User-controlled telecommunications system

A computer-readable medium having computer-readable data for performing method of controlling communications of an end user, the method comprising:

• receiving a communication signal at an intermediate media proxy, the communication signal inbound or outbound relative to at least one telecommunications network that is controlled by an entity separate from the intermediate media proxy;
• controlling the communication signal, wherein the control is independent of limitations enacted by the entity that controls the at least one telecommunications network.

An intermediate media proxy, comprising:

• telecommunications equipment communicatively coupled to a telecommunications network, wherein the telecommunication equipment is configured to receive network communication signals over the network, wherein the intermediate media proxy enables an end user to control parameters, behavior, and identity of the network communication signals regardless of limitations enacted by an end user's communications device or communications service provider.

A method of initiating a conference call, comprising:

• presenting a graphical user interface (GUI) on handset, wherein the GUI includes at least one field for providing a conference call participant and at least one field for providing an originating identification to be provided in a notification to the conference call participant, wherein the originating identification is associated with an originator of the conference call.

A method as in claim 29, wherein the graphical user interface permits the conference call participant to be selected from digital phone book.