A communication system utilizes an open system network protocol, such as the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), to transport Intelligent Network signaling messages from an SS7 network to a service provider which is not directly linked to the SS7 network. A gateway/bridge is provided between the SS7 network and a network which operates in accordance with an Internet protocol to transform Internet protocol messages, such as TCP/IP format messages, into SS7 format, and vice versa. In this way, an Internet protocol network may be used to transport Intelligent Network signaling messages between an SS7 network and a non-SS7 network service provider.