Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a present service charging session for charging service usage in a communication network. The method comprises receiving a first request for grant of a reservation service unit quota from a charging client, the first request including at least data identifying an account to charge for the service usage. A first granted service unit quota for the first request is determined and a first carry-over service units quota from a previous service charging session associated with the identified account is accessed. A first reservation service unit quota is determined by deducting the first carry-over service units quota from the first granted service unit quota. According to the method it is reserved for the first reservation service unit quota from the account and the first granted service unit quota is sent to the charging client.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a present service charging session for charging service usage in a communication network. The method comprises receiving a first request for grant of a reservation service unit quota from a charging client, the first request including at least data identifying an account to charge for the service usage. A first granted service unit quota for the first request is determined and a first carry-over service units quota from a previous service charging session associated with the identified account is accessed. A first reservation service unit quota is determined by deducting the first carry-over service units quota from the first granted service unit quota. According to the method it is reserved for the first reservation service unit quota from the account and the first granted service unit quota is sent to the charging client. Further, a clearing request is received from the charging client including data enabling a first used amount of service units to be determined.

Abstract: A method of operating a charging system (22) for a telecommunications network comprises: (1) receiving a charging request in conjunction with a telecommunications activity involving a telecommunications terminal; (2) determining a default account to which a charge resulting from the charging request may be allocated; (3) making a request for an externally-controlled account selection of a selected account; and, (4) finally allocating the charge to the selected account. In an example embodiment and mode the method further comprises, prior to making the request for the externally-controlled account selection of the selected account, making a temporary allocation for a reservation for the telecommunications activity; and performing a default account rating for the telecommunications activity, the default account rating being performed upon assumption of use of the default account.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for controlling service traffic in a communication network including an online charging system performing the steps of receiving a request for service traffic control, the request including at least data identifying a first communication network account; determining, based on the received data and a predefined set of rules, a first network traffic policy profile associated with the first account; transmitting to a Policy and Charging Rules Function PCRF a first policy control command including an identifier identifying the first network traffic policy profile stored in an network traffic policy profile entity, to be applied in controlling the service.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for controlling service traffic in a communication network including an online charging system performing the steps of receiving a request for service traffic control, the request including at least data identifying a first communication network account; determining, based on the received data and a predefined set of rules, a first network traffic policy profile associated with the first account; transmitting to a Policy and Charging Rules Function PCRF a first policy control command including an identifier identifying the first network traffic policy profile stored in an network traffic policy profile entity, to be applied in controlling the service.

Abstract: A method of operating a charging system (22) for a telecommunications network comprises: (1) receiving a charging request in conjunction with a telecommunications activity involving a telecommunications terminal; (2) determining a default account to which a charge resulting from the charging request may be allocated; (3) making a request for an externally-controlled account selection of a selected account; and, (4) finally allocating the charge to the selected account. In an example embodiment and mode the method further comprises, prior to making the request for the externally-controlled account selection of the selected account, making a temporary allocation for a reservation for the telecommunications activity; and performing a default account rating for the telecommunications activity, the default account rating being performed upon assumption of use of the default account.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for controlling service traffic in a communication network comprising in an online charging system performing the steps of receiving a request for service traffic control, the request including at least data identifying a first communication network account; determining, based on the received data and a predefined set of rules, a first network traffic policy profile associated with the first account; transmitting to a Policy and Charging Rules Function PCRF a first policy control command including an identifier identifying the first network traffic policy profile stored in an network traffic policy profile entity, to be applied in controlling the service.