Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store an account identifier of a user and a phone number of the user and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format and to communicate with the controllers in different formats. The interchange uses the converters to communicate with the mobile phone of a user to confirm the identity of the user using a user terminal separate from the mobile phone for subsequent payment requests from the user terminal to be fulfilled using the account identifier.

Abstract: Prepaid services include associating a plurality of users with a prepaid services account. The account is configured to track a prepaid balance associated with the account as well as to allow at least a subset of the plurality of users associated with the account to draw down the prepaid balance at least generally at the same time. Drawing down the prepaid balance includes allocating a portion of the prepaid balance to each respective user, monitoring a provision of service, and repeating, selectively, the allocating and monitoring.

Abstract: A method of operating a network server, for a network comprising a plurality of wireless mobile routers is provided. Each mobile router comprises a wide area network wireless interface to access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular service provider and is operable to upload and download data via the cellular network. Each mobile router is operable to monitor the uploaded and downloaded data to generate usage. The method comprises: selectively coupling the server to the plurality of mobile routers via the cellular network; receiving from each of the mobile routers the corresponding usage data; operating the server to access billing data from the service provider for each mobile router; and comparing the usage data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.

Abstract: A system and method of using Diameter based signaling is provided to track usage to support multiple billing models for visually rendered revenue generating services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The system includes a computer system includes first program instructions to provide usage information to an accounting platform for processing charging information for visually rendered services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The computer system also comprises a computer readable media which stores the first program instructions and a central processing unit to execute the first program instructions.

Abstract: A method of operating a network server for a network comprising a plurality of wireless mobile routers comprises: selectively coupling the server to a plurality of mobile routers via a cellular network; operating the server to access billing data from a predetermined carrier providing the cellular network for each of the mobile routers; receiving from each of the mobile routers corresponding usage statistical data; comparing the usage statistical data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.

Abstract: A system and method for profitably operating communications services may include providing a service plan inclusive of at least a portion of the communications services being unlimited for a user. A computing system may collect usage data of the user during a time period associated with the unlimited portion of the service plan. The computing system may determine whether the usage data is indicative of the user using the communications services in violation of service terms and conditions associated with the unlimited portion of the service plan. The computing system may perform an action in response to determining that the user is in violation of the terms and conditions.

Abstract: Peering partners register with a peering grid for direct broadband routing of call offers. The peering grid terminates call offers on behalf of peering partners, collecting call detail records, summarizing termination usage, and calculating a payment to be provided to the peering partner in return for using the services of the peering grid. A call detail record may be generated for the peering partner, which may include a market value of call traffic, a variable cost of the call traffic, and a determined compensation amount. The market value is based on revenue for terminations of the call traffic from the peering grid, the variable cost is a function of sharing the market value between the peering grid and the peering partner, and the compensation amount due is a function of the variable cost.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to present information to sellers/advertisers/advisors for connections to customers for real time communications. One embodiment includes: responsive to a request from a customer, determining a telephonic reference of the customer; presenting to at least one entity an option to be connected to the customer; responsive to a first entity selecting the option, initiating a telephonic connection to the customer using the determined telephonic reference of the customer to provide a telephonic connection between the customer and the first entity; and charging the first entity a fee for a lead to the customer in response to establishing the telephonic connection between the customer and the first entity.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, at a service server, a request for services from a requesting device. The service server may identify one or more service options responsive to the request and send a list of the identified service options to the requesting device. The service server may receive a selected service option from the requesting device. The service server may collect payment information for the selected service option from the requesting device and providing accounting information to a service provider of the selected service option based on the payment information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating communication including recognizing speech in a first language represented in a first audio signal; forming a first text representation of the speech; processing the first text representation to form data representing a second audio signal; and causing presentation of the second audio signal to a second user while responsive to an interrupt signal from a first user. In some embodiments, processing the first text representation includes translating the first text representation to a second text representation in a second language and processing the second text representation to form the data representing the second audio signal. In some embodiments include accepting an interrupt signal from the first user and interrupting the presentation of the second audio signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for achieving a Call Back service. The system includes a callback center and an online charging system (OCS) module. The method includes: the callback center receiving a callback request in which a calling party and a called party are both OCS subscribers, using a roaming number to call the calling party/called party, adjusting the charging duration of the firstly called party therein after the conversation is over, and then notifying the OCS module to deduct charges for both parties. The present invention is capable of charging reasonably and displaying the number accurately without any requirement on the cooperation of the pre-charge calling system, and the present invention is suitable to the intelligent network service which uses the OCS and the conventional intelligent network service.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods that identify requested call connections that cannot be billed by a call management system and redirects those calls to a call processing platform. The call management system sends data associated with the requested call connections to the call processing platform in a session initiation protocol (SIP) message header. The call processing platform identifies one or more payment options that are not available for use by the call management system and offers the called party the opportunity to accept one of the payment options to complete the requested call connection. The call processing platform connects the calling party and the called party and sends a call detail record with billing data to the call management system.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling traffic in a network to improve network performance. The system includes a network controller that includes a first control-traffic prioritizer. An Access Point (AP) includes a second control-traffic prioritizer and communicates with the network controller. One or more clients communicate with the AP. The communications behavior of the client is affected by operations of the first control-traffic prioritizer and the second control-traffic prioritizer.

