Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sending and receiving a message between a nonresident and a resident of a controlled environment facility that associates an identifier to the message, wherein the resident does not associate the identifier to resident created messages. The identifier my take the form of a barcode printed directly onto the message form or printed onto a detachable sticker that is affixed to the message form. Embodiments may allow the searching of a message for prohibited words, phrases, or ideas and notifying a relevant authority to the existence of such prohibited content. Embodiments may also allow a nonresident to select a delivery medium that is incompatible with the format of a message created by a resident by converting the resident created message to a message format compatible with the delivery medium.

Abstract: A method for automatically replenishing vehicle calling units is disclosed herein. The method includes selecting, in response to a user input, a call unit rate plan including parameters designating automatic replenishment of calling units for loading into a telematics unit. A calling plan configuration signal is transmitted to the telematics unit, where the calling plan configuration signal is indicative of the selected call unit rate plan parameters. The telematics unit is configured with the selected call unit rate plan parameters. A current cycle of the rate plan is monitored, via the telematics unit, for its expiration; and the telematics unit determines whether an additional cycle is available in a plan duration upon expiration of the current cycle. If the additional cycle is available, the telematics unit automatically replenishes the calling units to a number of calling units available per cycle upon the expiration of the current cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging against prepaid credit in a communication network. When a first terminal requests establishment of a call to a second terminal, the network ascertains whether prepaid credit is involved. If so, accounting sessions are established between an accounting server and any accounting servers that will raise costs during the call. A session identifier is generated. Once the call is established, charging update data is sent from the accounting clients to the accounting server, where it is collated on the basis of the accounting session identifier, whereby enabling updating of the prepaid credit during the call.

Abstract: A plurality of route information messages that correspond to a plurality of telecommunication devices are sent to a prepaid service control point for delivery of a prepaid flexible alerting call.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for implementing prepaid data services in a mobile communication network. In this system, a Data service Access Control Point (DACP), which is used for fulfilling price confirmation function and fee application function for data services, is added between a Service Control Point (SCP) storing prepaid account information of subscribers and a Prepaid Server/Content of Process Gateway (PPS/CP GW) used for data service charging. In the method of the present invention, by means of the interaction among a Packet Data Service Note (PDSN), a Home Authentication Authorization and Accounting (HAAA) server, the PPS/CP GW, the DACP and the SCP, the SCP deducts the fees from the prepaid account, and the PDSN controls the subscriber to utilize data service according to the fees deducted by the SCP.

Abstract: A method, a system and a network node for determining services accessible via a subscription having an account and at least a first limit in a communication system. The method includes defining at least a first set of services and a second set of services to be used with the subscription, each set of services defining services accessible via the subscription, comparing the balance of the account with the first limit, using the first set of services when the balance of the account does not reach the first limit, and using the second set of services when the balance reaches the first limit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing a call service using a prepaid card in a portable terminal is provided. The prepaid card is photographed according to a predetermined prepaid card capturing mode operation, and a unique prepaid card number is recognized from the photographed image and stored. A phone number is received and the prepaid card number and the phone number are dialed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prepaid dispatch communications are provided. The system includes a dispatch prepaid server that monitors an amount of prepaid services purchased for a dispatch station. The dispatch prepaid server provides provisioning information to a location register related to dispatch prepaid services. The location register provides an identification of the dispatch prepaid server to a dispatch processor. The dispatch processor monitors the duration of a call for the dispatch station and provides call duration information to the dispatch prepaid server.

Abstract: A method and system for network-based control over voice calling from a client telephony device. A client telephony device receives a user-request to place a voice call from the client telephony device and responsively sends to a controller, via a packet-data connection, a request for authorization to place the voice call. The client telephony device then receives from the controller, via the packet-data connection, a response to the request. And the client telephony device then sends to a network entity (e.g., a switch) a call origination request message seeking to initiate the voice call, only if the response from the controller indicates that the client telephony device is authorized to place the voice call. Further, the controller can also monitor a account balance for the client telephony device and direct the device to disconnect the call when the balance is exhausted.

Abstract: A call authorization system moves state maintenance for authorization based phone calls from a central authorization server to different gateways in a packet switched network. A simple authorization session protocol is used between the authorization server and the gateways to minimize network traffic. The authorization session protocol releases the authorization server from having to maintain states for open authorization based phone calls.

