In a communication network that provides a path through a cable IP network
between sending and receiving terminals residing on respective networks
(e.g., an HFC, and/or PSTN network) controlled by different network
managers or service providers, a controller hands off control of service
access of the terminals between the service providers. Subscriber
terminals may include broadband telephony interfaces, cable modems, or
multimedia terminal adapters. To effect hand-off control, configurable
modules of the terminals enable them to respond directly to a network
manager (e.g., cable modem termination system or call management server)
according to instructions supplied by the controller based either on
subscriber authorization, database information, call type, dialing plan,
and/or other parameters. Transfer of call control may also occur on a
call-by-call basis. Further, a usage server collects network usage
information of the respective terminals or subscribers to determine user
fees between competitive networks.