Abstract: The processing of telephone calls is described herein. A telephone call is initiated over a public telephone line using a carrier direct telephone number having a carrier specific identifier. The carrier specific identifier designates the international carrier that has assigned the carrier direct number (Carrier Direct Service Provider). The telephone call is routed to an international carrier in the country of origin. That international carrier recognizes the carrier specific identifier and routes the call to the Carrier Direct Service Provider. The Carrier Direct Service Provider translates the carrier direct telephone number to a public telephone number. The call is then routed over public telephone lines in accordance with the public telephone number.