Abstract: At one of the timings: during a period between the moment when one of terminals which performs transmission calls out a communication partner and the moment of response and at the timing after the communication between the terminals is complete; a server reads out content data from a database, converts the read out content data according to the conversion information based on reproduction at the terminal, and transmits the converted content data to the terminal. At this timing, the terminal reproduces the content data transmitted from the server.

Abstract: A system and method for providing wireline telephone services may include providing wireline telephone service to a residence for a customer to place telephone calls. In response to receiving an activate code, the wireline telephone service may be activated. In response to receiving a deactivate code, the wireline telephone service may be deactivated. The customer may be billed for the wireline telephone service. In one embodiment, the customer is billed a premium service charge when the wireline telephone service is active and a lower service charge when the wireline telephone service is inactive.

Abstract: A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a device for generating a phone bill, which is applied to a charging system in the communication field, wherein the method comprises a preprocessing process and a process of combining phone bills, wherein in the preprocessing process, the charging system uses multiple threads for preprocessing a plurality of service logs simultaneously, and each service log is preprocessed to generate one or more intermediate phone bills, wherein information in the service log is converted into information required for the intermediate phone bills when performing preprocessing, and a single thread is used for processing in the process of combining phone bills to generate required phone bills one by one, and during each process of generating a phone bill, the charging system collects and combines the intermediate phone bills required for generating present phone bill, accomplishes encoding record serial numbers and file serial numbers, and generates one phone bill.

Abstract: A revenue management system for telecommunication systems is disclosed. The revenue management system can have multiple integrated modules. The modules can include a revenue generation module, a revenue capture module, a revenue collection module, a revenue intelligence module, and others. The revenue management system can also be configured to simultaneously manage revenue for prepaid, postpaid, now-paid payment models.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of providing incentives to users via supporting mechanisms and algorithms for facilitating the move of DT traffic to off-peak hours. It proposes an efficient utilization of the network resources during peak hour under a flat-rate pricing scheme with the cooperation and blessing of the users and without adding complexity to billing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and reporting prepaid service usage are provided. More particularly, monitoring and reporting packet data session usage for purposes of charging for service usage are provided. In some embodiments, layer-3 data packet monitoring is used to determine usage. In other embodiments, the start and end of a packet data session are used to determine usage. The usage can be determined from the duration of the packet data session or from the size or amount of packets sent and received by a mobile node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for invoking online charging of a service requested via a communications network and to be accessed according to a first protocol, wherein subscriber information is received from a first network element (102) including information for invoking the online charging, and the received subscriber information is interpreted and in response to a service request online charging is invoked from a second network element (103) for the service by means of a second protocol.

Abstract: A method of operating a call duration analysis system comprises receiving a plurality of call detail records (CDRs) comprising information associated with a plurality of calls over a wireless communication network, processing the CDRs to determine an average call duration for the wireless communication network, processing the CDRs with the average call duration for the wireless communication network to determine at least one wireless access node associated with a below-average call duration, processing the CDRs associated with the wireless access node to determine a first set of the CDRs associated with the wireless access node exhibiting a good RF status and a second set of the CDRs associated with the wireless access node exhibiting a bad RF status, and processing the first set of the CDRs to determine a wireless communication device type associated with the below-average call duration.

