Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for processing data to complete a collect telephone call to a called-party that has prepaid an account to pay for the collect call. Data is received regarding a collect call from a caller to the called-party. Next it is determining whether the called party is associated with a prepaid account and the rate to be applied to the collect call. The rate to be applied to the call is increased by a tax rate and the data is sent regarding the call rate to be applied to the collect call so that the call can be completed between the called party and caller.

Abstract: Prior to establishing a collect call, the called party agrees to pay an additional fee for any three-way call that may be established during the proposed collect call. If during the collect call, the called party attempts to add a third party to the collect call, a call processing system determines whether the third party's phone number is blocked from accepting a collect call. If the third party's phone number is blocked from accepting a collect call, the number will be dialed in an attempt to establish a three-way call. If the third person's phone number is not blocked from accepting a collect call, the called party to the original collect call will be advised that the phone number entered is not eligible for three-ways calling during the collect call, and the parties to the original collect call will be reconnected.

Abstract: A routing device and method for connecting a free-of-charge call from a customer to a company using the company's own preexisting telecom infrastructure such that the company avoids the added cost of a third party free-of-charge service provider. The device and method provide one or more triggers allowing a customer to initiate a free-of-charge call to the company, e.g., an icon or other link appearing in the company's website or email which a customer may click to initiate the trigger, or an advertised SMS target number to which a customer may send an SMS message. Upon receiving a trigger, the routing device immediately calls the customer back and connects the customer to the appropriate company department or representative.

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 telephone call may have more than one identifier, e.g., a billing telephone number and a caller's telephone number, within its signaling stream. Each identifier may have an associated call servicing profile. The invention determines which of several call profiles associated with identifiers within the call signaling stream should be used to service the call. The invention involves reading the identifiers, retrieving the profiles associated with the identifiers, if they exist, and selecting one of the profiles to use based on data in the profiles and a profile priority scheme. The invention may be realized in relation to an information assistance service.

Abstract: An enhanced Calling Party Pays (CPP) or Paging Party Pays (PPP) system that enables 1) billing of calls originating from traditionally non-billable sources, 2) routing of incoming calls to voicemail if the caller does not wish to incur the additional charges, 3) allowing the caller to complete the call and charge the cellular (or paging) subscriber for additional air-time usage when the caller enters a PIN or security code, also referred to as a billing override code, and 4) allowing the caller to block CPP/PPP charges from being billed to the calling party

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for making a call. In one embodiment, methods and systems may request the call using a network, initiate a first leg to a caller device based on the request, initiate a second leg to a receiver device based on the request, connect the first leg and the second leg to make the call, and bill the call to a account associated with a subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing a RF module configured to convert a nontraditional transaction device for traditional transaction completion. The RF module is placed in physical and logical communication with a microprocessor of a nontraditional transaction device for receiving a personalization file to enable the RF module to complete RF transactions. In an exemplary embodiment, the microprocessor is configured to receive the personalization file from a mobile device account provider subsequent to an end user establishing communication with the device account provider and notifying the provider that a RF module is to be personalized. The mobile device account provider may receive the personalization file from a RF module account issuer and provide the personalization file to the RF module via the mobile device microprocessor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: Inmates place free incoming calls to a call processing system and are prompted to choose between accessing a voice mail system and calling an outside party. If an outside party is to be called, an inmate provides a phone number and an outgoing call is placed to the outside party. If the outside party provides payment for the call, the inmate is connected to the outgoing call and the incoming call is terminated. If the outgoing call is not accepted, the inmate may record a voice message for the outside party in a voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. For an access fee, the outside party may access the voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. Advertising messages may be presented to inmates during incoming calls and/or to outside parties during outgoing calls. Advertising revenue may cover incoming call charges. Inmates and/or outside parties may record voice messages for advertisers.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a call control component that sets a call category for a call to indicate that the call terminates at an announcement server component prior to connection with a called communication device. Upon receipt of an answer message from the announcement server component, the call control component drops the answer message based on the call category.

Abstract: A method of processing a collect call. The method includes receiving a request for a collect call from a calling party and transmitting information required pursuant to a detariffing order to a called party.

Abstract: In an implementation of collect callback, a call-in service establishes a communication link with a caller and initiates a collect callback option for the caller. A switch receives callback data from the call-in service and utilizes the callback data to establish a collect call via a second communication link between the caller and the call-in service.

