Providing a computerized database of information about individuals' and/or businesses' preferences regarding preferred methods of call handling and message returning; telecommunications services, namely, local, long distance, and international voice, text, facsimile and data telecommunications services; electronic mail and voice mail and messaging services; computer aided transmission of messages; 800 telecommunications services; location independent personal communications services comprising mobile, voice, data, and facsimile services; telecommunications services, namely, the electronic transmission and reception of voice, data, electronic mail, news, facsimiles and information and a broad range of consumer services; connecting callers to desired numbers requested through directory assistance services via live telephone operators; establishing communication between a user and a system that is remote from the user; connecting a user with live operators or automated menus at any time during a communication; automatically connecting a user with live operators or automated menus when communication cannot be completed; providing telephone numbers called to a user; recording and transmission of voice and text messages, including stored messages, regarding products, services, events, activities, attractions, and facilities in particular geographic locations.