Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for charging in a communication network and to a communication network charging server. The system comprises a client (1) associated with the network for providing services to subscribers associated with the network. The charging server (2) is adapted to handle subscriber account information, and the said client (1) is adapted to send a first charging request message for a service, to the charging server (2) before the service is provided, using an on-line charging protocol (3). The charging server (2) is also adapted to perform pre-reservation of an amount of resources from the subscriber's account, wherein the amount depends on a requested amount included in the message about the service, and to return an answer message including information indicating whether an amount of resources is pre-reserved from said subscriber account for enabling usage of the service to the client (1) using the on-line charging protocol (3).

Abstract: A method of negotiating the sharing of a cost associated with a communication service between a plurality of participants. The method comprises sending a cost sharing request from a terminal 1 used by a first of the participants to the terminal 12,13 used by the or each other participant At the or each terminal 12,13 receiving said request, the request is processed using predefined cost sharing rules and/or user input relating to the request received. The initiating terminal 1 is notified of the result. Messages exchanged between the participating terminals are intercepted within the network(s) 2,14 supporting the service, and the participants charged in accordance with the negotiated cost sharing formula.

Abstract: A cost control method for a mobile terminal using a mobile telecommunication system comprises sending a cost control request from a Network Element, which is an access point for the mobile terminal to the system, to a Cost Control Function. A cost control result is determined at the Cost Control Function in response to said request, and the cost control result returned to the Network Element. The result is interpreted at the Network Element and acted upon.

Abstract: A method of negotiating the sharing of a cost associated with a communication service between a plurality of participants. The method comprises sending a cost sharing request from a terminal 1 used by a first of the participants to the terminal 12,13 used by the or each other participant At the or each terminal 12,13 receiving said request, the request is processed using predefined cost sharing rules and/or user input relating to the request received. The initiating terminal 1 is notified of the result. Messages exchanged between the participating terminals are intercepted within the network(s) 2,14 supporting the service, and the participants charged in accordance with the negotiated cost sharing formula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for charging in a communication network and to a communication network charging server. The system comprises a client (1) associated with the network for providing services to subscribers associated with the network. The charging server (2) is adapted to handle subscriber account information, and the said client (1) is adapted to send a first charging request message for a service, to the charging server (2) before the service is provided, using an on-line charging protocol (3). The charging server (2) is also adapted to perform pre-reservation of an amount of resources from the subscriber's account, wherein the amount depends on a requested amount included in the message about the service, and to return an answer message including information indicating whether an amount of resources is pre-reserved from said subscriber account for enabling usage of the service to the client (1) using the on-line charging protocol (3).

Abstract: A method of providing call tariff information to a subscriber coupled to a telecommunications network 1, where the call tariff information relating to a call from a terminal 9 of the subscriber to a B-number 13. The method comprising sending a subscriber initiated call tariff enquiry from the subscriber terminal 9 to the telecommunications network 1 over a signalling channel, the enquiry including at least a part of said B-number or an identification of the B-number. Call tariff information relating to said call is determined at the network 1 and sent from the network 1 to the subscriber terminal 9 over said signalling channel. The call tariff information is then presented to the subscriber on a display 11 of the subscriber terminal 9.

Abstract: A cost control method for a mobile terminal 2,3 using a mobile telecommunication system comprises sending a cost control request from a Network Element (NE) 5,6, which is an access point for the mobile terminal 2,3 to the system, to a Cost Control Function (CCF) 10. A cost control result is determined at the CCF 10 in response to said request, and the cost control result returned to the NE 5,6. The result is interpreted at the NE 5,6 and acted upon.