One embodiment of the present invention provides a collect call method and system thereof, more particularly, in order to charge the called party with a uniform toll for collect call, which is determined by only the type and location of called party terminal. In one embodiment, the collect call method, system and a counsel service providing method use a free VoIP network for part of the voice call link and a charge PSTN network for the rest of the voice call link. In one embodiment, if the first link corresponding to the collect call request is established, the collect call switch calls the called party terminal to establish the second link, and billing on the second link is initiated.

A telephone system is provided for transmitting telephone signals between first and second mobile stations. The system includes a first internet protocol interface configured to receive an incoming cell phone signal generated by the first mobile station and to transmit the phone signal to the internet. A second internet protocol interface is configured to receive the phone signal sent through the internet by the first internet protocol interface and to transmit the phone signal to the second mobile station, such that users of the first and second mobile stations can engage in a conversation where the phone signals are communicated over substantial distances through the internet.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing real-time voice communication between devices connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network and devices connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In one implementation, the system includes a computer-controlled switch for connection to a local PSTN, for receiving calls from the IP network and the PSTN, and for routing calls to the PSTN and the IP network; and gate interface circuitry connected to the switch and adapted for connection to the IP network. The gate interface circuitry includes gateway circuitry for interfacing the IP network and PSTN voice circuits, and gatekeeper circuitry for performing address translation, admission control, bandwidth management, and zone management. The switch stores at least one PSTN destination address and at least one IP network destination address for each subscriber. The switch routes an incoming call to any one of the destination addresses stored for the subscriber.

A system and method is disclosed for providing a conference call and enhanced conference call controls for traditional, for example circuit switched-only, and advanced, for example packet switched and dual circuit and packet switched, communication devices. The system includes components for receiving, transcoding, and distributing communication protocols from any suitable public, commercial, or otherwise known communication protocol source or architecture. In addition, the system includes components for dynamically transferring host control functions from one conference call participant while maintaining a conference call communication bridge, as well as components for maintaining a conference call communication bridge should a conference call host device become inadvertently disconnected.

There is described a gateway system comprising: a local-call device for receiving and sending phone call signals from and to a telephone device located in a same telecommunication zone; a VoIP device, distinct from the local-call device, for receiving and sending VoIP call signals from and to a remote and distinct VoIP device located in another distinct telecommunication zone; and a voice transmission apparatus comprises a set of two acoustically distinct chambers. Those comprise a first chamber comprising a first microphone and a second speaker; and a second chamber comprising a second microphone and a first speaker. The first microphone and the first speaker are in communication with the local-call device only and the second microphone and the second speaker are in communication with the VoIP device of the gateway system only.

A telephone system is provided for transmitting telephone signals between first and second mobile stations. The system includes a first internet protocol interface configured to receive an incoming cell phone signal generated by the first mobile station and to transmit the phone signal to the internet. A second internet protocol interface is configured to receive the phone signal sent through the internet by the first internet protocol interface and to transmit the phone signal to the second mobile station, such that users of the first and second mobile stations can engage in a conversation where the phone signals are communicated over substantial distances through the internet.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a collect call method and system thereof, more particularly, in order to charge the called party with a uniform toll for collect call, which is determined by only the type and location of called party terminal. In one embodiment, the collect call method, system and a counsel service providing method use a free VoIP network for part of the voice call link and a charge PSTN network for the rest of the voice call link. In one embodiment, if the first link corresponding to the collect call request is established, the collect call switch calls the called party terminal to establish the second link, and billing on the second link is initiated.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing real-time voice communication between devices connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network and devices connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In one implementation, the system includes a computer-controlled switch for connection to a local PSTN, for receiving calls from the IP network and the PSTN, and for routing calls to the PSTN and the IP network; and gate interface circuitry connected to the switch and adapted for connection to the IP network. The gate interface circuitry includes gateway circuitry for interfacing the IP network and PSTN voice circuits, and gatekeeper circuitry for performing address translation, admission control, bandwidth management, and zone management. The switch stores at least one PSTN destination address and at least one IP network destination address for each subscriber. The switch routes an incoming call to any one of the destination addresses stored for the subscriber.

One exemplary embodiment provides a device comprising: a connection panel configured to accept a removable connection to a telephone of a controlled access residential institution; a network router connected to the connection panel and configured to connect to a remote network; and an access and security module connected to the network router and configured to control access by the telephone to telephone services provided by accessing a remote call processing center via the remote network. The connection panel, the network router, and access and security module can be at least partially enclosed within a portable enclosure. The device may further comprise a power distribution unit within the enclosure and connected to provide power to the network router and to the access and security module.

There is described a gateway system comprising: a local-call device for receiving and sending phone call signals from and to a telephone device located in a same telecommunication zone; a VoIP device, distinct from the local-call device, for receiving and sending VoIP call signals from and to a remote and distinct VoIP device located in another distinct telecommunication zone; and a voice transmission apparatus comprises a set of two acoustically distinct chambers. Those comprise a first chamber comprising a first microphone and a second speaker; and a second chamber comprising a second microphone and a first speaker. The first microphone and the first speaker are in communication with the local-call device only and the second microphone and the second speaker are in communication with the VoIP device of the gateway system only.