Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementation of split charging in an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem, allowing subsystem users to negotiate at setup and at a modification of a session initiation protocol session which user will be charged for each multimedia component of the subsystem. A method includes transmitting a first message to a user equipment for initiating a call, the first message including a split charging offer request and a first split charging offer ratio, and receiving a second message from the user equipment, the second message comprising a second split charging offer ratio.

Abstract: A billing data interface provides billing data to customers in an accurate and efficient manner. Billing data is processed to preserve client billing information and to meet a customer's individual data requirements. The billing data may be presented in such a way that the customer may input the billing data directly into its client billing system. The billing data may be processed according to client billing specifications corresponding to a client billing system used by the customer. The processed data may preserve leading zeros, separate client code and matter code into two fields, etc. The resulting data file may be delivered to the customer for entry into the customer's client billing system.

Abstract: A method for selecting an accounting mode, a method for switching an accounting mode, and a device therefor. The method for switching an accounting mode includes: notifying a prepaid accounting server to establish a session; assigning an accounting quota of the session to the prepaid client; notifying the prepaid accounting server that the accounting quota of the session is depleted, and notifying the prepaid client to stop the prepaid accounting; keeping the session established and notifying an AAA server to start a postpaid accounting.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and a method for assembling and coordinating call data records from a plurality of network elements of an Internet Protocol Multimedia System call to generate charging information. A pre-biller stores an integrated charging record and accesses a rating engine to obtain the charging information to complete a charging data record. Advantageously, the information from a plurality of network elements is integrated into a combined charging data record.

Abstract: A method for providing wireless online access comprises: establishing a wireless access signal space wherein a wireless communications link is established between a secondary wireless unit and at least one primary wireless unit, thereby providing a corresponding secondary subscriber with online access by data packet transmission between the primary wireless unit and the secondary wireless unit; and receiving, from an online access provider, a credited revenue amount in return for providing online access for the secondary subscriber.

Abstract: A system for determining a communication charge comprising a charging equation determiner, an inflection point determiner, and a charge determiner. The charging equation determiner for determining a charging equation based at least in part on a normalized set of inputs. The inflection point determiner for determining an inflection point based at least in part on a charging structure database. The charge determiner for determining a communication charge based at least in part on the charging equation and the inflection point.

Abstract: A system and method to enable a transfer of multimedia content between mobile telecommunication devices while maintaining the multimedia traffic within a wireless local network. Multimedia content may be sent from one of the mobile telecommunication devices and delivered to another one or more of the mobile telecommunication devices. The multimedia transfer is facilitated and monitored by a secure agent located within the local network. The secure agent maintains a record of the multimedia content sessions and transmits such information to a billing component. The billing component utilizes the record of content transfer to assess a fee or other charge on the sending device, the receiving device(s), or both sending and receiving devices. In some embodiments, such a charge may include a credit or other reward that is provided to sending devices or receiving devices for implementing a local transfer of multimedia content.

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: A system, method and computer program product are provided for distributed billing. In use, service usage information associated with a plurality of customers is distributed to a plurality of billing processor platforms in substantially a billing cycle-independent manner, for processing purposes. To this end, less billing processor platform resources are wasted.

Abstract: A method for managing information and rendering discounts in a billing system utilizes a rule-based engine. Customer records are processed with a rule-based accumulation engine to accumulate the data in a plurality of predetermined target accumulators. A plurality of target accumulators are processed with a rule-based discount engine to render discounts applicable to the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for billing a calling party for an unanswered call attempt is provided. A first network component receives a call attempt from the calling party and routes the call attempt to a second network component for establishing a communications link between the calling party and a called party. The second network component redirects the call attempt unanswered by the called party to the voice server. A billing management application, provided for managing the billing of the calling party, detects the redirection of the call attempt and indicates to the first network component to disable billing the calling party for the unanswered call attempt. The billing management application, in communication with the voice server, initiates billing of the calling party based on billing criteria, via the second network component instead of the first network component, for utilizing one or more services provided by the voice server.

