Abstract: The present invention is related to a service accounting system containing one or more classified service accounts, in particular for mobile/cellular services. More specifically, a service accounting system connected to a main accounting system, part of a main account being transferable to a service account, and the use thereof are described. The invention provides a solution to deal with the accounting of differentiated services. In particular, a solution is provided to give users control over their expenses on a differentiated service basis. Also for service providers, a solution is provided to take actions on a differentiated services account basis.

Abstract: A transaction processing platform capable of facilitating the distribution to consumers of various types of prepaid products is disclosed. The transaction processing platform is configured to interface with one or more providers of such prepaid products in order to facilitate the procurement or activation of the products. The platform includes a conduit interface through which service request messages are received and respectively utilized to generate transaction requests for corresponding types of prepaid services. A supply interface arrangement, operatively coupled to the conduit interface, is configured to route a first of the transaction requests through a first supply interface associated with a first type of prepaid service. The supply interface arrangement also routes a second transaction request through a second supply interface associated with a second type of prepaid service.

Abstract: A method and system for prepaying credits to a user account for communications services is provided. A system receives an origination number and a code. The code corresponds to a predefined payment amount for prepaid credit. The system credits an account associated with the origination number with the predefined payment amount for prepaid credit. Software for implementing the method and system may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on a user communication device.

Abstract: In a system including a telematics unit and a data center, a method for automatically replenishing pre-paid calling units within the telematics is based on an occurrence of a trigger event as detected by the telematics units. Upon being notified of the trigger event, the data center automatically uploads a replenishment package to the telematics unit or uploads a replenishment package selected by the telematics unit.

Abstract: A system includes a communications network, a first communication device connected to the communications network, and a vending machine. The vending machine includes a retrieving device for obtaining a product from the vending machine, a second communication device connected to the communications network, and a dispensing device for dispensing the product from the vending machine. The first and second communication devices establish a connection via the communications network. The connection enables the retrieving device and the dispensing device.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system that may be used to limit the funds that are available through the use of a business transaction card by having a business transaction card first place a request for an increase of the available funds. A wireless device is sensed within a proximity to a terminal that supports wireless communication and communication between the wireless device and the terminal is established for transferring an identification code from the wireless device to the terminal. The terminal is communicatively connected to a server and the terminal automatically transfers the identification code from the terminal to the server. The server matches the identification code with an account number of the business transaction card and, if authorization exists, automatically increases the funds available balance of the business transaction card.

Abstract: Method and system for refilling mobile terminal prepaid phone cards via electronic distribution of refill codes. Refill codes for prepaid phone cards are distributed to end users via a prepaid phone card distributor, which contracts with mobile phone operators and prepaid phone card retailers to distribute refill codes. End users enter identification and payment information to the refill code distributor, which then records the payment and returns a refill code to the end users. End users can purchase refill codes by mediums including a computer network and refill terminals located at retail shops.

Abstract: Prepaid accounts are replenished during multimedia sessions using the prepaid accounts without interruption of the multimedia sessions. A prepay server monitors and adjusts prepaid account balances based on usage of communications resources as reported by elements of the communications network (100). If a processor determines that an account balance is low, then a user terminal (102) is notified and a new session is intiated to permit the user to increase the account balance without interrupting the ongoing communications session.

Abstract: A communications network system and a corresponding method for starting an AoC service of a user are disclosed. The system comprises a control means for sending a protocol message comprising a MIME indication of an AoC application to a user equipment (UE). The user equipment receives the protocol message and activates the AoC application by using the MIME indication.

Abstract: A method of accounting for online Internet usage credit includes establishing an account identifier in a database for a selected user. A number of credit value block records are associated in the database with the account identifier. Each credit value block has a stored credit value amount, and at least a second stored property indicator. In response to a measured amount of consumption of services by the user, at least one of the credit value blocks is debited by a debit amount based on the measured amount and the second stored property indicator. The stored property indicator may be a rate multiplier, or other factor indicating a different cost mode of online service, connection or usage.

Abstract: A method and system for prepaying credits to a user account for communications services provided. If a system detects a predefined condition associated with a communications connection, the system deducts the cost of the communications connection from the credit in the user account. The predefined condition includes the origination of the communications connection from one of a plurality of predefined sources. Software for implementing the method may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for prepaying credits to a user account for communications services is provided. A system receives an origination number and a code. The code corresponds to a predefined payment amount for prepaid credit. The system credits an account associated with the origination number with the predefined payment amount for prepaid credit. Software for implementing the method and system may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on a user communication device.

