Abstract: An electronic payment method and system between a seller and a buyer to purchase a good providing a dynamic allocation to the seller of predefined SMS numbers and predefined SMS messages is provided. Furthermore, an associated system to carry out an electronic payment over a public network between a seller and a buyer is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating mobile communication between a calling party and a called party. Aspects of the present invention include establishing, via a service node, mobile communications upon receiving a response, from the called party, to a mobile communication request made by the calling party to the service node, and further include facilitating, via the service node, charging the called party for the established mobile communications.

Abstract: Multiple access internet portal billing systems are provided. A representative system, among others, includes a communication facility, a wireless internet server, and a transaction billing system. The communication facility includes a billing platform, and is operable to connect to a plurality of wireless device platforms through a mobile network, and to connect to the wireless internet server. The wireless internet server provides internet access to the wireless devices and communicates at least one billing information record including a usage time to a transaction billing system. The transaction billing system receives the billing information record from the wireless internet server, formats the billing information record, and communicates the formatted record to the communication facility billing platform. Methods and other systems for multiple access internet portals are also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing communication network capacity. The system includes a processor, a data store, an analysis component, and a message component. The data store stores information associated with communication metrics for customers. The analysis component, when executed by the processor, determines a mean and a standard deviation for the communication metrics based on the stored information. The analysis component also determines whether the stored information associated with communication metrics for one of the customers is a predefined number of the standard deviation from the mean for more than a predefined number of days. The message component, when executed by the processor, sends a message to the one of the customers in response to a determination that stored information associated with the communication metrics for the one of the customers is the predefined number of the standard deviation from the mean for more than the predefined number of days.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementation of split charging in an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem, allowing subsystem users to negotiate at setup and at a modification of a session initiation protocol session which user will be charged for each multimedia component of the subsystem. A method includes transmitting a first message to a user equipment for initiating a call, the first message including a split charging offer request and a first split charging offer ratio, and receiving a second message from the user equipment, the second message comprising a second split charging offer ratio.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing access to a wireless local area network are provided. A method includes establishing a communication between a first and second software intelligent agent via the wireless local area network. The first software intelligent agent is internal to the wireless local area network and the second software intelligent agent is associated with a cognitive radio-enabled communications device that is external to the wireless local area network. The method also includes retrieving user-configured settings for designating terms of use of the wireless local area network. The user-configured settings are established by, and retrieved via, the first software intelligent agent.

Abstract: A user device (20) is provided with information relating to a service wherein content is communicated to the user device via an access system provided by a communications network (22). In the method information regarding access charges from a charging entity (26) associated with the access system is provided to a service provider entity (24), where after an indication of total cost of the service covering content charges and the access charges is sent from the service provider entity to the user device. Alternatively, indication of the total costs can be sent directly to the user device from the charging entity.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for long duration sessions. A charging data system of the communication network receives interim accounting request messages from a network element that is serving a session. The charging data system identifies interim timestamps for the interim accounting request messages, and stores the interim timestamps. After a time period during the long duration session, the charging data system generates a partial CDR. The charging data system then inserts duration information for the long duration session in the partial CDR based on the stored interim timestamps, and transmits the partial CDR to a correlation system. The correlation system may then calculate a total duration for the session based on the duration information in the partial CDR. Even if a start/stop timestamp is not available, the correlation system may estimate the total duration of the session based on the interim timestamps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to monitoring the communications to and from a mobile communication device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. For example in accordance with an embodiment, each of the data services on a mobile communication device may be monitored against rules stored in a central data center repository. The data services may include all forms of communications between the mobile communication device and a third party along with changes to application or data within the mobile communication device. An alert may be provided to an administrator when unauthorized data service activity and/or a message may be sent to the mobile communication device to prevent the unauthorized data service activity.

Abstract: A method for providing wireless online access comprises: establishing a wireless access signal space wherein a wireless communications link is established between a secondary wireless unit and at least one primary wireless unit, thereby providing a corresponding secondary subscriber with online access by data packet transmission between the primary wireless unit and the secondary wireless unit; and receiving, from an online access provider, a credited revenue amount in return for providing online access for the secondary subscriber.

