System and methods for alleviating the signaling system number 7 (SS7) network by routing WNP data queries for a number's Service Provider ID (SPID) from the SS7 network to a database that resides within the IP network and processed therein for many applications, including inter-carrier SMS and MMS. The WNP data is maintained by the carrier internally, and the query is an IP query for a Service Provider ID (SPID). The system includes an intelligent routing server connected to a messaging service center. The intelligent routing server determines: (i) if the originator subscriber is a valid user of a particular service; and (2) whether the remote receiver is one of its own carrier subscribers. If it is determined that the remote receiver is one of the carriers own subscriber's service provider, then the intelligent routing server routes the SMS to an appropriate messaging service center for delivery of the message to the remote receiver. If the intelligent routing server determines that the remote receiver is not one of its own subscriber's service provider, then the intelligent routing server performs a query to a WNP database to determine a four digit service provider ID for the destination remote receiver from the WNP database for the remote receiver, and uses the WNP data information to route the message over the intelligent routing server to the remote receiver.