Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a telephony system that is adapted to receive, route, process, and deliver communications data using a cost-effective, user-friendly operations platform and a broadband communication network. For example, the system includes a computer server arrangement and a plurality of endpoint devices communicatively coupled to one or more communication channels comprising an Internet protocol (IP) network. Packet-based (VoIP) calls are transmitted over an IP network, and translated to standard PSTN call signals when necessary. The broadband telephony system of the present invention utilizes each user's own IP network endpoint device as not only each user's local gateway onto the IP network, but also as a remote gateway for bridging other user's calls from the IP network to a local PSTN network in order to reach non-users.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a telephony system that is adapted to receive, route, process, and deliver communications data using a cost-effective, user-friendly operations platform and a broadband communication network. For example, the system includes a computer server arrangement and a plurality of endpoint devices communicatively coupled to one or more communication channels comprising an Internet protocol (IP) network. Packet-based (VoIP) calls are transmitted over an IP network, and translated to standard PSTN call signals when necessary. The broadband telephony system of the present invention utilizes each user's own IP network endpoint device as not only each user's local gateway onto the IP network, but also as a remote gateway for bridging other user's calls from the IP network to a local PSTN network in order to reach non-users.