The present invention provides a novel system, method and apparatus of delivering interactive voice response services in a more efficient manner over a network. The system provides for the placement of a subscriber station local 28 to the subscriber and a gateway protocol converter at the base station 40. The gateway protocol converter converts bandwidth-intensive audio messages into compact data messages, which upon transmission to the subscriber station 28 are converted back into audio messages. By using data messages instead of audio messages over the network, bandwidth is saved on the network for other traffic. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for transmitting subscriber responses utilizing the system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an IVR system that utilizes the VoiceXML standard, or the like, whereby the Document Server, VoiceXML Interpreter Context, and the Implementation Platform are distributed at various locations along the communication link between the IVR service provider and the subscriber station--such components being distributed along the link according to a desired utilization of network resources, such as bandwidth.