Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for managing a shared quota for a plurality of network subscribers in a consumer telecommunications network. In use, a first usage quota reservation out of a shared quota is allocated to at least one first subscriber among a plurality of network subscribers. Further, it is determined that at least a portion of the shared quota is available. Additionally, a progressively smaller at least one second usage quota reservation out of the at least a portion of the shared quota is recursively allocated to the at least one first subscriber among the plurality of network subscribers, the smaller at least one second usage quota reservation being smaller than the first usage quota reservation out of the shared quota.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for utilizing an alternative Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node in a consumer telecommunications system. In use, an Sy session for a subscriber of a consumer telecommunications network is established, the Sy session being between a first PCRF node and an Online Charging System (OCS) node of the consumer telecommunications network. Additionally, the first PCRF node specifies an alternative PCRF node. Further, information associated with the Sy session is maintained at the alternative PCRF node. In addition, the first PCRF node is monitored and it is determined whether the first PCRF node is responsive to communication therewith. Responsive to determining that first PCRF node is not responsive to communication therewith, the Sy session is continued between the OCS node and the alternative PCRF node.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for managing a shared quota for a plurality of network subscribers in a consumer telecommunications network. In use, an Sy interface session is established for a subscriber of a consumer telecommunications network, the Sy interface session being between a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node and an Online Charging System (OCS) node of the consumer telecommunications network. Further, it is determined whether the subscriber is associated with any multi-subscriber shared usage counters on the consumer telecommunications network. Responsive to determining that the subscriber is associated with at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter on the consumer telecommunications network, a reference to the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter is provided to the PCRF node by the OCS node. Additionally, the OCS node monitors the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter.