Abstract: The present disclosure provides details on an intermediary service bureau (ISB) system which includes an ISB center that acts as an intermediary communication center between communication devices used by correctional facilities and contract providers. The ISB records communications, stores security data, and provides front end processing to facilitate an inmate to communicate with an outside party by way of a contract provider. Further, the ISB provides accounting services for inmates and friends and family that use services provided the contract provider. The contract provider provides security and routing services for the ISB by obtaining data from the ISB and updating data at the ISB according to the communications.

Abstract: The transaction system provides user a reward. The mobile device transmits the reward request including the user ID to the ePOS, the ePOS transmits the transaction data to the mobile device, the mobile device forwards the transaction data to the server, the server verifies the transaction data, the server transmits the reward data to the mobile device, the mobile device stores points.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing mobile network operator controlled content to mobile subscribers using social networking messages. According to one aspect, a method for providing mobile network operator controlled content to mobile subscribers using social networking messages is provided. The method includes receiving, at a mobile network operator node, a message for delivery to a mobile subscriber of the mobile network operator's network. The method further includes determining whether the message is a social networking message. The method further includes, in response to determining that the message is a social networking message, providing mobile network operator controlled content to the subscriber.

Abstract: A wireless communication device associated with a mobile operator network transmits an authentication request for network access via a wireless access point (AP) using a transceiver other than the cellular network transceiver. Device authentication can occur directly with the mobile operator network via a proxy server or using a stand-alone authentication system that is not part of the mobile operator network. Upon authentication, the requesting device may access a wide area network in a data off-load operational mode and the data flow to and from the device via the AP is monitored and reported to mobile operator network associated with the requesting device. The wireless communication device can communicate with any of a plurality of APs distributed in a venue during the data off-load operational mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide optimization of telephone services through telephone calling plan/card analysis. The least expensive rate is found for telephone calls at any given time and/or date, either through static pre-entry of data, or through dynamic querying of rates via a web-based look-up table, and places calls according to an optimized calling plan. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, an outgoing/target telephone number for an intended telephone call is captured, and a corresponding destination geographic region is identified. Based on the geographic region, a calling plan resulting in a lowest price for the telephone call is identified. This is typically accomplished by consulting at least one table (e.g., call information table) that associates (among other things) calling plans and/or calling cards with geographic regions.

Abstract: An electronic advertising system anonymously directs the attention of a user to content provided by an advertiser, in exchange for subsequently permitting the same user to access otherwise restricted desirable content of another part. Such desirable content may include online entertainment media, digital video content, social media, news media, and other privileged services or data. The user accumulates points, or virtual currency, in exchange for viewing the advertisements of vendor affiliates of the present system. The user may then spend previously accumulated points, or virtual currency, in order to access desirable content of redeemer affiliates of the present system. The present system further facilitates financial transactions between the system operator, vendor affiliates, and redeemer affiliates, relative to the movement of virtual currency amongst the various parties.

Abstract: A method includes gathering local call attributes from a call detail record capture utility, linking supplemental attributes to the local call attributes; and generating a local call report, which associates local call routes with a plurality of attributes. A system includes an electronic cost administrator operable to gather call detail records identifying a plurality of calls set up throughout a network and associate a cost with each identified call, a trunk group inventory storing a plurality of local trunk groups that calls can be terminated on, and a local call optimal cost routing matrix generator operable to retrieve selected call setup data from the electronic cost administrator, identify local calls using the trunk group inventory and generate an optimal cost routing matrix associating a plurality of local calls with local routes in a prioritized manner.

Abstract: A method for re-rating a prepaid user is proposed in the present invention. Compared with prior prepaid systems, the present invention introduces new functional entities, i.e. a re-rating management apparatus and an offline charging apparatus, and enhances the existing functional-entity, i.e. the online charging apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide communication connections at a cost reduced via advertising. One embodiment includes: receiving a request from a first user over a data communication network; response to the request, initiating a first telephonic connection to the first user and a second telephonic connection to a second user to provide a telephonic connection between the first and second users; presenting an advertisement to at least one of the first and second users; and reducing a communication fee for the telephonic connection between the first and second users using a portion of an advertisement fee charged for the advertisement.

