A switched telephone network is arranged in a manner to enable packet
voice communication between telephone terminals via multiple redundant
packet switched networks. The packet switched networks may utilize
different protocols, be operated by different entities, and have primary
functions other than voice communication. One example of such a network
may be internetworked networks, such as the Internet. One example of an
alternate packet switched network may be a network whose primary function
is control of a circuit switched telephone network. The common channel
interoffice switching system (CCIS) of a public switched telephone
network (PSTN) is a preferred example.A voice communication link may be
established from telephone terminal to telephone terminal via the
Internet, the quality of voice communication may be monitored, and the
link may be transferred to the common channel interoffice signaling
network if and when the quality of voice communication deteriorates
beneath a pre-established norm. There is provided a means for monitoring
the links of the common channel interoffice signaling system carrying the
packetized voice communication and collecting the information needed to
permit charging for the voice communication by time duration or by cells
used to carry the packetized voice signal. The customer may be provided
with the option of establishing the norm for diversion of the
communication, or may elect which path is to be selected as the primary
path.