Abstract: A method for collecting data to measure market-share for a defined telecommunication market. A market of interest is defined and a random panel of numbers is created. A call set-up is initiated to the created random panels by generating signaling messages wherein the signaling messages access a Calling Name Services (CNAM) database, a Local Number Portability (LNP) database, an E-911 Automated Location Information (ALI) database and a Line Information Database (LIDB) using signaling system 7 (SS7) protocol. Generated signaling messages access ENUM (Telephone Number Mapping) database and Internet Protocol (IP) Peering database using IP. The response to the generated signaling messages are used to determine assignment status, business ownership, businesses versus residential status and the technology employed for a given number in the created panel. In one embodiment, the process is repeated over a period in order to determine changes to the market-share and derivative metrics for the telecommunication market.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus and a system for service association based on service nesting charging. Wherein the method for service association based on the service nesting charging includes: obtaining a request message sent from a service platform, wherein the request message carries key service information; searching in stored service record information for the service record information which matches the key service information, wherein if matched service record information exists, then a charging identifier in the matched service record information is obtained, and if no matched service record information exists, then a charging identifier is allocated, said charging identifier being used for performing an association charging on multiple services which have the same charging identifier by a charging platform; sending the charging identifier and the information carried in the request message to a receiving end of the request message.

Abstract: A system and method for billing an incoming communication. A code is received from a calling party during the incoming communication. Expenses of the incoming communication are allocated to an account of the calling party in response to receiving the code. An invoice is generated for the calling party and a receiving party specifying the expenses.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling user lifecycle management for individual users of media and network services offered by a telecommunications, cable or media provider. The method comprises providing a first component to create and maintain individual users and associated profile information, and mapping subscriptions or entitlements to those users via interfacing to underlying information technology systems. The method also comprises components to associate network service information to these users, in order to enable authorized, personalized and seamless access to multiple network services across multiple devices. The method is also used to enable new, one-to-one relationships between telecommunications, cable, and media operators and the consumers of their services.

Abstract: A service delivery platform (SDP) docking station (DS) is part of a multiple layer service delivery platform implementation. The SDP DS adds a second SDP layer between the end user and the Core SDP. The Core SDP implements the process flows that enable, provision, and execute telecommunications products and services. The SDP DS provides a customizable front end to the Core SDP to provide local service provider customization, flexible local selection and activation of products and services, and other features.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium for outsourcing telecom billing are disclosed for issuing one or more first billing statements and one or more second billing statements from a first telecom network; and transmitting at least the one or more first billing statements to a second telecom network. The one or more first billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the first telecom network to the second telecom network, and the one or more second billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the second telecom network to one or more customers thereof. The one or more charges of the first and second billing statements may reflect the same service(s).

Abstract: A method for coordinating the sharing of contacts between a directory terminal (104) and a portable communication device (102) is implemented in one embodiment when the directory terminal receives from the portable device a request to conduct a directory sharing session and a communication device identifier. The directory terminal retrieves screen interface information associated with the identifier and renders a user interface on a display screen (101) of the directory terminal based on the retrieved information. The directory terminal receives a first set of contact records from the portable communication device, wherein each contact record includes a contact name and at least one contact entry. The directory terminal searches a second set of contact records to find contact records containing contact names included in contact records of the first set. Contact entries for common contact records are conveyed to the portable communication device for automatic association with the first set.

Abstract: A method and a system for the management of telecommunication services provided by an operator to users and of telecommunication services, the method comprising: assigning a subscriber network identifier (IS) to each subscribed user; monitoring inbound communications toward the subscriber network identifiers (IS) assigned to subscribed users; creating, by virtue of means for creating and managing virtual accounts, a virtual account (CV) registered to each network identifier originating communications (IC); informing, by virtue of information means, at least the user or of telecommunication services who originates the communication toward the subscriber network identifier (IS) and/or the registrant of the network identifier originating communications (IC) of the existence and/or balance of the virtual account (CV). The telecommunication service management system comprises means for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method for paying back customers for unused service units remaining after a billing cycle. A payback amount is determined by the product of the number of unused service units remaining and the payback rate amount. The payback amount credited to the customer is the calculated payback rate or a maximum payback amount, wherever is smaller. A total payback amount can be determined based on a combination of payback amounts for various services, including voice services, texting services, email services, and/or data storage services.

