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: 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. The web based prepaid report page may also link the user to a replenishment application for the subscriber, to assist the subscriber in replenishing their account after having reviewed their call history and prepaid account status in near real time.

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

Abstract: A system and method for transferring money by use of a prepaid card account is disclosed wherein two cards are issued to the user accountholder, one of which is provided to another user, and either user may add value to the prepaid account so that the other user may use the card and that value in a financial transaction.

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 telephone calling account system, method, and card. The method typically includes determining a preexisting account designator of a preexisting account, creating a telephone calling account on a calling platform, and assigning to the telephone calling account the preexisting account designator of the preexisting account.

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 is provided for receiving prepayment of telecommunication services is provided. The system comprises a wireless communication network, a wireline communication network, and a pre-payment server communicating with both the wireless communication network and the wireless communication network. The prepayment server stores a monetary amount associated with the telecommunication time paid for by a subscriber. A measuring module operating on the prepayment server monitors the amount of time the subscriber uses both the wireless communication network and the wireless communication network and decreasing the monetary amount accordingly. The system enables a subscriber to make a single prepayment for telecommunication services, and the amount applies to both the subscriber's wireline or wireless telecommunications devices.

Abstract: A convergent communications system and method employing a rule set, having several functions, including determining, for an authorized user, at least one rule applicable at that time for authorizing a transaction and debiting an account of the authorized user, applying the at least one rule for authorizing the transaction, debiting the account, according to the at least one rule for debiting an account, in real time if the transaction is authorized and settling the real time debit to a plurality of transaction providers in accordance with at least one settlement rule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the use of a pre-paid card linked to a stored value card account (e.g., a debit type card associated with an available, remaining money value, etc.). The system and method include and involve a data storage system for storing data related to a pre-paid card and a stored value card account. The stored value card account is maintained and managed by a stored value card processing system. The stored value card processing system stores a money value applicable to purchases and telephone calls. The system and method also include and involve a pre-paid telephone calling card processing system that is coupled to the data storage system and is configured to receive a request to initiate a telephone call in relation to the prepaid telephone calling card and to instruct the stored value card processing system to adjust the money value in relation to the telephone call.

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: A system and method of providing a prepaid subscriber service to a mobile subscriber in an integrated wireless telecommunications network having a circuit-switched portion and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) packet-switched portion. A prepaid subscriber class (PPSC) is stored in a home location register (HLR), and the PPSC is sent from the HLR to a serving mobile switching center (MSC) when the subscriber registers in the circuit-switched portion of the network. The PPSC is sent from the HLR to a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) when the subscriber registers in the packet-switched portion of the network. Also, the PPSC may be sent from the SGSN to a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) in order to indicate that the subscriber is a prepaid subscriber. When the mobile subscriber begins a packet-switched data session, the SGSN, GGSN, or both periodically send partial call data records (CDRs) to a prepaid center (PPC).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for invoicing communications charges incurred when using a communications terminal, in which a charge account associated with the communications terminal and at least one supplementary-charge account are used for invoicing charges, the account balance of the charge account or of the supplementary-charge account at the time at which the communications link is set up is evaluated for the respective communications link as a communications link property, and, depending on the occurrence of this communications link property, either the charge account or one of the supplementary-charge accounts is debited with the communications charges.

Abstract: A pay telephone includes a keypad, a card reader, and a processor. The keypad receives input signals from a caller. The card reader reads identification data and speed dial numbers from a card received from the caller. The processor receives the input signals from the keypad and the identification data and speed dial numbers from the card reader, and concurrently validates the card using the identification data and initiates a telephone call using the input signals or the speed dial numbers.

Abstract: A prepaid service assurance system provides service assurance for a prepaid telecommunication system by generating a call to the prepaid telecommunication system. In response to the call, the prepaid service assurance system then receives an actual response from the prepaid telecommunication system and automatically compares the actual response with an expected response for the prepaid telecommunication system. In other embodiments, the prepaid service assurance system determines whether a modification action is needed based on the comparison of the actual response and the expected response. If the modification action is needed, the prepaid service assurance system identifies the modification action based on the determination that the modification is needed. Once the modification action is identified, the prepaid service assurance system transmits an instruction to provide the modification action for the prepaid telecommunication system.

