An image communication apparatus enables a sender to easily measure timing of pressing down a FAX transmission start button even in the case of manual transmission. When destination information about another image communication apparatus inputted by a user is transmitted to the image communication apparatus via a connected handset, a session for media type audio is established between the two to start an in-band transmission by a second communication unit. When receiving the audio signal from another image communication apparatus after establishment of the session, sound generated from the received audio signal is controlled to be output to the handset to urge the user to start FAX transmission, but when receiving an INVITE message with a media type image or application from another image communication apparatus instead of receiving the audio signal, after the establishment of the session, a notification urging the user to start FAX transmission is made.

The present invention provides a technique that enables an image communication apparatus capable of performing voice communication and T.30 in-band FAX communication over the IP network to positively detect a CNG signal and achieve switching to FAX reception in the answerphone connection mode and the FAX/TEL-switching mode. The communication apparatus includes a MODEM that controls facsimile communication and a SLIC that controls a telephone. A selector includes switches for connecting the IP network and the MODEM, and switches for connecting the IP network and the SLIC. A CPU controls the switches of the selector such that signals from the IP network are supplied to both of the MODEM and the SLIC.