Advertising message during setup to an internet provider through a digital switching network

Transmitting to a user an advertisement when the user is initially establishing communication with an Internet provider via a digital switching system. A server within the digital switching system transmits the advertisement. This advertisement may take a multitude of forms including a multimedia message that includes sound and video. In addition, when the user transfers from one web site to another web site, a server within the digital switching system responds to this action by transmitting an advertisement to the user until the new web site responds. The digital switching system may be a broadband hybrid optical cable digital switching system. In addition, the digital switching system may also be an all digital fiber system which provides optical fiber directly to the home or office of the user. The server in the digital switching network can send additional information if a customer indicates during the transmission of an advertisement that they wish additional information from the advertiser. The ability of an advertiser to pinpoint the recipients of their advertisements so precisely will make the capability extremely valuable for advertisers.