This is the first in what will hopefully be a series of how-to posts on random things you can do with phones and other gadgets...

I'm always fascinated by all the different things that phones do, but one thing that I always thought was that there should be a 'do-not-disturb' mode that sends calls directly to voicemail, but leaves your data service alone so that you can still use the Internet.  While searching through some of the feature codes for GSM phones (I know, I know), you can combine some of them to accomplish this task.

1. Get the number for your voice mailbox.
   This may sound odd, but your voicemail actually has a number assigned to it.  You can find this out with the following code. *#67# and then hit the 'call' button.  You should see a screen like the following.  Write down the number next to "Forwards to".  You won't need the +1 part.
2.  Create a new contact 'ZZZ Forward to VM' with the command to forward your calls.
   To forward the calls, we use a different feature code plus the number we want to forward to, in this case the number of our voice mailbox. *#21*[voicemailboxnumber]# The contact I created starts with ZZZ so that it goes to the end of my list, and all the commands are right there together.
   When you call this contact you should see the following screen.  Then you'll notice a small handset and arrow to show that the setting worked correctly.
3. Finally create a contact 'ZZZ Reset VM Forward' to reset your phone back to its original settings.
   In order to receive calls again, you can dial ##002#.  Save this number to your address book.  The handset icon should go away now and your calls should go back to normal.

Other Notes:

• While the phone is in 'do-not-disturb' mode you can still make outgoing calls, and receive voicemail and TXT notifications.  However, you will not be notified of any incoming calls.
• You can also use this to forward calls to another number entirely in case you were in an area with poor service.
• If anyone has the codes to do the same on CDMA networks chime in and I'll add it to the post.

 Disclaimer:
To the best of my knowledge, there is no charge for forwarding to another number, and I am not aware that the calls that are forwarded charge minutes against your plans.  Talk to your friendly service representative if you are unsure.  Finally, I have observed no ill effects from running these codes, but don't blame me if something weird happens.