Abstract: A pay-per-connection system is coupled to a network service provider and to a client computer. The pay-per-connection system receives payment and a passcode from a user, determines duration of use based on the payment, and provides access by the client computer to the network service provider based on the payment and the passcode without advance sign-up by the user with the network service provider.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control system for enabling use of wireless telephones. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each one of the wireless telephones are a prepaid wireless telephone associated with one of a plurality of carrier systems having disparate communication protocols. The control system receives a request having transaction information from a client system and processes the request in accordance with stored procedures corresponding with the associated carrier system. The control system sends the request to the carrier system to case usage of the prepaid wireless telephone to be enabled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling communication between user terminals using a telecommunications network. One embodiment includes an interface between a real-time charging control system for controlling usage of network resources during such usage and a group communications control node which is capable of controlling group communications sessions. Improved real-time charging control mechanisms can be implemented to account for usage of group communications services, for example where charging for an entire group communications session may be applied to a selected single party. Charging for a group communications session may be conducted with the flexibility of being able to charge according to the number of participants without having to transmit separate charging control signals from each participant's leg of the session to the real-time charging control system, thus reducing the signaling load in the network.

Abstract: A method of online charging in a communication network. The method includes receiving a service request from a user, determining whether the service request is an access network session, a media network session or a service network session, determining if a type of charging model the user wants to use to provide the service request is an event based model, a volume based model, a time based model, an event based model or a combination of the models, determining which network element corresponding to the access network session, the media network session and the service network session in the communication network is responsible for providing the service request from the user, and provisioning identification rules for providing the service request to the network element that is determined to be responsible for providing the service request from the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for providing roaming service comprises receiving an identifier from a wireless device located within a coverage area of a local network, wherein the identifier is associated with the wireless device. The method further comprises determining if the wireless device is associated with a person that is both a prepaid subscriber of the local network and a subscriber of a home network with which the local network has a roaming arrangement.

Abstract: When a card remaining balance for a non-contact type integrated circuit card processing chip 114 has been updated, a CPU 101 indicates that the card remaining balance has been updated by performing drive control of a notification portion (information LED 8, information speaker 9) having a cellular telephone function.

Abstract: The architecture of the present invention includes a multi-media multi-network communication server connected to a variety of access and delivery platforms via a variety of communication networks. Access to services is controlled and billed by a virtual prepaid card and account that can be converted into a physical prepaid card that is delivered to the user via a physical delivery network such as the Postal Service or a point of sale. The access platforms are used by senders, recipients or agents to access their digital mailboxes on a multi-network communication server and to send and receive calls and messages. The messages can be in electronic format such as text, audio, graphic images, video, and audio-video. The calls can be packet switched or circuit switched. The multi-network communication may send a notification message to the recipient, indicating that a message has been received. The message can be accessed remotely or wireless.

Abstract: Methods for adding data blocks to a data subscription plan period. The methods include determining whether a threshold number of data blocks have been reached during the data subscription plan period; and incrementally adding data blocks to the data subscription plan when the threshold number of data blocks has been reached. The cost per data block of the added data blocks is less than the high-cost per data block rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of data blocks during the data subscription plan period.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for flexibly controlling prepaid telecommunications charges. A scratch card recharge arrangement is used to prepay for future telecommunications calls. A flexible arrangement is provided to translate between the face value of a scratch card and the amount of telecommunications charges authorized for that scratch card. Advantageously, different vendors of scratch cards may provide different amounts of service for a scratch card with a given face value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for providing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. The method comprises the steps of: after receiving a call request from a user terminal, a Service Control Point (SCP) judging whether the user terminal has applied for a prepaid service at the same time, if so, initiating a VPN service logic, invoking a prepaid service logic by the VPN service logic, and deducting fee from a prepaid account corresponding to the user terminal while providing the VPN service to the user terminal. With the present invention, a VPN service can be provided for a prepaid service user, which not only brings convenience for prepaid service users, but also prompts expansion of VPN service, thus bringing great interests for the operators.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering interactive voice messages using a voice messaging system are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, the system comprises a voice messaging processor and memory containing machine readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, enable the voice messaging system to: receive an inbound call from a sender; record an interactive voice message from the sender directed to at least one recipient; receive a voice message retrieval request from a recipient; play the interactive voice message for the recipient; and initiate an interactive session with the recipient to elicit responses from the recipient regarding the interactive voice message. In one aspect of the invention, an application server is provided for generating interactive voicemails and placing the inbound call from the sender to the voice messaging processor.

