A method is described to provide an alternative telephone information
service implemented by a service provider other than the
telecommunication service used in the connection of the call. This
independent information service provides the caller information services
at a minimal or at no cost to the caller. The cost of the call to the
caller is subsidized or entirely paid by promotion message sponsors in
exchange for the caller listening, with possible interaction by the
caller and rewards to the caller, to at least one sponsored promotional
message prior to connection to the requested information. This service
information includes telephone listings, weather, date/time,
local/national news, traffic conditions, airplane schedules, text to
voice translated caller e-mail, account member mailbox messages or other
information of interest to the local or national caller.