Abstract: A system and method provide the ability to collect, store and transmit information statements concerning satellite communication system use. The satellite system may collect billing information, such as roaming data, network use in terms of both total time and total bandwidth and functionality utilized on a user by user basis. Further, the satellite system may collect network usage information from the totality of users of a satellite system. The billing information and network usage information may be collected and stored on-board satellite(s) in a network in a data structure including a database. This information may then be collected, organized and transmitted to a variety of users in the earth segment of the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for handling disputed items include enabling a user to submit information regarding an item being disputed by the user in an interactive forum. The item may involve a service provided by a service provider for the user, where the information submitted by the user is network-accessible by a client machine of the service provider. The method further includes enabling the service provider to submit information regarding the item being disputed by the user in the interactive forum, where the information submitted by the service provider is network-accessible by a client machine of the user. Such a method also includes enabling a status of the item being disputed to be updated in the interactive forum as the user and the service provider are directed to take turns providing information regarding the disputed item information until a dispute is resolved. Other methods, systems, and devices are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the present invention provide an integrated system for conferencing services reporting to support customer billing needs. Systems consistent with the present invention enable a customer to retrieve and use integrated usage data, including data for unbilled conferencing services. Furthermore, systems consistent with the present invention provide an integrated account management interface to enable a customer to retrieve and use account information in real time and to manage a conferencing services account with ease. Still further, systems consistent with the present invention enable a customer to establish multiple levels of security to easily manage multiple users with multiple information needs and responsibilities. Systems consistent with the present invention also provide tools to analyze and track moderator conferencing schedules to enhance accurate timekeeping and billing.

Abstract: An enhanced Calling Party Pays (CPP) or Paging Party Pays (PPP) system that enables 1) billing of calls originating from traditionally non-billable sources, 2) routing of incoming calls to voicemail if the caller does not wish to incur the additional charges, 3) allowing the caller to complete the call and charge the cellular (or paging) subscriber for additional air-time usage when the caller enters a PIN or security code, also referred to as a billing override code, and 4) allowing the caller to block CPP/PPP charges from being billed to the calling party.

Abstract: Inmate communications systems provide a feature-rich platform with a high degree of flexibility and security employing call control facilities located off institutional premises. Authentication processes for calling and called party verification include biometric techniques in some embodiments. Distributed processing of call control and billing provide flexible interactive call payment processes. Preferred embodiments feature voice over IP transmission and control featuring controlled access to avoid addition of unauthorized third-party call participants. Monitoring, recording and selective forwarding of calls is provided under control of system administrators.

Abstract: A method of accounting for activities in a system comprising a telephone handset, including associating use of the telephone handset with a user, allowing the user to perform a call through use of the telephone handset without providing billing information relating to the call, communicating unbilled call information to at least one user computer associated with the user through a network, and prompting the user to input billing data relating to the unbilled call information at the at least one computer associated with the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and tool for assessing an early termination penalty on telecommunications service subscribers. In response to a subscriber's request for termination, a customer service representative engages the computerized assessment tool to answer a series of questions about that subscriber. The tool assigns a predetermined weight to each answer and calculates a final score when all questions have been answered. Based on this final score, the tool determines whether an early termination penalty should be levied and provides notice to the customer service representative.

Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a prepaid call in a mobile telecommunications network is provided. A default call processing parameter for processing a call can control the processing of the call when communications between the Mobile Switching Center and the Service Control Point fails. The value of the default call processing parameter can be set to permit the call to continue or to be terminated in accordance with a characteristic associated with the call, such as a characteristic of the dialed telephone number or a nature of address in the case of an outgoing call or a location of the terminating mobile subscriber in the case of an incoming call.

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 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: Communication networks and methods are disclosed for sharing charging information between a home IMS network and a visited IMS network. If a signaling message for a session is received in the visited IMS network, the visited IMS network assigns a visited charging identifier (e.g., ICID), and shares the visited charging identifier with the home IMS network through signaling messages. Similarly, the home IMS network assigns a home charging identifier, and shares the home charging identifier with the visited IMS network through signaling messages. When CDRs are generated in the home IMS network and the visited IMS network, the networks include the home charging identifier and the visited charging identifier in the CDRs so that billing systems may more easily correlate the CDRs from the different IMS networks.

