Abstract: A system and a method for hierarchical routing with a look-ahead mechanism is disclosed. The method includes originating a call having an origination point in a first form through a first region. The method continues with routing the call to the originating MSC and then to a first internet protocol tandem associated with the first region. The method continues with forwarding the call to a second internet protocol tandem associated with a second region. The second region is generally the destination region. The method continues with determining whether or not the call qualifies as a call that may be terminated in a second form and if the call does qualify to be terminated in the second form, rerouting the call back to the original mobile switching center and connecting the call to the termination point in the second form, i.e., a circuit based form.