The present invention discloses a telecommunications system initiating telephone connections between, for example, a consumer and a service provider based on the criteria provided by the consumer and the services available from the service provider. The system is suitable for consumers requiring direct communication with a staff member of a service provider capable of meeting the consumer's service requirements. The system compiles a prioritized list of service providers matching the consumer's criteria. Starting with the first service provider on the list, the system rings the service provider and determines whether or not a staff member answers the call. If the line is busy or the call is not answered by a staff member, the system moves on to the next service provider on the list until a service provider having a staff member is located. Once such a service provider is located, the system rings the consumer and connects the two parties. If the system cannot locate such a service provider, the consumer is given an opportunity to repeat or modify the search.