Abstract: Unsolicited electronic communications such as robocalls and person-initiated solicitation calls are reduced by imposing tolls for completion of the connections to the called parties, and refunding the tolls to the entities indicated by the electronic communications as the calling parties. In this way, a dishonest originator of a spoofed call bears the cost of the toll, and the toll is not refunded to the dishonest originator. On the other hand, the toll collected from an honest originator of a non-spoofed call is refunded to the honest originator, making the toll transparent to the honest originator and avoiding annoyance of the honest caller caused by the toll. Unsolicited calls may be subjected to filtering, particularly filtering based on the indications of the origins of the calls.

Abstract: A resident of a controlled-environment facility is provided with a messaging service that includes a capability that provides a message recipient with reply message capabilities. A visitation request system receives requests for communication sessions between residents and non-residents. The visitation system initiates a request for a communication session on behalf of the requesting party and determines that the responding party has not accepted the communication session request. Since the request has not been accepted, a messaging service provides the requesting with an interface for recording a message for delivery to the responding party. If the requesting party records a message, the responding party is notified of the recorded message. Once the responding party plays the recorded message, the responding party is provided an option to record a reply message for delivery to the requesting party. The requesting party is notified of the reply message from the responding party.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a controlled-environment facility communication system that provides regulated communication sessions between residents and non-residents. Via a supervisory system, a bypass may be authorized for exempting the communication session from various regulated aspects of sessions regulated by the communication system. For instance, a communication may be exempt from monitoring based on assertions that the communication is privileged. The communications system receives a request for a communication session with a non-resident at a first telephone number. If a communication session is authorized by a bypass authorization, the communication session is hosted, while exempt from the regulations specified by the bypass authorization. A monitoring system tracks the hosted bypass communication session by determining whether telephone numbers other than the first telephone number have been joined to the communication session.

Abstract: Embodiments receive an indication of initiation of communication from a controlled-environment facility resident, using a communications device, with another controlled-environment facility resident. A determination is made whether the residents are allowed to communicate and the communication is established between the communications device and another communications device in use by the other resident. The residents may be residents of different or the same controlled-environment facility(ies). The communication may be monitored and/or a database of residents that communicate with one another may be compiled. The communication between the controlled-environment facility residents may proceed, even despite a determination or predetermination that the residents are not allowed to communicate with one another, so the communication may be monitored.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an application platform with flexible permissioning according to one or more embodiments.

Abstract: A video stream from a webcam or video telephone is received. The video stream can be analyzed in real-time as it is being received or can be recorded and stored for later analysis. Information within the video streams can be extracted and processed by a facial and video content recognition engine and the information derived therefrom can be stored as metadata. The metadata can be used for enriching the call content recorded by a recorder. The information derived from the video streams can be used to solve business and legal issues.

Abstract: An application for a mobile or fixed device, where the device comprises a processor, a display, and communication capabilities, and wherein the application interfaces with a clearinghouse that integrates geospatial information including date and time information related to released criminal offenders. In some embodiments, the application includes a user interface which includes a field through which a user can submit a query.