Abstract: A method provides detecting a roaming operator by a mobile communications device, where the mobile communications device is associated with a home operator; receiving a data service, by the mobile communications device, provided by the roaming operator independent of the home operator; sending information, from the mobile communications device, to the roaming operator for the roaming operator to authenticate the mobile communications device with the home operator; and receiving a voice service, by the mobile communications device, provided by the roaming operator based on the authentication by the roaming operator of the mobile communications device with the home operator.

Abstract: A method for running an accountable multi-module telephony application including receiving an application request to a number associated with an account of a telephony platform; directing application control to a first module of an application of the account; passing application control from the first module to a second module of the account through a linking system; and metering use of the first module and the at least second module independently.

Abstract: A method for monitoring traffic revenue flows for a plurality of communications companies using Information Technology (IT) systems, including the following steps (v) designing an optimal sample of transactions that maximizes the probability of detecting billing errors done by the communications companies; (vi) executing transactions from the optimal sample of transactions through a plurality of communications networks and recording test transactions data ,using concurrently a shared infrastructure comprising a plurality of robots for generating the transactions; (vii) collecting invoice lines from the IT systems in a non intrusive way, through an automated browsing of the web sites of the communications companies; so as to extract billing data for each test transaction, and (viii) processing the recorded test transactions data so as to re-rate billing for the test transactions, and matching said re-rated transaction billing data to billing data invoice extracted from the collected invoice lines, so as detec

Abstract: Computer readable storage media containing computer executable instructions for performing methods for managing emergency services on a per-communication-address basis in a call distributor are described herein. A plurality of different communications addresses may be deployed behind the call distributor. The media may include instructions for creating a record that is associated with a communications address deployed behind the call distributor and that indicates that the communications address is managed under a source indication service for any emergency calls that originate from the communications address. The media may also include instructions for creating a record that is associated with a communications address deployed behind the call distributor and that indicates that the communications address is not managed under the source indication service.

Abstract: A messaging interface provides the flexibility to allow interchangeability of underlying telecommunications service provider processing systems, such as billing systems. At the same time, the messaging interface extends the underlying functionality of the telecommunications service provider processing system to a series of business events defined as part of a common data model shared across multiple telecommunication service provider processing systems. The messaging may implement a mechanism for tracking the implementation of the business event in the underlying telecommunication service provider processing systems.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing process flow of an online order. The method includes the steps of providing a client device displaying a user interface, presenting a consumer with an information page in the user interface requesting a set of information, including the phone number of the consumer; receiving first level information from the consumer, including the consumer's phone number, and determining whether the phone number is eligible for third-party local exchange carrier billing. When the phone number is eligible for third-party local exchange carrier billing, the consumer is presented with a credit card billing page. If no credit card information is received, the consumer is then presented with a phone billing page. When the phone number is not eligible for third-party local exchange carrier billing, the consumer is presented with a credit card billing page.

Abstract: A system extension for a billing system adapted to generate customer bills associated with the delivery of telecommunications products and services, wherein the billing system includes software instructions adapted to be executed on a computer server platform, a database for storing product configuration data for a plurality of product offerings and charging tariffs attached to the product offerings, and a user interface allowing a user to interact with and configure portions of the system, the system extension comprising: an editable derived attributes table that identifies a unit charge rate for tariffs attached to product offerings; and a charge calculation function for calculating a charge for a tariff attached to a particular product offering based on the unit charge rate identified in the derived attributes table for the tariff.

Abstract: Converting a toll calling area to an extended area service (EAS) is provided. The present invention allows customer, regional, and equipment data to be collected into a computing device with a set of assumptions. The data is processed using calculations, regression analysis, and statistics to provide a migration plan in an automatic manner. Results may be derived from the various information detailing an impact of migrating to an EAS.

