Abstract: Devices, networks, and methods are disclosed for providing a plurality of answering message options to a called party for answering an incoming call. When a call is received in a called device, the called device identifies a plurality of answering messages predefined by the called party. The called device then provides answering message options to the called party based on the identified answering messages. The called party selects one of the answering message options. Responsive to the selection by the called party, the called device and/or the communication network transmits an answering message to the calling party. The answering message in essence “answers” the call for the called party. The called party does not actually have to speak into the called device to answer the call.