Abstract: A method for converting a three-party telecommunications connection which is switched via the public communications network into a two-party telecommunications connection wherein, after the telecommunications switching office (VST B), via which a three-party telecommunications connection between two subscriber lines and a further subscriber line or between two subscriber lines and an operator's position is routed, has received a request from the further subscriber line or the operator's position, a new direct telecommunications connection is set up between the two subscriber lines and the existing sections of the three-party telecommunications connection between these two subscriber lines and the further subscriber line or the operator's position are released.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a control point and a switching point for discounting a customer's billing for telephone calls completed in a wide area centrex/PBX network that includes an abbreviated dialing plan. The control point receives, from the switching point, a query that is generated based upon receiving a telephone call. The control point determines a call type code that is based upon a calling station type and a called station type. When the call type code is eligible for discounted billing, the control point generates a billing record of a first type for the call. The billing record of the first type is used to discount the billing for the call. The control point forwards, to the switching point, the billing record of the first type for the call. The switching point generates a billing record of a second type for the call and, when the call type code is eligible for discounted billing, the billing record of the first type is used to modify the billing record of the second type.

Abstract: A method, program and system for calculating a cost discount for mobile telephone Internet access are provided. The invention comprises receiving an access request from a customer using a mobile phone and determining that the phone is using a wireless communication protocol (i.e. WAP). An electronic document (i.e. WML Web page) is sent back to the mobile phone. The session time is tracked, and if a customer purchase order is received, a discount is applied to the purchase price of the order.

Abstract: In a system for providing customers with information assistance services, records are generated to register service events. In prior art, all of the records are transmitted to a billing platform for billing customers for the services. When a customer requests credit for an unsatisfactory service, the credit issuance is traditionally handled at the billing platform. However, in accordance with the invention, the credit issuance is handled by first identifying, from the records, those records of service events for which the credit is requested. All of the records, except the identified records, are then transmitted to the billing platform for completion of the billing process, thereby effecting the credit issuance.

Abstract: A telecommunications services exchange that assigns telecommunications services to a relatively small number of tagged classes based on the values of certain parameters characterizing these services is disclosed. Carriers and other traders participating in the exchange may use the class tag to refer to each service they seek to purchase or sell. The relatively small number of classes increases the probability of matching offered and required services. Class definitions may be established on the basis of typical parameter values for a particular type of service, and may be modified over time as those values change. The exchange operator may monitor the parameter variation of each offered service, and swap that service for a different service when monitored variation exceeds that dictated by class boundaries.

Abstract: A compound device has the structural hardware of a digital television, is connected to an antenna and a telephone station, and by reading out and running either a digital television (DTV) program or a base station program with a general processor, it has both the function of a digital television and the function of a portable telephone base station. The owner of the compound device receives discounts in their subscribed telephone fee or their power fee based on records in a communication record portion. Thus, a compound device in which a digital television is given the function of a portable telephone base station is provided, so that a novel infrastructure can be achieved in which insufficiencies in base stations are made up for without requiring equipment investment expenditures and portable device owners are given financial benefits in compensation for allowing the public use of their private possession as a portable telephone base station.

Abstract: A method for real-time bundled call processing and billing telecommunications services includes the steps of recognizing a real-time bundled account access call at a telecommunications carrier switch, and routing the real-time bundled account access call to a real-time bundled call processing and billing call management platform coupled to the telecommunications carrier switch. An account number and an optional personal identification number associated with the account are collected and verified. A destination number is then collected. A customer credit profile associated with the real-time bundled account is obtained from a database, and a method of computing charges associated with terminating the call to the collected destination number is determined. Next, whether the customer credit profile permits the call is determined. The call is released to the telecommunications carrier switch for line termination if it is permissible, and the call is monitored for call completion.

Abstract: A system and method for providing targeted advertising to telephone callers in mid-dial. The invention monitors the dialing activities of a caller. When a caller enters a partial desired telephone number, an embodiment of the present invention receives the partial number and determines whether an advertisement should be presented to the caller. If all of the appropriate conditions are met, a selected advertisement is transmitted to the caller's telephony device and the caller is given the opportunity to respond to the advertisement before the dialing operation completes.

