A system and method for providing telephone type services over an Internet
Protocol (IP) network, such as the internetwork commonly known as the
Internet. In preferred embodiments, public switched telephone networks
utilizing program controlled switching systems are arranged in an
architecture with the Internet to provide a methodology for facilitating
telephone use of the Internet by customers on an impromptu basis.
Provision is made to permit a caller to setup and carry out a telephone
call over the Internet from telephone station to telephone station. Calls
may be made on an inter or intra LATA, region or state, nationwide or
worldwide basis. Billing may be implemented on a per call, timed, time
and distance or other basis. Calls may be made front telephone station to
telephone station, from telephone station to computer or computer to
telephone station.