Abstract: In some variations, an interferometric frequency-reference apparatus comprises: an atom source configured to supply neutral atoms; a collimator configured to form a collimated beam of the neutral atoms; one or more probe lasers; and a Doppler laser configured to determine a ground-state population of the neutral atoms. Other variations provide a method of creating a stable frequency reference, comprising: forming a collimated beam of neutral atoms; illuminating the neutral atoms with first and second probe lasers; adjusting the frequencies of the first probe laser and second probe laser using Ramsey spectroscopy to an S?D transition of the neutral atoms; and determining a ground-state population of the neutral atoms with another laser. The interferometric frequency-reference apparatus may provide an optical frequency reference or a microwave frequency reference.

Abstract: A telecommunications billing system includes a customer database, a usage database and a billing module. The customer database is configured to store subscription data identifying a pricing plan including an allotment of shared telecommunication units in connection with at least one of a first telecommunications service and a second telecommunications service. The usage database is configured to store a first set of telecommunications service usage data associated with the first telecommunications service and a second set of telecommunications service usage data associated with the second telecommunications service. The billing module is configured to calculate excess charges when a cumulative usage that includes a sum of the first set of telecommunications service usage data and the second set of telecommunications service usage data exceeds the allotment of shared telecommunications units.

Abstract: A service for presenting billing information to a customer according to a hierarchal structure defined by the customer. The customer assigns telephone numbers to company units and defines how each of the units relate to each other in the hierarchal structure. The billing information associated with each assigned telephone number is processed in accordance with the hierarchal structure. Thereafter, the bill is presented to the customer.

Abstract: A service for presenting billing information to a customer according to a hierarchal structure defined by the customer. The customer assigns telephone numbers to company units and defines how each of the units relate to each other in the hierarchal structure. The billing information associated with each assigned telephone number is processed in accordance with the hierarchal structure. Thereafter, the bill is presented to the customer.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an account. The account includes computer readable memory and account information stored in the computer readable memory. The account information identifies a set of shared telecommunications units available for use in connection with at least one of a first subscriber service and a second subscriber service. The first subscriber service is distinct from the second subscriber service.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a method of providing a bill to a telecommunications subscriber. The method includes distributing a bill using shared account information to the telecommunications subscriber. The shared account information identifies shared telecommunications units used in connection with a first subscriber service and a second subscriber service. The first subscriber service is distinct from the second subscriber service. In another embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications subscriber service package. The subscriber service package includes an allocation of shared account units. At least a portion of the allocation of shared account units is available for use of a first subscriber service and available for use of a second subscriber service. The first subscriber service is distinct from the second subscriber service.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications billing system that includes an interface, a customer database, a usage database and a billing module. The interface is configured to receive subscription data associated with a subscription and a first set of telecommunications service usage data. The subscription data identifies a pricing plan that includes an allotment of shared telecommunications units for use in connection with at least one of the first telecommunications service and a second telecommunications service. The usage database is configured to store the first set of telecommunications service usage data and a second set of telecommunications service usage data. The billing module is configured to access the usage database and the customer database.