Abstract: There is provided a method for operating a basic input/output system (BIOS) of a pay-as-you go computer system. In one example embodiment, the method includes periodically resetting a watchdog timer, wherein failure to reset the watchdog timer indicates a security violation. In another example embodiment, the method also includes comparing a first time count representing motherboard use time with a second time count representing hard drive use time to determine if a security violation has occurred. There is also provided a pay-as-you-go computer system having a BIOS configured to determine if a hard drive is password protected. In an example embodiment, the BIOS is configured to calculate a password to unlock the hard drive if the hard drive is password protected.

Abstract: A low-cost system and methodology that facilitates improved femto access control by employing Bluetooth® technology is provided. Bluetooth-based femto access control utilizes a Bluetooth modem in a femto access point (FAP) that broadcasts a unique Bluetooth identity (ID). Nearby UEs can detect the femtocell and employ the Bluetooth ID for idle mode reselection and active mode handover behavior. Specifically, on detecting a femtocell, a UE can perform Bluetooth pairing with the FAP prior to performing attachment signaling. Moreover, only if Bluetooth signaling is successful, the UE proceeds to attach to the FAP. Thus, the system and method disclosed herein can control the UEs that attach to the femtocell, thereby reducing the signaling load and improving battery life of the UEs.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing a telecommunications services menu accessible via a voice interactive system, such as a voice services node. A subscriber accesses a voice communications menu by accessing a voice services node. The voice services node queries a customer profile database to obtain a list of telecommunications services available to the subscriber. At the voice services node, a voice prompt is constructed for providing the subscriber a voice menu of the available services. After the subscriber receives the voice prompt of menu items, the subscriber may select a service from the provided menu.

Abstract: A managed service may include first logic to receive identification information from a mobile device and send an authorization to a transaction device indicating that the mobile device is identified, the identified mobile device to participate in a transaction with the transaction device. The first logic may receive payment information from the mobile device during the transaction and send payment to the transaction device on behalf of the mobile device during the transaction. The managed service may include second logic to determine whether the identity information is valid by comparing the identity information to stored identity information and generate the authorization when the identity information is valid. The second logic may process the payment information on behalf of the mobile device, allocate a debit or a credit to an account maintained on behalf of the mobile device, and send the payment to the first logic.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for routing mobile users to safe, or secure, locations. In one embodiment, based on threat information obtained from one or more source, a threat level is determined for a location of a user of a mobile device. The threat level is indicative of physical safety and/or network safety at the location of the user of the mobile device. The threat level may be a function of a transaction type of a transaction being performed or desired to be performed by the user of the mobile device. If the location is unsafe, a safe location is identified, and the user of the mobile device is routed to the safe location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to control online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store data associating a first telephone number with a second telephone number; and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of controllers. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. The common format processor is to receive a payment request including the first telephone number, identify the second telephone number based on the data, and communicate with a mobile phone at the second telephone number for approval of the payment request.

