The Release To Pivot (RTP) network capability permits an SS7 Signalling Point that has received a call from another Node, and has determined the call should be connected to a Destination Node other than itself, to have the connection established from a Node earlier in the call path. RTP functionality is shared between the Release Node and the Pivot Node. The RTP capability may be invoked by an end-user service or other network capability on a per-call basis. The specific end-user or other network service or network capability that may invoke RTP is not within the scope of this network capability description. In particular, the service or network capability that invokes RTP at each node determines whether to release the call to a prior RTP-capable node, to release the call and end the call setup, or progress the call forward. The service or network capability similarly determines whether to offer its node as a possible point for connection to a different destination, should a new destination be derived. The RTP capability is not visible to the end user, but does allow an end-user service the option of invoking it. Thus, there is a "layering" of the services and capabilities. Formerly known as T1.661-2000(R2005).