Abstract: A method of load-based billing for customers in a communication network, wherein each customer has a calling plan. The method comprises monitoring utilization of the network in real-time via a switching center in the network; detecting at the switching center a Usage Level Event based upon the occurrence of a predetermined event trigger; informing a usage level application of the Usage Level Event; recording at the usage level application the Usage Level Event; and determining at the usage level application whether action should be taken based upon the Usage Level Event. When it is determined that action should be taken, the usage level application reports the Usage Level Event to a set of network elements via the usage level application and the switching center, where the set of network elements includes a customer billing platform and a broadcast message application.

Abstract: To address the need to have new techniques that are able to improve handoff decision-making, the network may employ a method such as that depicted in diagram 200 or 300. In one method, the network receives (201) a user handoff approval indication from a UE regarding handoff of the UE to a target cell and then determines (202) whether to allow the handoff based on this user handoff approval indication. In another method, the network compares (301) attributes of a target cell to stored user handoff policies associated with a UE to determine a user policy approval indication regarding handoff to the target cell and then determines (302) whether to allow the handoff based on this policy approval indication. These methods afford users greater control in managing handoffs in the more varied and less uniform networking landscapes that technologies such as femto cell technology are creating.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for multiple leg call processing, in which the timing of a plurality of outgoing call legs is determined according to a plurality of parameters in order to achieve near simultaneous notification of a group of member directory numbers. The parameters can include static information obtained from a network database such as end user device technology type, call forwarding disposition, answering machine or voicemail service, geographic distance to the member directory number, and/or signaling type and carrier or other local information. Actual setup times may be measured for use in determining the timing of the outgoing call leg processing, which may be used alone or in combination with the local and static information parameters to determine the outgoing call schedule for routing the call to multiple member directory numbers.

Abstract: A system and method for network-based coordination of a plurality of devices using precise timing methods is provided. The method includes registering a device for an event that utilizes precise timing. The method continues with identifying a list of devices that will participate in the event, downloading a set of tools that enable the devices to perform the event, and initiating the event for the list of devices coordinated by precise timing. The system for network-based precision includes a timing source that provides precise timing for the devices, a subscription handler that organizes the devices and event application server that provides a list of registered subscribers and initiates the group event. The method and system disclosed may be used to coordinate mobile devices for collecting data and/or provide coordination for mobile devices to display video and play audio in a group coordinated manner.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing ported number data within a telecommunications network in which a number portability administration center has received a request from a subscriber having a directory number (DN) to port is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a Number Portability data manager sending a subscription request to the NPDB to receive future notifications about subscriber ports to/from specific Location Routing Number(s); the NPDB honoring these subscriptions when a user ports their DN. If this is the initial LRN assigned to the DN, then the NPDB derives the LRN of the code holder. If the LRN from which the subscriber ported has a subscription, then the NPDB sends a notification message to the NP data manager with which the LRN is associated indicating that the DN ported out. If the LRN to which the subscriber ported has a subscription, then the NPDB sends a notification message to the NP data manager with which the LRN is associated indicating that the DN ported in.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a zip code of where a user is at the moment is provided. The apparatus comprises: a core network; an access server operatively connected to the core network providing network access for the communication device; and a zip code location database server operatively connected to the core network, wherein the zip code location database server is adapted to store zip code location information for one or more IDs in the core network.

Abstract: A system and method of call delivery from an Originating End to a Terminating End in a telecommunications network is provided in which the Calling Party can direct the call to be forwarded directly to the Called Party's Call Forwarding Destination. An Originator Initiated Direct To Call Forwarding Destination indicator is associated with the call and sent from the Originating End of the telecommunications network to the Terminating End for notifying the Terminating End that the call is to be sent directly to the Called Party's Call Forwarding Destination.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a gateway component that provides an identifier of a service provider to a sender of a message through employment of a user address associated with the recipient of the message.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for multiple leg call processing, in which the timing of a plurality of outgoing call legs is determined according to a plurality of parameters in order to achieve near simultaneous notification of a group of member directory numbers. The parameters can include static information obtained from a network database such as end user device technology type, call forwarding disposition, answering machine or voicemail service, geographic distance to the member directory number, and/or signaling type and carrier or other local information. Actual setup times may be measured for use in determining the timing of the outgoing call leg processing, which may be used alone or in combination with the local and static information parameters to determine the outgoing call schedule for routing the call to multiple member directory numbers.