Abstract: A method and a system for dynamic tariffing and billing where tariffs of telecommunication services are adapted based on the usage of telecommunication services between members of a group account.

Abstract: The present invention relates to communication techniques, and discloses a method for the calling party to reinitiate a call in card number service, so that the calling party in card number service can conveniently release his current call and reinitiate a new call. In the present invention, the call controller instructs the calling gateway to detect the preset key combination in the session, if the calling gateway detects the key combination, then reports it to the call controller, and the call controller sends a message to the called party to release the call and releases the called party, and simultaneously sends an indication that the called party has hung up to SCP and waits for the calling party to dial again. The present invention enables the calling party to control his dial completely by himself, so as to dramatically save the time for the calling party of card number service to initiate a new call, and make the services more user-friendly.

Abstract: A method (10) of payment of communication services includes determining (14) if a request (12) for services is an essential service or non-essential service, determining (19) if a device and/or user is authorized for non-essential service, and determining (20) if there are sufficient pre-pay funds for the non-essential service. The method can further include rejecting (26) the request for non-essential service if the device and/or user is unauthorized or if insufficient pre-pay funds exist. The method grants (16) the request if the request is for essential service (such as voice services). The essential service or subscription or post-pay service can be added (18) to a recurring bill. If the device and/or user is authorized and sufficient prepay funds exist, then the method grants (22) the request for the non-essential service. In response or in conjunction with granting, the method can deduct (24) funds from prepay funds upon granting the request.

Abstract: A general charging method includes establishing a charging strategy and performing the charging according to the charging strategy. The charging strategy includes at least one priority each of which includes at least one time period and each of the time periods is provided at least one rate segment in each of which there is at least one rate. Performing the charging includes: matching with a corresponding charging strategy upon the time a subscriber uses a service and/or the subscriber's current resource, and determining a charging mode; searching for a corresponding priority; performing the charging according to the charging mode. With such a structure of general charging strategy, the method can satisfy various charging demands and provide generality and adequate expansibility. Also, the method enables subscribers to configure different charging methods as necessary.

Abstract: A method of providing telephone services includes receiving an advanced payment. The advanced payment corresponds to a fixed time interval of telephone service spanning at least one day. The method also includes activating service to a mobile device for the fixed time interval and collecting a plurality of call data.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for automated distribution and indexing of prepaid calling card information comprises a central terminal operable to receive a request to purchase prepaid telephone services from an initiating terminal. The request comprises an identifier of a financial account to be used to purchase the prepaid telephone services. The central terminal is operable to electronically seek authorization for the request, initiate electronic debiting of the financial account using the identifier, and log a transaction indicating a purchase of prepaid telephone services in response to receipt of the authorization. The central terminal is operable to initiate electronic transmission, according to purchaser contact information, of calling card information from the central terminal to at least one electronic storage medium for access by a purchaser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing prepaid telecommunication services. More particularly, prepaid telephone calls can be made by users without entering any access code, if such calls are made from telephone numbers previously registered in the telecommunication system in connection with valid access codes. Prepaid telephone calls can also be made from non-registered telephone numbers after providing the telecommunication system with a valid access code.

Abstract: Establishing a connection from a caller to a user using a pre-authorized credit from the user is described. A processor identifies one or more source identifications (IDs) for receiving pre-authorized credit for the incoming call. One or more destinations are specified to receive the incoming call. The processor defines a rule associated with the one or more destinations and the one or more source IDs. An interface receives the incoming call directed to one of the destinations from the caller. A storage area stores the defined rule. The incoming call and the caller are determined as a function of the one of the destinations, one or more identified source IDs and the defined rule. The pre-authorized credit is issued for the incoming call from the caller if it is determined that the incoming call to the destination satisfies the defined rule. The processor routes the incoming call to the user.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call management platform (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). An unregistered roaming call is recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for processing. The caller is prompted for a payment option which may include payment by credit card or a collect call. The caller is then prompted for a credit card number if the credit card option is selected. The credit card number may be validated and verified by a credit card verification processor (128) coupled to prepay call management platform (50).

