Abstract: A method for initiating communication service includes coupling a communication device to a network, the communication device storing a trusted address that is associated with a trust server and requesting, with the communication device, a portal address from the trust server located at the trusted address. The method also includes authenticating the communication device at the trust server and transmitting from the trust server to the communication device the portal address in response to the trust server authenticating the communication device. Furthermore, the method includes requesting, with the communication device, a proxy address from a portal located at the portal address and receiving, at the communication device, a proxy address from the portal. The method also includes initiating communication on a network coupled to the portal using the communication device.

Abstract: A method of providing communication service, includes receiving user identification information and first communication service criteria. The user identification information identifies a user, while the first communication service criteria describe a first communication service requested by the user. The method also includes generating a first communication service order based on the first communication service criteria. The first communication service order includes the user identification information and the communication service criteria; The method further includes selecting premise equipment for the user and generating an equipment order, wherein the equipment order includes the user identification information and identifies the selected premise equipment. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the first communication service order to a first service provider and transmitting the equipment order to an equipment provider.

Abstract: A method of providing communication service, includes receiving user identification information and first communication service criteria. The user identification information identifies a user, while the first communication service criteria describe a first communication service requested by the user. The method also includes generating a first communication service order based on the first communication service criteria. The first communication service order includes the user identification information and the communication service criteria; The method further includes selecting premise equipment for the user and generating an equipment order, wherein the equipment order includes the user identification information and identifies the selected premise equipment. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the first communication service order to a first service provider and transmitting the equipment order to an equipment provider.