Abstract: In prior art, a user can access a particular information assistance service provider only through the carrier contracting the particular provider by dialing special digits recognized by the carrier's switches. In accordance with the invention, an independent telephone number is assigned to the particular provider which enables the user to call the provider independent of the carrier used. When the user calls the provider for information assistance service using the independent telephone number, a user affiliation file associated with the user is retrieved. Such a file includes information concerning one or more user affiliations recognized by the provider. Part of the service charges incurred in the information assistance call are allocated to the recognized user affiliations, or the user as a credit, discount or other remuneration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a bill image in a computer implemented billing system for a telecommunications network which includes providing a plurality of discounts for a customer retroactively applied to calls made during a billing period in which the discounts apply. The method includes loading qualification criteria for the plurality of discounts and customer account details into the billing system, generating a data structure defining a time line over at least part of which the discounts are operative, the time line being divided in dependence on the qualification criteria and customer account details into a number of segments each of which corresponds to a period during which a respective version of the discounts were operative, accumulating charges for the calls made during each segment, and calculating the appropriate discounts from the accumulated charges for each segment for calls which qualify for the discounts.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a control point and a switching point for discounting a customer's billing for telephone calls completed in a wide area centrex/PBX network that includes an abbreviated dialing plan. The control point receives, from the switching point, a query that is generated based upon receiving a telephone call. The control point determines a call type code that is based upon a calling station type and a called station type. When the call type code is eligible for discounted billing, the control point generates a billing record of a first type for the call. The billing record of the first type is used to discount the billing for the call. The control point forwards, to the switching point, the billing record of the first type for the call. The switching point generates a billing record of a second type for the call and, when the call type code is eligible for discounted billing, the billing record of the first type is used to modify the billing record of the second type.

Abstract: A method of completing a call is disclosed. A call is received in a communications network from a first communication device subscribed to a communications carrier for a called party using a second communication device. A determination is made as to whether the first communication device subscribes to a Same Subscriber Service (SSS). If the first communication device does subscribe to SSS, a second determination is made as to whether the second communication device subscribes to the same communications carrier as the first communication device. If the second communication device subscribes to the same communications carrier as the first communication device, an announcement is provided to the first communication device. Special call treatment is applied to the call, and the call is routed to the second communication device.

Abstract: A billing method and system include discounting a customer's billing for telephone calls completed in a wide area centrex/PBX network, which includes an abbreviated dialing plan. A service control point (SCP) determines a call type code based upon a calling station and a called station of a telephone call. The SCP determines whether the call type code is eligible for discounted billing. When the call type code is eligible, the SCP generates a unique billing record that is forwarded to a service switching point (SSP). The SSP receives the forwarded unique billing record and modifies the billing record to indicate that a discount should be applied to the billing for the call when the call is completed. When the SSP does not receive the unique billing record, it creates a normal billing record.

Abstract: A total aggregation plan (TAP) provides a plurality of data services to a Network Service Provider (NSP). The present invention encourages the NSP to use more than one type of telecommunications service to connect to its end-users (subscribers) by requiring that the NSP choose a specified number of data services that are available from the telephone company under the plan. The NSP is then required to sustain an annualized billing of greater than a specified amount and maintain at least a specified percentage of billing allocations to each one of the data services chosen. If the NSP does comply in this manner, then a billing credit is provided to the NSP based on the billing history.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a multiple line long distance discount feature is disclosed. Call detail records for calls on a per call basis both in the wireline local and long distance setting and any wireless setting are assembled at a telecommunications service provider billing system for preparation of periodic billing to a subscriber. A discount feature engine reviews a periodic billing record for a billing telephone number and calculates the long distance charges for each telephone line associated with the billing telephone number. The line with the highest long distance charges is removed from consideration. The long distance charges for one or more of the remaining telephone lines is reduced by a predetermined amount. The reduced long distance charges are saved in a new periodic billing record associated with the billing telephone number.

Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of affecting inmate behavior within a correctional facility through providing discount telephone calling rates to inmates who qualify for the discounted rates based on predetermined criteria, such as inmate good behavior. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing an identification for each inmate, establishing qualifying criteria for a discount telephone rate, and reducing the telephone call charge rate for inmates that meet the qualifying criteria.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically determines which communication service plan is the most cost effective for a communication device. The system operates by receiving usage statistics for the communication device, as well as a set of available service plans for the communication device. The system uses the usage statistics to calculate charges for the available service plans in order to determine the most cost-effective service plan, and then communicates results of the determination to an interested party. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system charges the interested party a fee for providing the results of the determination. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system additionally receives a request to switch a current service plan to an alternate service plan, and then switches the current service plan to the alternate service plan.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for analyzing and preparing optimum telephone services calling plans. An optimum calling plan analysis engine analyzes wireline local and long distance and wireless call use during a given period of time for selected wireline and wireless telephone services. Based on a number of factors, including the type, duration, time, day, location, etc. of calls made by the subscriber, the calling plan engine calculates the cost of a number of different calling plans to which the subscriber may change in order to offer a cost savings to the subscriber. After the calling plan engine calculates and identifies alternative calling plans that meet the subscriber's calling patterns and save costs to the subscriber, the subscriber is notified of the alternative calling plans.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing subscriber loyalty and retention techniques. These techniques are suitable for mobile devices with small screens and limited keypad communication. This system and method allows mobile subscribers who have been identified as being likely candidates for churning, to efficiently, visually and interactively, review an offer for a mobile service plan better meeting the subscriber's needs. The subscriber can review and execute the offer using the display and interface of a mobile device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a system for placing and reading an advertisement. In order to place and read advertisements without undue delay and to reach the largest possible group of interested people with a published advertisement, a process is proposed that is characterised by the following steps: dialling of a specified directory number of a service computer in a telecommunications (TC) network (1) and making a connection to the service computer (2); selection of a desired category of advertisement (4); and input of advertising copy (6) into or output of advertising copy (12) from an advertisement memory (10) allocated to the selected category.