Abstract: Dissemination of information from a controlled environment facility employs facility information management functionality managing resident information and facility information, and call manager functionality selectively providing at least a portion of the resident information and/or the facility information to an outside party and/or professionals associated with the facility in an automated manner. The invention may employ outgoing IVR functionality to provide select portions of the resident information to appropriate professionals at the time of intake of a new resident. The invention may conduct a reverse auction among professionals offering a particular good or service, manage information related to providers of services or goods for residents of a facility, provide an outside party this information including results of a reverse auction, and notify a selected provider of selection of that provider by the outside party to provide goods or services for a resident.

Abstract: In a system and method for facilitating an telephony carrier to make transactions with carrier customers and/or carrier suppliers, one or more parameters are monitored and the telephony carrier is automatically to be triggered to send an offer to at least one of the carriers when at least of the parameters reaches a predetermined threshold. Preferably, the parameters are related to telephone capacity handled by the telephony carrier, and the offer is an offer to buy capacity from existing or new carrier suppliers or an offer to sell capacity to carrier customers. Thus, the efficiency of transactions is substantially increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing telecommunication services based on customer groups. A customer group is offered a service plan that provides an incentive to early subscribers in the form of a more attractive pricing plan (i.e., discounts). For example, a particular subscriber may be provided a discount for each customer in the group who becomes a subscriber after the particular subscriber. The discounts and pricing plan may also be based, at least in part, on the total number of customers in the group that become subscribers. Further, in order to reduce customer churn, customer discounts or other incentives may be applied toward the end of a subscription plan period. Further, subscriber discounts and/or credits may be banked in a subscriber account.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion.

Abstract: A method, non-transistory computer readable medium and system for dynamically assigning a request for wireless communication service are disclosed. For example, the method receives the request for wireless communication service from a mobile device, and forwards the request to a plurality of wireless network service providers to solicit at least one bid for servicing the request. The method receives the at least one bid from the plurality of wireless network service providers to service the request, and determines by a coordinating device a winning bid from the at least one bid. The method then assigns a wireless network service provider from the plurality of wireless network service providers to service the request, wherein the assigned wireless network service provider is associated with the winning bid.

Abstract: Behavior associated with credit misuse is referred to herein as “intentional misuse of credit” (IMOC) behavior and individuals who exhibit IMOC behavior are referred to herein as IMOC individuals. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for reviewing, on a daily basis, financial-transaction data taken across a plurality of individual consumers, identifying individual consumers whose financial-transaction data indicates IMOC behavior, and flagging those individual consumers as IMOC individuals.

Abstract: The invention includes telephony servicing over a computerized network wherein customers of a telephony services company may establish basic services, add new services or modify existing services. A customer may create an account on a provisioning system and manage the account options within a provisioning system which facilitates activity within an existing carrier provisioning system architecture.

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

Abstract: A node (22) of a communications system is configured use behavioral information (26) regarding a customer/subscriber's communication usage to automatically perform a promotional activity (28) with respect to communication usages of the customer/subscriber with another customer/subscriber. In an example implementation, the node (22) comprises electronic circuitry (38) configured to use the behavioral information (26) regarding the customer/subscriber's communication usage to automatically perform the promotional activity (28) with respect to the communication usages of the customer/subscriber with the another customer/subscriber. In its various embodiments, the promotional activity (28) comprises at least one of a financial discount activity; a new access activity; a quality of service change activity; and, an advance recharge activity.

Abstract: A method and system for updating the available amount of a service to be used by a user in a communications system, wherein a requested amount of a requested service is reserved if it is available. It is detected if a valid delivery of the requested service has been performed, if so, the delivered amount of said requested service is accumulated; and available amount is updated in dependence of the delivered amount.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion.

