Abstract: Communication apparatus (22) includes a packet network interface (62), for coupling to a packet switch (28) in a packet network (24), and a telephone network interface (63), for coupling to a node (54) in a circuit-switched telephone network (26). A convergence processor (66) is coupled between the packet network and telephone network interfaces and adapted to emulate a mobile switching center (MSC) and a visitor location register (VLR) in the circuit-switched telephone network so as to assign telephone numbers in the circuit-switched telephone network to user terminals (30, 32, 34, 38) in the packet network and to connect telephone calls, using the assigned telephone numbers, between telephones (42) in the circuit-switched network and the user terminals.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual multi-line (VML) telephone service includes associating first and second telephone numbers with a telephone, such that the first telephone number is subject to a first billing scheme and the second number is subject to a second billing scheme. A control code is transmitted from the telephone to a network switch, indicating a choice of one of the first and second telephone numbers. Upon receiving a request to connect a call from the telephone to a destination number, the call is connected using one of the first and second telephone numbers while applying one of the first and second billing schemes to the call in accordance with the choice indicated by the control code.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual service switching function includes receiving a first message from a switch in a telephone network indicative of initiation of a call, the first message including a service parameter that is applicable to the call. Responsively to the service parameter, first and second service control points (SCPs) are invoked to provide respective first and second services in relation to the call. A second message is sent to the switch, in response to the first message, instructing the switch to carry out the call using at least one of the first and second services.