Abstract: A method for handling registration requests in a cellular wireless communication system. The method includes determining that an air interface in the cellular wireless communication system has at least a threshold level of load. The method further includes, in response to the determination that the system has at lease a threshold level of load, reducing a frequency at which mobile stations register with the cellular wireless communication system via the air interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a signal having a real-time usage value associated with operation of a mobile device is received from the mobile device. Information on a service agreement for the mobile device is received. A command is sent to the mobile device when the operation of the mobile device crossed a threshold condition of the service agreement. The command is configured to cause the mobile device to implement an operational change at the mobile device in response to the command.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium with executable code for connecting an outgoing phone call to a user destination device based on the time the phone call is initiated. A user of a user destination device transmits a policy information packet containing contact numbers of a primary user destination device and all secondary user destination devices that the user may be reached at during specific times of the day to a call originating device. In response to the user of a call originating device initiating a request to connect a phone call to the user destination device, the call originating device autonomously selects the correct recipient user destination device by interpreting the policy information packet. The call originating device then connects the phone call to the primary user destination device or to a secondary user destination device depending on the current time of day.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a mobile virtual network are disclosed. A mobile virtual network operator is disclosed as an entity that provides a mobile networking service to a user, the mobile networking service being provided using a physical mobile network provided by a third party. The mobile virtual network operator may provide content distribution services, data access services, or messaging services to a user of a mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a user with the ability to select from a list of available services that can be used on a mobile device. The services include device-based services and device-network based services. The activation, usage tracking and deactivation of a selected service can be conducted at a central location. Some of the services can be provided by different carrier network providers and in different geographical areas. The service selection can be performed from the mobile device, thus providing the user with maximum flexibility as to when and where the user requests the service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for setting up and billing a roaming communications connection between a first calling subscriber of a first communications network and a second called subscriber of the first and or another communications network who is checked into a roaming communications network. Billing data records concerning the accrued costs of the roaming connection are generated by the communications networks, are exchanged between billing systems of the communications networks, and the subscribers arc charged the costs of the roaming connection on the basis of the billing data records. According to the invention, the costs for a connection, which originates from the first, calling subscriber and which is incoming to the second, called subscriber are charged exclusively to the first subscriber under conditions individually agreed upon beforehand.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is provided according to various embodiments described herein. The financial transaction card includes a card body with at least a front surface and a back surface. The financial transaction card may also include a near field communications transponder and/or a magnetic stripe, as well as a digital display configured to display alphanumeric characters on the front surface of the card body. The financial transaction card may also include a processor that is communicatively coupled with the near field communications transponder or magnetic stripe and the digital display. The processor may be configured to calculate one-time passwords and communicate the one-time passwords to both the near filed communications transponder or magnetic stripe and the digital display.

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

Abstract: Address book data available to a user such as contact information, group information, resource information, and similar data, are retrieved from a plurality of sources by a third party service. The retrieved data is customized for consistent presentation and provided to the user without the user's application having to communicate with individual data sources for retrieving the data.

Abstract: The application relates to charging of traffic from terminals and in particular of charging of traffic from GPRS mobile terminals which are roaming in a visited PLMN (not claimed). According to the applicant's acknowledged prior art, either the traffic passes the home PLMN or the Home Operator relies on the Visited Operator to generate the CDRs to be used by the Home Operator for billing. Whereas the first solution leads to tromboning and inefficient traffic routing, the second solution calls for a strong trust relationship between the Home and the Visited Operators. The present invention circumvents both problems in that the terminal generates a traffic counting information and sends it to the Visited Network. The Visited Network generates a traffic counting record comprising the traffic counting information from the terminal and traffic counting information from the Visited Network. The traffic counting record is subsequently sent to the Home Network.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for managing service for carrier subscribers and migrating them to service bundles. In an embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a list of existing services to which a subscriber is subscribed; comparing the list of services to available service bundles; determining if there is an exact match of services between the list of existing services and services included in one or more available service bundles, and if so, migrating the subscriber to the one or more available service bundles with the exact match. The method may further comprise identifying a main service in the list of existing services and determining if there is a partial match of services between the main service and a service included in one or more available service bundles, and if so, migrating the subscriber to the one or more available service bundles with the partial match. A subscriber may be manually migrated if migration is not possible with an exact match or partial match.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feature for controlling resellers of telecommunications services. A service provider may freeze the accounts, and therefore service, for all customers of a reseller if that reseller is behind on payments to the service provider. In one preferred embodiment, all customers of a reseller are identified with a reseller identification field in the customer's data stored by the service provider. When the service provider issues a freeze order, the account records for all customers of the reseller, identified by the reseller identification stored for each customer, are set into a frozen state wherein these customers cannot initiate or receive calls; after the frozen state is removed, the various promotions allotted to each customer are reinstated. Advantageously, the threat of freezing service to the customers of the reseller is a potent weapon to force the reseller to pay the service provider.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of charging in a communications network, said method comprising including a first charging identity in at least one of a plurality of messages relating to a service, said first charging identity being specific to said at least one message, including a second charging entity in said at least one message, said second charging identity being specific to said service, charging for said service based on at least one of said first and second charging identities.

Abstract: A method and system for streamlining the calculation of a rate for a prepaid wireless call is provided. A mobile subscriber can be billed at one rate when she is within her home network and at a different rate when she is roaming in another network or can be billed at a special rate if she is within a location subject to the special rate. A time period for charging a call is allocated by the Service Control Point (SCP) and reported to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the case of an outgoing call or a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) in the case of an incoming call. A message from the MSC or GMSC to the SCP reporting an expiration of the first time period can contain information regarding a location of the prepaid subscriber. Thus, the next time period allocated by the SCP for the call can be billed at a rate that reflects the mobile subscriber's location at that time as reported by the MSC or GMSC.

