Abstract: A communications system includes both cellular and land based telecommunications such as PSTN telephone, as well as cellular telephone. A subscriber may use prepaid cellular phone to make and receive calls via cellular network. A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) routes the subscriber's calls to and/or from wireline network for domestic connections and/or network for international connection. A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) operates a prepaid vendor service control point (SCP), Prepaid Vendor Service Platform (PSP), and connected databases. A method of providing a universal communications account includes: providing at least one account to a customer, enabling use of the account for a first type of connection and a second type of connection; and debiting the account based at least in part on one of the first type of connection and the second type of connection.

Abstract: A communications system [100] includes both cellular and land based telecommunications such as PSTN telephone [115], [125], as well as cellular telephone [110]. A subcriber may use prepaid cellular phone [110] to make and receive calls via cellular network [120]. A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) [135] routes the subscriber's calls to and/or from wireline network [130] for domestic connections and/or network [145] for international connection. A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) operates a prepaid vendor service control point (SCP) [140], Prepaid Vendor Service Platform (PSP) [150], and connected databases [155], [160], and [165]. A method of providing a universal communications account includes: providing at least one account to a customer, enabling use of the account for a first type of connection and a second type of connection; and debiting the account based at least i part on one of the first type of connection and the second type of connection.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and preventing fraudulent usage or activity with a mobile and/or landline telephone network. The system determines whether the call is authorized by comparing customer specific data and call data to a set of usage rules. A call data report is generated for completed calls and analyzed to determine fraud patterns, wherein the usage rules are updated based on the identified fraud patterns.