Abstract:
A method and system adapted for use in a mobile telecommunication network is described. The invention describes a rating and routing system which is adapted to enable an efficient rating and routing of data transactions being transmitted through a network. Based on a comparison of identifiers associatable with a subscriber to the network, with a set of parameters defined for data transactions, the system of the present invention is adapted to enable an accurate assessment and allocation of the correct rating tariff value to a specific transaction and the routing of that rated value to an appropriate destination defined for the user.
Abstract:
A system and method are disclosed for providing prepaid services via an open network architecture system having access to a network, such as the Internet via an Internet protocol. The architecture system is operated by a system operator and includes a customer profile database which stores various customer-related information, such as customer names and their respective payment and contact information, a plurality of databases each storing prepaid accounts for a particular prepaid service, such as telephony, Internet access, paging, and cellular, and web-site system hardware connected to the customer profile database and the plurality of databases and to a network, such as the Internet, for ubiquitously accessing the databases via the Internet for viewing and managing one's prepaid services, as well as purchasing additional prepaid services and/or usage rights. The architecture system further includes network hardware connected to the web-site system hardware for enabling outside system operators, e.g., wholesalers, online retailers, system developers and ISPs, to utilize the architecture system to brand their own prepaid services and offer them through the architecture system.
Abstract:
A user device is configured to download an autodialer application that permits a user, of the user device, to purchase a prepaid calling plan and make calls using the prepaid calling plan; receive an instruction to purchase the prepaid calling plan; receive payment to establish a prepaid balance associated with the prepaid calling plan; present confirmation information when the payment is received, the confirmation information including the prepaid balance and access information; receive a request to make a call using the prepaid calling plan, the request including a number corresponding to a destination user device; call the destination user device using the number corresponding to the destination user device and the access information; determine a duration of the call to the destination user device; compute a cost of the call based on the duration of the call; and update the prepaid balance based on the cost of the call.
Abstract:
Prepaid services include associating a plurality of users with a prepaid services account. The account is configured to track a prepaid balance associated with the account as well as to allow at least a subset of the plurality of users associated with the account to draw down the prepaid balance at least generally at the same time. Drawing down the prepaid balance includes allocating a portion of the prepaid balance to each respective user, monitoring a provision of service, and repeating, selectively, the allocating and monitoring.
Abstract:
A system and method are described whereby interoperability is facilitated in a 3GPP network environment in combination with DIAMETER policy controls. Such interoperability enables updated policy rules to be fully communicated in on-line charging situations where quota expirations occur. This invention maintains centralized policy control in a 3GPP network with on-line charging.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for providing prepaid telephony service via an Internet protocol (IP) network system. A first method provides controlling at least one media agent or call routing station/switch of an IP network system for allowing and/or blocking call media streams from traversing through the media agent. A second method provides directing all signaling messages transmitted by a signaling agent or station and all media packets transmitting voice and data communications through at least one common device within the IP network system. The methods further provide for continuously monitoring a subscriber's account balance and terminating the prepaid telephony service if the account balance is less than a predetermined amount
Abstract:
The present invention relates in general to the field of voice and data communications, and in particular, to a novel system for providing interoperable on-demand communications and services across otherwise incompatible narrowband voice and broadband systems. The system is also based on sponsored or universal communications services supported by interactive communications between sponsors and service providers and their respective databases of business rules.
Abstract:
In a system including a telematics unit and a data center, a method for automatically replenishing pre-paid calling units within the telematics is based on an occurrence of a trigger event as detected by the telematics units. Upon being notified of the trigger event, the data center automatically uploads a replenishment package to the telematics unit or uploads a replenishment package selected by the telematics unit.
Abstract:
The present invention relates in general to the field of voice and data communications, and in particular, to a novel system for providing interoperable on-demand communications and services across otherwise incompatible narrowband voice and broadband systems. The system is also based on sponsored or universal communications services supported by interactive communications between sponsors and service providers and their respective databases of business rules.
Abstract:
The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing prepaid card service to customers for placing telephone calls without relying on a post-service billing model. A service management computer having access to a card database is connected to the network only by out-of-band connections. A voice response unit or a tone receiver and announcement player in the network are the voice interface with the customer and are provided at the originating switch in the network to eliminate multiple switches from the call path.