An intelligent policy server provides multiple service features and controls bandwidth usage in an ATM network. Signaling messages generated at an edge switch prior to establishing an end-to-end switched virtual circuit are intercepted by a signaling intercept processor for effectuating policy features or permissions by executing appropriate service logic at the policy server associated with the edge switch. A return message from the policy server determines whether a call connection can be made through the network. Profile arrays are provided which define feature authorizations and provisioning for subscribers and Customer Logical Ports served by the edge switches. Depending on the triggers associated with a signaling message received in the edge switch, a particular feature is invoked and executed by the policy server, such as source address validation, address screening, burst-size limit, class-of-service provisioning, maximum concurrent call connections in progress, bandwidth control, and call frequency rate limit.