Abstract: A system for managing a financial account in a low cash mode. The system may include a memory storing instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform operations. The operations may include providing an interface; providing a notification to a user when a balance in the first account is deemed to be in low cash mode; presenting, when the first account balance is deemed to be in low cash mode, an option for a transfer request; receiving, a selection of the option for the transfer request to connect the first account with a second account; transferring funds from the second account to the first account; notifying the user that funds have been transferred from the second account to the first account; and further notifying the user that the balance in the first account is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for automating electronic content delivery of predictive information to a customer service representative of a company. A first customer data set is entered in the computer system for identifying a customer. Displayed on a first desktop on a representative's computer system is information related to the customer which may include purchased company products and services of the customer based on the first data set. A second data set is entered in the computer system by the representative contingent upon interaction between the representative and the customer. Perform predictive analytics upon at least a portion of the first and second data sets to determine predictive information relevant to the customer. Display on a second desktop on the representative's computer system the predictive information for review by the representative during an interaction with the customer.

Abstract: A method of providing blockchain wireless services in a controlled environment is provided. The method comprises a wireless communication device associated with an inmate of a controlled environment receiving one of a voice and video call from a device external to the controlled environment. The method further comprises the device placing the received call into a hold state and sending a request for validation of the call via a blockchain, the request identifying at least parties to the call. The method further comprises the device, upon receipt of validation, removing the call from the hold state; and enabling at least one of voice and video functionality for the parties. The method further comprises the wireless communication device sending the request for validation to a telecommunications server and the server conducting real time monitoring of the call. The method further comprises the device continuously recording the call.

Abstract: A balanced distribution of IP addresses across nodes of a cluster is performed during distributed IP management, wherein IP addresses are dynamically procured and assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. In one aspect, nodes that participate in distributed IP management can request for IP addresses only if they are determined to be serviceable. A subscription level of a node can be determined based on a maximum number of IP address that can be claimed/owned by the node. As an example, the maximum number of IP address can be evaluated based on a total number of serviceable nodes within the cluster. IP address redistribution can be facilitated to ensure that subscription levels of the nodes are at an optimal level.

Abstract: A system and method for securely bridging mobile-originated Media Resource Control Protocol (MRCP) transactions with at least one Media Resource Server. A mobile device initiates TCP/IP requests to a MRCP Gateway Server over at least one of the wireless and mobile broadband capabilities of the mobile device. The MRCP Gateway Server includes TCP/IP-based ingress, and the MRCP Gateway Server is arranged in front of the at least one Media Resource Server. The Media Resource Server supports MRCP communication. A secure channel may be established between the mobile device and MRCP Gateway Server, and the mobile device may pass authorization credentials, media resource requirements, and additional user-defined data to the MRCP Gateway Server over the secure channel.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for service authorization and service charging in a communication network relying on executing a real time service authorization for a requested service by determining an upper estimate of a service charge for the requested service, comparing the upper estimate with a balance value of an account used for charging the requested service and when affirmative authorizing the requested service. Then follows a calculation of an accurate service charge for the requested service in a batch mode without real time requirements after the real time service authorization.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic threat protection are disclosed. An example method for dynamic threat protection may commence with receiving real-time contextual data from at least one data source associated with a client. The method may further include analyzing the real-time contextual data to determine a security threat score associated with the client. The method may continue with assigning, based on the analysis, the security threat score to the client. The method may further include automatically applying a security policy to the client. The security policy may be applied based on the security threat score assigned to the client.

Abstract: A system and process of sharing a wireless surface allotment in a wireless network includes implementing a metering system to meter wireless service usage by users of the wireless network and tracking wireless usage by a plurality of wireless devices associated with the metering system. The system and process further includes receiving a share request to reallocate the respective wireless service allotment for at least two of the plurality of wireless devices, forwarding modification instructions to the metering system, requesting confirmation from the metering system that the modification instructions have been received, and modifying the respective wireless service allotments for the at least two wireless devices in response to receiving confirmation from the metering system.

Abstract: A system and method for securely bridging mobile-originated Media Resource Control Protocol (MRCP) transactions with at least one Media Resource Server. A mobile device initiates TCP/IP requests to a MRCP Gateway Server over at least one of the wireless and mobile broadband capabilities of the mobile device. The MRCP Gateway Server includes TCP/IP-based ingress, and the MRCP Gateway Server is arranged in front of the at least one Media Resource Server. The Media Resource Server supports MRCP communication. A secure channel may be established between the mobile device and MRCP Gateway Server, and the mobile device may pass authorization credentials, media resource requirements, and additional user-defined data to the MRCP Gateway Server over the secure channel.

