Abstract: A system and method for reconciling the differences in pricing breakout definitions between telecommunication carriers so that rates and codes can be communicated between carriers in a format that is compatible with the systems of the respective carriers.

Abstract: The cost control module 120 controls costs associated with automated access to mobile services for processes running on mobile devices 110. The module 120 performs cost control in a user-friendly manner so the user is affected by the processes as minimally as possible, but the user is also not forced to pay large fees when the processes access certain mobile services. If a program needs to access a mobile data service to complete a function, the module 120 determines what various mobile services are available, and the cost of accessing each service. The module 120 prioritizes the services according to cost. The value of granting the program access to the service is weighed against the cost of access and a determination is made regarding whether access should be allowed.

Abstract: Utilization of resources used to provide a service, and/or costs associated with providing system resources for a service, are tracked in a system where the available resources vary depending on a variety of conditions including resource utilization by other users. The methods are well suited for systems such as mobile communications systems, where the amount of resources and/or costs to a system of providing a service are dynamic and can change on a relatively rapid time scale. Resource utilization is tracked on a per subscriber basis. Service charges can be determined as a function of both the amount of resources consumed and the amount of data delivered, with the amount of resources being used to deliver a fixed amount of data units varying as a function of environmental and/or other conditions. Service charges are sometimes determined as a function of the impact of providing the service to a first user on other system users.

Abstract: A method for implementing charging communication services is provided, wherein, the charging system includes a charging module and an expression analyzer; the charging module first determines a plurality of basic expression factors, and a user configures expressions based on the expression factors; the charging module reads a communication record, obtains the values of the expression factors by analyzing the communication record, and transmits the values of the expression factors to the expression analyzer; the expression analyzer performs the expression operation assigned with the expression factor values and finally returns the operation result to a charging module; and the charging module searches the corresponding charging rate according to the operation result and calculate the fee.

Abstract: A general charging method includes establishing a charging strategy and performing the charging according to the charging strategy. The charging strategy includes at least one priority each of which includes at least one time period and each of the time periods is provided at least one rate segment in each of which there is at least one rate. Performing the charging includes: matching with a corresponding charging strategy upon the time a subscriber uses a service and/or the subscriber's current resource, and determining a charging mode; searching for a corresponding priority; performing the charging according to the charging mode. With such a structure of general charging strategy, the method can satisfy various charging demands and provide generality and adequate expansibility. Also, the method enables subscribers to configure different charging methods as necessary.

Abstract: To facilitate real-time pricing, an embodiment of the invention retrieves multiple quotes from multiple databases associated with multiple service providers. Information regarding a customer's location, and the locations of multiple service providers are used to determine the cost of services associated with each of the multiple service providers in real-time. The retrieved quotes are compared, and quotes below a pre-determined price threshold are provided to a user in real-time (e.g., via the Internet). The user can select a desired quote from the quotes provided, and purchase or request more information regarding the desired quote online.

Abstract: For optimizing Internet access resources, a method and system for billing network access capacities shared across Internet service providers is disclosed. A Client Service Provider (CSP) may rent access on Points Of Presence belonging to a Master Service Provider (MSP) while maintaining a constant security level and providing connection accounting. When a CSP's subscriber sends an access request to a MSP, the MSP analyzes the subscriber's realm and checks the capacities allocated to the subscriber's CSP. If connection is allowed, the MSP sends an authentication request to the CSP. If the subscriber is authenticated, the MSP launches an accounting process based on the subscriber's realm while the CSP may launch an accounting process associated with the subscriber identifier. The cost of rented Points Of Presence capacity is based on total connection time and on the number of simultaneous connections established by the MSP for the CSP, combined with predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: Subscribers of a telephone service can define a calling circle, which includes a group of other telephone subscribers with whom the subscriber receives preferential billing rates. The members of the calling circle may include customers of a telephone service provider other than the subscriber's telephone service provider.

Abstract: A method and system for processing billing of including QoS information are provided. In the method, a call is initiated by transmitting/receiving packets directly to/from an opponent terminal after signaling with the opponent terminal using a session initiation protocol through the signaling server. Then, QoS of the call is measured while communicating with the opponent terminal. A billing process is performed of including the QoS measuring result by transmitting the QoS measuring result to the signaling server after the call established to the opponent terminal is terminated.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for determining a least-cost, international-routing path to communicate data across a telecommunications network are provided. The path implementation variables can be presented on a user interface or used to automatically generate a switch update transaction that implements the path. The method includes identifying variables that affect the determination of a least-cost path, receiving data values that correspond to the variables, and presenting the data values so that the path can be determined in response to observing the variables. Confidence and route testing can be conducted using the present invention.

