A method for providing a call waiting notification to a participant in an existing telephone call includes the steps of establishing a telephone call with a calling party. A specified telephone number of the participant in the existing telephone call is received from the calling party. A distinctive call waiting tone is caused to be sent to the participant wherein the distinctive call waiting tone is specified with the calling party. Responsive to the participant electing to speak with the calling party, the established call is transferred to the participant. A system for providing a call waiting notification to a participant in an existing telephone call is also disclosed.