Abstract: A mobile communication device with security mechanisms is provided for enabling wireless personal information transfer with increased security. In another embodiment of the invention, a mobile communication device is used to confirm a transaction.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and program for originating a billed transaction at an origin telephony device are provided. A request to originate a billed transaction is received from an origin device. The identity of a callee answering a call originated by the origin device is authenticated. Responsive to receiving an acceptance of the call by the callee, an account accessed by the authenticated identity of said callee is billed to complete said billed transaction, such that the origin device is enabled to initiate the billed transaction charged to the callee. In particular, a service associated with the billed transaction may only available for a particular callee or selection of callees. In addition, the callee may elect which account to charge for the billed transaction. Further, the identity of the caller originating the call at the origin device is forwarded to the callee.

Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.

Abstract: A session initiation protocol (SIP) server adds billing and authentication information to conventional SIP messages used in establishing call transfers. This additional information is later verified by a SIP server and used to enable advanced billing and fraud protection features for call transfers in a SIP telecommunications network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus employing the method for automatically enabling long-distance calls on the land-line public telephone switched network and debiting the wireless subscriber's account an amount for the long-distance call. The method includes the steps of providing a predetermined telephone number having means for answering the call; answering the call, receiving a password entered by a user; comparing the entered password to a stored password to enable access to the landline public telephone switched system. The method also includes accepting a long-distance telephone number to be called, initiating a call on the land-line network at the entered long-distance telephone number. If the receiving instrument answers, the call is timed. Upon termination of the call, data is stored corresponding to the elapsed time of the call and the subscriber's account is debited an amount for the call.

Abstract: A method for converting a three-party telecommunications connection which is switched via the public communications network into a two-party telecommunications connection wherein, after the telecommunications switching office (VST B), via which a three-party telecommunications connection between two subscriber lines and a further subscriber line or between two subscriber lines and an operator's position is routed, has received a request from the further subscriber line or the operator's position, a new direct telecommunications connection is set up between the two subscriber lines and the existing sections of the three-party telecommunications connection between these two subscriber lines and the further subscriber line or the operator's position are released.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide techniques providing account setup, management and transaction authorization determinations in real-time using transaction interrupt messaging. Embodiments preferably take into consideration the quality of one or more parties to the transaction and the means by which charges may be rendered to them when making account setup, management, and/or transaction authorization determinations. Accordingly, transactions, such as collect calls, meeting at least some minimal risk threshold may be completed on a first call attempt, even where a pre-arranged billing agreement or other business relationship is not previously in place.

Abstract: A method of providing collect call service includes receiving a request for a collect call from a calling party (18). A selected number to call is received. A call is placed to a receiving party (20). Agreeability of the receiving party (20) to accept the credit card billing for the collect call is determined. The calling party (18) is connected to the receiving party (20) in response to the acceptance.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for compensating recipients of calls are provided. A request to bill a caller a tariff for a call is initiated, wherein the caller originates the call. The caller is prompted to accept payment of the tariff to receive access to a destination line during the call. Responsive to negotiating for the payment of the tariff from the caller, the caller is connected with the destination line, such that the caller pays for access to the destination line. In particular, the caller may pay for access to a particular callee at the destination line.

Abstract: A call agent(CA) connects a IP telephone and a public switching telephone on the basis of a called-destination telephone number which corresponds to received reverse-charging service number from the IP telephone; a reverse-charging service control apparatus causes an exchange to stop charging; the CA and the reverse-charging service control apparatus calculate a charging information items, respectively; and generate a fee information by setting a charged party information so that a sum of fees in an IP network and a public switching telephone network may be charged to the called-destination telephone number, and transmit the fee information to an IP/PSTN charging management apparatus on a called destination side; and generate other fee information so that a fee in the network on a call origination side may be charged to a business company of called destination, and transmit the fee information to the apparatus on a call origination side.

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 effective possibility for making collect calls available is provided by a method for registering and connecting a collect call characterized in that a calling mobile station sends a USSD message concerning a desired collect call with another mobile station to an intelligent network service in a communication network. The service in the communication network sends a text message with an inquiry concerning the transfer of costs for the collect call to the other mobile station. It is then determined by the other mobile station whether there is a willingness there to accept transfer of the costs of the collect call, and the other mobile station will call back the calling mobile station if cost transfer is has been accepted.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to an origin device according to the current caller billing plan. A trusted telephone network, including at least one service provider, receives a request for service from an origin device. The origin device is associated with a line number to be billed for according to a line subscriber billing plan. An identity of a caller requesting the service from the origin device is authenticated. Then, a billing plan associated with the authenticated caller identity is accessed and utilized to replace or supplement the line subscriber billing plan, such that billing for service provided at an origin device is specified according to the caller currently utilizing the origin device.