Abstract: A method and system implementing a variable pricing structure that applies to goods and services available from a vendor, and rewards customers who spend more is described. Customers can select a combination of the offered goods and services offered by a vendor, rather than choosing from among a few, pre-bundled packages. A progressive discount is employed in the determination of the price of the combination, such that increasing the number of goods or services, or increasing the level of service results in greater discounts. The offering price of this combination is conveyed to the customer, and opportunities to make changes to the selected combination are provided. The opportunity to initiate the purchase of the selected combination is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a general charging method applicable to a charging system in the communication field, comprising steps of establishing a charging strategy and performing the charging based upon the charging strategy. The charging strategy comprises a plurality of priorities each of which comprises a plurality of periods of time, and each of the periods of time corresponds to a type of rate segmentation and is provided a plurality of rate segments in each of which there are a plurality of rates. The step of performing the charging comprises steps of: searching for the highest priority in the charging strategy; searching for a corresponding period of time in the priority based upon the time a subscriber uses a service, and if found, performing the charging based upon the rate segments in the period of time; when the charging has been completed or the priorities have been searched through, and if there is any usage quantity that can't be charged, recording it and terminating the charging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a rate model (115) for use in determining a rate to be applied with respect to an instance of a product or service, system or process. The rate may relate for example to utilisation of a resource, for example to a charging rate to be applied with respect to use of a product or service. The rate model comprises: (i) data (205, 210) defining a rating space having at least one dimension defined by an attribute of the system, process, product or service; (ii) a rating vector definition comprising at least one rate parameter; and (iii) data (225, 230) which defines distinct regions in the rating space over which the defined rating vector is invariant, and which defines the respective invariant rating vector (235) for each distinct region (225, 230).

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: The present invention relates to a method and a communication system for the current calculation of fees for a user of the telecommunication system. The present system includes a fee calculation station which is adapted to calculation the fees in accordance with a clocking and a fee rate associated with a predetermined service depending upon the period of use of the service.

Abstract: A method and system for determining rating data for services in a communication network, wherein an incoming charging request is received from a service element (105, 106), data such as a location number associated with a service or a subscriber (102) is accessed, and a tariff structure is traversed (307). It is determining whether there is a branching condition for the data and then if any list or record (201a,b; 202a,b; 203a,b; 204a,b) is associated with a subscriber (201), account (203), subscriber group (202), or account group (204) contains the data (309, 310). A list indicator corresponding to the data is accessed (311). It is determined whether there is a branching condition for the list indicator (312), and if so the list indicator is searched in the tariff structure (313). Analyse of the tariff structure is performed based on the list indicator for finding a resulting tariff for return to the request (314-320).

Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises a portable telecommunication terminal and a server unit possessed by the communication service provider for the portable communication terminal. The portable communication terminal has a first communication section performing a communication by way of a first wireless path to which flat rate billing system is applied, a second communication section performing a communication a communication by way of a second wireless path to which measured rate billing system is applied; and a communication control section, detecting a candidate for wireless path being available at the current position and, performing a communication at the current location by the first communication section when the first wireless path is detected as a candidate for wireless path.

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 system and method for reconciling the differences in pricing breakout definitions between telecommunication carriers so that rates and codes can be communicated between carriers in a format that is compatible with the systems of the respective carriers.

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: The invention relates to a communications system and a method for establishing a broadband connection, for example a multi-media connection between two or more users, by means of exchanges in a communications network, for example an ATM network. According to the invention, when the exchanges receive a request from a calling user to establish a broadband connection, said exchanges first establish a minimal connection between the users and once the minimal connection is in operation between the users, the requested broadband connection is established. The users of broadband network capacities, which have been reserved by the network at the request of the user, are billed during the call phase. Broadband connections of this type can receive a higher priority than the upgrade of minimal connections to complete connections. A voice connection comprising audio data constitutes for example a minimal connection. The broadband connection takes place for example between video telephones.