Abstract: Systems and methods are to provide information to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store and associate personal information of a user with a telephone number of the user, and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format and to communicate with the controllers in different formats. The interchange uses the converters to communicate with the mobile phone of a user to approve the providing of the personal information from the data storage facility to a website.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a collect call method and system thereof, more particularly, in order to charge the called party with a uniform toll for collect call, which is determined by only the type and location of called party terminal. In one embodiment, the collect call method, system and a counsel service providing method use a free VoIP network for part of the voice call link and a charge PSTN network for the rest of the voice call link. In one embodiment, if the first link corresponding to the collect call request is established, the collect call switch calls the called party terminal to establish the second link, and billing on the second link is initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a resident of a controlled-environment facility with voice messaging. The facility provides the resident with voice communication services. In response to a request by a resident for a voice communication with a non-resident, a call request to the non-resident may be initiated. In certain scenarios, the non-resident is unable to accept the call request. If a voice message is authorized, the resident is allowed to record a voice message for the non-resident. Certain restrictions may limit the resident to selecting from automated voice messages. A notification of the recorded voice message is dispatched to the non-resident. The notification identifies a unique link that directs the non-resident to a voice message retrieval system that allows the resident to retrieve and listen to the voice message recorded by the resident. The voice message recording remains under the control of the controlled-environment facility based on applicable security policies and procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dissemination of information from a controlled-environment facility may offer a non-resident and/or resident an option to subscribe to notifications about a particular resident of a controlled-environment facility and/or notifications about the controlled-environment facility. Identification and contact information may be accepted from the non-resident to establish the non-resident as a paid or non-paid subscriber to notifications about the resident and/or the controlled-environment facility. A determination may be made, or an indication may be received from a controlled-environment facility administration and management system, when information about the resident hosted by the controlled-environment administration and management system changes and/or when a change is made to information about the controlled-environment facility. As a result, the subscriber is contacted and notified of the change(s).

Abstract: A wide area network using the internet as a backbone utilizing specially selected ISX/ISP providers whose routers route packets of said wide area network along private tunnels through the internet comprised of high bandwidth, low hop-count data paths. Firewalls are provided at each end of each private tunnel which recognize IP packets addressed to devices at the other end of the tunnel and encapsulate these packets in other IP packets which have a header which includes as the destination address, the IP address of the untrusted side of the firewall at the other end of the tunnel. The payload sections of these packets are the original IP packets and are encrypted and decrypted at both ends of the private tunnel using the same encryption algorithm using the same key or keys.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software for implementing default data quotas for wireless devices. In one example, a packet data network gateway is configured to identify a communication for a wireless device and transfer a quota query for the wireless device to an online charging server. The packet data network gateway is further configured to receive actual and default quota information from the online charging server and implement the default quota information when the communication link between the gateway and the online charging server is interrupted.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to destination device according to the calling plan of the individual receiving the call. An authenticated identity for a callee answering a call placed to a destination device is received at an intermediary device. The intermediary device then accesses a billing plan for the authenticated identity of the callee and loads the billing plan for specifying charges for the call, such that telephone service billed to the callee is accessible at multiple destination devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a centralized, digital, computer-based telephone call management system for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. The system includes the capacity to allow an institution to control, record, monitor, and bill and report usage and access to a telephone network. The telephone call management system further includes both accounting and management software for use in controlling, monitoring, billing, recording, and reporting usage and access. Also, it can operate over both a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) infrastructure.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to destination device according to the calling plan of the individual receiving the call. An authenticated identity for a callee answering a call placed to a destination device is received at an intermediary device. The intermediary device then accesses a billing plan for the authenticated identity of the callee and loads the billing plan for specifying charges for the call, such that telephone service billed to the callee is accessible at multiple destination devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for proactively establishing a third-party payment account for services rendered to a resident of a controlled-environment facility (“CEF”). A campaign-triggering event is detected, which triggers contact of prospective third-party (“3rd-party”) payers for a resident of a CEF in order to encourage such prospective 3rd-party payers to establish 3rd-party payment accounts for the resident. In this manner, the prospective 3rd-party payers are proactively contacted prior to an expected future demand for service by the resident. A method thus comprises identifying at least one prospective third-party payer for a resident of a controlled-environment facility, and proactively contacting the identified at least one prospective third-party payer prior to demand for service by the resident to encourage the identified at least one prospective third-party payer to establish a third-party payment account for payment for future service expected for the resident.

Abstract: A telecommunications method for call forwarding including storing information regarding a called party in at least one local database, where the information regarding the called party is stored in a user account and making a telephone call by dialing a telephone number with a telephone, where the telephone is contained in a telephone management system. The method also includes determining whether the telephone number is associated with the user account and transferring, via the switchboard, the call to the called party if the telephone number is associated with the user account, where the telephone management system is in communication with a revenue management system, and also where the revenue management system contains at least one local database.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for identifying an account and destination for a communication based on a dialed number and origination number associated with the communication.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a computer-implemented method for rating telephone calls originating from a secure facility. The method includes receiving a destination number, of a called party, for a telephone call from the secure facility and determining, based on the destination number, if the called party is pre-verified wherein pre-verified includes at least a billing address of the called party. Next, a rate for the telephone call is then determined based on the billing address of the called party, if the called party is pre-verified.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a method for charging of calls in a communication network. The method includes, receiving subscription information pertaining to a discretionary charging feature, for a call between a first user and a second user, where the first user is subscribed to a first telecom operator and the second user is subscribed to one of the first telecom operator and a second telecom operator. The method further includes ascertaining whether the second user is subscribed to the discretionary charging feature based on the receiving, and applying discretionary charging for determining call charges for the first user, based on the ascertaining.

Abstract: During a voice call from a resident of a controlled-environment facility to another party, a selection of an option by the resident or the other party to convert the voice call to a video communication between the resident and the other party may be made. Whereupon, a controlled-environment communications processing system may confirm that the other call party agrees to convert the voice call to a video communication, and may query a controlled-environment facility administration and management system to confirm that the resident may take part in a video communication. Thereafter, such as in response to confirmation both parties agree to convert the voice call to a video communication and/or that the resident may take part in a video communication, a video communication link may be established between a communication device in use by the resident and a communication device in use by the other party.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a computer-implemented method for rating telephone calls originating from a secure facility. The method includes receiving a destination number, of a called party, for a telephone call from the secure facility and determining, based on the destination number, if the called party is pre-verified wherein pre-verified includes at least a billing address of the called party. Next, a rate for the telephone call is then determined based on the billing address of the called party, if the called party is pre-verified.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to destination device according to the calling plan of the individual receiving the call. An authenticated identity for a callee answering a call placed to a destination device is received at an intermediary device. The intermediary device then accesses a billing plan for the authenticated identity of the callee and loads the billing plan for specifying charges for the call, such that telephone service billed to the callee is accessible at multiple destination devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering telephone calls includes a fee module, an exemption list module, a call module, a matching module, and a fee waiver module. The fee module charges a fee to a caller for an incoming call made by the caller to a user. The fee is specific to the incoming call. The exemption list module maintains an exemption list, which includes callers exempt from the fee, and their information. This information identifies an exempted caller when the call module receives an incoming call. The matching module determines if information associated with the incoming call matches an exempt caller's information on the exemption list. The fee waiver module exempts the incoming call from the fee when the matching module determines that the caller's information matches the information on the exemption list. The fee module charges the fee for incoming calls not exempted from the fee.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a computer-implemented method for rating telephone calls originating from a secure facility. The method includes receiving a destination number, of a called party, for? a telephone call from the secure facility and determining, based on the destination number, if the called party is pre-verified wherein pre-verified includes at least a billing address of the called party. Next, a rate for the telephone call is then determined based on the billing address of the called party, if the called party is pre-verified.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for deterring unsolicited calls are described for deterring unsolicited telephone calls that include a service provider searching and determining that the originating telephone number is in a no-call list, and based on this determination, prohibiting the call from terminating (i.e., connecting with the destination telephone number). Penalties may also be imposed against callers (e.g., solicitors) for no-call violations.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of a network service to register with the network as valued shoppers, thereby allowing them to receive specialized treatment when calling registered retailers. The present invention enables retailers to register with the network, thereby allowing them to set preferred service logic for handling valued customer calls by the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for alternative billing of VoIP services are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving an indication at a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) device that a call placed from the VoIP user device is blocked, and sending a VoIP protocol message containing billing information received at the VoIP user device to an alternative billing server. Another disclosed example method comprises determining at a VoIP call session control function (CSCF) server that a VoIP session is blocked, and providing a prompt at a VoIP user device to obtain billing information for the VoIP session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service providers using voice mail. The system enables seekers of a wide array of services to select, contact, converse, and pay for a service provider using a communications device such as the telephone. A seeker locates a service provider by providing the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system's software. Once a service provider is selected, the system connects the seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. However, during service provider unavailability, the system enables the seeker to leave a voice mail message for the service provider and reconnects the user and service provider once the message is reviewed by the service provider. The system automatically bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider.

