Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications device wherein the telecommunications device is used to detect an outgoing call from a calling party to a called number. The calling number is used to determine whether or not the calling party is a universal service user. If it is determined that the called number is among a class of numbers exempt from charges, the call is connected. A determination on the sufficiency of funds in a pre-paid account is made. If it is determined that there are insufficient funds in a pre-paid account to cover charges associated with the outgoing call, a message is generated and sent to the calling party or a third party requesting authorization to charge an additional fee for connecting the calling party with the called party and providing related information or application services. User input is received from the calling party, indicating the calling party's authorization of such charge. The connection between the calling party and the called party is made.

Abstract: In known telephone systems it is very difficult to change call detailed records CDR formatted from a raw data flow. In the proposed method, the exchange supplier formats a special mother form, which is a file and which shows in plain language (in ASCII form) all names and parameters of fields in the raw data flow. The operator has a program using a graphic interface and showing the mother form in the display. Beside it a user form blank is seen and the user selects the fields he desires simply by dragging with the mouse the field of his choice from the mother form into the user form and by dropping the field here (drag and drop). In this manner the user formats his own form, which contains such data only which he wishes to have in the CDR. When the user form has arrived at the telephone exchange and at the billing center, it can be activated at any time.

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: 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: 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 administratively optimized process and/or system for metering communication tariffs which—with the aid of a flat-rate-calculating computer, which is connected to an associated exchange for customer terminals—carries out automatic administratively optimized metering of communication tariffs. Such automatic, administratively optimized metering of communication tariffs is suitable both for digitized, as well as for analog communication networks, implemented as wire-bound, radio-based or laser-assisted, terrestrial or satellite networks. Each terminal is connected to a communication meter which is sealed or otherwise protected against manipulation and can be read off using telemetry or, when prompted, by the customer using a special meter-reading card. The flat-rate-calculating computer processes the information pertaining to consumed volumes of information in three ways.

Abstract: A communication system for establishing a transparent communication link between a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The communication system in concert with the first transceiver captures and formulates a dedicated communication code intended to represent the second transceiver. Transparent to the user of the first transceiver, the computer system evaluates the communication code and determines whether to transmit the communication code to the Local Exchange Carrier or establish a communication link with an Intelligent Switch, a component of the computer system. When the communication link is established between the computer system and the Intelligent Switch, the Intelligent Switch transmits a communication data packet to the computer system. The communication data packet may, if desired, contain communication transaction rate information, advertisement, or other selected data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing bandwidth pricing for a data transmission system electronically connected to a source of bandwidth spot prices, where the data transmission system transmits data as packets to a predetermined destination, are provided.

Abstract: Subscribers in a mobile communications system are provided with a bundle of call time each billing period, against which standard call types are rated. If, at the end of one billing period, a portion of the bundle for that billing period remains, the rating system associates the remaining portion with a bundle provided for the forthcoming billing period. In one embodiment, rating is interrupted whilst any remaining portions of the previous bundles are added to the newly-created bundles for the next period. In other embodiments, the rating system refers both to the current bundle and to a previous bundle when rating standard call types.

Abstract: A network building system uses criteria from a potential buyer of network services operating in a communications service bidding exchange to identify one or more network segments meeting the buyer's criteria. The exchange allows buyers to purchase usage privileges on network segments operated by service providers affiliated with the exchange. A number of geographically disperse hubs affiliated with the exchange are interconnected by these network segments. Multiple network segments from different providers may interconnect any two hubs. Thus, a challenge arises when a buyer requires network services that involve multiple hubs because of the potential number of network segments involved and the range of choices for selecting a specific set of network segments meeting the buyer's needs. The network building system uses buyer criteria to identify network segments, or combinations of segments, meeting the buyer's needs.

Abstract: A total aggregation plan (TAP) which connects an end-subscriber to an Customer or a Customer. The present invention encourages Customers to use more than one type of telecommunications service to connect to its end-user (subscriber) by requiring that the Customer choose a specified number of data services that are available from the telephone company under the plan. The Customer is then required to sustain an annualized billing of greater than a specified amount and maintain at least a specified percentage of billing allocations to each one of the data services chosen. If the Customer does comply in this manner, then a billing credit is provided to the Customer based on the billing history.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for analyzing and preparing optimum telephone services calling plans. An optimum calling plan analysis engine analyzes wireline local and long distance and wireless call use during a given period of time for selected wireline and wireless telephone services. Based on a number of factors, including the type, duration, time, day, location, etc. of calls made by the subscriber, the calling plan engine calculates the cost of a number of different calling plans to which the subscriber may change in order to offer a cost savings to the subscriber. After the calling plan engine calculates and identifies alternative calling plans that meet the subscriber's calling patterns and save costs to the subscriber, the subscriber is notified of the alternative calling plans.

Abstract: An article of manufacture including a computer usable medium having software embodied therein for managing at least one telephone system having a PBX switch and database and at least one adjunct system and database.