Abstract: A method of initiating a wireless communication session with a communication network is provided. A cost estimate for the communication session is determined based on a quality of service level and a quantity of information to be communicated. The communication session is initiated when the cost estimate is accepted. In one embodiment, the user may select a second quality of service level for the communication session when the first cost estimate is not accepted and is provided a second cost estimate for the second quality of service level. In yet another embodiment, a communication session is initiated when there is sufficient balance available to the wireless communication device or a user's smart card for a communication session at a quality of service level selected by the user. In one embodiment, the method may be performed in accordance with a packet radio service network providing packet data services.

Abstract: There is provided a method for providing content to network devices in a communication network. A level of congestion of the communication network is determined (305). A cost of service is calculated based on the level of congestion (310). The network devices are informed of the cost of service (315). A first selection is received from a user of a network device specifying a content to be downloaded to the network device during a download process (320). A second selection is received from the user specifying a cost of service threshold for the download process (325). The cost of service is automatically compared to the cost of service threshold (330). The download process is automatically performed, when the cost of service is less than the cost of service threshold (335).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved operations method for a wireless communication system. The improved business method, operations method, network and system of the present invention includes the steps of delivering cellular services to the mass market, reducing peak capacity, increasing overall capacity utilization, improving capital utilization, providing an “all-you-can-eat” pricing model, and designing capacity based upon where the users live, work, and play.

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: Methods and systems are provided for use in a wireless network that includes a base station and a mobile station. Service may be provided by the base station to the mobile station based on the traffic load on the network. When a request for a service is received at the base station, the cost of the service is determined. The request is granted if the determined cost is less than or equal to a threshold that is responsive to a load on the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a bill image in a computer implemented billing system for a telecommunications network which includes providing a plurality of discounts for a customer retroactively applied to calls made during a billing period in which the discounts apply. The method includes loading qualification criteria for the plurality of discounts and customer account details into the billing system, generating a data structure defining a time line over at least part of which the discounts are operative, the time line being divided in dependence on the qualification criteria and customer account details into a number of segments each of which corresponds to a period during which a respective version of the discounts were operative, accumulating charges for the calls made during each segment, and calculating the appropriate discounts from the accumulated charges for each segment for calls which qualify for the discounts.

Abstract: A method of billing a variable bit rate communication between a first terminal and a distant terminal to a broadband subscriber permits changing billing parameters during a call in real time in response to user inputs including user requested changes in quality of service, changes in data rate and changes in preferred service provider. A variable bit rate communication to be billed has a variable quality of service related to the degree of utilization of a plurality of different networks. The billing method comprises the steps of: i.) receiving user identification data at a first terminal and data representing a required bit rate and a default quality of service selected by the user, ii.) verifying the user identification data to be associated with the broadband service subscriber, iii.) determining least cost alternative network resources available for achieving the communication at the user selected default quality of service and the required bit rate, iv.

Abstract: A telecommunication service charges for voice calls entering a network over a particular time period, such as a billing period. A parameter or parameters related to the number of information units (e.g., packets, bytes or bits) used to transmit the plurality of voice calls over the network is measured. A charge for the plurality of voice calls is computed based on the one or more parameters measured. The one or more parameters may be used to compute a charge for the plurality of voice calls based on the total number of information units transmitted, average number of information units transmitted, peak information units transmitted over the billing period or some combination thereof.

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: The present invention bills a call in accordance with a measured quality of service (QoS) level afforded by the call and specified in a service level agreement. The measured quality of service is determined from a collection of measurements associated with the call. An adjustment factor is determined by a subscriber class of service and the measured quality of service. The adjustment factor is utilized by a billing processor in rating the call.

Abstract: A local communication space (e.g., a local calling area) is defined based at least on a non-geographic factor, such as subscriber preference, a frequency of communication with a given destination, a destination type, and/or the like. The local communication space may be defined by compiling a list of communication spaces and allowing a subscriber to select one or more of the communication spaces as his or her local communication space, and/or by allowing a subscriber to individually input one or more communication destinations. A limit may be placed on the number of communication spaces that may be selected and/or on the number of individual communications destinations that may be input. Subscribers may be billed according to how many communication spaces and/or how many individual communication destinations they select.

