The features “Toggle”, “Hold” and “Consult” are interrelated and are used when two callers wish to converse with a third party. When another caller is trying to make contact while a telephone conversation is in progress, this may be indicated by a knocking tone, for example. The called party can inform the “knocking” caller by means of the “Consult” function that he will ring him back shortly. The original caller is placed on hold during this time. Once the conversation with the “knocking” caller has ended, the “consulting” party automatically returns to the caller on hold and the call can be continued normally. Toggling allows the user to switch to and fro between two callers any number of times. Inactive callers are placed in a call queue. The conference function permits three or more parties to be interconnected for a conference call. In this case, all parties are able to communicate with each other in a virtual chat room.