Abstract: A prepaid communications system includes a wireless call handling device for receiving wireless calls from wireless customers, a packet data serving node for receiving wireless packet data calls from the wireless call handling device and transmitting the calls to a communications network and an administration system in communication with the packet data serving node. Upon a wireless customer originating a wireless call, the wireless call handling device receives the wireless call and transmits the wireless call to the packet data serving node. The packet data serving node accesses the administration system with identification information input by the customer to obtain a call access authorization for the customer. The administration system transmits the call access authorization to the packet data serving node, the call access authorization including a prepaid volume record indicating an amount of prepaid units available for use by the customer and processing instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tracking time spent on one or more Internet sites. The tracked information may then be used to generate detailed records containing the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) of the sites visited, the exact time spent on each site, and a record of any downloads, file transfers, or other activities performed by the user. One or more reports may be generated from the detailed records and list the activity by each user, tabulating the web site accessed and the time spent on that web site. This information may then be utilized to generate an invoice for the work performed. The reports may be generated are stored electronically, and may be accessed by an invoicing program which uses stored hourly rates in conjunction with the information in the report to generate a detailed invoice for the client. The invention may be deployed on a personal computer, and enabled by a service operator who provides the time tracking and recouping system (e.g., a software means).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a message in Caller-ID information are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, an applications server, such as service control point (SCP), substitutes a message for Caller-ID information when a switch serving the called party's line requests the Caller-ID information. An embodiment may also include an application that provides a user interface, for example, a web-enabled interface, to allow the subscriber to add or change the message.

Abstract: Call detail records are generated for usage of a telecommunications service established in a telecommunications network, by monitoring messages in a signalling system for co-ordinating operation of the network and carried over signalling links in the signalling system between a service switching function entity and a service control function entity. Messages are selected that relate to instances of usage of the telecommunications service initiated by the service switching function entity to at least one signal switching point in the network. These selected messages are correlated in accordance with the usage instance to which they relate, and information in the correlated selected messages is used to derive a call detail record for an instance of usage of the telecommunications service.

Abstract: In general, a system and method for analyzing wireless communication data for determining an optimal wireless communication service plan 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 in a calling profile record, wherein the calling profile record is organized with parameters selected from the group consisting of, where calls are made and received, when calls are made and received, and what types of calls are made and received. 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.

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 for establishing a call between a calling party and at least one called party via a call switching network. The method includes calculating a call charge per minute rate based upon a number of rate-determining parameters, notifying the calling party of the call charge per minute rate, receiving input from said calling party based upon the call charge per minute rate; timing the call, calculating the balance available for the call, informing the calling party of the balance in real time, and disconnecting the call when the call balance is zero.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing billing request and response messages to a billing server for serving calls by a particular subscriber. When the subscriber originates a call, an original billing request message is transmitted to an agent server. The agent server determines which billing server serves that subscriber and forwards the billing message to the selected billing server. The billing server responds to the request message with billing request data. Advantageously, this arrangement minimizes the problems of updating a large number of subscriber identification/billing server identification databases.

Abstract: Passengers on board a vehicle make and receive calls via a satellite network. That network sees each passenger involved in a call as a temporary dummy subscriber of the satellite network. Thus the satellite network is used to manage the roaming of passengers on aircraft. An intermediate network and the terrestrial mobile telephone network therefore do not need to manage the roaming of the aircraft. The terrestrial mobile telephone network sees each node of the intermediate network as a dummy base station and each passenger involved in a call as a dummy mobile subscriber of the terrestrial mobile telephone network, in the service area of one of the dummy base stations. The terrestrial fixed telephone network sees each passenger involved in a call as a subscriber of another fixed network managed by another operator. The intermediate network sees the satellite network as a standard terrestrial mobile telephone network, able to manage the roaming of its subscribers itself.

Abstract: A predictive model system is used to detect telecommunications fraud. Call records (CDRs) provided by telephone companies are evaluated against specified rules. If one or more rules are matched, the system generates an alert. Pending alerts for a customer form a case, describing the caller's calling patterns. A predictive model determines a score that is predictive of the likelihood that the call involved fraud. Cases are queued for examination by analysts.

