The present invention provides a system and method for providing certified
voice and/or multimedia mail messages in a broadband signed communication
system which uses packetized digital information. Cryptography is used to
authenticate a message that has been compiled from streaming voice or
multimedia packets. A certificate of the originator's identity and
electronic signature authenticates the message. A broadband communication
system user may be provisioned for certified voice and/or multimedia mail
by registering with a certified mail service provider and thereby
receiving certification. The called system user's CPE electronically
signs the bits in received communication packets and returns the message
with an electronic signature of the called system user to the calling
party, along with the system user's certificate obtained from the service
provider/certifying authority during registration. The electronic
signature is a cryptographic key of the called party.