A communications terminal operates in multiple modes including a wired phone mode, an Internet phone mode, and a combined mode. The terminal includes a wired phone unit and an IP phone unit which separately processes calls to/from PSTN- and Internet-communications networks. The terminal also includes a processor which processes a call through a voice path which connects the wired phone unit and the IP phone unit in a third mode of operation which is referred to as an external connection mode. By processing a call along this path, the cost of performing long-distance and/or international calling may be substantially reduced and transmission efficiency may simultaneously be improved.