Abstract: A telecommunications messaging architecture efficiently routes messages to the appropriate support systems which process the messages. The messaging architecture is a partially merged architecture in which selected previously independent processing systems (e.g., customer relationship management systems) have been merged. Despite the partially merged architecture, a routing system flexibly routes messages between the merged systems and the appropriate supporting systems. The supporting systems may multiple independent billing systems which have not been merged, for example.

Abstract: A billing data extraction and processing system for use in connection with a first billing system and a second billing system is disclosed. The billing data extraction and processing system includes a first input to receive rated billing data from the first billing system, a second input to receive rated billing data from the second billing system, and a data processing module, the data processing module responsive to the first input and to the second input, the data processing module processing the aggregated data extracted from at least one of the first and the second billing system. A first set of aggregated billing data at a first point in a billing period of the first billing system and a second set of aggregated billing data at a second point in the billing period of the first billing system are extracted and received at the first input.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a charging network, including: a service unit, a charging system and a charging agent apparatus; the charging agent apparatus is responsible for connecting the service unit and the charging system, receiving a charging event sent from a service unit, determining a corresponding charging system and generating a charging request according to the information carried in the charging event, and sending the generated charging request to the corresponding charging system. Also, a charging agent apparatus and a charging method are provided by this invention. The charging agent apparatus is added into the charging network, responsible for interacting with service units and charging systems, thus reducing the complexity of the service units as well as the charging network.

Abstract: A network element includes at least one input to receive communications from a plurality of terminal devices and a plurality of network elements, a processing unit and logic to classify the communications as a type of user information, and a router to route the communications according to the type of user information. The communication may be routed to at least one of a plurality of subnetworks according to the type of user information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for constructing a billing statement from detailed usage file (DUF) records received from an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC). A master file contains routing information associating each of a plurality of telephone numbering plan addresses plus additional telephone number digits (NPA-NXX) with a corresponding local access transport area (LATA). Telephone operator services (TOPS) assignment files are downloaded and used to edit the master file, thereby generating an enhanced master file. DUF records are downloaded. A set of enhanced DUF records is generated by filtering the downloaded DUF records. A rate table of customer price plans is applied to the set of enhanced DUF records and the enhanced master file to construct a billing statement.

Abstract: A configurable rating system provides the flexibility to define rating tariffs based on any number of input parameters, such as a service identifier, origin number, destination number, event type, or other parameter. At the same time, the configurable rating system simplifies the definition, debugging, and assignment of rating parameters which ultimately determine the calculated usage event rating. The configurable rating system implements a database table driven approach which may replace any number of custom rating functions with a single rating function which determines the appropriate charge amount regardless of the telecommunications product or service.

Abstract: A method and system of providing data calls to a subscriber having a data network, such as an integrated services digital network (ISDN), connected to a network switch to enable communication with another party at a fixed rate are disclosed. The methodology discovers a data calls system that enables data calls to be placed over trunk lines for communication with a subscriber having an ISDN with a dedicated ISDN line connected to a network edge switch forming a trunk line of the ISDN in communication with a central office. A plurality of base stations are adapted to make and receive data calls using the ISDN over the trunk line. A billing apparatus charges each subscriber a fixed or flat rate per service period for data calls using the trunk line, for the plurality of stations, regardless of the number of calls using the base stations during the service period.

Abstract: Presenting data received from service providers includes receiving billing data from each of the service providers and formatting, by at least one processor, the billing data in a standardized format. A single bill that consolidates the billing data in the standardized format for each of the service providers, and displays the billing data in the standardized format according to a user-defined organizational relationship for a billed entity, is outputted.

Abstract: A phone containing a data bearing medium and a method of using that phone to allow a Payee to request payment from a Payor is disclosed. The data bearing medium contains instructions to direct the phone to enable the Payee to issue an invoice in electronic form detailing the payment request to the Payor. The phone further allows the Payor to pay the invoice using a suitable payment means, such as a credit card, without requiring any infrastructure investment on the part of the Payee. Finally, the phone does not require that the Payee receive funds from the Payor in a specific account. The phone allows the Payee to receive their funds in any account specified by the Payee.

