Abstract: Techniques for delivering telephone access are provided. In one embodiment, a server system can determine a telephone number assigned to a user operating a client device. The server system can further retrieve, based on the telephone number, softphone configuration data from a telephony service, where the softphone configuration data enables a softphone associated with the client device to register itself, and the telephone number, with the telephony service. The server system can then transmit the softphone configuration data to the client device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.

Abstract: Automatic caller switching in a cellular voice call. A first voice call may be initiated between a first wireless user equipment (UE) device and a second UE via a cellular network. An indication may be received to switch calling parties for the first voice call. A second voice call may be established between the first UE and the second UE via the cellular network in response to the indication to switch calling parties for the first voice call. The calling and called parties may be reversed (switched) for the second voice call relative to the first voice call. The first voice call may be disconnected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitating access to a communication session for a client is provided. The method may comprise obtaining one or more call plan proposals, receiving a destination phone number for making a call on a wireless communications device (WCD) when the WCD is in a source country, determining the source country from which the call is to be made, determining a destination country code of the destination phone number, identifying each of the one or more call plan proposals available to the WCD in the source country, selecting a call plan proposal from the identified available call plan proposals, generating a destination number string, and executing the call using the destination number string. The destination number string can comprise the destination phone number combined with the destination country code and the country access code and the discount identifier code of the selected call plan proposal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for performing reverse least cost routing and price management. In particular, a telecommunications carrier monitors network traffic for a wholesale carrier customer using the carrier's telecommunication services. A new pricing scheme and/or rate for network usage by the wholesale carrier may be generated based on a set of policies created by the carrier, such as when it is determined that the wholesale customer's network usage has decreased. The generated rates and/or pricing schemes may be provided to the wholesale carrier customer in real time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for populating a least cost routing database. In one aspect, a method includes receiving from a carrier a bid for routing a telephone call to a destination; automatically loading the received bid into a least cost routing database to generate an updated least cost routing database; and making the updated least cost routing database accessible for use in determining one or more least cost routes. Further, the received bid can be analyzed to generate a projected business result and the projected business result can be presented to the carrier before loading the received bid into the least cost routing database. Additionally, input can be received from the carrier specifying an historical period and the projected business result can be generated based on data associated with the specified historical period.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which allow a calling party to store messages for a called party even if the called party does not already have message storage facilities, provided the calling party and/or called party meet certain parameters. Delivery of the message is controlled by the called party and may require the called party to agree to pay for the message delivery service. In a further embodiment, a call processing system is operable to screen outgoing calls from various callers according to a first set of criteria and if a call is not completed to a called party a second set of criteria is used to determine if a message can be stored awaiting retrieval by the called party. If desired, a return message from a called party to a calling party can be stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.

Abstract: A telecommunications billing system includes a customer database, a usage database and a billing module. The customer database is configured to store subscription data identifying a pricing plan including an allotment of shared telecommunication units in connection with at least one of a first telecommunications service and a second telecommunications service. The usage database is configured to store a first set of telecommunications service usage data associated with the first telecommunications service and a second set of telecommunications service usage data associated with the second telecommunications service. The billing module is configured to calculate excess charges when a cumulative usage that includes a sum of the first set of telecommunications service usage data and the second set of telecommunications service usage data exceeds the allotment of shared telecommunications units.

Abstract: Prepaid services include a multi-user prepaid services account as well as a prepaid balance associated with the account. A plurality of user records associated with the account each includes a quota. A service monitoring component may be configured to repeatedly draw down the prepaid balance by providing one or more allocations of the prepaid balance during a service period to a user associated with a respective user record.

Abstract: Calls to a wireless telephone number that are to be redirected by a gateway switch to another number can be properly billed, even if the wireless telephone number is ported to another service provider by billing the wireless telephone number subscriber for the charge that would have been incurred by placing a call to the forwarded number from the mobile telephone located in its home service area.

Abstract: Converting a toll calling area to an extended area service (EAS) is provided. The present invention allows customer, regional, and equipment data to be collected into a computing device with a set of assumptions. The data is processed using calculations, regression analysis, and statistics to provide a migration plan in an automatic manner. Results may be derived from the various information detailing an impact of migrating to an EAS.

Abstract: A billing system is provided that allows a consumer to order products from computers connected to the Internet, wherein the consumer is automatically billed for the ordered good or service by its telephone service provider. The billing system comprises a plug-in component (52, 52?), a billing server component (62, 62?), and in some embodiments, a merchant session gateway component (65). When a consumer orders a product over the Internet (20), the plug-in component (52) of the consumer's computer (42) establishes an Internet connection to a billing server (34) located elsewhere on the Internet (20) to order the product. In a first embodiment, the billing server component (62) of the billing server (34) transfers an encrypted version of the product to the plug-in component (52). The plug-in component (52) then disconnects from the Internet (20) and establishes a point-to-point (PPP) connection with the billing server (34).