Abstract: Selecting the optimum service provider for each telephone call made so as to minimize the cost of each call. Each of the service providers is likely to be charging fees for calls at different rates determined by the measures of different sets of predetermined calling conditions that the provider sets up. An implementation for initiating a telephone call from the calling station to a selected receiving station, determining the measures of the predetermined calling conditions, determining the optimum service provider charging the minimum fee for the telephone call based on the determined measures of said service provider's set of predetermined calling conditions and routing the initiated telephone call to said receiving station through said optimum service provider.

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: A method and system are provided for creating a billing record with a called party's name. Providing the called party's name on the billing record facilitates the calling party's review of the billing record by reducing the amount of time and effort needed to determine the identity of the called parties. In addition to identifying fraudulent and misbilled calls, the called party's name allows a person reviewing the billing record to quickly identify long distance calls, quickly discern business from personal calls, and audit calls made from phone lines with multiple users (e.g., employees or kids). Additionally, the billing record reviewer saves time and money by avoiding the need to call directory assistance or a billing service to identify the calls.

Abstract: A method for charging Internet protocol multimedia communication sessions within a telecommunication system is disclosed. Charging records are generated by a control element in the system with a same correlation identifier for all the charging records produced for a communication session between parties. A multi-sided correlation identifier and a charging information field containing information related to a determined charging plan is passed via session control protocol between control elements. The charging plan information, along with the multi-sided correlation identifier, is propagated between control elements in the system. The multi-sided correlation identifier and selected charging data is included in each charging record generated for the communication session by each control element. The charge for the communication session is calculated on the basis of the selected charging data received by via the charging records including the multi-sided correlation identifier.

Abstract: A method for server-assisted data processing on a plurality of clients connected at least temporarily to a server. The server manages a defined quantity of processing resource, the clients reserve a respective subset of the processing resource for a reservation period, and the server manages the clients reservations and provides the clients with the reserved subsets of the processing resource for the reservation period, where a confirmation period is defined in which the server is ready to receive a reservation confirmation.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a call control component that sets a call category for a call to indicate that the call terminates at an announcement server component prior to connection with a called communication device. Upon receipt of an answer message from the announcement server component, the call control component drops the answer message based on the call category.

Abstract: A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within the file.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide a transaction processing during which a transaction billing event is created. Metadata associated with an application is stored in a transaction manager database. When a wireless device downloads an application, raw transaction information is sent to and stored in the database. The raw transaction data may include a subset of the metadata and additional information included by other devices and/or systems. Billing events are created by correlating the metadata and the raw transaction data. In addition, subscription billing events, such as those having reoccurring charges, are calculated by evaluating those transactions having a subscription transaction type and their associated metadata stored in the database.

Abstract: A transaction record is received including transaction data corresponding to at least one telephone call placed by a subscriber. The transaction data is processed by a plurality of rate plans, each rate plan generating a toll amount corresponding to the telephone calls of the transaction record. The toll amounts from each of the plurality of rate plans are compared to determine a lowest toll amount. An amount x is deducted from the lowest toll amount to form a final toll amount. A billing record is generated for the subscriber based on the final toll amount.

Abstract: The invention provides an accurate, effective, and efficient system for content based charging, access barring, and network browsing, for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system comprising a gateway general packet radio service support node with service based content charge module; a separate WAP gateway for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers; IP, domain name and URL white list filtering; call detail records; a mediation gateway; data warehouse; and billing system. Access to the internet or free domain networks are efficiently controlled and content charges are accurately billed for both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers.

Abstract: A method of providing information relating to a telephone call, in a GSM cellular radio telephone network, to a data storage system. The method comprises receiving caller identity information at a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) of the network during a call set-up procedure between a mobile station and the MSC and storing the information at least temporarily at the MSC. An incoming call alert message is sent by the MSC to a called device. In the event that the called device answers or otherwise accepts the incoming call alert, a call answer message is sent to the MSC. In response to receipt of the call answer message, at least the received and stored caller identity information is output from the MSC to the data storage system.

Abstract: A network component of an apparatus in one example determines one or more usage characteristics of a mobile communication device for a cellular communications network and one or more usage characteristics of the mobile communication device for a satellite communications network.