Abstract: In general, a call rating and debiting system provides a way of rating and debiting complex debit card calls. The system estimates the time when a subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls for a given time period. Estimation is performed by accounting for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to a latest paid for time, estimating remaining time before a subscriber's balance reaches zero, based upon a remaining balance achieved after the system accounts for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call and reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, and setting a time limit for all calls in accordance with any portion of the aforementioned. An alternative embodiment of the system allows a subscriber's account balance to be automatically increased after the balance decreases past a predefined minimum.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing prepaid telephony service via an Internet protocol (IP) network system. A first method provides controlling at least one media agent or call routing station/switch of an IP network system for allowing and/or blocking call media streams from traversing through the media agent. A second method provides directing all signaling messages transmitted by a signaling agent or station and all media packets transmitting voice and data communications through at least one common device within the IP network system. The methods further provide for continuously monitoring a subscriber's account balance and terminating the prepaid telephony service if the account balance is less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A system for using a prepaid card permits a card user to purchase a card, issued by an issuer such as a bank, through an agent at a retail establishment via a terminal, select a PIN, have the card activated at the point of purchase, use the card to purchase goods and services, and reload the card for future use. The system uses a communications network for issuance, activation, and accounting, and activation is accomplished on a real-time basis, either one account at a time or in a batch mode. The card can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services including telephone services. The card can also be used to make cash withdrawals at an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal.

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 system and method having a number of call processors and servers which provide prepaid or debit card calling service to local areas is disclosed. The servers are linked via a wide area network (WAN) or some other communications network. The system maintains a single account record for each debit card customer. Each account record contains information such as an account balance and a rate billing plan for the customer. When a customer makes a prepaid call, a local call processor and server handle the call. The local server obtains the customer's record from another server via the WAN if the record is not already present in a local database. WAN traffic is reduced because most debit card users routinely call from the same local area and, as a result, most of calls from a particular customer are processed by the same local call processor and server.

Abstract: A system and method for managing roaming billing records for a telephone caller's home subscriber network. The invention includes a method for roaming networks to push roaming billing records in real time back to a subscriber's home network.

Abstract: The Web Access invention allows account holders to view their account information over the Internet, and gives account holders access to telephony features via the Internet. The features of the Web Access invention include login, security, account history, PIN maintenance, merging accounts, callback, recharging accounts with a credit card, purchasing accounts with a credit card, retrieving fax mail, retrieving voicemail, viewing recharge history, and viewing rate information.

Abstract: A method for providing a pre-paid telephone calling card services to a calling party initiating a voice-based connection to a called party telephone using an internet-based IP Phone process running on a personal computer. The method comprises initiating an A-leg connection between the IP Phone process and an internet gateway utilizing a computer network connecting the personal computer and the internet Gateway, establishing a telephone connection between the internet gateway and a SCP. Once this connection is established, the SCP transmits a request to the calling party through the IP Phone process to provide account and call information. The calling party responds with the requested account and call information using the IP Phone process. The internet gateway then transmits the information to the SCP using DTMF tones. The SCP responds by transmitting an account query from the SCP to verify account and balance information for the calling party.

Abstract: A pre-pay service unit uses pseudo-numbers to identify subscribers and substitutes actual numbers to complete a call after verification of authenticity and verification of a positive balance in a subscriber's account. The service unit and the cellular telephone exchange data in the process of authentication. For outgoing calls, a cellular telephone first transmits an “800” number and an ANI. The “800” number is the telephone number of the pre-pay service unit, which then requests number actually dialed. The cellular telephone responds with dialed digits, a security code, and status data. If the information is correct, the dialed digits are then passed to a local exchange carrier to complete the call. For incoming calls, a pseudo-number directs the call to the pre-pay service unit, which converts the pseudo-number to the actual telephone number of a subscriber's cellular telephone.

Abstract: A process for dynamic management of subscription data for a terminal in a “prepaid” mode as part of a telecommunication network, in which a customer in possession of, or using, the terminal acquires two numbers for activating the terminal and/or crediting the terminal account. The two numbers could be acquired from a pre-paid card, for example, with the numbers hidden until a covering is scratched off by the users. The terminal must be activated on the network by first entering a authentication key, whereby the terminal obtains an identity on the network. The customer can then add an account number that creates and/or credits the terminal account on the network, whereby the terminal obtains a call number from the network. The customer can add credit to his account by purchasing additional pre-paid cards.

Abstract: In a prepaid group service, a number of subscribers belonging to a group share one common prepaid group account. In order to minimize the risk of an improper call release, an undercut of the prepaid group account is determined (305) on the basis of at least one parameter; and the undercut is used when deciding (309) if a call, charged from the prepaid group account, can be set up or continued when there is at least another ongoing call which is charged from the prepaid group account.

Abstract: An internetwork (such as the Internet) telephony system and method incorporating architecture and methodology which facilitates a high degree of scalability. The scalability provides improvement dealing with usage recording, usage pricing, billing account management, and fraud control. The scalability is achieved primarily by bundling of usage recording, pricing, authorization and billing practices in one logical database object which may be physically distributed. A predefined set of network elements are provided access to the database object to obtain authorization for a call along with limitations on the maximum cost or duration of the call for the particular account involved. The database object records usage statistics relating to the completed call, including pricing, and this data is available for virtually immediate billing. The database object provides to customers on a virtual real time basis the customer's usage statistics, including statistics for a call in progress.

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: The number of digits required to place a pre-paid card (or other special service) telephone call is reduced by using information derived from prior calls from a particular originating station and stored at a special service call platform. Originating station information, typically ANI and account number and PIN information associated with a particular pre-paid card is stored at the platform. Subsequent calls to the platform from the same originating station use this stored information to identify the account; the account number and PIN are, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, taken to be the same as for the immediately preceding call with the same ANI information. An authorization expiration is advantageously associated with ANI information and selected originating locations, e.g., coin stations, hotels and the like are denied simplified authorization to minimize the potential for unauthorized use.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing the value associated with a pre-purchased amount of telecommunication-time for making telephone calls and for uses other than making telephone calls is provided. The system includes a computer system including a prepaid platform adapter for interfacing with a prepaid platform, and a financial network adapter for interfacing with a financial network. Unit minutes, having a value associated with the purchased amount of telecommunication-time, are convertible to telecommunication-time equivalents for making telephone calls and monetary equivalents for uses other than making telephone calls. A database, communicating with the computer, includes subscriber account information and transaction processing protocol information for each adapter. A remote input server, communicating with the computer, provides an input device to access the computer.

Abstract: A communications system is designed to allow a temporary electronic find transfer from a pre-paid calling card balance to an account of the prepaid calling card issuer to take place when the user of such prepaid calling card number elects to record a spontaneous message for a called party. The transferred fund is either permanently deducted from the prepaid calling card balance when the recorded message is delivered to the called party, or partially or fully refunded to the prepaid calling card balance when the recorded message is deemed undeliverable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for enabling a subscriber to pre-purchase usage time from a telephone company or a consolidator at substantially a discounted rate and use the pre-purchased usage time against subsequent long distance telephone calls.

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: A system, and methods for billing clients of services providers are presented. Calls to the services providers are received at a prepaid calling center where the clients are prompted to provide an identification number. The identification number is then used to retrieve a record from a database which includes the client's debit account information as well as a menu of services available from a services provider, and the services provider's telephone number. After retrieving the foregoing information, the prepaid calling center completes a telephone call between the client and the services provider. The prepaid calling centers then debits the prepaid account at a prescribed billing rate until the telephone call is terminated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing prepaid dialtone services. The system includes a prepaid dialtone service center having an applications server that maintains a prepaid dialtone subscriber database including subscriber identification and service period information. The applications server is configured to automatically remind subscribers to renew their prepaid dialtone account and communicates with a local exchange carrier to place a hold on, or cancel, an expired subscriber account. The method includes the features of determining and monitoring a service period for a prepaid dialtone subscriber, communicating a reminder to the subscriber prior to expiration of the service period, and communicating with a local exchange carrier servicing the subscriber upon expiration of the service period.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent communication system that provides subscriber-requested, advanced communication services through existing communication switches even in those circumstances in which the hardware communication switch is not configured to provide such communication services. The system supports the use of personal identification number access cards for use in fixed and mobile markets from any communication device located anywhere in the world and provides flexible call processing and switching services that deliver enhanced computer telephony capabilities utilizing standard communication equipment and operating systems.