Abstract: A communication is received via a telecommunications network. A determination is made concerning whether a monetary surcharge is associated with the communication, and a notification is transmitted concerning the determination.

Abstract: Apparatus for local access to data while roaming with a mobile telephony device at a roaming network. The apparatus is located at the roaming network and comprises a filter having a data packet or packet header inspection unit for inspecting packet information or headers to identify data packets addressed from the roaming telephony device for use via a home network data packet gateway, and a packet diverter for diverting at least some of the identified packets to a local data packet gateway; the filter setting up a diversion tunnel for additional packets of the same session for directly routing all packets of the identified session to the local data packet gateway. Mobile devices are today programmed to send data to their home network for browsing via the home network data packet gateway. The filter allows data to be redirected to the roaming network so that Internet browsing and like data uses can be carried out directly by the roaming user at less cost and greater efficiency and quality of service.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a telephone service are disclosed, in which callers with insufficient credit or network airtime are able to contact a call recipient. The network monitors call attempts from callers to identify call attempts from callers with insufficient credit or airtime to make a call. When such a call attempt is detected, a call request is transmitted to the intended recipient of the call, to notify the recipient of the call attempt. The notification may take the form of an in-call notification if the call recipient is on-line, or an SMS or voicemail message if the recipient is off-line. The method and system permit individuals who otherwise would not be able to access the network to indicate to a call recipient that they have attempted to contact the call recipient. The call recipient can then contact the would be caller at his/her discretion.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to destination device according to the calling plan of the individual receiving the call. An authenticated identity for a callee answering a call placed to a destination device is received at an intermediary device. The intermediary device then accesses a billing plan for the authenticated identity of the callee and loads the billing plan for specifying charges for the call, such that telephone service billed to the callee is accessible at multiple destination devices.

Abstract: A method for providing a communication assistance service by a communication assistance service provider includes receiving a communication at the communication assistance service provider from a first person seeking a contact information to communicate with a second person and receiving from the first person identifying information associated with the second person. A profile of the second person is retrieved including at least one contact information and at least one contact preference associated with the contact information. Communication is provided between the first person and the second person in accordance with the contact preferences.

Abstract: An interactive voice response system for a correctional facility commissary is described. The system is configured to receive incoming communications from an inmate to the correctional facility commissary. The system detects violations of facility restrictions to orders for commissary goods at more than one point in time, and allows comprehensive review and editing of pending orders for commissary items.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for sponsoring a communication service, wherein said communication service is made available directly, in particular to a user of said communication service, and wherein a rule, in particular applicable for charging a sponsor of said communication service, is determined dynamically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing communication using a collect call in a GSM/UMTS-based mobile communication system. The method includes the steps of setting by a call originating mobile station a specific field of a call connection request message in such a manner that communication based on the collect call is performed, transmitting the set call connection request message to a call terminating mobile station, and if the call terminating mobile station accepts the collect call, completing call connection establishment with the call terminating mobile station and performing communication based on the collect call.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to destination device according to the calling plan of the individual receiving the call. An authenticated identity for a callee answering a call placed to a destination device is received at an intermediary device. The intermediary device then accesses a billing plan for the authenticated identity of the callee and loads the billing plan for specifying charges for the call, such that telephone service billed to the callee is accessible at multiple destination devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for managing cellular usage in controlled areas. For example, in one embodiment, a cellular monitoring system communicates with one or more femto cells located within a controlled area for detecting the presence of unauthorized cellular devices or for monitoring the usage of cellular devices within the controlled area.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods that identify requested call connections that cannot be billed by a call management system and redirects those calls to a call processing platform. The call management system sends data associated with the requested call connections to the call processing platform in a session initiation protocol (SIP) message header. The call processing platform identifies one or more payment options that are not available for use by the call management system and offers the called party the opportunity to accept one of the payment options to complete the requested call connection. The call processing platform connects the calling party and the called party and sends a call detail record with billing data to the call management system.