Abstract: A global prepaid roaming services method and apparatus is described in which a roaming phone located in a first region places an outgoing call to a destination party in a second region, and responsive to placing the call, a service processing node (SPN) establishes a first call connection between the roaming phone and the SPN, a second call connection between the SPN and the destination party is established and the SPN bridges the first and second call connections to establish a call connection between the roaming phone and the destination party.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating rated long distance-telephone calls. The method includes receiving a destination telephone number for a rated long distance telephone call. The method further includes determining a first rate for the telephone call based on the destination number and connecting to a call management system. The method further includes receiving a DTMF tone from the call management system, the DTMF tone corresponding to a second rate for the telephone call. If the first rate is identical to the second rate, a telephone call connection to the destination number is initiated. The telephone call is rated at the first rate.

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: Method and system for processing charge messages in a telecommunication system comprising a registering point for distinguishing received charge messages from each other, a first telephone exchange connected to a calling subscriber and a second telephone exchange connected to a called subscriber, said telephone exchange using charge calculation based on charge messages of the originating and terminating side, a charge message being sent during call set-up from the originating side to the registering point. A charge message received from the terminating side is checked; the charge data or the originating side and terminating side are combined if they bear similarities; the charge message is modified to from a replacing charge message that contains the combined charge data; and the replacing charge message is sent to the registering point.

Abstract: A utilitarian item for use with a remote access system is herein disclosed and described.

Abstract: A telecommunication system and method for communicating between at least two end users over a telecommunication network, where the communication is defined by a set of parameters. At least two entities, such as one or both of the end users and/or the service providers negotiate an agreed set of values for said parameters that define the desired communication. The entities also negotiate a warranty agreement with the network service provider defining at least one of the agreed parameters to be warranted including a compensation method to be applied should said at least one monitored parameter fail to meet the corresponding one of said agreed values. The agreed warranted parameters are monitored once the communication is established and, in the event of a failure of the monitored parameters to meet agreed values, at least one of the entities is compensated in accordance with the agreed compensation method.

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 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: The invention includes a system for processing telecommunications signaling. Signaling for a call is received into a signaling processor. The signaling processor processes the call and generates new signaling incorporating the processing. The new signaling is transferred to network elements as appropriate. The signaling processor is not coupled to a switch matrix and only communicates with the network elements over signaling links.

Abstract: A telecommunications system (18) has a capacity management system (100) which provides a user equipment unit agent (150) for each wireless user equipment unit (20) with which a connection is to be established. The user equipment agent negotiates resources for the prospective connection to be established with its corresponding user equipment unit. In the negotiation, the user equipment agent determines a number of purchase units expendable by the user equipment unit for the negotiation, and issues a resource request to begin the negotiation. Each resource has a resource unit price at which a unit of the resource is sold. In response to the resource request issued by the user equipment agent, connection resources are allocated to the user equipment unit in accordance with what the number of purchase units expendable by the user equipment unit can afford. The resource unit price for the resources is dynamically adjusted, e.g., in accordance with load on the telecommunication system.

Abstract: A plurality of telecommunication traffic providers are connected to supply information about the current utilization of their networks to a dedicated network element to which is also connected a plurality of potential buyers of traffic capacity. The dedicated network element includes local and wide area data networks over which information about the existence of available network capacity among the providers is communicated to an administration center. The administration center makes that information available via the data network to the participating potential buyers and, thereafter, brokers the sale of the available telecommunication capacity from providers to buyers. It also monitors and assures that the buyers receive the benefit of their purchased capacity and the terms under which their sales were made.

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 a method for call set-up and a telecommunication system. The telecommunication system comprises service database means (10, 20, 30 and 40) comprising teleservice price data. The service database means (10, 20, 30 and 40) are connected to different service provider means (15 to 17, 25, 26, 35, 45, 46) representing various operators. A control means (11, 12, 21 to 23, 31 to 33, 41 and 42) is in connection with the subscriber terminal of the telecommunication system, and is regularly, or at a preferred time, in connection with the service database means (10, 20, 30 and 40) for transmission of service information to the control means (11, 12, 21 to 23, 31 to 33, 41 and 42). The control means (11, 12, 21 to 23, 31 to 33, 41 and 42) controls the call set-up of the subscriber terminal so that the subscriber uses the operator (15-17, 25, 26, 35, 45, 46) offering the most inexpensive teleservice.

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.