Abstract: A first device may receive a device identifier and associated data usage identifiers. The associated data usage identifiers may be associated with data used to provision services via a second device. The first device may identify account identifiers associated with the device identifier. The account identifiers may be associated with the services. The first device may associate the data usage identifiers with the account identifiers. The first device may determine information indicating an amount of data used to cause the first device to perform an action. The first device may perform the action based on the information.

Abstract: A system and process of sharing a wireless surface allotment in a third party wireless network includes implementing a metering system to meter wireless service usage by users of the third party wireless network and tracking wireless usage by a plurality of wireless devices associated with the metering system. The system and process further includes receiving a share request to reallocate the respective wireless service allotment for at least two of the plurality of wireless devices, forwarding modification instructions to the metering system, requesting confirmation from the metering system that the modification instructions have been received, and modifying the respective wireless service allotments for the at least two wireless devices in response to receiving confirmation from the metering system.

Abstract: A method for enhanced policy and/or charging control when a mobile telecommunications network is used by a user equipment corresponding to a subscriber of a mobile virtual telecommunications network includes; using, by the user equipment, a radio access network; collecting and/or generating, by a radio network element of the radio access network, subscriber-related policy and/or charging control data depending on the use of the radio access network by the user equipment; and transmitting the subscriber-related policy and/or charging control data, from the radio network element to a policy and/or charging control entity, using at least one policy and/or charging control interface.

Abstract: A system and process of sharing a wireless surface allotment in a third party wireless network includes implementing a metering system to meter wireless service usage by users of the third party wireless network and tracking wireless usage by a plurality of wireless devices associated with the metering system. The system and process further includes receiving a share request to reallocate the respective wireless service allotment for at least two of the plurality of wireless devices, forwarding modification instructions to the metering system, requesting confirmation from the metering system that the modification instructions have been received, and modifying the respective wireless service allotments for the at least two wireless devices in response to receiving confirmation from the metering system.

Abstract: A process of modifying a usage allotment of a shared subscription in a third party wireless network includes implementing a metering system in a network separate from the third party wireless network and activating a plurality of wireless devices associated with the shared subscription in response to identification of each of the plurality of wireless devices and confirmation of use of a respective tracking system that tracks a respective usage allotment for each of the plurality of wireless devices on the metering system. In addition, the process includes receiving a change request to reallocate the respective usage allotment for at least two of the plurality of wireless devices and forwarding modification instructions to the at least two wireless devices.

Abstract: A system and process of sharing a wireless surface allotment in a third party wireless network includes implementing a metering system to meter wireless service usage by users of the third party wireless network and tracking wireless usage by a plurality of wireless devices associated with the metering system. The system and process further includes receiving a share request to reallocate the respective wireless service allotment for at least two of the plurality of wireless devices, forwarding modification instructions to the metering system, requesting confirmation from the metering system that the modification instructions have been received, and modifying the respective wireless service allotments for the at least two wireless devices in response to receiving confirmation from the metering system.

Abstract: The method includes identifying, by one or more computer processors, incoming data related to a source. The method further includes identifying, by one or more computer processors, data related to a recipient of incoming data from the source. The method further includes determining, by one or more computer processes, a relationship between the source and the recipient of the incoming data from the source. The method further includes calculating, by one or more computer processors, a risk indicator associated with the incoming data from the source based upon the identified data related to the source, the identified data related to the recipient and the determined relationship between the source and the recipient. The method further includes sending, by one or more computer processors, a notification to the recipient, wherein the notification includes at least the calculated risk indicator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved revenue call management system for use with a telecommunication system. The revenue management system preferably includes a remote server, a user database, and a plurality of databases. When a call is placed, the revenue management system queries the user database based on the telephone number dialed to bill the appropriate account. If no account exists for the dialed telephone number, the revenue system queries a multitude of internal and external databases to determine if the dialed telephone number is billable. If the telephone number is un-billable, the collect call attempt is terminated. The revenue management system is capable of establishing accounts in real time while the caller and called party are on the line.

Abstract: A computing network, including: a plurality of peer computing devices including code, which when executed by a peer computing device causes the executing peer computing device to cooperate with at least one other of the peer computing devices; at least one server including code, which when executed by the at least one server locates at least one of the peer computing devices; and at least one mediator including code, which when executed by the at least on mediator collects charging information from at least some of the peer computing devices; wherein, the peer computing devices, at least one sever and at least one mediator are communicatively coupled via an at least carrier-grade telecommunications network being suitable for enhancing cooperation among the cooperating ones of the peer computing devices relative to best-efforts communications among the cooperating ones of the peer computing devices.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods provide intelligent device inspection and interrogation in an application layer system to route packet-based network calls. These systems and methods can be used to detect the status of a specified endpoint. Endpoint devices can be configured to communicate status information to a central call manager. Endpoints can also be periodically polled to request device information. Pre-defined rules applied at the central call manager can be used to process call flow based on the device information. These rules can be configured so that a call that is not completed for any reason can be transferred to another destination such as a video mail service or an automated or live operator service.

