, Dipl.Phys. et al Mitscherlich & PartnerPatent- und RechtsanwälteSonnenstrasse 33 80331 München 80331 München (DE)