Abstract: An approach for providing charging information of a call established over a data network is disclosed. A communications system includes a user agent that initiates a call to another user agent according to an application layer protocol. The system also includes a network element that assists in establishing the call and forwards information indicating that the call is chargeable to the user agent. The present invention has particular applicability to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) IP (Internet Protocol) telephony services.

Abstract: A billing system and method automatically charges a call to a predetermined telephone line wherein the call is placed by a calling part through a service. This service is any one or combination of a voice mail system, a call forwarding system, and the like. Preferably, this billing system and method also automatically charges the call to a predetermined telephone line even when the calling party places the call from a remote location. The billing system and method preferably includes a signal control point coupled to the calling party, the predetermined telephone line, and the service. Preferably, the signal control point is configured to implement the billing system and method such that the call placed by the calling party through the service is billed to the predetermined telephone line. A terminating attempt trigger within a switch associated with predetermined telephone line preferably directs this switch to record a duration of the call and a particular feature utilized for the call.

Abstract: A method of reducing telephone usage charges billed by a telephone service provider for connecting a source telephone to a target telephone by communicating to a computer system the telephone number of the source telephone, and communicating to the computer system the telephone number of the target telephone, with the computer system originating a connection to the source telephone and originating a connection to the target telephone. The computer system then connects the source telephone to the target telephone. This connection is made such that a telephone service provider for the source telephone interprets the source telephone as a receiving telephone and bills the source telephone number at the discount rate for incoming calls for the telephone call. The computer system for this system may include a PBX system and computers capable of managing phone calls to and from the PBX system to accommodate both two party and multiple party calls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for charging for telecommunications links in a communications network. When a setup request for a communications link which is directed to a communications terminal and incurs a charge for a charge account associated with the communications terminal is deleted, a network node in the communications network performs sequences for setting up the communications link and forwarding sequences for setting up a forwarding communications link. To bill telecommunication charges securely and reliably at all times, even in the course of roaming, forwarding information is stored in a memory network node in the communications network during the forwarding sequences. Debiting of communication charges for the communications link from the charge account associated with the communications terminal is prevented if the memory network node stores the forwarding information.

Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a process for switching telephone conversations that are to be paid for by the recipient. In order to provide a process that is less cost intensive and thus economical while simultaneously largely avoiding errors at the time of switching the conversation, the invention proposes a process in which the telephone number of the call recipient is transmitted to a switching system by the caller, and the telephone number is checked in terms of its validity in a databank adjustment unit, and then, following prior authorization by the call recipient, a telecommunications connection is automatically established between the caller and the call recipient.

Abstract: A method and system for billing remote calls includes the provisioning of an active terminating attempt trigger on a subscriber's primary line. To make a long-distance call from a remote location, the subscriber calls a service control node and provides a destination calling line number and the subscriber's primary line number (e.g., home telephone number). The SCN assembles the data into a string and includes a feature access code. This string is transmitted to a switch that recognizes the feature access code and transmits a message to a service control point. The service control point also recognizes the feature access code and reassembles the message into a call structure containing the primary line number, the destination line number, and a code indicating that the message should be reassembled. This message is transmitted back to the switch which then routes the call to the primary line switch where the trigger is encountered.

Abstract: A telecommunication call service is provided that directs incoming and/or outgoing cellular call charges to be billed to another payment party when placed to a telephone number specified by the payment party. The payment party has pre-established a list of telephone numbers with call direction authorized to be placed with the wireless number and identifies payment means in a payment account to be directly debited by the financed payment manager application for the authorized wireless calls. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an originating telephone switch detecting a specific prepaid wireless subscriber/other party telephone number pair directs the call to an Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) for call handling under the financed payment service feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a collect call originated through a packet based network is provided. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a system is described that facilitates voice communication between a calling party and a party to be called while the costs of the communication session are charged to the called party. In one embodiment, the called party is queried as to whether they wish to accept the costs associated with the pending voice communication session, prior to the two parties being placed in voice communication with each other.

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

Abstract: A telecommunication call service is provided that directs incoming and/or outgoing cellular call charges to be billed to another payment party when placed to a telephone number specified by the payment party. The payment party has pre-established a list of telephone numbers with call direction authorized to be placed with the wireless number and identifies payment means in a payment account to be directly debited by the financed payment manager application for the authorized wireless calls. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an originating telephone switch detecting a specific prepaid wireless subscriber/other party telephone number pair directs the call to an Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) for call handling under the financed payment service feature.

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: The present system for automatically billing direct dialed calls to a subscriber designated third party number enables a subscriber to generate a list of called numbers, each of which has associated with it a third party billing number. Whenever the subscriber dials a called number from their home location, the Local Exchange Carrier automatically compares the direct dialed number with the numbers stored on this list. If the Local Exchange Carrier identifies a match, the charges for the direct dialed call are automatically and directly billed to the third party number on the list. The list is typically stored and managed by an Alternate Billing Server maintained by the third party but can also be stored and managed by the Local Exchange Carrier or the Inter-Exchange Carrier.

Abstract: A calling-party-pays gateway operative for billing a surcharge for a telecommunication service to an account associated with a calling line number. The calling-party-pays gateway is configured for connection between a telephone system and a switch servicing a group of terminating stations such that all communications directed to terminating stations serviced by the switch are routed through the gateway. When the gateway receives a connection request defining a communication directed to a terminating station serviced by the switch, the gateway determines whether the terminating station is associated with an account that requires the surcharge to be billed to the account associated with the calling line number. If the terminating station is associated with an account that requires the surcharge to be billed to the account associated with the calling line number, the gateway determines whether the account associated with the calling line number is pre-approved to receive the surcharge.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that allows a calling party to call a destination number and, upon approval of the called party, reverse the billing of the telephone call so that it is deducted from an account owned and maintained by the called party other than the account associated with the destination number. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving a predetermined access number from a calling party; prompting for a destination number; notifying a called party of the call they are receiving; allowing the called party to accept the call and enter a number associated with an account other than the telephone service account of the destination telephone number; verifying the account number and whether the account has sufficient value available; completing the telephone call to the destination number; and processing the charges associated with the call to be charged against the account.

Abstract: A method for determining an identity of an entity responsible for billing a called party of an alternatively billed telephone call is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a telephone number, the telephone number being associated with the called party. An initial entity identifier is acquired, the initial entity identifier being an OCN associated with the telephone number. Additional steps may be made in response to the telephone number wherein more accurate information is gathered and utilized to ensure the reliable determination of the identity of the entity responsible for ultimately billing the called party.

Abstract: Inmates place free incoming calls to a call processing system and are prompted to choose between accessing a voice mail system and calling an outside party. If an outside party is to be called, an inmate provides a phone number and an outgoing call is placed to the outside party. If the outside party provides payment for the call, the inmate is connected to the outgoing call and the incoming call is terminated. If the outgoing call is not accepted, the inmate may record a voice message for the outside party in a voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. For an access fee, the outside party may access the voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. Advertising messages may be presented to inmates during incoming calls and/or to outside parties during outgoing calls. Advertising revenue may cover incoming call charges. Inmates and/or outside parties may record voice messages for advertisers.

Abstract: A virtual private network and method of allocating one of plural communication terminals to a user in the virtual private network includes offering plural different types of communication terminals for selection by the user, defining plural different user profiles for the user, selecting one of the different types of communication terminals for use by the user, and allocating a one of the plural different user profiles to the selected one of the plural different types of terminals as a function of the type of communication terminal.

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

Abstract: 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 determining an identity of an entity responsible for billing a called party of an alternatively billed telephone call is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a telephone number, the telephone number being associated with the called party. An initial entity identifier is acquired, the initial entity identifier being an OCN associated with the telephone number. Additional steps may be made in response to the telephone number wherein more accurate information is gathered and utilized to ensure the reliable determination of the identity of the entity responsible for ultimately billing the called party.

Abstract: A call is forwarded by connecting the call between an originating location and a forwarding location without connecting the call through a terminating location. The originating location is associated with a calling party. The terminating location is associated with a dialed number. The terminating location and the forwarding location is associated with the called party. A bill for the call is apportioned between the calling party and the called party. The bill portion for the calling party is a function of the originating location and the terminating location. The bill portion for the called party is a function of the terminating location and the forwarding location.

Abstract: An enhanced Calling Party Pays (CPP) or Paging Party Pays (PPP) system that enables 1) billing of calls originating from traditionally non-billable sources, 2) routing of incoming calls to voicemail if the caller does not wish to incur the additional charges, 3) allowing the caller to complete the call and charge the cellular (or paging) subscriber for additional air-time usage when the caller enters a PIN or security code, also referred to as a billing override code, and 4) allowing the caller to block CPP/PPP charges from being billed to the calling party.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of offering a service to a user. The method comprises receiving a dialed number from a request to initiate a collect telephone call from an origination source; processing the dialed number to determine whether payment may be received for the collect telephone call, wherein the processing blocks the collect call and stores the dialed number when the processing determines that payment may not be received for the collect telephone call; and establishing a telephone connection with the dialed number to communicate an offer for the service to a user associated with the dialed number.