Abstract: A system and method for auditing billing records in a telecommunications system. The method retrieves first data records from an origination device and second data records from a billing generation device; retrieves billing records from a billing device; compares the first data records with the second data records and with the billing records; generates a first error log of data records that appear in the first data records but not in the second data records; and generates a second error log of data records that appear in the second data records but not in the billing records.

Abstract: A banded billing system for telecommunication service is disclosed. A carrier's billing system maintains in data storage a banded-pricing schedule that divides a continuum of minutes of use into a series of contiguous, mutually-exclusive minute-ranges and that specifies for each minutes-range a respective cost. At the end of a billing period, the billing system determines a number of minutes of telecommunication service used by a given subscriber during the billing period. The billing system then queries the banded-pricing schedule to determine which minute-range the number of minutes falls into, and to determine the cost specified by the banded-pricing schedule for that minute-range. The billing system then bills the determined cost to the subscriber, for use of the telecommunication service in the billing period.

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. Initially, the TKET server examines a user's ID to determine his group affiliations and ability levels for modifying the parameters, objects, and layout of a GUI screen. Thereafter, the TKET server allows the user to make changes according to his defined abilities. For subsequent sessions, the TKET server builds a GUI screen according to the previously defined parameters. 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.

Abstract: A method for displaying a roaming charge rate on a mobile station in a wireless network is provided. The mobile station is associated with a subscriber to wireless services from a wireless service provider associated with the wireless network. In one embodiment, the wireless network includes a mobile switching center, a subscriber database, a base station, and mobile station. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) while the mobile station is located in a current geographic area, determining the mobile station is roaming, b) determining a roaming charge will be incurred by the subscriber when using the mobile station in the current geographic area, c) communicating a roaming charge rate associated with the roaming charge that would be incurred to the mobile station, and d) displaying the roaming charge rate on a display associated with the mobile station while the mobile station is located in the current geographic area.

Abstract: A method for charging for services in a communication system comprising a charging entity and at least two connection support entities for providing resources to support connection in the communication system. the method comprising: detecting initiation of a connection for provision by the connection support entities; generating a charging identity for identifying the connection: determining according to a first stored tariff a first charge for the support of the connection by the first connection support entity: determining according to a second stored tariff a second charge for the support of the connection by the second connection support entity; transmitting a first charging message from the first connection support entity to the charging entity. the message specifying the first charge and including the charging identity; and transmitting a second charging message from the second connection support entity to the charging entity, the message specifying the second charge and including the charging identity.

Abstract: An Intranet/Internet/Web-based data management tool that provides a common GUI enabling the requesting, customizing, scheduling and viewing of various types of unpriced call detail data reports pertaining to a customer's telecommunications network traffic. The Intranet/Internet/Web-based reporting system tool comprises a novel Web-based, client-server application that enables customers to access their own relevant data information timely, rapidly and accurately through a client GUI. A traffic view server is provided that enables periodic acquisition of data from the customer's telecommunications network at a user-specified frequency and configured to meet real-time traffic reporting requirements. The system infrastructure provided enables secure initiation, acquisition, and presentation of unpriced call detail and statistical data reports to customers.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving data from a telecommunication service provider. Validation rules for analyzing data items in a first format and population rules for converting the data items into a second format are specified. A set of data items in the first format are received by the service provider and analyzed according to the validation rules. The data items are then converted to the second format according to the population rules.

Abstract: A system for tracking billing escalation records includes a processing device configured to provide for creating, tracking and forwarding escalation records, and databases adapted to communicate with the processing device. The databases are configured to provide data on the escalation records. In one embodiment, the databases include tables that are configured to provide data on escalation records such as current escalations, priority codes, investigators, department codes, investigation center department codes, case status, archives, among others. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of processing multimedia calls in a multimedia telecommunications network. The method comprises: receiving at a first network element a multimedia call from a caller using a first communication device to a prepaid wireless user using a second communication device, the prepaid wireless user having an amount of airtime remaining for the second communication device; displaying in real-time a plurality of available call features and the amount of airtime remaining on the second communication device; prompting the prepaid wireless user to select the call features from the plurality of available call features via the second communication device; receiving the user's selected call features at the first network element; routing the selected call features from the first network element to a second network element and then to the caller; setting up the call according to the selected call features; and connecting the call.