Abstract: A call center mapping system and method. Subscriber phone number data and general phone number data are acquired for a geographic area. The subscriber phone number data includes a location code. The general phone number data includes information that associates the number with a carrier type. The subscriber phone number data and the general phone number data are matched to filter and to carrier types that are identified as unreliable predictors of the location of a call center. The filtered data are compared to subscriber address data. The subscriber address data include an address of a subscriber and the location code. The subscriber address data are related to the filtered data 115 using the location code. The resulting data are related to map data to produce geo-encoded map data. The geo-encoded map data relates a physical location to a telephone number and a rate center.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes selecting call detail report (CDR) call setup attributes from captured CDR data, refining the CDR data, and summing CDR amount attribute values for each set of CDR call entries having common values for the selected CDR call setup attributes. Each set of one or more CDR call entries having common values for the CDR call setup attributes are combined into a single refined CDR call entry having the common CDR call setup attribute values and the summed CDR amount attribute values. The summing process is repeated for each set of CDR data associated with each of a plurality of network elements. After summing the CDR attribute amount values for call entries having common CDR setup call attribute values for each switch, CDR attribute amount values associated with common CDR setup attribute values in call entries associated with all switches are summed to generate a final set of refined CDR data.

Abstract: A communication network is disclosed that uses voice authentication to provide call control. The communication network includes a call control function, a voice collection system, a voice authentication system, and a permission system. The voice collection system collects voice samples of a first party during the call to a second party, and transmits the collected voice samples to the voice authentication system. The voice authentication system compares the collected voice samples to stored voice samples to determine the identity of the first party. The permission system determines whether the first party is authorized for the call based on the identity of the first party. The permission system generates results based on the determination and transmits the results to the call control function. The call control function then processes the results, and interrupts the call if the first party is not authorized.

Abstract: In one aspect, the teachings herein provide a method and apparatus for identifying the new network affiliation of a churned subscriber that has moved from an old network operator to a new network operator. Knowing the new network affiliation of a former subscriber provides a number of significant advantages to the old network operator. By way of non-limiting example, the old network operator can undertake new or adjusted advertising targeted at retaining remaining subscribers of like demographics. Additionally or alternatively, the old network operator can review pricing and service plans from the new network operator that are comparable to that used by the former subscriber, and make competitive pricing or service adjustments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications to access diverse categories of information. One embodiment includes; storing data representing a privilege of a user during a predetermined period of time; responsive to a first request made via a presentation of a listing of the first entity for a service of the first entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the first entity to deliver the service of the first entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the first request; and responsive to a second request made via a presentation of a listing of the second entity for a service of the second entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the second entity to deliver the service of the second entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the second request.

Abstract: In general, a system and method for analyzing wireless communication records and for determining optimal wireless communication service plans is disclosed. A transceiver is configured to receive billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunications service under a current rate plan. A storage unit stores the billing information. A processor processes the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data having a predefined format. The processor then analyzes the processed data in relation to a plurality of rate plans of a plurality of telecommunications service providers, and determines at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan. A report of at least one proposed rate plan is then produced and provided to the subscriber, which enables selection of a best telecommunication service provider.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a communications system that provides a service, where a plurality of parties may be associated with members of an account with the system to receive the service. The method includes receiving a call from one of a plurality of members of an account, the call including a request for a service, where a common bill is provided for services rendered to the members of the account. An identifier to be used to identify the one party from among the plurality of members is received from the one party among the plurality of members. The common bill is provided for services rendered to the plurality of members of the account to a communications device via a network. In the common bill an indicator is provided of the one party requesting the service in association with a respective entry for the requested service.

Abstract: A mobile phone includes at least two subscriber identity module (SIM) cards. The mobile phone queries a number portability database (NPDB) for at least two telecom operators of the at least two SIM cards. The mobile phone queries the NPDB for a telecom operator of an outgoing number dialed using the mobile phone. The mobile phone selects one SIM card with one telecom operator same as the telecom operator of the outgoing number from the at least two SIM cards.