Abstract: A method for replenishing a pre-paid telecommunications account utilizes the short message service (SMS). When an account balance is low, a pre-paid service control point (PP-SCP) sends a message to a pre-paid payment server which composes an SMS message and sends it to a short message service center (SMSC). The SMSC forwards the message to a mobile switching center (MSC) which passes the message to the subscriber's mobile unit. A confirmation message is automatically sent in a similar manner back to the pre-paid payment server. To replenish the account, the subscriber composes an SMS message using the mobile unit and sends the message to an MSC which forwards it to the pre-paid payment server via an SMSC. The pre-paid payment server validates the request via a billing and finance system, then sends a message to the PP-SCP for account update.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for prepayment of a service includes informing the user of the availability of a plurality of different services. An indication and request of a desired service is received from the user over a first communications link. The requested service is provided to the user over a second communications link. To indicate prepayment for the service requested an authentication key is received from the user. The validity of the authentication key received is verified and the service is provided if the authentication key is valid.

Abstract: A time remaining determination module is implemented in a prepaid service to maintain and/or report subscriber account information based on accurately determined time remaining, even in light of replenishments using differing rate plans and/or dollar values. In particular, the inventive approach utilizes a reporting module which accurately accounts for and determines the total minutes remaining in a subscriber's account by accommodating and adjusting for each potentially different rate plan associated with each recharge or replenishment. This enables the service provider not only to accurately report the account balance in terms of time remaining at any convenient time (e.g., during the call process), but also to correctly manage the subscriber account and call duration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing prepaid telecommunication services. More particularly, prepaid telephone calls can be made by users without entering any access code, if such calls are made from telephone numbers previously registered in the telecommunication system in connection with valid access codes. Prepaid telephone calls can also be made from non-registered telephone numbers after providing the telecommunication system with a valid access code.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing prepaid card service to customers for placing telephone calls without relying on a post-service billing model. A service management computer having access to a card database is connected to the network only by out-of-band connections. A voice response unit or a tone receiver and announcement player in the network are the voice interface with the customer and are provided at the originating switch in the network to eliminate multiple switches from the call path.

Abstract: A system and method for prepaid supported communications in a telecommunications network are described. One exemplary method includes establishing a data communication session between a first client device and a network server arranged to provide prepaid services to the first client device, detecting a prepaid call request to connect a call between the first client device to a second client device, and sending a prepaid status request message from the first client device to the network server via the control communication session. The method further includes receiving a prepaid status response at the first client device from the network server, determining if the first client device is authorized to make the prepaid call, and, if so, establishing a voice communication session from the first client device to the second cilent device.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a user to dynamically pre-determine the duration and/or cost of a domestic or international long distance call is provided. For a selected outbound originating long distance call, the user is given the opportunity to determine the duration or the cost of the long distance call. In one embodiment, the customer dials *XX and the terminating phone number, where XX are predetermined digits. The originating central office recognizes the *XX code as requiring the invocation of an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) platform to allow the user to pre-determine the duration and cost of the call. Instructions are provided to the user for setting the length of the call to be connected and the calculated cost of the call would be communicated to the user. Before the call is to be connected to the terminating (dialed) number, the customer may be given the option to reset the duration and cost of the call.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provide for processing prepaid calling time to a subscriber by determining an identity of a subscriber of prepaid calling time upon origination of a call to which a subscriber of prepaid calling time is to be a party; determining an amount of prepaid calling time available to the subscriber; allowing a call to which the subscriber is to be a party to be connected if prepaid calling time is available to the subscriber; and deducting calling time from the available prepaid calling time of the subscriber as the connected call proceeds. The method also provides for purchasing pre-paid calling time by electronically transferring funds from an account of the subscriber to an account of a pre-paid call time provider, the amount of funds transferred equal to the dollar amount of pre-paid calling time to be credited to the subscriber; and crediting to the subscriber an amount of pre-paid calling time corresponding to the dollar amount of the transferred funds.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for providing prepaid calling card services to a calling party is disclosed. Near the end of value of a prepaid calling card account, the calling and called parties to a connection are split and the calling party is given the opportunity to increase the value of his or her prepaid calling card account. If the account is increased the call continues using the increased value. Alternatively, if the account is not increased the connection is dropped.

Abstract: Near real time Internet access of prepaid call history and replenishment data is provided via an Internet browser separate from the prepaid device to a user (e.g., the subscriber), allowing a subscriber to access call history and/or replenishment information nearly in real time (e.g., within a minute of the expense/credit) without requiring assistance from a customer service representative. A web based prepaid report page retrieves call history and/or replenishment information from the subscriber's service provider, and displays the same through a web browser for review by the subscriber. The requested call history and/or replenishment information may be bounded by date, date and time, or even within specific time range(s) within each day in a given range of days.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a charging limit control in a telecommunication switching network is disclosed, wherein a charging limit tile is provided comprising a plurality of subscriber-specific charging limit records. The charging limit control is performed by using a record index in order to access the subscriber-specific charging limit. Thus, the charging limit control is adaptable to different charging limit values of different call types, which can be provided in the corresponding subscriber-specific charging limit record. Moreover, the subscriber-specific charging limit record may comprise subrecords used for providing different charging limit values for different call types or services, wherein own charging limits can be allocated to different call types.

