The present invention allows Internet instant messaging to be accessed via a telephone. Instant messaging access from any telephone in the world may be provided via a telephone messaging system. Alternatively, access can be embodied independently as a stand-alone telephone service, for example provided by a telephone company, provided by a company network, or provided by a user's personal IVR service implemented on his PC. An advantage of the present invention is providing simple, cost effective and readily available access to data network instant messaging from a telephone.