Abstract: To charge surely depending on data transmitted through a TCP/IP communication network or the like with a simple configuration. In charging method for data transmission in a communication network in which a plurality of positions are connected to each other through a wide area network, sub-networks being connected to the respective positions through LANs, and sending of data from terminal stations in the sub-networks or receiving of data in the terminal stations being performed, sampling measurements of transmission states of originated data in the LANs and transmission states of incoming data in the LANs are performed in the LANS connected to respective positions, the data of the transmission states subjected to the sampling measurement being periodically transmitted to a predetermined center connected to the communication network, and an amount of charging to each sub-network being decided on the basis of the data of the transmission states transmitted to the center.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method for automatically managing wireless device actions based on network provider-controlled financial conditions, such as the current rate (e.g., cents/minute) for a voice or data communication. In one embodiment, the user configures preferences indicating how the device should behave based on certain financial conditions. The device and the provider communicate transparently to the user to monitor current financial conditions and take actions automatically based on the user preferences. The provider communicates current financial conditions, and the device takes actions according to the user preferences, including executing downloaded applications on the device.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a mobile communication device that automatically receives signals indicating predetermined events, and automatically takes actions in response to the events. The actions include executing one or more software applications on the device. The applications include native applications and downloaded applications that are individually configured.

Abstract: A charge meter system and method of compiling utilization fees associated with a data transmission in a packet switched communications network. In one embodiment, the charge meter system includes a counter that counts a number of data packets associated with the data transmission and a charge rate subsystem that obtains a charge rate associated with the data transmission. The charge meter system also includes a calculation subsystem that calculates utilization fees based on the number of data packets and the charge rate of the data transmission. The charge meter system further includes an indication subsystem that provides the utilization fees to a user via user equipment participating in the data transmission.

Abstract: A distributed wireless online access system comprises a plurality of primary wireless units forming primary wireless communications network, and a plurality of secondary wireless units. Each primary wireless unit may comprise a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a programmed processor for routing data packets received by the primary wireless unit for re-transmission to another primary wireless unit or to a secondary wireless unit. Each secondary wireless unit may comprise a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a programmed processor for processing received data packets and for generating transmitted data packets. A portal unit may provide a connection or link between the primary wireless network and an external communications system (such as the Internet), thereby providing access to the external communications network to all primary and secondary wireless units.

Abstract: A method and system for revenue sharing between mobile operators and content providers. The content providers, through a data network, provide data services to the end users of the mobile operators. For the data services, the content providers are paid by the mobile operators based on the revenue collected by the mobile operators from the end users using the services. An intermediate proxy is disposed between a mobile operator and the data network to keep track of the data amount transmitted by the content providers and the users and to keep track of the revenue sharing agreements established between that mobile operator and the content providers. Additionally, an intermediate proxy is linked to each content provider to keep track of the data amount transmitted to the end users via a mobile operator and to keep track of the revenue sharing agreement with that mobile operator.

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: A method and system for facilitating collection of past due balances. A control entity such as a call server or collections server receives a signaling message such as a SIP INVITE that seeks to set up a call between a calling party and called party. The control entity determines that the calling party has a past due balance, i.e., that the calling party owes the carrier money. In response, the control entity changes the signaling message to designate a collections system as the called party, and the signaling message is then used to set up a call between the calling party and the collections system.

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: The invention relates to service control in a telecommunications network which includes customer terminals (CT) and servers (SP) for offering services to the customers. The service is provided by transmitting information to the customer terminal, and the customer pays for the service by sending payment messages. To achieve a versatile control system for controlling the provision of the service, the system maintains a control parameter whose value is dependent (1) on the service price and on the moments of change in the service price, and (2) on the payments made and on the moments in time that the payments are made. The value of the control parameter is compared to a threshold (TT), and the provision of the service is stopped when the value of the control parameter has reached the threshold.

Abstract: A system and method in a telecommunications network for billing a call placed by a user based on a reported traffic load in the network. The system includes at least one Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF) that sends a reported traffic load for the MGCF in a registration message to a presence and instant messaging (PIM) Server. Users that subscribe to a load-based billing service also register with the PIM Server. The PIM server sends the reported traffic load to the users whenever the traffic load is updated by the MGCF, and to a billing node when the user places the call. A Call State Control Function (CSCF) sends the duration of the call to the billing node. The billing node determines a billing rate based on the reported traffic load and calculates a charge for the call based on the determined billing rate and the duration of the call.