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: There is provided an information service system, an information service method, and an information service program, the information service system comprising an interactive system 31 that implements an interactive control apparatus 3103 for providing information or executing processing according to an interactive script in response to a request that has been made by a service user through voice or push button operation; an interactive log management apparatus 32 that manages an interactive log related to the usage of the interactive system 31; and a call charge burden ratio calculation apparatus 33 that calculates the ratio of the burden of call charges associated with the telephone information service between an information service provider and service user based on the interactive log managed by the interactive log management apparatus and call charges information associated with a use of the interactive system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a mobile contents access, transmission and reception method using a hyperlink message, the method allowing predetermined contents to be displayed or to be activated when a hyperlink of the hyperlink message is selected, the hyperlink message includes hyperlink information designating a connection point at which the contents will be executed on the terminal, and free communication identification information indicating that a communication fee normally charged to the terminal is not charged, the terminal adds an indication of free communication to the hyperlink message and displays them on a display means, the contents are activated in the terminal through the connection between the terminal and the connection point, and when the connection is terminated, the mobile communication provider server calculates the communication fee to be charged for the connection through, and stores it as billing information for the contents provider rather than billing information for the terminal.

Abstract: A method for providing wireless online access comprises: establishing a wireless access signal space wherein a wireless communications link is established between a secondary wireless unit and at least one primary wireless unit, thereby providing a corresponding secondary subscriber with online access by data packet transmission between the primary wireless unit and the secondary wireless unit; and receiving, from an online access provider, a credited revenue amount in return for providing online access for the secondary subscriber.

Abstract: A method, a system and a device for realizing hangup notification service are provided. The method includes the following steps: during a conversation between a calling party and a called party, obtaining, by a switch device, hangup notification service information subscribed by a non-hangup user and/or a hangup user after one user party hangs up; connecting to a notification service platform according to the hangup notification service information; and playing, by the notification service platform, user-subscribed notification information for the non-hangup user. A system and a device for realizing notification service are provided in the present invention accordingly. Through the present invention, a user may establish individual profile by subscribing individualized notification information, and it is convenient for the user to set dynamic information for notifying the opposite user party.

Abstract: A service for presenting billing information to a customer according to a hierarchal structure defined by the customer. The customer assigns telephone numbers to company units and defines how each of the units relate to each other in the hierarchal structure. The billing information associated with each assigned telephone number is processed in accordance with the hierarchal structure. Thereafter, the bill is presented to the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the management and analysis of detail records in a mobile telephony network, including the ability to store remotely and retrieve detail records given a specific call or a data session for signaling analysis in such networks. Computer program products which can execute such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for operating and deploying a broadband wireless network having at least one data transmission node and a plurality of CPE units, wherein there is a wireless data link at least in part between the data transmission node and the CPE units, and further wherein the management and configuration of the network is managed centrally and at least one of authorization, authentication, data stream prioritization or queuing is accomplished through the operation of the CPE units. According to one embodiment there is provided a user group manager that provides a user interface for at least one local service provider to manage information about end users served by the local service provider. In another embodiment, management and configuration of the network is managed using a device that communicates with CPE units and the data transmission nodes.

Abstract: A system and method for building GUI screen screens for a time keeping and expense tracking system includes a time keeping and expense tracking (TKET) server that includes computer instructions that define logic for building GUI screen screens according to user definitions, communication channel throughput capacity, and terminal capacity. In one embodiment of the present invention, the TKET server is operable to receive communication signals transmitted by way of a wireless communication channel and to generate corresponding display screens that are responsive to the user terminal type. The TKET server is also operable to act as a remote time clock. Accordingly, the TKET server is formed to receive and interpret signals that define the user ID, an account code, and whether a start or stop timekeeping event has been selected. The TKET server also is operable to prompt an IVR to interact with the user.