Abstract: A method and device for performing a charging operation during data communication in a data switching network such as a public packet exchange, a public frame relay switching network, or an ATM switching network. A charge rate is graduated in accordance with a data transmission delay time or an equipment use when an alternate route is formed because of a certain state or an equipment failure in a network. Improved service is provided. When data communication is performed in a data switching network, facility use in a network ranging from an originating node to a receiving node is examined when the occasion demands. When the originating node receives the intra-network facility use information together with transmission completion report information from the receiving node, delay time to transfer data from the originating node to the receiving node, is measured.