Abstract: Session level classification of wireless packet data communications enables differentiated duration-based accounting. In a network offering prepaid services, for example, an applicable accounting policy is identified each time a user requests a new session. Different session classifications are possible under the identified policy. For example, if the prepaid subscriber also subscribes to a push-to-talk (PTT) service, the policy enables classification of each session as either PTT or non-PTT. A different policy would apply if the prepaid subscriber did not subscribe to the PTT service. A network element serving the mobile station during the session monitors packets, until it can detect a packet enabling appropriate classification under the applicable policy. The prepaid platform bases its accounting on the session classification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing prepaid telecommunication services. More particularly, prepaid telephone calls can be made by users without entering any access code, if such calls are made from telephone numbers previously registered in the telecommunication system in connection with valid access codes. Prepaid telephone calls can also be made from non-registered telephone numbers after providing the telecommunication system with a valid access code.

Abstract: A communications management network for managing subscribers' communication sessions. The management network includes multiple sets of session management modules or servers (e.g., Intelligent Service Control Points), a services hub and a data warehouse. The network may also include a gateway for routing text messages. Each set of session management modules includes a plurality of modules, and each subscriber is assigned to one set of modules with one of the modules as a primary and another as a secondary or backup. Subscribers are grouped according to geographical area (e.g., by zip code, by area code), service area or other criteria, and all subscribers within a group are assigned to the same primary and secondary modules. Management of subscribers' communication sessions is load balanced by reassigning groups of subscribers to different sets of session management modules. Each module tracks account statuses (e.g., prepaid services balances) for its assigned subscribers.

Abstract: Calling plan information is provided whenever a user makes a call that fits within the plan. The user may be assigned an account related to the calling plan with information associated with the account. The information may include a time function such as the time remaining until expiration of the calling plan or the time used in the calling plan. A call made from an originating number that is associated with the calling plan triggers the provision of information. After the information is provided, the call may be routed to a terminating number as dialed by the user. After the call, the information associated with the calling plan may be updated.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the dissemination of information from a controlled environment facility employ facility information management functionality managing resident information and facility information, and call manager functionality selectively providing at least a portion of the resident information and/or the facility information to an outside party in an automated manner. The invention may employ outgoing IVR functionality to provide select portions of the resident information in response to the call manager recognizing that a call is a first call by a resident, or a first call to a particular telephone number by a resident. The invention may manage information related to providers of services or goods for residents of a facility, provide an outside party this information, and notify a selected provider of selection of that provider by the outside party to provide goods or services for a resident.

Abstract: Centralized billing is provided by processing requests for pre-paid and post-paid services at a service control point that is configured to prepare one or more associated event records. Event records associated with provided services can be stored at the service control point or in a remote database, or the service control point can direct the event records to a central billing system that is configured to bill subscribers directly or to transmit event records to one or more payment systems via a financial gateway. Service control point service logic is configured to permit negative account balances for post-paid subscribers, while account balances remain positive for pre-paid subscribers. Credit limits can be associated with post-paid subscribers, and service authorization can be based on such credit limits.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.

Abstract: A system for enabling an inmate to make a telephone call to a called party telephone located outside of a correctional facility includes a facility network having inmate and prepaid platforms associated with a PSTN. A called party provides the prepaid platform with information regarding a prepaid card purchased by the called party and the called party telephone number. The prepaid platform associates the telephone number with a prepaid account of the called party, determines value of the prepaid card based on its information, and then transfers the value to the prepaid account. An inmate uses an inmate telephone within the facility to make a telephone call to the called party telephone via the PSTN. The network completes the call if the call is authorized, the called party has a prepaid account associated with the telephone number, and the value of the prepaid account is sufficient for paying for the call.

Abstract: A method of accounting for online Internet usage credit includes establishing an account identifier in a database for a selected user. A number of credit value block records are associated in the database with the account identifier. Each credit value block has a stored credit value amount, and at least a second stored property indicator. In response to a measured amount of consumption of services by the user, at least one of the credit value blocks is debited by a debit amount based on the measured amount and the second stored property indicator. The stored property indicator may be a rate multiplier, or other factor indicating a different cost mode of online service, connection or usage.