Abstract: A method for providing telecommunication services includes the step of establishing a prepaid telephone account for a subscriber and providing an access telephone number. Access telephone information is received from a caller to the access telephone number. The access information is validated, the sufficiency of funds is determined, and the caller is permitted to access at least one premium telephone service. The prepaid account is debited for the access. A system for providing telecommunication services is also disclosed.

Abstract: System and method for facilitating consolidated billing within a converging telecommunications network. The system and method include and involve a network resource control facility communicating with and controlling a plurality of network resources within a merged telecommunications network to deliver at least one merged communications service. Each network resource is configured to provide a communications function and to generate corresponding billing data. The network resource control facility is configured to consolidate the billing data from at least one network resource from the plurality of network resources in real-time related to at least one telecommunications service provided within said telecommunications network to generate consolidated billing data.

Abstract: A prepaid telephone calling card service that uses ANI recognition of a telephone used to register an account for preauthorization of subsequent calls from the same telephone. The calling cards are purchased through retain stores and then registered with a service provider. Additional ANIs may be associated with the account for preauthorization of subsequent calls. Registration of the account is completed by a consumer following a series of voice prompts without the need for authorization or intervention by the company administering the prepaid calling card service.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pre-paid wireless telephone customers notification that a wireless telephone account has been replenished. The present invention delivers a confirmation notice directly to a pre-paid wireless telephone customer through the customer's wireless telephone. The notification system receives account replenishment information from a replenishment system and updates its database to indicate a notice must be sent. Because the wireless telephone may or may not be available when the notification system is ready to send the confirmation notice, the system intercepts registration messages sent by the wireless telephone, thereby allowing the notification system to detect when the wireless telephone is available.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing fraud. The method typically includes identifying one or more fraud indicators and examining past transactions and/or a pending transaction associated with the account for the presence of the fraud indicators. The method also includes, by said examining, detecting at least one of the fraud indicators. The method also includes calculating a cumulative fraud risk level associated with the pending transaction based on the detected fraud indicators. The method may also include determining whether the cumulative fraud risk level meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if the cumulative fraud risk level meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold, verifying the request for the transaction with an owner of the account. The method may further include assigning a weighted value to each of the fraud indicators. The account is typically a telephone calling account, such as a calling card account.

Abstract: The balance or a portion of the balance associated with a prepaid card with or without a microcircuit is paid into a balance portion collection server, as a donations to charities, after setting up a call between a terminal and the server and after confirmation of the payment by the user at the terminal to increment a counter with the balance or balance portion. In another embodiment, balance portions are paid cyclically into the server or into a connection unit as and when a telephone call runs.

Abstract: Subscribers (121-12n) may receive combined pre-paid and calling card service offered via a telecommunications network (20) by dialing a telephone number (32) of a platform (26) within the network. The platform stores account information for each subscriber, including a pre-paid balance amount and overflow treatment indicator. Upon receipt of a call, the platform verifies the subscriber's eligibility for service and provides the service while decrementing the subscriber's pre-paid balance. When the subscriber's pre-paid balance falls below a prescribed value, the platform determines whether the subscriber is entitled to automatic billing of continuing service costs or whether the subscriber must enter information to facilitate billing of such costs based on the overflow indicator. Thereafter, the platform effects continuing call treatment and billing for such continuing call treatment when effected billing in accordance with the overflow indicator.

Abstract: A portable prepaid phone has a display, input means for inputting information and instructions, a control unit controlling the display in dependence on the operation of the input means, and transceiver means communicating via a wireless network controlled by a network operator. The network operator manages an account for said phone and updates the account upon the occurrence of a credit-affecting event. The network operator forwards a credit update message to portable prepaid phone and said message contains information about the current account and the credit affecting event causing the message to be sent to the phone upon the occurrence of a credit affecting event. In the phone the transceiver means receives the credit update message, the control unit decodes the received message in order to identify the content of the credit update message, and the control unit initiates the display of the current account in the display, immediately after the termination of the credit update message decoding.

Abstract: A call authorization system moves state maintenance for authorization based phone calls from a central authorization server to different gateways in a packet switched network. A simple authorization session protocol is used between the authorization server and the gateways to minimize network traffic. The authorization session protocol releases the authorization server from having to maintain states for open authorization based phone calls.

Abstract: Instead of requiring a customer to carry around one or more prepaid telephone calling cards (such cards are effectively functioning as limited, fixed amounts of money), a communications network-based solution is provided that facilitates both prepayment and use of prepay telecommunications services. A subscriber is assigned a record in a network database. The database record includes an account number and an associated prepaid monetary value. Then when the subscriber calls from a prepaid telecommunications terminal (e.g., a public telephone), requesting a telecommunications service (e.g., a long distance telephone call), the communications network processes the request by analyzing the subscriber database record. If the prepaid monetary value in the subscriber's record is sufficient for the requested service, the service is authorized. The prepaid monetary value in the subscriber's record is decreased in accordance with the service rendered.