Abstract: A system for managing wireless devices in a wireless network comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled with the processor, wherein the memory is configured to provide the processor with instructions which when executed cause the processor to: receive a diagnostic request to analyze a problem associated with a wireless device operating in the wireless network; retrieve diagnostic information associated with the wireless device from the wireless network; retrieve diagnostic information associated with the wireless device from the wireless device; determine at least one solution for the problem associated with the wireless device based on the retrieved diagnostic information from the wireless network and the wireless device; transmit the at least one solution; and receive a confirmation that the problem has been resolved.

Abstract: A Core Service Platform (CSP) system is integrated with an operator network and IT system to provide services to subscribers and operators. Based on information collected from the operator network and IT system, the CSP system delivers alerts to a subscriber's device and provides offers to resolve the condition causing the alerts. The CSP system provides customized contextual offers to the subscriber's device based on contextual assessments of a subscriber's current context, such as time in contract, loyalty status, data and voice usage, value of customer, time, location and purchase history. The CSP system also provides an operator a suite of tools for the operator to manage its pricing, offers, campaigns and other subscriber-related issues.

Abstract: A subscriber device receives a message from a network device external to the subscriber device, where the network device implements a first metering engine that meters usage of a network service by a subscriber using the subscriber device and where the message includes the subscriber's usage data. The subscriber device includes a second usage metering engine that receives the subscriber's usage data from the usage synchronization unit, and performs real-time metering of the subscriber's usage of the network service, based on the subscriber's usage data received from the network device and independently of the first metering engine of the network device, to generate real-time usage metering data. The second usage metering engine further outputs the real-time usage metering data to a display at the subscriber device.

Abstract: A method and a system for the management of telecommunication services provided by an operator to users (4) and (6) of telecommunication services, the method comprising: assigning a subscriber network identifier (IS) to each subscribed user (6); monitoring inbound communications toward the subscriber network identifiers (IS) assigned to subscribed users; creating, by virtue of means (8) for creating and managing virtual accounts, a virtual account (CV) registered to each network identifier originating communications (IC); informing, by virtue of information means (14), at least the user (4) or (6) of telecommunication services who originates the communication toward the subscriber network identifier (IS) and/or the registrant of the network identifier originating communications (IC) of the existence and/or balance of the virtual account (CV). The telecommunication service management system comprises means for implementing the method.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to facilitate communication between callers and callees in a system comprising a plurality of nodes with which callers and callees are associated is disclosed. In response to initiation of a call by a calling subscriber, a caller identifier and a callee identifier are received. Call classification criteria associated with the caller identifier are used to classify the call as a public network call or a private network call. A routing message identifying an address, on the private network, associated with the callee is produced when the call is classified as a private network call and a routing message identifying a gateway to the public network is produced when the call is classified as a public network call.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating inactive accounts by designating certain accounts for either unclaimed or escheats treatment are presented. In the unclaimed treatment the remaining balance of funds associated with the account is assigned to a prepaid phone card, whereas in the escheats treatment the remaining balance of funds is remitted to an appropriate authority. In each case the account is declared inactive, and processes are made available to reactivate the account.

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: Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications to access diverse categories of information. One embodiment includes; storing data representing a privilege of a user during a predetermined period of time; responsive to a first request made via a presentation of a listing of the first entity for a service of the first entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the first entity to deliver the service of the first entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the first request; and responsive to a second request made via a presentation of a listing of the second entity for a service of the second entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the second entity to deliver the service of the second entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the second request.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a telephone service are disclosed, in which callers with insufficient credit or network airtime are able to contact a call recipient. The network monitors call attempts from callers to identify call attempts from callers with insufficient credit or airtime to make a call. When such a call attempt is detected, a call request is transmitted to the intended recipient of the call, to notify the recipient of the call attempt. The notification may take the form of an in-call notification if the call recipient is on-line, or an SMS or voicemail message if the recipient is off-line. The method and system permit individuals who otherwise would not be able to access the network to indicate to a call recipient that they have attempted to contact the call recipient. The call recipient can then contact the would be caller at his/her discretion.