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: The current invention is a system for providing telephone directory assistance service in which a telephone user calls to the system and the system will, based on the requested number or type of service, hear a recorded advertisement. The advertisements are selected from a databank, which may include any number advertisements categorized within the category associated with the service, according to selection criteria. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual. The selection criteria can include the use of SIC codes.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion.

Abstract: A telecommunication appliance serves a large user base via an interface to a universal registration database having access to a set of transport mediums applicable to each user. A media database operates in conjunction with the appliance for identifying the user and providing targeted media to the user during a connection interval commonly referred to as the “ringback” period while a connection supporting the requested communication is completed. The universal identifier indexes alternate transport mediums available to the user based on entries in the universal database, and determines a lower cost (or no cost) transport. In lieu of the convention ringback, the initiating user receives targeted media referenced from the media database and responds to it while the communication is completed. The targeted media is provided as a fee based service to media provides (advertisers), therefore injecting revenue for supporting the service without requiring a fee from the invoking users.

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

Abstract: The current invention is a system for providing directory assistance service in which a user sends a request to the system and the system will, based on the request, return advertisements, which may be in a visible or audible form. The advertisements are selected from a databank, which may include any number advertisements categorized within the category associated with the service, according to selection criteria. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual.

Abstract: Advertising referral methods and systems allow a first user to refer advertisements of interest to other users, taking advantage of pre-existing social networks. A referral server may coordinate a referral by either receiving a referral message from the first user for forwarding to another user, or by receiving notification of the referral message. Information about the referral may be stored in a database. If another user accesses the referred advertisement, additional information may be received by the referral server and stored in the database. The first user may be credited with inducements based on the referred advertisement and whether or not another user accessed it.

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

Abstract: A method of operating a communication system is disclosed. An access gateway sends an authentication request to an authentication server. The access gateway receives an authentication response from the authentication server that includes a suppress record attribute. In response to the suppress record attribute, the access gateway disables an accounting record function. A communication system is disclosed. An access gateway sends an authentication request to an authentication server. The authentication server provides an authentication response that includes a suppress record attribute. The access gateway disables an accounting record function in response to the suppress record attribute.

Abstract: Changes in wireless service user behavior are encouraged and produced to shape utilization patterns among cells within a rate plan region by using shaping rules which define potential discounts from a standard charge rate under certain cell-specific utilization conditions, analyzing the shaping rules and utilization statistics of a cell upon service initiation, generating a discount from the standard rate for underutilized cells. The user is notified of these discount opportunities using text messages, icons, or other means. Over time, the users learn that at certain places and times, significant discounts are offered, and thus changes their behavior to take advantage of those discounts, thereby shaping traffic in a manner desired by the service provider.

Abstract: The invention includes telephony servicing over a computerized network wherein customers of a telephony services company may establish basic services, add new services or modify existing services. A customer may create an account on a provisioning system and manage the account options within a provisioning system which facilitates activity within an existing carrier provisioning system architecture.

Abstract: A communication apparatus which performs IP communication and analog communication through an ADSL gateway obtains an IP address of a party station from an SIP proxy and transmits/receives communication data with the party station on an IP network based on a file transmission/reception protocol such as FTP or HTTP when a party station's telephone number corresponds to a VoIP network. The apparatus performs analog facsimile communication on a line switching network when the party station does not correspond to the VoIP network. Moreover, the apparatus performs the analog facsimile communication on the VoIP network or the line switching network when the party station corresponds to the VoIP network but does not have any digital communication means. Thus, in the apparatus corresponding to analog and network communication paths, it is possible to select an appropriate communication path and achieve high-speed and high-reliability communication without any complicated operation.

Abstract: The current invention is a system for providing telephone directory assistance service in which a telephone user calls to the system and the system will, based on the requested number or type of service, hear a recorded advertisement. An advertiser may target its own telephone number so that consumer requests for information that return the advertiser's telephone number are controlled, thereby preventing competitors of the advertisers from directing advertisements to those consumers. The advertisements are selected from a databank, which may include any number advertisements categorized within the category associated with the service, according to selection criteria. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual. The selection criteria can include the use of SIC codes.

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

Abstract: A monetary account, such as a prepaid account or credit account, that is used as payment for purchases is divided into categories of purchased items. When a purchase is attempted, a request to apply the monetary account specifies the category of the item being purchased. Rules associated with each of the categories of the account are applied in response to the request to determine whether to approve or deny the purchase. Rules may vary from one category to the next. As one example, a rule may include a remaining monetary value of the category where a determination is made whether the cost of the item being purchased is no more than the remaining monetary value. As another example, a rule may include whether a time of the purchase matches an allowable time for the category of the item being purchased. Other examples include rules that allow for borrowing from one category for purchases from another, for specific allocations, and for event triggers to generate alarms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing telecommunication services based on customer groups. A customer group is offered a service plan that provides an incentive to early subscribers in the form of a more attractive pricing plan (i.e., discounts). For example, a particular subscriber may be provided a discount for each customer in the group who becomes a subscriber after the particular subscriber. The discounts and pricing plan may also be based, at least in part, on the total number of customers in the group that become subscribers. Further, in order to reduce customer churn, customer discounts or other incentives may be applied toward the end of a subscription plan period. Further, subscriber discounts and/or credits may be banked in a subscriber account.

Abstract: A method for realizing charging includes setting up mapping relation between service attribute and charging rule acquiring service attribute of the to-be-charged service when it is demanded to charge the to-be-charged service acquiring charging rule of the to-be-charged service according to service attribute of the to-be-charged service, and charging the to-be-charged service according to the acquired charging rule. Also disclosed is a charging system having an acquiring charging rule module and charging processing module. When it is demanded to develop new services or modify charging rules of original services, it can be fulfilled by modifying the service information provided for charging processing module accordingly, thus charging requirements of various services can be satisfied. Charging processing module of charging system is independent of services, so that cost of charging system is reduced, and stability, reliability and versatility of charging system are improved.

Abstract: Changes in user behavior of usage of wireless services from a mobile device are encouraged in order to effect shaping of traffic and utilization patterns among a plurality of cells within a rate plan region, wherein a discount indicator disposed in said mobile device is provided to notify a user of a discount available for consuming wireless service from a given cell. A geo-cost policy is established for that user or mobile device in which rules and conditions according to the available discounts and class of service are defined. A service completer queues services and automatically completes queued services upon present conditions meeting said geo-cost policy rules, such as delaying and later delivering messages when the mobile device is relocated to a cell where discounts are being offered.

Abstract: Changes in wireless service user behavior are encouraged and produced to shape utilization patterns among cells within a rate plan region by using shaping rules which define potential discounts from a standard charge rate under certain cell-specific utilization conditions, analyzing the shaping rules and utilization statistics of a cell upon service initiation, generating a discount from the standard rate for underutilized cells. The user is notified of these discount opportunities using text messages, icons, or other means. Over time, the users learn that at certain places and times, significant discounts are offered, and thus changes their behavior to take advantage of those discounts, thereby shaping traffic in a manner desired by the service provider.

Abstract: A method of negotiating the sharing of a cost associated with a communication service between a plurality of participants. The method comprises sending a cost sharing request from a terminal 1 used by a first of the participants to the terminal 12,13 used by the or each other participant At the or each terminal 12,13 receiving said request, the request is processed using predefined cost sharing rules and/or user input relating to the request received. The initiating terminal 1 is notified of the result. Messages exchanged between the participating terminals are intercepted within the network(s) 2,14 supporting the service, and the participants charged in accordance with the negotiated cost sharing formula.

