A method for providing combined local, toll, toll free services, and
number portability, to a calling party originating calls from an IP-based
communication devices which are coupled to an IP-based multi-media
service provider. The method includes receiving a SIP INVITE message,
which includes a multi-media service identifier, at the multi-media
provider. The SIP INVITE message represents a call request for a
multi-media service. The SIP INVITE message is processed at the
multi-media provider for determining if the call request can be
satisfied. If the multi-media service provider includes resources for
satisfying the call, the multi-media service identifier of the SIP INVITE
message is set to a first predetermined state and the call is processed.
If the multi-media service provider does not include resources for
satisfying the call, the multi-media service identifier of the SIP INVITE
message is set to a second predetermined state and the call is processed
elsewhere.