An alternative network service replaces long distance and international ISDN service for H.320 video conferencing applications. The network utilizes ATM technology and high-performance international fiber-optic transmission facilities to provide improved support for these applications. The alternative network service includes access through local ISDN service providers using ISDN dial-out and dial-in server devices to provide routing and called address transfer to the local alternative service gateway. The server devices also provide routing for calls using the ISDN long distance service and reroute capability to backup the alternative network service.