Abstract: Methods for provisioning wireline or wireless services and goods to at least one prepaid or postpaid customer in a communications network are provided. In one such method, a request is received for at least one service or good from a prepaid customer and it is determined based upon the request if sufficient funds are available to pay for the requested service and, if not, a warning message is sent to the customer. If funds are available a payment for the requested service or good is deducted form the customer's account, the account balance is updated, and an authorization is sent to the service node for that facilitates the requested service or good. Upon receipt of the authorization, the service node is permitted to access the requested service or good in accordance with a parameter. Other similar methods are provided for postpaid customers.

Abstract: Usage information is received that describes usage of communication services by a communications device. The usage information is compared to monitoring criteria. When the monitoring criteria is satisfied, an electronic notification message is sent to the communications device. The electronic notification message when a communications service is initiated and before an additional charge for the communications service is incurred.

Abstract: A system and method for managing wireless devices in a wireless network that performs operations comprising: receiving a request to determine at least one offer related to a quota for a wireless device from a charging gateway of the wireless network during a packet data session established between the wireless device and the wireless network; retrieving contextual information associated with the wireless device from a database of the wireless network; determining a plurality of offers including the at least one offer for the wireless device based on the contextual information; transmitting the plurality of offers to the wireless device; receiving a confirmation that the wireless device has selected the at least one offer from the wireless device; and transmitting the confirmation of the selection of the at least one offer to the charging gateway during the packet data session.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products select an account number of payment of a communication. When multiple account numbers are associated with a customer, the customer is prompted to select the account number that is billed for the communication.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for credit status triggered policy control. The method may include monitoring one or more credit control request (CCR) and credit control answer (CCA) messages associated with a request of credit for a subscriber. The method may further include determining whether an amount of granted credit for a service flow associated with the subscriber has reached a predetermined minimum threshold value. The method may further include notifying a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) of the credit status associated with the subscriber when the predetermined minimum threshold value has been reached.

Abstract: Methods and media for post-paid wireless service balance management are described. In one embodiment, it is determined that a usage threshold has been met based upon a concluded wireless session occurring during a billing period associated with an account. Upon determining that the threshold has been met, enforcement points are provisioned to monitor wireless service usage associated with the account. Further, upon receiving a request for service, and prior to commencing the wireless session, it is determined whether the request exceeds account resources. If the request does not exceed the account resources, the request is allowed. If the request does exceed the account resources, the request is handled based on an account status.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to present information to sellers/advertisers/advisors for connections to customers for real time communications. One embodiment includes: responsive to a request from a customer, determining a telephonic reference of the customer; presenting to at least one entity an option to be connected to the customer; responsive to a first entity selecting the option, initiating a telephonic connection to the customer using the determined telephonic reference of the customer to provide a telephonic connection between the customer and the first entity; and charging the first entity a fee for a lead to the customer in response to establishing the telephonic connection between the customer and the first entity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating inactive accounts by designating certain accounts for either unclaimed or escheats treatment are presented. In the unclaimed treatment the remaining balance of funds associated with the account is assigned to a prepaid phone card, whereas in the escheats treatment the remaining balance of funds is remitted to an appropriate authority. In each case the account is declared inactive, and processes are made available to reactivate the account.

Abstract: According to a method of controlling access to a prepaid packet data communication service, a prepaid server transmits a resource response in response to receipt of a resource request for prepaid resources from a prepaid client. The resource response specifies a quota of prepaid resources no greater than a prepaid account balance of a prepaid service subscriber and a resource usage threshold at which the prepaid client provides notification. The prepaid client then receives a notification from the prepaid client indicating that the threshold of prepaid resources has been reached, and in response to the notification, performs an accounting updating reflecting a portion of the prepaid account balance that has been consumed.

Abstract: A method of prepaying for usage time for a communication device can include increasing an available balance of a prepaid account linked to a communication device of a first user by a designated amount responsive to a request from a second user (910) and allocating a portion of the available balance of the prepaid account that is attributable to the designated amount for communicating with a designated user (915). The method further can include paying charges resulting from communications between the communication device of the first user and the designated user from the allocated portion of the available balance of the prepaid account (925).

Abstract: A method and a system for the management of telecommunication services provided by an operator to users and of telecommunication services, the method comprising: assigning a subscriber network identifier (IS) to each subscribed user; monitoring inbound communications toward the subscriber network identifiers (IS) assigned to subscribed users; creating, by virtue of means for creating and managing virtual accounts, a virtual account (CV) registered to each network identifier originating communications (IC); informing, by virtue of information means, at least the user or of telecommunication services who originates the communication toward the subscriber network identifier (IS) and/or the registrant of the network identifier originating communications (IC) of the existence and/or balance of the virtual account (CV). The telecommunication service management system comprises means for implementing the method.

