Method of operating a virtual private network

A method of operating a virtual private network, comprising the steps of:

• (a) dialing a number to initiate a call in a first local access and transport area;
• (b) receiving the number at a service switching point of a first carrier;
• (c) triggering on the number and sending a query to a network service control point;
• (d) receiving a response containing a routing instructions including a plain old telephone number translation of the number;
• (e) routing the call over a private line to a switch of an intermediate carrier;
• (f) routing the call over a private line from the intermediate carrier to a service switching point of a terminating carrier.

A method of operating a virtual operating network, comprising the steps of:

• (a) dialing a custom number;
• (b) receiving the custom number at a switch of a first carrier;
• (c) routing the call to a switch of a second carrier based on having received the custom number;
• and
• (d) when the call to the switch of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the custom number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point of a third carrier.