A method and apparatus for handling internet access telephone calls made
via cable company telephone services. A head end data terminal receives
cable signals and converts them into individual signals. An intelligent
switch detects signals destined for an internet service provider and
routes those signals on a separate path to the internet service provider.
A central switch routes the other signals along a telephone network. A
computer program can control the steps of receiving cable signals,
converting them into voice band signals, routing the signals that are not
for the intended recipient to a central switch, multiplexing the signals
for the intended recipient together, and sending the multiplexed signals
to the intended recipient.