a device and method for interfacing a telephone to the telephone network is disclosed for receiving the iclid of incoming telephone calls and responding in a predetermined manner . an iclid receiver detects the presence or absence of the iclid of an incoming telephone call , and receives the iclid if present . in accordance with predetermined instructions and with the absence of an iclid or the presence and identity of the iclid , the device may acknowledge receipt of the iclid to the incoming caller by generating a brief confirmation tone at minimum charge to the calling party , cause the incoming call to be answered or not answered , and may forward the incoming iclid information to a predetermined location over the telephone network or by other means .