access charges payable by an ixc to a lec , and payable by the subscriber to the lec for originating or terminating calls and for associated vertical call control features , are reduced or eliminated by providing a virtual piped collection that &# 34 ; bypasses &# 34 ; and thus does not require the involvement of , a local service provider . the virtual piped connection exists between a call control platform in the ixc network , and specialized customer premises equipment located m the subscriber location . the specialized cpe is arranged to provide call control functions using normal out - of - band signaling in a conventional manner , and , after an initial call is conventionally set up to the ccp , to provide the same functions using specialized in - band signaling . a complementary signaling and control capability is provided in the ccp . once the pipe is established , the subscriber can originate calls by pressing appropriate buttons or keys on the specialized cpe , causing in - band signaling between the cpe and the complementary equipment in the ccp . such signaling is not detected by and does not affect the connection that exists through the lec . when a call is complete , it may be disconnected by either the subscriber or the ccp , by pressing a special button or key on the cpe , which sends an in - band signal to the ccp , to terminate the call without disturbing the pipe existing between the cpe and the ccp . similarly , incoming calls are routed via the ccp , which uses in - band signaling to alert the specialized cpe .