Abstract: A system subsidizes telephone calls over a network. The system includes a service provider 120 that establishes a telephone call between a calling party terminal 130 and a called party terminal 140 over the network 110. During the telephone call, the service provider causes at least one advertisement 312 to be displayed at the calling, or called party terminal. At any time during, or after, the telephone call, the service provider generates a bill based on a subsidized billing rate related to the display of the at least one advertisement.

Abstract: A method and system include screening and routing telephone calls, generating calling data reports and discounting billing for a customer's wide area centrex/PBX network, which includes an abbreviated dialing plan. A service control point (SCP) determines whether to block an outgoing call based on stored blocking tables and a privilege class of the calling station. The SCP determines whether to route the call through a private trunk group from a host switch to a private facility, and through an alternative trunk group when the private trunk group is unavailable. The SCP determines whether the call is eligible for discounted billing and generates a billing record, which is modified by a service switching point to indicate the discount. The SCP also samples calling data from service switching points and transmits the sampled data to a front end processor for formatting into station message detail recording (SMDR) data.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method are disclosed for providing information relating to a telephone call associated with an access point within a telecommunications system, such as a telephone line or telephone number, to a software application in substantial real time. The system and method include assigning a destination address to the telecommunications system access point about which telephone call information is desired, and sending an electronic message to the destination address in response to a telephone call being established utilizing the access point. The electronic message includes, among other things, information relating to the telephone call and the access point.

Abstract: In general, a call rating and debiting system provides a way of rating and debiting complex debit card calls. The system estimates the time when a subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls for a given time period. Estimation is performed by accounting for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to a latest paid for time, estimating remaining time before a subscriber's balance reaches zero, based upon a remaining balance achieved after the system accounts for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call and reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, and setting a time limit for all calls in accordance with any portion of the aforementioned. An alternative embodiment of the system allows a subscriber's account balance to be automatically increased after the balance decreases past a predefined minimum.

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 ratings engine system that uses decision networks to select and execute Price Plans to rate an Event. A plan selection rule set is used to select a Price Plan for the Event and an Algorithm rule set is used to select an Algorithm to rate the Event. The Price Plans and rule sets are stored in a database. Conditions are also evaluated as the rule sets are traversed and include a program that determines if an Event qualifies for the Condition. Conditions can have a range or domain of applicability. The changing of the decision network changes the business rules for the Event without changing the Algorithms or Conditions.

Abstract: As part of electronically handling a large amount of data (e.g., error messages) generated within, for example, a telephone service provider's billing network, a configuration utility software allows a user to electronically change or update various configuration parameters for another software application, e.g., a loader application, and also to access the performance data generated by the loader application so as to optimize the performance of the loader application in varying data transfer situations. The loader application, in turn, is a computer-based data transfer application that electronically loads a large volume of data, e.g., telecommunication billing data, from one computer into another computer. The loader application thus substantially reduces human involvement during transfers of large amount of data, and thereby also reduces errors typically associated with manual data entries by human data operators.

Abstract: An internetwork (such as the Internet) telephony system and method incorporating architecture and methodology which facilitates a high degree of scalability. The scalability provides improvement dealing with usage recording, usage pricing, billing account management, and fraud control. The scalability is achieved primarily by bundling of usage recording, pricing, authorization and billing practices in one logical database object which may be physically distributed. A predefined set of network elements are provided access to the database object to obtain authorization for a call along with limitations on the maximum cost or duration of the call for the particular account involved. The database object records usage statistics relating to the completed call, including pricing, and this data is available for virtually immediate billing. The database object provides to customers on a virtual real time basis the customer's usage statistics, including statistics for a call in progress.

Abstract: A control method of a second terminal which communicates with a partner of a communication by a first terminal. Fee information to calculate a fee per unit time of the communication by the first terminal is obtained. The fee information obtained is transmitted via a radio line to the second terminal which communicates with the partner of the communication by the first terminal. The fee information transmitted is received and the speech fee is calculated and displayed. The communication by the first terminal is held is subsequently restarted by a request from the second terminal.

Abstract: A communication switching system comprising a first time counter for registering a starting time of a communication service, the first time counter adapted to change the present reference time according to a request given during the communication service, a second time counter for registering the beginning and the ending time of the communication service, the second time counter not responsive to the request to change the present reference time during the communication service, and a main processor for computing a service charge for the communication service based on the time difference between the beginning time and the ending time registered in the second time counter in reference to the starting time registered in the first time counter, wherein a subscriber is charged according to the exact call time used for the communication service.

Abstract: A procedure and system for setting rates between two predetermined subscriptions in a telephone network without the necessity of substantial system changes to the telephone network. Calls between two predetermined subscriptions can be rated according to a special tariff and changes can be easily and flexibly included in the normal invoicing. When the number of subscriptions per customer is limited to two, the common call number for all customers is the same, e.g. 020100. When this number is dialed, the call is directed to the wired network subscription specified in the subscriber number pair, which is stored in a database, when the call is made from a mobile station, and vice versa.