Abstract: An alternative billing system for communication service, comprising a gateway comprising a processor and a memory, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives a text message from an originating electronic device, determines that an account balance associated with the originating electronic device lacks sufficient funds to pay for origination of the text message, sends a message to a terminating electronic device identified by the text message to inquire if the terminating electronic device wants to be billed for the origination of the text message, when a message accepting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, sends the text message to the terminating electronic device, and when a message rejecting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, does not send the text message to the terminating electronic device.

Abstract: Directory assistance provides telephone number look up services to callers based on the business or caller name as listed in a telephone directory. In the prior art, directory assistance provides a value-added service to telephone users and an expense that must be charged back to telephone callers or absorbed by telephone carriers. In enhanced directory assistance (EDA) services as described in the disclosure, EDA is further developed to deliver a keyword targeted advertising service to telephone listing owners and advertisers. The present invention provides a method and system to extend EDA services to the wireless messaging systems used by telecommunications operators. The invention further discloses methods to support both one-way and two-way communications on these devices, as well as systems to support the distributed EDA Transaction business model.

Abstract: A system and method for billing an incoming communication. A code is received from a calling party during the incoming communication. Expenses of the incoming communication are allocated to an account of the calling party in response to receiving the code. An invoice is generated for the calling party and a receiving party specifying the expenses.

Abstract: A charging device (100) and method (600) are described herein that can segment subscribers on a service class level and then can further segment those subscribers on an account level by using a service offerings parameter (105). The subscribers use communication services such as circuit switched voice, SMS, MMS and/or GPRS.

Abstract: Technology for a non-mobile telephone system which in addition to processing voice signal data, can execute applications transferring data responsive to user input received through a graphical user interface of the telephone system. Examples of call features include a call back feature and a service ordering feature. The graphical user interface provides visual displays to assist a user in selecting call features. Non-voice signal data retrieved from another computer system can be transferred with a call from the non-mobile telephone system. The non-mobile telephone system can pair with the other computer system for security. An example of a sharing data is downloading a file stored on the other computer system or sharing the screen of the other computer system at a resource location accessible by a caller on the other end of a call with the non-mobile telephone system.

Abstract: The invention of present provides for a real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regards to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanisms for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a charging method and system for a Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) system. The charging method for a PoC system includes: after sending an initial online charging request to an Online Charging System (OCS), receiving an initial online charging response message that is sent by the OCS and carries a downlink channel type switching trigger variable; monitoring a type of a downlink channel used by a PoC service according to the downlink channel type switching trigger variable; and sending an online charging request to the OCS if switching of the type of the downlink channel used by the PoC service is detected, where the online charging request includes a switched type of the downlink channel. The embodiments of the present invention implement precise and proper charging for a PoC client when the PoC client switches a channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to selectively present communication references based on recommendations from related entities to connect people for real time communications. One embodiment includes: receiving from a user a selection of a first listing, including a reference to be used to request a connection for real time communications between the user and a first entity; responsive to the selection of the first listing, determining one or more entities related to the first listing; selecting a second listing based at least in part on data representing one or more recommendations from the one or more entities; and presenting to the user the second listing, the including a reference for the user to request a connection with a second entity for real time communications. In one embodiment, the first and second entities provide services over connections established via the references included in the first and second listings for real time communications.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a unified call center system for multiple service providers comprising at least one server; and at least one database in communication with the at least one server. A service provider executes software stored on the at least one server to register an account, the registration process requiring the service provider to enter a predetermined set of information, including at least one identifier for an electronic voice communication device, an additional identifier for an electronic communication device (voice or text) and a personal identifier. After entry of the predetermined set of information, the software generates a unique identifier for the account and communicates the unique identifier and a return destination address for activating the account. The service provider then operates to activate the account by communicating their personal identifier to the return destination address using the electronic communication device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, call information is received indicating that a called party, responsive to receiving a call from a calling party, desires to record a complaint against the calling party relating to receipt of the call. A call complaint based on the call information is added to a complaint database. Call rejection information based on the call information is forwarded to a call rejection database configured to indicate blocking of further calls from the calling party to the called party. The complaint information may be forwarded to the complaint database through a number of different communications paths. In another embodiment, a request for a change in status of an identifier entry on a user call rejection list is received. The status of the identifier entry on the user call rejection list is changed based on a comparison of the current status of the identifier entry with the request.