Abstract: Systems are presented in which a network database is populated and updated with delay values representing measured network delays in routing calls between call control entities of a communications network. The network entities can query the database to make informed decisions regarding call routing based on the delay values, and the database entries are provided by the network elements, which measure actual or pseudo calls routed in the network.

Abstract: A system and method for handling a call involving Number Portability in a telecommunications network is provided. A Call Control Entity (CCE) detects a Location Routing Number (LRN) event invoking service logic on an External Network Entity (ENE), separate from the CCE, to provide enhanced service for ported calls.

Abstract: A user of a telecommunications device (102), such as a wireless terminal, or the like, selects certain actions that should be taken when a circuit call is received while a packet data session is active (200). These actions include interrupting the packet data session, or not interrupting the packet data session, which may be determined based on stored options specific to the subscriber and/or a query to the subscriber device (216). When a switching system detects that a subscriber device has an incoming circuit call during an active packet data session, the switching system queries a subscriber database and determines the appropriate action to take (210, 212, 214). The appropriate action is based on, for example, the calling number, time of day, date, duration of the packet data session, an instantaneous or simultaneous query to the subscriber device or a type of packet data session that is active.

Abstract: A packet gateway (114) implements a flexible alerting feature. The packet gateway receives an incoming call for a number (202), determines a first home location register associated with the incoming call and requests location information for the incoming call from the first home location register (204). If the called number associated with the incoming call is a pilot directory number that relates to a flexible alerting feature, the packet gateway receives a termination list and an indication that the call is a flexible alerting call (206). If the termination list includes a directory number that is associated with a network that is served by the packet gateway, then the packet gateway determines a second home location register associated with that directory number (208, 210).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing personalized on-hold music to a user. When a user is placed on hold, a determination is made as to whether the user subscribes to a personalized music on-hold service. If the user subscribes to the personalized music on-hold service, personalized on-hold music is sent to the user during the time that the user is on hold.

Abstract: A communication network and method are disclosed that block calls from a calling party based on the network access type of a called party. The communication network of the invention includes a permission system, an access system, and a call control system. Based on a call from a calling party to a called party, the permission system identifies permissions associated with the calling party. The access system identifies a network access type for the called party, such as wireless, circuit-based, etc. The call control element determines if the network access type for the called party is permitted by the calling party based on the permissions associated with the calling party. If the network access type for the called party is not permitted by the calling party, then the call control system releases the call.

Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed that notify a party when a call has been taken off hold. Over a communication network, a first party places a first call to a second party. At some point during the first call, the second party has put the first call on hold. When the first call has been put on hold, the first party establishes a second call over the communication network with a third party. The second party then takes the first call off hold. According to the invention, a hold determination system in the communication network determines that the first call has been taken off hold. A notification system then notifies the first party that the second party has taken the first call off hold. The notification system may also notify the second party that the first party will return to the first call momentarily.

Abstract: A wireless network and method are disclosed that provide temporary data service to a party. For the invention, a temporary data service system receives a request from a first party to establish temporary data service for a second party. The temporary data service system then configures the wireless network to establish temporary data service for the second party, such as by setting up a temporary subscriber profile or temporary account for the second party in the wireless network. A notification system then generates a notification message indicating that the temporary data service has been established for the second party, and transmits the notification message to the second party. The second party may use the temporary data service to access some type of data message or data file, such as a picture message sent by the first party.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed that includes a communication network and a billing system. The communication network connects a call between a calling device and a destination. During the call, the destination puts the calling device on hold. The destination tracks the time the subscriber is on hold, and generates hold information for the call. The communication network receives the hold information from the destination, and transmits the hold information to the billing system. The billing system bills for the call based on the hold information and other relevant information. The billing system may bill hold time for the call differently than active time for the call.

Abstract: A communication network is disclosed that uses voice authentication to provide call control. The communication network includes a call control function, a voice collection system, a voice authentication system, and a permission system. The voice collection system collects voice samples of a first party during the call to a second party, and transmits the collected voice samples to the voice authentication system. The voice authentication system compares the collected voice samples to stored voice samples to determine the identity of the first party. The permission system determines whether the first party is authorized for the call based on the identity of the first party. The permission system generates results based on the determination and transmits the results to the call control function. The call control function then processes the results, and interrupts the call if the first party is not authorized.

Abstract: Conditional reconnection of a suspended call occurs responsive to a mobile unit (108) sending a mobile-originated reconnect (MORC) message into the network (102). Reconnection does not occur not if the mobile unit does not send a MORC message or affirmatively declines reconnection within a designated waiting period.