Abstract: A telecommunication system and method for communicating between at least two end users over a telecommunication network, where the communication is defined by a set of parameters. At least two entities, such as one or both of the end users and/or the service providers negotiate an agreed set of values for said parameters that define the desired communication. The entities also negotiate a warranty agreement with the network service provider defining at least one of the agreed parameters to be warranted including a compensation method to be applied should said at least one monitored parameter fail to meet the corresponding one of said agreed values. The agreed warranted parameters are monitored once the communication is established and, in the event of a failure of the monitored parameters to meet agreed values, at least one of the entities is compensated in accordance with the agreed compensation method.

Abstract: A total aggregation plan (TAP) which connects an end-subscriber to an Customer or a Customer. The present invention encourages Customers to use more than one type of telecommunications service to connect to its end-user (subscriber) by requiring that the Customer choose a specified number of data services that are available from the telephone company under the plan. The Customer is then required to sustain an annualized billing of greater than a specified amount and maintain at least a specified percentage of billing allocations to each one of the data services chosen. If the Customer does comply in this manner, then a billing credit is provided to the Customer based on the billing history.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for analyzing and preparing optimum telephone services calling plans. An optimum calling plan analysis engine analyzes wireline local and long distance and wireless call use during a given period of time for selected wireline and wireless telephone services. Based on a number of factors, including the type, duration, time, day, location, etc. of calls made by the subscriber, the calling plan engine calculates the cost of a number of different calling plans to which the subscriber may change in order to offer a cost savings to the subscriber. After the calling plan engine calculates and identifies alternative calling plans that meet the subscriber's calling patterns and save costs to the subscriber, the subscriber is notified of the alternative calling plans.

Abstract: A transaction record is received including transaction data corresponding to at least one telephone call placed by a subscriber. The transaction data is processed by a plurality of rate plans, each rate plan generating a toll amount corresponding to the telephone calls of the transaction record. The toll amounts from each of the plurality of rate plans are compared to determine a lowest toll amount. An amount x is deducted from the lowest toll amount to form a final toll amount. A billing record is generated for the subscriber based on the final toll amount.

Abstract: A system subsidizes telephone calls over a network. The system includes a service provider 120 that establishes a telephone call between a calling party terminal 130 and a called party terminal 140 over the network 110. During the telephone call, the service provider causes at least one advertisement 312 to be displayed at the calling, or called party terminal. At any time during, or after, the telephone call, the service provider generates a bill based on a subsidized billing rate related to the display of the at least one advertisement.

Abstract: A method and system include screening and routing telephone calls, generating calling data reports and discounting billing for a customer's wide area centrex/PBX network, which includes an abbreviated dialing plan. A service control point (SCP) determines whether to block an outgoing call based on stored blocking tables and a privilege class of the calling station. The SCP determines whether to route the call through a private trunk group from a host switch to a private facility, and through an alternative trunk group when the private trunk group is unavailable. The SCP determines whether the call is eligible for discounted billing and generates a billing record, which is modified by a service switching point to indicate the discount. The SCP also samples calling data from service switching points and transmits the sampled data to a front end processor for formatting into station message detail recording (SMDR) data.

Abstract: A system for determining an individual phone rate for a user from an originating device to a destination device comprises a user calling pattern information module, a destination gateway provider module, a margin multiplier calculator module, and an individual rate calculator module. The user calling pattern information module stores information about the user such as the destinations the user calls or desires to call frequently and the percentage of time the user calls or plans to call the frequently called destinations. Such information may be inputted directly from the user or may be determined from the user's historical billing records. The destination gateway provider information module stores information relating to the cost and profit margin of the provider servicing the connection to the destination device.

Abstract: A system for enabling competitive bidding for provision of telecommunications services provides an interface for initiating communications sessions, a communications request queue, a management application for managing the communications request queue, and a communications service provider interface for providing the communications service providers with selective access to communications request messages received through the session initiation interface. The communications service providers are permitted to post rates for respective communications services in a rates database. The rates are used to select a least cost communications service provider for each communications request message received. Scheduled communications request messages are displayed for any communications request message that they are qualified to serve.