Abstract: A method of providing wireless directory assistance service includes the steps of receiving a call placed by a caller at a telecommunications carrier switch, routing the call to a call management platform coupled to the telecommunications carrier switch. A directory assistance service provider is contacted via the telecommunications carrier switch or via a frame relay network. The call is then split from the call to the directory assistance service provider. The call management platform then receives a destination number from the directory assistance service provider and supplies it to the caller in a voice announcement. The destination number may be received in-band or via the frame relay network. The call management platform waits a predetermined time period and then automatically connects the call to the destination number via the telecommunications carrier switch if the call has not been disconnected within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring telecommunications traffic is disclosed. When a switch receives a call request, the switch sends a query message to a service controller. The service controller identifies the call request as a request to place a special service call and therefore returns to the switch a special service code, which causes the switch to route the call via a special looparound circuit to a destination. A signaling path associated with the looparound circuit passes through a designated network entity, which can therefore monitor the start and end of the call. An SCP or other network entity can then take appropriate action in response to the status of the call. The invention is particularly useful in facilitating robust account balance service such as prepaid calling.

Abstract: An improved telephony system for calling card calls is provided. The system comprises a method and system for allowing preregistered names to be displayed on pager devices when a calling card call is placed to a pager. In the invention, a calling card account number is utilized to retrieve the pre-registered name to be displayed at the pager device. A speed paging option may also be provided. The invention is particularly apt for use in telephony systems having AIN-capable switching devices.

Abstract: A telephone calling card (prepaid or postpaid) service system with an intelligent network (IN) for automated call processing novelly associates a Virtual Destination Number (VDN) with each calling card account to significantly broaden service options to calling card account subscribers. As a result, a calling card customer can combine calling card service with voice mail service and call forwarding service, which was heretofore not possible. More particularly, the additional services include: the ability of a calling card customer to check a voice mailbox associated with the calling card VDN; the ability of a calling card customer to create and change voice mail greeting options; the ability of a calling card customer to establishing a call forwarding number; and the ability of third parties dialing the VDN to either be connected to a call forwarding number if established, or access the calling card account subscriber's voice mailbox.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of prepaid services for the customers of a telecommunication network operator in a wired and/or mobile telephone network. The invention makes it possible to implement prepaid call services even in countries with a low level of development of telephony. In the procedure of the invention, it is not necessary to identify e.g. DTMF tones, but the normal dialling system can be used to the verification of right of use of the service.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for providing access to the Internet on a pre-paid or pay-per-use basis that utilizes an Advanced Intelligent Network (“AIN”) to set up a dial up connection between a subscriber and an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”). The telecommunications system communicates with the ISP's computer systems to coordinate verification of callers attempting access to the ISP. The system uses features of the AIN to identify a call as a pre-authorized call so that the ISP grants access without requiring a username and a password from a caller. If the ISP receives a call that is not so identified, the caller is treated as regular ISP subscriber, and requires a username and a password to authenticate the caller prior to granting access to the ISP's resources. The present invention further utilizes the telephone service provider's billing systems to aggregate bills and collect revenue from subscribers.

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.

Abstract: Authorizing a billing by a billing system of a telephone network, to a subscriber, for a service requested over the Internet, using a calling card. A line information database is accessed to obtain the telephone number corresponding to the calling card identifier, and the service is billed to that number. This puts existing telephone billing system and calling card infrastructure to a new use and provides a payment or authorization method that is easy to use and to deploy and bring to market on a large scale.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for extending a limit of a pre-paid calling card without disconnecting the communicating parties. When a first party makes a call using a pre-paid calling card and the limit of the calling card is reached, a call extender either queries the called party or launches a call to another party to query if these parties would pay for the remainder of the call or whether the parties would pay for extending the limit by an agreed amount. If a party agrees to pay for one of the above options, the call extender permits the call to continue and bills the accepting party accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing pre-paid long distance telephone calls without the requirement for dialing an access number or providing a personal identification number. Customers establish accounts with a service provider and keep the accounts replenished with finds. When the customer dials a long distance telephone number, the call is routed to a service provider's IVR platform, where a check is made for sufficient funds in the individual account. If there are sufficient funds, the call is completed, otherwise the customer is routed to a customer service representative and the customer can then replenish his account. The customer can replenish the account using different payment methods, such as at designated locations, the IVR, through the Internet, or with customer service representatives. Payments can be made by providing credit card or other financing information or by sending checks.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent communication system that provides subscriber-requested, advanced communication services through existing communication switches even in those circumstances in which the hardware communication switch is not configured to provide such communication services. The system supports the use of personal identification number access cards for use in fixed and mobile markets from any communication device located anywhere in the world and provides flexible call processing and switching services that deliver enhanced computer telephony capabilities utilizing standard communication equipment and operating systems.