Abstract: A method and system for streamlining the call processing for a prepaid call in a mobile telecommunications network is provided. A trigger detection point (TDP) for processing an originating call placed by a prepaid wireless subscriber, which may be called “O-Answer,” is defined in a mobile user's subscription information stored in the prepaid subscriber's home location register (HLR). An additional TDP for an incoming call to a prepaid subscriber as a terminating party, which may be called “T-Answer,” also is defined in the prepaid subscriber's subscription information stored in the HLR. If the prepaid mobile subscriber's account balance is above a threshold amount, the call can be processed using the O-Answer and T-Answer TDPs without the need to contact the prepaid platform for authorization, thus reducing the amount of signaling required to process a prepaid call.

Abstract: A system and method of distributing incentives for wireless hotspots is provided. The method includes providing an access point to a wireless hotspot for wireless devices to wirelessly connect to a larger network in a publicly accessible location, evaluating use statistics of the access point of the wireless hotspot by portable devices, and providing an inducement to a user of the wireless hotspot based on the evaluated use statistics. The system includes a first provider for providing an access point to a wireless hotspot for wireless devices to wirelessly connect to a larger network in a publicly accessible location, an evaluator for evaluating use statistics of the access point of the wireless hotspot by portables devices, and a second provider for providing an inducement to a user of the wireless hotspot based on the evaluated use statistics.

Abstract: Multiple access internet portal billing systems are provided. A representative system, among others, includes a communication facility, a wireless internet server, and a transaction billing system. The communication facility includes a billing platform, and is operable to connect to a plurality of wireless device platforms through a mobile network, and to connect to the wireless internet server. The wireless internet server provides internet access to the wireless devices and communicate at least one billing information record including a usage time to a transaction billing system. The transaction billing system receives the billing information record from the wireless internet server, formats the billing information record, and communicates the formatted record to the communication facility billing platform. Methods and other systems for multiple access internet portals are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining a charge for a communication in a communications network is provided. A message is received from a user equipment. The message comprises a payload and is addressed to a plurality of destinations. A first message is sent towards a destination of the plurality of destinations. The first message comprises the payload, a first charging identifier, and a second charging identifier. The first charging identifier is associated with the message and the second charging identifier is generated for the destination. A charging message is sent to a network node to charge an account of the user equipment. The charging message comprises the first charging identifier and the second charging identifier.

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 charging method, device, and system are disclosed. The charging method includes: receiving a message carrying a charging group ID, and sending a charging request message carrying the charging group ID to a charging node corresponding to the charging group ID for charging according to a corresponding relationship of the charging group ID and the charging node. According to embodiments of the present invention, correct charging for services and merging of fees are realized and meanwhile requirements for real-time charging and separation of public accounts and private accounts are met.

Abstract: Method and system for providing quality of service in communication network. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a communication network system. The communication network system includes a first entity that is configured to store information on a first database and to provide first network access information. The first database is configured to store at least the first network access information. The system also includes a mobile station that is capable of sending and receiving first data via a wireless connection, the mobile station that is capable of sending one or more requests for a service flow. The system also includes a second entity that is configured to provide wireless access to the mobile station. The second entity is capable of exchanging information with the first entity. The second entity includes a second database, which is configured to store at least second network access information.

Abstract: A set of one or more positional control parameters includes at least one of a geographic limit, a velocity limit, and a direction of travel limit. A control list identifies at least one feature in a mobile device. The at least one feature may be associated with at least one of the positional control parameters.

