Echo cancellation can be enabled to cancel echoes on an outbound transmission path based on original signals on an inbound transmission path. A controller of echo canceler enablement monitors digitized control information contained in call origination messages associated with the establishment of communications. A determination of the type of digitized information to be carried by a two-way communication channel is made. The controller causes the echo canceler to be enabled or disabled on a per-call basis based on the type of digitized information. A stand-alone echo canceler provides automatic enablement/disablement on a per-call basis based on the type of digitized information to be carried on a communication channel as determined by monitoring associated control messages.