Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The method comprises receiving a call request from a first media gateway controller to a second media controller over a network. The method further comprises requesting information from the first media gateway controller. The method also comprises receiving the information before establishing a bearer path over the network.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of communication devices and a telephony exchange system. The telephony exchange system is adapted to communicate with the plurality of communication devices. The telephony exchange system comprises receiving an alert signal, identifying a plurality of users of the private telephony exchange system, and alerting the identified plurality of users in response to receiving the alert signal.

Abstract: A system and method to connect a caller to a callee through the services of an operator, the method comprising: connecting the caller to the operator through an origination switch; connecting the operator to the callee through a destination switch; sending a release message to the destination switch with a request for a callee address; receiving the address at the operator; sending a release message to the origination switch with the callee address; and connecting the callee with the caller by utilizing the callee address. The method can also include putting the callee on hold at the destination switch and sending the callee address from the destination switch. The method can also include putting the caller on hold at the origination switch while receiving the callee address from the operator. The operator can be an automated operator, a manual operator, or a private branch exchange, for example. The network can be an asynchronous transfer mode network and, or an Internet Protocol network, for example.