Abstract: A mobile station user is informed in real time of reaching of a threshold of data usage via a wireless communication network. An account of the user has a maximum data plan limit defined by the user's plan and a data usage balance reflecting an amount of data usage remaining under the plan. When data usage corresponding to the requested data session does not cross the threshold level, a slice of data for the data session is allocated. When required data usage corresponding to the requested data session would cross the threshold level, a reduced slice of data is allocated. Data usage is counted in real time during the data session, and a notification of reaching the threshold level of data is sent to the mobile station in real time, at the time when data usage under the user's account reaches the threshold level.

Abstract: An alternative billing system for communication service, comprising a gateway comprising a processor and a memory, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives a text message from an originating electronic device, determines that an account balance associated with the originating electronic device lacks sufficient funds to pay for origination of the text message, sends a message to a terminating electronic device identified by the text message to inquire if the terminating electronic device wants to be billed for the origination of the text message, when a message accepting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, sends the text message to the terminating electronic device, and when a message rejecting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, does not send the text message to the terminating electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which call intelligence, such as may be deployed in communication with signaling systems utilized in controlling calls and telecommunication databases, is used to analyze information about a call in order to make a determination as to the likelihood or risk that call redirecting, such as call forwarding or remote call forwarding, will be invoked with respect to a call are shown. The call intelligence, upon a determination that an unacceptable risk that call redirecting will be invoked, preferably institutes appropriate call treatment or handling procedures, such as to block the call or to allow the call while invoking additional call treatment action.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods and systems are disclosed that provide dynamically-configurable maximum durations for sessions over a communication network. For a session, the communication network determines the traditional static maximum duration and the calculated maximum duration (for prepaid sessions). In addition to these maximum durations, the communication network also determines a dynamic maximum duration for the session based on duration criteria. The communication network then selects one of the maximum durations based on the duration criteria, and monitors the session based on the selected maximum duration. By defining the duration criteria in a particular manner, a new dynamically-configured maximum duration for sessions may be used instead of relying only on the static maximum duration and the calculated maximum duration (for prepaid sessions).

Abstract: A method and system of providing an electronic receipt, such as a SMS text message, to a consumer responsive to a purchase of long distance calling minutes, real-time replenishment of the customer's account, and seamless, pin-less use of the purchased long-distance from the user's chosen phone(s).

Abstract: IMS gateway systems and methods are disclosed for providing budget control in an IMS network. IMS networks allow for media changes (e.g., audio to audio/video) during an IMS session. An IMS gateway system described herein receives a session control message (e.g., SIP INVITE message) responsive to the media change during the session. The IMS gateway system identifies media information for the new media in the session control message. The IMS gateway system generates a corresponding charging request message, and includes media information for the new media in the charging request message. The IMS gateway system then transmits the charging request message to an online charging system (OCS) to provide for charging of the session based on the new media for the session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications to access diverse categories of information. One embodiment includes: storing data representing a privilege of a user during a predetermined period of time; responsive to a first request made via a presentation of a listing of the first entity for a service of the first entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the first entity to deliver the service of the first entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the first request; and responsive to a second request made via a presentation of a listing of the second entity for a service of the second entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the second entity to deliver the service of the second entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the second request.

Abstract: In a network subscriber system, a method of determining how to monitor whether a subscriber's network usage exceeds a quota for the current billing period. The frequency at which the subscriber's usage data is collected and analyzed during the billing period is based upon the probability the subscriber's network usage exceeds the quota at a given point in time during the billing cycle. Usage data is collected more frequently as the probability increases. Usage analysis is performed if the probability exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A system is provided for handset customer care. The system includes a handset, which includes a processor, a display, a dialer component, and a care component. The dialer component, when executed by the processor, intercepts a connection request associated with an entered number, and determines whether the entered number is associated with a specified service. The care component, when executed by the processor, provides service options to the display in response to a determination that the entered number is associated with the specified service. The care component also receives selection of at least one of the service options, and communicates with a server based on the selection. The handset connects to the entered number in response to a determination that the entered number is not associated with the specified service.

Abstract: Methods relating to prepaid services include determining an unlocked status of an account configured to track usage of prepaid services. The methods further include locking the account for a length of time after the determining step. The methods further include providing, for a service period, a service to a user associated with the account subsequent to the locking step, and continuously extending the locking for an additional length of time throughout the service period.