Abstract: A charging process method, relating to communication network, is disclosed according to embodiments of the present invention. The method includes receiving a charging request containing a type of a second method when the method for a user equipment to access a packet data network gateway has been changed from a first method to the second method; performing, based on the charging request, charging control over the used service units in a charging mode corresponding to the first method for the user equipment to access the packet data network gateway and reserving service units for the charging session for the second method based on a charging mode corresponding to the second method for the user equipment to access the packet data network gateway. A network system, a packet data network gateway and a charging system are provided according to embodiments of the present invention accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for providing wireless services. One or more wireless identifiers are stored in an authentication space of a server associated with a wireless service provider. The authentication space is associated with an enterprise. A remote client is granted access to the authentication space to allow the enterprise to manage services associated with the one or more wireless identifiers. Managed service options associated with the one or more identifiers are selected. The managed service options are selected in response to receiving data from the remote client.

Abstract: A set of multiple prepaid calling cards that are associated with a single account is disclosed. A predetermined amount of minutes is associated with the set of cards. Cards within the set can be used simultaneously and extract minutes from the account in predetermined increments. Each card can use the same Personal Identification Number (PIN) or each card can have its own unique PIN. In some instances, any card in the set can recharge the account, (i.e., add more minutes to the account), or in some embodiments, only a control card can add minutes to the account.

Abstract: A wireless device-based system provides location-based services by determining the location of the wireless device and arranges for the service and the payment therefor.

Abstract: A wireless communications system providing interactive voice response is disclosed. The system is menu-driven, and can accept information and requests from customers. In response to one type of request, the system can provide the customer with information regarding one or more previous transactions. The system also includes provisions that permit customers to retrieve multiple previous transactions.

Abstract: A prepaid messaging solution which uses open networking standards (e.g., TCP/IP) and which supports pre-payment of enhanced Internet messaging services. The disclosed prepaid architectures and methods accurately determine if a subscriber has sufficient account balance to deliver a complete short message, prior to delivery of the message. The short message may be prevented from being delivered (either at the source end or at the destination end) if insufficient funds are in the subscriber's account. A prepaid tariff engine is preferably extensible over a TCP/IP network, and supports remote interaction with the SMSC and web chat servers for the purpose of applying a real-time billing charge for each message. A service provider may create subscriber classes of service that define and uniquely identify subscriber rate and/or tariffing plans used to apply real-time billing charges for sending or receiving of messages. The prepaid short message tariff engine determines the appropriate message billing based upon, e.

Abstract: An advertising subsidized communication service is provided that can be utilized by eligible subscribers in instances designated by mobile operators or advertisers. An eligible subscriber that meets certain criteria, such as having a low pre-paid balance, can opt-in to an advertising subsidized service initiated through an SCP proxy for the advertising service platform. The subscriber receives advertising through selected channels, such as voice injection, text messaging or other media, which advertising subsidizes subscriber communication service. The subsidized service may be limited in some regard to number of calls, call duration or incoming calls, as examples. The subscriber may be automatically opted-out of the subsidized service upon payment being applied to a pre-paid for post-paid service account. The opt-in process for subsidized service occurs in real-time and may be prompted through a number of channels, such as voice or text messages.

Abstract: A communication control device (500) is capable of communicating with both a portable telephone terminal (100) and a location management device (400) that specifies the location of the portable telephone terminal (100).

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 method of providing communication service, includes receiving user identification information and first communication service criteria. The user identification information identifies a user, while the first communication service criteria describe a first communication service requested by the user. The method also includes generating a first communication service order based on the first communication service criteria. The first communication service order includes the user identification information and the communication service criteria; The method further includes selecting premise equipment for the user and generating an equipment order, wherein the equipment order includes the user identification information and identifies the selected premise equipment. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the first communication service order to a first service provider and transmitting the equipment order to an equipment provider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using an application (18) in a mobile station (1). The application has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, whereby the first mode of operation is passive, and in the second mode of operation the application controls the master control unit (MCU) of the mobile station. The invention also relates to a system for making payments, comprising at least one mobile station (1), which has an application (18), means for using the application (18), and the first means of data transfer (IR, 20, RF) for local data transfer. The system also comprises at least one cash register (21) or the like, which has the second means for data transfer (IR2), and the application (18) comprises means for transferring data between the first means for data transfer (IR) and the second means for data transfer (IR2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for the assembly of a program having one or more methods. In an embodiment, one or more sequences for the methods of the program are determined based, at least in part, on data format information provided by the methods. In one embodiment, one of the sequences is selected based, at least in part, on a data format efficiency computation.