Abstract: A billing method and system include discounting a customer's billing for telephone calls completed in a wide area centrex/PBX network, which includes an abbreviated dialing plan. A service control point (SCP) determines a call type code based upon a calling station and a called station of a telephone call. The SCP determines whether the call type code is eligible for discounted billing. When the call type code is eligible, the SCP generates a unique billing record that is forwarded to a service switching point (SSP). The SSP receives the forwarded unique billing record and modifies the billing record to indicate that a discount should be applied to the billing for the call when the call is completed. When the SSP does not receive the unique billing record, it creates a normal billing record.

Abstract: A phone based loyalty rewards approach is described. The approach focuses on rewarding certain behaviors by maintaining a rewards balance usable for services such as free telephone calls. Users can be awarded some initial value of rewards balance at registration and then can earn additional rewards through their activities. Calls can be placed using voice dialing against a user supplied address book in one embodiment. Additionally, the rewards can be directly integrated with an advanced dial tone service offering and minutes spent on phone calls beyond the then available rewards balance charged to the user. The rewards are designed to encourage behaviors such as full and accurate registrations, regular usage, trying new features, etc.

Abstract: A telecommunications system (18) has a capacity management system (100) which provides a user equipment unit agent (150) for each wireless user equipment unit (20) with which a connection is to be established. The user equipment agent negotiates resources for the prospective connection to be established with its corresponding user equipment unit. In the negotiation, the user equipment agent determines a number of purchase units expendable by the user equipment unit for the negotiation, and issues a resource request to begin the negotiation. Each resource has a resource unit price at which a unit of the resource is sold. In response to the resource request issued by the user equipment agent, connection resources are allocated to the user equipment unit in accordance with what the number of purchase units expendable by the user equipment unit can afford. The resource unit price for the resources is dynamically adjusted, e.g., in accordance with load on the telecommunication system.

Abstract: A communication company accumulates a communication time or the amount of communication for a call when the call is received, and provides additional service such as discount for a called party according to an accumulated communication time or the accumulated amount of communication. Another example of additional service is discount made according to whether a first communication company providing communication service between a called party and a first switching office and a second communication company providing communication service between a calling party and a second switching office are identical.

Abstract: A method and devices for calculating a billing total for a teleconference between a plurality of participants is disclosed. Advantageously, the teleconference may be a telephone conference call. Each of the participants is associated with an identifier of that participant's origin, such as a portion of the participant's telephone caller identification information. At least one particular identifier is used to signify that charges for a caller's participation should be attributed at a lower rate to the total. For participants associated with an identifier other than a reduced rate identifier charges are attributed to the total at a rate greater than this lower rate. A conference call service provider may use the method and system to charge reduced rates for certain participants, allowing the service provider to compete with locally located teleconference systems, for which participants would not incur long distance toll charges.

Abstract: Because of technological and regulatory changes, telecommunication service is becoming more of a commodity, with competition between service providers for traffic. The herein disclosed invention stimulates this competition and facilitates a service provider's and a consumer's ability to make economic choices between competing telecommunication carriers. In this method and system, telecommunication switches route calls in accordance with economic incentives (e.g., least cost routing) resulting from a bidding process between participating telecommunication carriers (Carriers), administered by a bidding service provider through operation of a central processor, a computer referred to as a bidding moderator (Moderator). Some of these switches may be provisioned to treat every call attempt presented to them as a call attempt to be routed to the low-bidding Carrier.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving and processing CPOs for telephone calls from calling parties. The CPO management system processes the CPO to determine whether one or more long distance carriers is willing to accept a given CPO and complete a telephone call in accordance with restrictions defined by the calling party. If accepted, the CPO management system binds the calling party on behalf of the accepting interexchange carrier, to form a legally binding contract. A calling party can submit a CPO for an individual telephone call, a package of calls to one or more called parties, or for a contract to provide telephone service for a predefined period of time. The conditions defined by the calling party may include the telephone number to be called, the maximum price, one or more preferred carriers, if any, as well as any time limitations, such as a particular time-of-day or minimum call duration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus provide a frequency discount for host payable calls provided by a communication network. Call information, including the customer's telephone number and the dialed telephone number, is processed to determine whether a particular call is eligible for the frequency discount. A host profile is retrieved from a memory based on the dialed telephone number from which the eligibility conditions of the discount are obtained. Customer records are retrieved from the same or different memory based on the customer telephone number. If the customer's history meets the conditions outlined by the host profile, the discount is awarded.