A system and method for allowing remote callers to access a secure
telephone network maintains a registry (i.e. a database) of all remote
callers that have access to the network. The registry contains an
electronic serial number (ESN) and a personal identification number (PIN)
for each remote caller. The ESN is typically the serial number of the
callers cellular telephone. Alternatively, the ESN is a phone number of
the remote caller's telephone. To establish a connection, the remote
caller calls a private branch exchange (PBX) of the secure network. Upon
receiving the call, the PBX compares the ESN and PIN of the remote caller
with the ESN and PIN stored in the registry. If a match is found, the PBX
authenticates the remote caller and allows the connection. The remote
caller may have full access or access limited by a connection policy.