Abstract: A method for transmitting speech of a first person communicating with a second person via a packet switched network comprising: generating a stream of samples of the first person's speech during the communication; parsing the sample stream into audio frames; determining which audio frames correspond to periods when the first person is speaking and which correspond to periods when the first person is silent; transmitting audio frames corresponding to silent periods and speaking periods of the first person's speech; and transmitting at least some of the audio frames corresponding to speaking periods, but none of the audio frames corresponding to silent periods, at least twice.

Abstract: Subscribers are able to selectively reveal their availability for communicating to various entities, based on the interaction of one or more customizable policies, preferences and active status of communicating devices. Availability status software comprising one or more agents determines and indicates the availability mode of specifically identified entities. Subscribers are able to establish a personal agent and control policies and preferences remotely using, for example, an internet connected computer-based device. Alternatively, service providers are able to modify the content of the agent of behalf of their subscribers in accordance with predetermined communication preferences (automatic or defined by subscribers).