Abstract: The invention is a multimedia cordless phone and messaging system that uses a broadband Internet Protocol connection to provide an end-user with the ability to record, send, store and receive audio and video content in real time or asynchronously. The invention uses a distributed computing model that places the power-consuming tasks such as disk storage in a wired base station, and uses lightweight full-function rechargeable battery powered handsets that operate wirelessly for convenience throughout the user's location. The base station can be provisioned remotely by the service provider across the Internet, providing ease of use for the consumer. The handsets can be personalized by the end user or the service provider using a common web browser interface on the base station. Multiple phone numbers may be provisioned on the system, with individual handsets configurable to respond to one or more of the numbers provisioned to the base station.