Abstract: A system and method for partitioning call detail records (CDRs) is disclosed. CDRs are grouped and routed based on one or more digits of the billable telephone number or the billable mobile identification number (MIN). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the last two digits of the billable telephone number or MIN are used. Once partitioned, the CDRs may be distributed across multiple processes for additional processing. In addition, subscriber, rate, and other information that may be necessary for usage processing is routed to processes based on the corresponding billable telephone number or MIN.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for real time subscriber billing in a standard network routing path. Account information is stored for at least one subscriber. A determination is made, based on the account information, whether the subscriber has a sufficient balance for a desired service. Service is authorized or denied to the subscriber based on the determination.

Abstract: Because of technological and regulatory changes, telecommunication service is becoming more of a commodity, with competition between service providers for traffic. The herein disclosed invention stimulates this competition and facilitates a service provider's and a consumer's ability to make economic choices between competing telecommunication carriers. In this method and system, telecommunication switches route calls in accordance with economic incentives (e.g., least cost routing) resulting from a bidding process between participating telecommunication carriers (Carriers), administered by a bidding service provider through operation of a central processor, a computer referred to as a bidding moderator (Moderator). Some of these switches may be provisioned to treat every call attempt presented to them as a call attempt to be routed to the low-bidding Carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically processing charges on a billing system for a telecommunications communication is provided. The type of communication is automatically determined from a received record. Based on the determined type of communication, information indicating attributes of the communication is retrieved from the record. A bill is then generated that includes at least one new section that is generated exclusively from the information retrieved from the record. The new section includes information about communications to new services. The billing system does not have to be extensively reconfigured when a new special service is offered on a trial basis.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving and processing CPOs for telephone calls from calling parties. The CPO management system processes the CPO to determine whether one or more long distance carriers is willing to accept a given CPO and complete a telephone call in accordance with restrictions defined by the calling party. If accepted, the CPO management system binds the calling party on behalf of the accepting interexchange carrier, to form a legally binding contract. A calling party can submit a CPO for an individual telephone call, a package of calls to one or more called parties, or for a contract to provide telephone service for a predefined period of time. The conditions defined by the calling party may include the telephone number to be called, the maximum price, one or more preferred carriers, if any, as well as any time limitations, such as a particular time-of-day or minimum call duration.

Abstract: According the present invention, a line using status of each personal station which contains an existing analog line in a route between the personal station and an exchange unit is determined. The PS number of a personal station having a telephone call, the line number used for the telephone call, and the line use order of in which the personal station uses the line are registered in a billing unit provided to a cell station every time a telephone call is made, and the line number, the line use order and the charging rate parameter of usage of the line are registered in a billing center every time a telephone call is made. Further, the information registered in the billing unit is periodically collected in the form of analog signals in the billing center, and the PS number and the charging rate parameter are associated with each other by using the line number and the line use order as a key.

Abstract: The call charging method, enables to charge a call under control of an Intelligent Network service. The Intelligent Network service is executed by a Service Control Point. The Service Control Point additionally determines the charge of the call, based on the result of a processed customized call charging object.

Abstract: A telecommunications service billing administrator for providing real-time billing query functionality. The billing administrator has a billing system with a processor coupled to a billing information data repository. The billing information data repository updates an account table and a call table during the placement of a telecommunications call leg. The information updated includes a billing account summary. The subscriber can issue a billing inquiry request in which the billing system responds with an announcement of the billing account summary.

Abstract: An improved system for detecting and preventing telecommunications fraud prior to call connection, in which attempted calls are screened for fraud at the point of calling card validation in the SCP. The SCP accesses a database holding a variety of fraud decision nodes that may be interrelated and grouped together to cooperatively define fraud screening trees against which attempted calls may be tested. A fraud screening tree ultimately produces a fraud prediction based on a variety of information concerning the attempted call. The present invention therefore facilitates fraud screening with greater granularity and customization.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and sending call disposition messages. When a calling card call is validated by the telephone network which issued the card, the card issuing network can request a call disposition message. In response to validation of the call, a billing detail record is generated and stored. When the call is completed. an operator service record is generated. The operator service record and its corresponding billing detail record are matched with each other, then merged to form a merged operator services record. The merged operator services record is processed to add pricing information. If the card issuing network had requested a call disposition message, the merged operator services record is sent to a gateway coupled to the card issuing network where it is reformatted to create a call disposition message. The call disposition message is then sent to the card issuing network.

Abstract: An article of manufacture including a computer usable medium having software embodied therein for managing at least one telephone system having a PBX switch and database and at least one adjunct system and database.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make operating a center from a neutral standpoint pay financially in a communication system that enables communications to be initiated by selecting the lowest cost communication line from among a plurality of communication lines. When communication apparatus B accesses center apparatus A by making a call to the center and transmits a filled out application form as an image signal, the center apparatus A prepares an optimum least cost routing table based on the calling party information received at the time of the call arrival and on the information read from the application form restored from the image signal, and transmits the thus prepared least cost routing table to the communication apparatus B.