Abstract: A system and method for automated management of the behavior of a wireless communication device is disclosed herein. Behavior preference settings are configured and provided to a wireless network and the wireless communication device. The wireless network provides current conditions or events to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device enforces the preference settings based on current conditions and counters for incoming and outgoing communications to a third party.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method of allocating costs of wireless telephone usage. Billing and usage information is received from at least one wireless telephone service provider related to calls made and received by a plurality of wireless telephone service users. Each call is automatically categorized as a business call or a personal call based on at least one of a phone book, time of day, day, and preset flag associated with a given telephone number. A categorization policy may also be applied in the event call categorization cannot be completed. The categorized calls can be reviewed via a graphical user interface and modification of a categorization can be effected. A final categorization of the calls is ultimately approved, which then allows charges to be appropriately allocated to users, and/or to/from a pool of available wireless time.

Abstract: A billing system and method automatically charges a call to a predetermined telephone line wherein the call is placed by a calling part through a service. This service is any one or combination of a voice mail system, a call forwarding system, and the like. Preferably, this billing system and method also automatically charges the call to a predetermined telephone line even when the calling party places the call from a remote location. The billing system and method preferably includes a signal control point coupled to the calling party, the predetermined telephone line, and the service. Preferably, the signal control point is configured to implement the billing system and method such that the call placed by the calling party through the service is billed to the predetermined telephone line. A terminating attempt trigger within a switch associated with predetermined telephone line preferably directs this switch to record a duration of the call and a particular feature utilized for the call.

Abstract: A telecommunications services exchange that assigns telecommunications services to a relatively small number of tagged classes based on the values of certain parameters characterizing these services is disclosed. Carriers and other traders participating in the exchange may use the class tag to refer to each service they seek to purchase or sell. The relatively small number of classes increases the probability of matching offered and required services. Class definitions may be established on the basis of typical parameter values for a particular type of service, and may be modified over time as those values change. The exchange operator may monitor the parameter variation of each offered service, and swap that service for a different service when monitored variation exceeds that dictated by class boundaries.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for creating a billing record with a called party's name. Providing the called party's name on the billing record facilitates the calling party's review of the billing record by reducing the amount of time and effort needed to determine the identity of the called parties. In addition to identifying fraudulent and misbilled calls, the called party's name allows a person reviewing the billing record to quickly identify long distance calls, quickly discern business from personal calls, and audit calls made from phone lines with multiple users (e.g., employees or kids). Additionally, the billing record reviewer saves time and money by avoiding the need to call directory assistance or a billing service to identify the calls.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and article of manufacture that provides an efficient way to invoice the users of a communication system (100) for the system resources consumed. Invoicing is based upon flexible criteria that can be adapted depending upon the charges a resource provider charges. For example, a user may incur a one-time charge for downloading a desired application program, or the user may be charged a download fee plus a recurring monthly fee for having continual access to the program and any updates to the program. A fee might also be charged for each time the application is used. These fees are recorded as debits and transferred to an invoicing location where an invoice reflecting the debits is constructed. For example, the debits may comprise fees for wireless service access, Internet service access, downloaded application programs, data, multimedia services, or other fees.

Abstract: To diversify the calculation of advice of charge, a price definition element (AoC-I) is maintained in a telecommunications system. In order to use the correct price definition element (AoC-I), an indication of the price definition element (AoC-I) to be used in calculating the advice of charge of a service is associated with the service. The advice of charge of the service is calculated by the indicated price definition element (AoC-I).

Abstract: A telephone caller account management system is disclosed. The system includes a server computer having a customer account database created therein and a workstation in communication with the server computer. The workstation includes a monitor screen, a data entry device and a memory. The memory stores a first program and a second program. The first program, upon execution by the workstation, causes the workstation to display a first interactive form on the monitor screen, receive a first input from a user of the workstation, receive a second input from the user through the data entry device, and access a configuration file for the second program in response to the second input from the user. The first interactive form lists one or more configuration parameters for the second program along with corresponding current values for the one or more configuration parameters. The user sends the first input to the workstation through the data entry device.