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: Methods and systems are provide for processing prepaid calling time to a subscriber by determining an identity of a subscriber of prepaid calling time upon origination of a call to which a subscriber of prepaid calling time is to be a party; determining an amount of prepaid calling time available to the subscriber; allowing a call to which the subscriber is to be a party to be connected if prepaid calling time is available to the subscriber; and deducting calling time from the available prepaid calling time of the subscriber as the connected call proceeds. The method also provides for purchasing pre-paid calling time by electronically transferring funds from an account of the subscriber to an account of a pre-paid call time provider, the amount of funds transferred equal, to the dollar amount of pre-paid calling time to be credited to the subscriber; and crediting to the subscriber an amount of pre-paid calling time corresponding to the dollar amount of the transferred funds.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a message which can be sent from any suitable source for an appropriate message. The basic message includes a pin number, the desired telephone from which the caller intends to talk. This caller may intend his own cell-phone or another's cell phone or any other telephone to be the originating telephone. Included in the message is the destination telephone number. The message is sent to a service center which verifies the pin number and sets up to charge the pin associated pre-paid or open account. Upon verification, a switch is set with the destination telephone number in its switch calling memory. Upon setting up the switch for the call, a call is placed to the intended originating telephone. When that telephone is answered, the destination telephone number is called. The basic message may be an SMS, an e-mail or sent from a web-site which is provided for the service center. In the future, additional suitable sources may also available.

Abstract: A transaction processing platform capable of facilitating the distribution to consumers of various types of prepaid products is disclosed. The transaction processing platform is configured to interface with one or more providers of such prepaid products in order to facilitate the procurement or activation of the products. The platform includes a conduit interface through which service request messages are received and respectively utilized to generate transaction requests for corresponding types of prepaid services. A supply interface arrangement, operatively coupled to the conduit interface, is configured to route a first of the transaction requests through a first supply interface associated with a first type of prepaid service. The supply interface arrangement also routes a second transaction request through a second supply interface associated with a second type of prepaid service.

Abstract: A device acquires information relating to payment particulars and for transfer of this information to a server center of a banking organization. The device includes an apparatus for reading the payment particulars, a central processing unit to which the reading apparatus is connected, a modem for establishing a telephone link with the server center, and an apparatus for dialing telephone numbers such that the dialing apparatus is associated with the modem.

Abstract: A wireless communications system providing interactive voice response is disclosed. The system is menu driven, and can accept information as well as deliver information to the customer in the form of prompts or prompt information. The system includes provisions that permit customers to vary the prompt information. In prompt information can be varied in a number ways, including the method of delivery, the content, pre or post-call prompts, and the frequency in which the prompt information is delivered.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for offloading prepaid credit status queries from prepaid credit status databases for unlimited-plan prepaid in-network calls is provided. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method that includes intercepting, at a signaling message routing node, a prepaid status query associated with a call originated by a calling subscriber and directed to a called subscriber. The signaling node then determines whether the calling subscriber is associated with an unlimited calling plan, unlimited text messaging plan, unlimited multimedia messaging plan, or a combination of plans based on the intercepted prepaid status query. The node also determines whether the call is an in-network call based on the intercepted prepaid status query, where an in-network call includes a call between a calling subscriber and a called subscriber belonging to the same network.

Abstract: A prepaid telephony system and a method of activating a prepaid telephony account are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method of activating the prepaid telephony account includes providing a message to a caller including an offer to associate a prepaid account corresponding to a prepaid calling card with an origination address of the caller.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for providing access to the Internet on a pre-paid or pay-per-use basis that utilizes an Advanced Intelligent Network (“AIN”) to set up a dial up connection between a subscriber and an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”). The telecommunications system communicates with the ISP's computer systems to coordinate verification of callers attempting access to the ISP. The system uses features of the AIN to identify a call as a pre-authorized call so that the ISP grants access without requiring a username and a password from a caller. If the ISP receives a call that is not so identified, the caller is treated as regular ISP subscriber, and requires a username and a password to authenticate the caller prior to granting access to the ISP's resources. The present invention further utilizes the telephone service provider's billing systems to aggregate bills and collect revenue from subscribers.