Abstract: Changes in wireless service user behavior are encouraged and produced to shape utilization patterns among cells within a rate plan region by using shaping rules which define potential discounts from a standard charge rate under certain cell-specific utilization conditions, analyzing the shaping rules and utilization statistics of a cell upon service initiation, generating a discount from the standard rate for underutilized cells. The user is notified of these discount opportunities using text messages, icons, or other means. Over time, the users learn that at certain places and times, significant discounts are offered, and thus changes their behavior to take advantage of those discounts, thereby shaping traffic in a manner desired by the service provider.

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 allows a messaging system such as a voice mail system to determine if it is connected to a property management system or some other device. If it is coupled to a property management system, the present invention allows the messaging system to determine which, if any, of several known protocols to use for communication all without the intervention of a user or administrator. In one embodiment, the invention includes determining whether a device is connected to a communications port of a messaging system, receiving a data packet at the communications port, determining a communications protocol for the received packet, and analyzing the received packet data structure. The invention further includes comparing the received packet data structure with a data structure for a known device, and if the data structure of the packet matches that for the known device determining the device coupled to the communications port to be a known device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a location trigger system for a location-based service comprising a mobile station in which a LAT detecting the location trigger is embedded; an LBS platform transmitting location trigger assisted information on a location trigger area to the MS, and handling the location trigger in accordance with events invoked on the basis of the location trigger assisted information; a location agent setting the location trigger to obtain location-based information of the MS; and an LBS application connected to the LP, and receiving a customized LBS based on the location information in accordance with the location trigger.

Abstract: A method and system for trading IP bandwidth in an exchange environment. Participating members of the exchange register their IP route destinations with the exchange. The exchange collects buy and sell orders, which include parameters such as the desired destination, price and quality of the routes. The buy and sell orders are matched based on the specified parameters, and lists of matched orders are forwarded to members' routers for execution of the trades. The exchange settles the executed trades by issuing invoices in accordance with the buyer members' usage of the bandwidth offered by the seller members.

Abstract: A communication company accumulates a communication time or the amount of communication for a call when the call is received, and provides additional service such as discount for a called party according to an accumulated communication time or the accumulated amount of communication. Another example of additional service is discount made according to whether a first communication company providing communication service between a called party and a first switching office and a second communication company providing communication service between a calling party and a second switching office are identical.

Abstract: The current invention is a system for providing telephone directory assistance service in which a telephone user calls to the system and the system will, based on the requested number or type of service, hear a recorded advertisement. The advertisements are selected from a databank according to selection criteria, which may include any number of advertisements. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual. The selection criteria can include the use of SIC codes.

Abstract: Changes in user behavior of usage of wireless services from a mobile device are encouraged in order to effect shaping of traffic and utilization patterns among a plurality of cells within a rate plan region, wherein a discount indicator disposed in said mobile device is provided to notify a user of a discount available for consuming wireless service from a given cell. A geo-cost policy is established for that user or mobile device in which rules and conditions according to the available discounts and class of service are defined. A service completer queues services and automatically completes queued services upon present conditions meeting said geo-cost policy rules, such as delaying and later delivering messages when the mobile device is relocated to a cell where discounts are being offered.

Abstract: In general, a system and method for analyzing wireless communication data for determining an optimal wireless communication service plans based on historical projection analysis 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 for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber. The processor then creates a usage history table and a call detail table within the storage unit from the processed billing information in accordance with a specified billing period. A determination is then made of the cost of the current rate plan and the cost of at least one other rate plan via use of the usage history table and call detail table.

Abstract: Access by a subscriber (12) to a fee-based service is managed so that the subscriber, when qualified, receives the service. If the subscriber is found unqualified, then the subscriber is prompted to enter qualifying information, either in the form of the identity of a purchased product, or a bank credit card number. Once the subscriber is qualified, then the subscriber receives the service in the same manner as if he or she were initially found qualified.