An incoming call to a Terminating Extension Group (TEG) or Private Central Office Line (PCOL) group is not a call to an individual. However, one particular member of the group can be the most qualified person to handle the given call. If this individual does not answer the call originally, this individual can bridge onto the call. The answering party does not have to transfer the call.

A call to an individual can be answered by a member of a call pickup group. While the call is still connected, the called party can bridge onto the call, and the answering party hangs up.

Call Coverage provides redirection of calls to alternate answering positions or covering users. A temporary bridged appearance is maintained at the called telephone.

The called party can answer the call at any time, even if the call is already answered by a covering user. If the called party does not bridge onto the call, the covering user can use the Consult function of Call Coverage to determine if the called party wants to accept the call. The Consult function uses the temporary bridged appearance that is maintained on the call. When the consult call is finished, the temporary bridged appearance is removed.

Stations that usually have a temporary bridged appearance with their coverage point do not have a temporary bridged appearance if the coverage point is Communication Manager Messaging.