Abstract: A system and method are provided for using Local Number Portability (LNP) and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunks as virtual loop-around trunks. Present invention LNP structures and processes redirect calls to avoid the creation of loop-around trunks from calls generated in the local exchange carrier (LEC) requiring services such as prepaid caller and calling party pays. A virtual trunk switch is created using a Switch Control Point (SCP). Telephone numbers requiring special services are ported and stored in a LNP database. Numbers requiring special services are flagged with a LRN that identifies a special service switch which is either an SSP or an SCP. The LRN initiates communication between the local exchange switch and the special service switch. Once engaged, the special service switch protocols create the trunk links. By monitoring these trunk links, the special service switch is able to monitor the in-band communications, and so provide the special services.

Abstract: Improved communication service methods operate in conjunction with a wireless communications network that includes a plurality of cells, microcells, and/or picocells. A user zone is defined as including one or more cells, microcells, picocells, and/or one or more cell, microcell, and/or picocell sectors. A first set of communication features are provided within the user zone, and a second set of communication features are provided outside the user zone. According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO), coupled to the user zone, stores a user zone profile identifying the cells, picocells, microcells, picocell sectors, microcell sectors, and cell sectors included in the user zone. The MTSO selectively modifies a service profile for a cellular telephone if (I) that cellular telephone is situated within the user zone, and optionally (ii) that cellular telephone is authorized for that user zone.

Abstract: A method is described for completing calls to wireless communications customers. A database is queried to determine whether to bill the calling party or the called party for communication charges (e.g., airtime charges) associated with the wireless communication service. When the query indicates that the calling party is to be billed for those communications charges, a telecommunications switch which received the call from the calling party is instructed to record information to be used in billing the calling party for the charges. At the same time, the wireless switch that normally would bill the called party for the charges is instructed to suppress billing of the called party for the charges. The billing instruction is sent to the wireless switch in a signaling message using a message parameter that is unaffected by intermediate (e.g., local exchange carrier) switches.