Abstract: A method and system for billing a calling party for an unanswered call attempt is provided. A first network component receives a call attempt from the calling party and routes the call attempt to a second network component for establishing a communications link between the calling party and a called party. The second network component redirects the call attempt unanswered by the called party to the voice server. A billing management application, provided for managing the billing of the calling party, detects the redirection of the call attempt and indicates to the first network component to disable billing the calling party for the unanswered call attempt. The billing management application, in communication with the voice server, initiates billing of the calling party based on billing criteria, via the second network component instead of the first network component, for utilizing one or more services provided by the voice server.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a communications network, a first communication device that is associated with a first communication device identifier and a second communication device that is associated with a second communication device identifier. The first communication device is communicatively coupled with the communications network, the second communication device is communicatively coupled with the communications network and the first communication device is communicatively coupled with the second communication device via the communications network. And, the second communication device originates a communication session using the first communication device identifier, and termination attempts to the first communication device are received by the second communication device and the first communication device.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for automatic call completion in a directory assistance system in concert with the public switched telephone network (PSTN). In accordance with the present invention, a method for automatic call completion in a directory assistance system can include receiving and processing a directory assistance request from a calling party over the PSTN. An address for the calling party can be retrieved from the PSTN and an address for a telephone number produced by the directory assistance request can be second retrieved from within the directory assistance system. Prospective telephone charges can be computed based upon the retrieved addresses and the calling party can be prompted with the computed prospective charges. Finally, a call can be automatically completed between the calling party and the telephone number.

Abstract: An alternative billing system for communication service, comprising a gateway comprising a processor and a memory, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives a text message from an originating electronic device, determines that an account balance associated with the originating electronic device lacks sufficient funds to pay for origination of the text message, sends a message to a terminating electronic device identified by the text message to inquire if the terminating electronic device wants to be billed for the origination of the text message, when a message accepting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, sends the text message to the terminating electronic device, and when a message rejecting billing for the origination of the text message is received from the terminating electronic device, does not send the text message to the terminating electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which call intelligence, such as may be deployed in communication with signaling systems utilized in controlling calls and telecommunication databases, is used to analyze information about a call in order to make a determination as to the likelihood or risk that call redirecting, such as call forwarding or remote call forwarding, will be invoked with respect to a call are shown. The call intelligence, upon a determination that an unacceptable risk that call redirecting will be invoked, preferably institutes appropriate call treatment or handling procedures, such as to block the call or to allow the call while invoking additional call treatment action.

Abstract: A communication system comprises network elements (103, 105, 107, 109) and user equipments (101), at least some of which comprise a charging proxy (205). The system further comprises a charging server (111) which includes a topic controller (305) for initializing charging topics where each charging topic is associable with charging data. The charging server (111) furthermore comprises functionality for registering proxies as subscribing proxies or publishing proxies (or both) for the different charging topics. A receiver (301, 311) receives charging data messages from charging proxies and validates a first set of charging data belonging to a first charging topic in response to a first set of charging proxies registered as publishing proxies for the first charging topic. A charging data transmitter (313) transmits the first set of charging data to a second set of charging proxies registered as subscribing proxies for the first charging topic.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein include method and system establishing and billing a voice communication between a calling party and a called party. The method and system described herein enable placing collect calls and third party calls to the called party by billing a credit or debit card associated with the called party or by billing the called party through their mobile or wireless provider.

Abstract: A method and system of providing an electronic receipt, such as a SMS text message, to a consumer responsive to a purchase of long distance calling minutes, real-time replenishment of the customer's account, and seamless, pin-less use of the purchased long-distance from the user's chosen phone(s).