Abstract: A method of controlling use of electronic communication services in an electronic communications network (103), the method comprising: receiving (301) a first credit control request for usage quota from a system providing service (104) for an electronic communication service requested by a first subscriber (101-1); retrieving (302) subscriber account information for the first subscriber (101-1) to be charged for the requested service by a first charging device (105); determining (303a) based on the retrieved subscriber account information at least a second subscriber (102-1) to be charged for at least part of the requested service; determining (303c) a first hash of a rate plan for the first subscriber; setting (305a) a status to indicate that control of the subscriber account information of the first subscriber (101-1) is temporary transferred to the second charging device (106); sending (306) to the second charging device (106) a second credit control request for the electronic communication service (101-1;

Abstract: A method of controlling use of electronic communication services in an electronic communications network (103), the method comprising: receiving (301) a first credit control request for usage quota from a system providing service (104) for an electronic communication service requested by a first subscriber (101-1); retrieving (302) subscriber account information for the first subscriber (101-1) to be charged for the requested service by a first charging device (105); determining (303a) based on the retrieved subscriber account information at least a second subscriber (102-1) to be charged for at least part of the requested service; determining (303c) a first hash of a rate plan for the first subscriber; setting (305a) a status to indicate that control of the subscriber account information of the first subscriber (101-1) is temporary transferred to the second charging device (106); sending (306) to the second charging device (106) a second credit control request for the electronic communication service (101-1;

Abstract: A charging system includes a rating engine, a session control module, and a charging unit determination module. The session control module receives a request for service units, associated with a charging session, from a client or service element, and obtains one or more input parameters from the request for service units. The charging unit determination module obtains account data associated with the request for service units, determines at least one charging session related parameter based on the one or more input parameters and/or the account data, and pass the at least one charging session related parameter to the rating engine. The rating engine grants service units based on the at least one charging session related parameter, and forwards an indication of the granted service units to the session control module for return to the client or service element.

Abstract: A charging system includes a rating engine, a session control module, and a charging unit determination module. The session control module receives a request for service units, associated with a charging session, from a client or service element, and obtains one or more input parameters from the request for service units. The charging unit determination module obtains account data associated with the request for service units, determines at least one charging session related parameter based on the one or more input parameters and/or the account data, and pass the at least one charging session related parameter to the rating engine. The rating engine grants service units based on the at least one charging session related parameter, and forwards an indication of the granted service units to the session control module for return to the client or service element.