Abstract: The present invention relates in general to communication networks and more specifically to a system and a method for charging in a communication network, especially in an IP Multimedia network. The new charging system according to the present invention allows charging principles used in traditional telecom networks to be applied also in IP Multimedia networks.

Abstract: A method of determining a total call tariff in respect of a call from a Mobile Station currently registered with a foreign network. A total call tariff request is sent from a charging function of the foreign network to a rating node of the mobile telephone subscriber's home network, the message including a call tariff portion of the foreign network. At the rating node, the total call tariff is determined by applying a multiplying factor to the foreign network's tariff portion. The determined total call tariff is then sent to the charging function of the foreign network.

Abstract: A method of providing charge information to a user of a mobile terminal (2), which information relates to an IP connection or connections being used by the user. The method comprises the steps of identifying the terminal (2) or the user to a charge control node (CCN) (10) located in a home network (1) of the terminal (2) or user and, for the duration of the IP connection(s), using the existing connection or one of the existing connections to transport a stream of charge information messages from the CCN (10) to the mobile terminal (2).

Abstract: A method of providing call tariff information to a subscriber coupled to a telecommunications network 1, where the call tariff information relating to a call from a terminal 9 of the subscriber to a B-number 13. The method comprising sending a subscriber initiated call tariff enquiry from the subscriber terminal 9 to the telecommunications network 1 over a signalling channel, the enquiry including at least a part of said B-number or an identification of the B-number. Call tariff information relating to said call is determined at the network 1 and sent from the network 1 to the subscriber terminal 9 over said signalling channel. The call tariff information is then presented to the subscriber on a display 11 of the subscriber terminal 9.

Abstract: A method of providing call charge information in a mobile telecommunications system. The method comprises maintaining in a home mobile telecommunications network a set of call charging algorithms which correspond to respective foreign mobile telecommunications networks. The algorithms are transferred periodically to respective foreign networks, wherein the transferred algorithms may be used by the receiving foreign networks to calculate call charge information for subscribers of the home network when they are roaming in the foreign networks.

Abstract: A method of enabling charging information generated within a GPRS access network 4 to be associated with charging information generated within an IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem, IMSS, 7 the charging information relating to a multimedia call facilitated by the IMSS 7 and carried by the GPRS network 4. The method comprises sending a SIP call identity from the IMSS 7 to the GPRS network 4 and/or a GPRS charging identity from the GPRS network 4 to the IMSS 7. A received identifier is included in charging information messages generated by one or both of the GPRS network 4 and the IMSS 7.

Abstract: A method of reallocating charges relating to one or more connections from a first subscriber 1 of a mobile telecommunications network 1 to a second subscriber 2 of that or a different mobile telecommunications network. The method comprises temporarily linking the accounts of the two subscribers maintained in the or each associated Cost Control Node 9,16, receiving at the Cost control Node 9,16 associated with the first subscriber, real time charging messages according to the CAMEL protocol, and allocating the charging messages to the account of the second subscriber including, if necessary, transferring the charging messages to the Cost control Node 17 associated with the second subscriber.