Abstract: An originating node is configured for generating a route management signaling message having a signaling link selection (SLS) value that is selected by the originating node based on an affected destination value. The affected destination value, distinct from a destination point code (DPC) that specifies a destination node for the route management signaling message, identifies an affected signaling node that is affected by the route management signaling message. Hence, route management signaling messages related to the affected signaling node are routed along the same signaling path, ensuring that all the related route management signaling messages remain in sequence. Further, different signaling path can be established for respective affected signaling nodes, providing load sharing of route management signaling messages relative to the respective affected signaling nodes.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for determining a least-cost, international-routing path to communicate data across a telecommunications network are provided. The path implementation variables can be presented on a user interface or used to automatically generate a switch update transaction that implements the path. The method includes identifying variables that affect the determination of a least-cost path, receiving data values that correspond to the variables, and presenting the data values so that the path can be determined in response to observing the variables. Confidence and route testing can be conducted using the present invention.

Abstract: A method of billing a communication session between a user and a value-added service. A request is received from a user for a communication session, such as a circuit-switched call, a computer-network telephony call or a multimedia session, between the user and a value-added service. Information associated with a credit account is requested before the user is connected to the value-added service. The information associated with the credit account, such as credit card information, debit card information or checking account information, is received in real time. Credit account information, which includes the received information associated with the credit account and a predetermined amount that is to be charged to the credit account, is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a casual usage alternate billing. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for casual usage alternate billing. The invention intercepts a call, especially a dial-around call, to either verify the existence of information in a database or to obtain and authenticate a mode of payment prior to allowing the call to proceed.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications billing system that includes an interface, a customer database, a usage database and a billing module. The interface is configured to receive subscription data associated with a subscription and a first set of telecommunications service usage data. The subscription data identifies a pricing plan that includes an allotment of shared telecommunications units for use in connection with at least one of the first telecommunications service and a second telecommunications service. The usage database is configured to store the first set of telecommunications service usage data and a second set of telecommunications service usage data. The billing module is configured to access the usage database and the customer database.

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 making a long distance or international telephone call is disclosed. A subscriber calls an assigned telephone number to access a sign-up calling plan service billed to a home plan at the home plan rates, and responds to a service announcement by entering the subscriber's home telephone number and a personal identification number that validates the caller. Another service announcement is responded to by the subscriber entering a selection responsive to whether the long distance call is an international call or not. To complete the call, the subscriber enters the long distance telephone number.

Abstract: A method of billing a communication session between a user and a value-added service. A request is received from a user for a communication session, such as a circuit-switched call, a computer-network telephony call or a multimedia session, between the user and a value-added service. Information associated with a credit account is requested before the user is connected to the value-added service. The information associated with the credit account, such as credit card information, debit card information or checking account information, is received in real time. Credit account information, which includes the received information associated with the credit account and a predetermined amount that is to be charged to the credit account, is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a long distance conference call discount feature is disclosed. Call detail records for calls on a per call basis both in the wireline local and long distance setting and any wireless setting are assembled at a telecommunications service provider billing system for preparation of periodic billing to a subscriber. A discount feature engine reviews a periodic billing record and determines the overlapping long distance call charges. The call with the highest long distance charges may be removed from consideration. The long distance charges for one or more of the remaining calls is reduced by a predetermined amount. The reduced long distance charges are saved in a new periodic billing record.

Abstract: A telecommunications call routing and billing computer system includes a telecommunications network including a junction point including a call routing switching device, and including two call routing links meeting at the junction point and in communications with each other through the call routing switching device; and a call routing simulation network including a junction point simulation computer located at the junction point and in communication with the call routing switching device and the two call routing links.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a multiple line long distance discount feature is disclosed. Call detail records for calls on a per call basis both in the wireline local and long distance setting and any wireless setting are assembled at a telecommunications service provider billing system for preparation of periodic billing to a subscriber. A discount feature engine reviews a periodic billing record for a billing telephone number and calculates the long distance charges for each telephone line associated with the billing telephone number. The line with the highest long distance charges is removed from consideration. The long distance charges for one or more of the remaining telephone lines is reduced by a predetermined amount. The reduced long distance charges are saved in a new periodic billing record associated with the billing telephone number.

Abstract: The cost of a long distance call on a telephone system from a first telephone station to a second telephone station is estimated. The first telephone station has a corresponding calling number and the second telephone station has a corresponding called number. The called number, including a telephone code, is received from the first telephone station. The telephone code is parsed from the called number and a calling plan is determined. The cost is estimated based on the telephone code and the calling plan.

Abstract: A system for initiating conversations between callers to a telephone receives calls from various callers, receives selections of various topics of conversation from the callers, and then establishes communication links between pairs of callers in accordance with the selected topics. In a given conversation, at least a portion of the call is billed at a special rate or provided at no cost. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the call is billed at a second rate unless terminated by at least one of the parties. A partner history can be maintained and used by the system to ensure that previously partnered callers are not paired up again for at least a specified time span.

Abstract: An automated toll-free telecommunications information service may be provided responsive to a user sending an E-mail request via the Internet or by a caller dialing a toll-free telephone number and announcing a voice request wherein the caller request comprises categories of interests. A service node interprets the request and collects matches to the request from a database. A match to a request may comprise the identity of an entity corresponding to the match, a toll-free number for the match and a brief information sketch describing the entity. The matches are announced and played for the caller. The caller may barge in with a predetermined voice announcement such as “please dial” when they wish to select an item of the list. In response, the service node initiates the launch of a call to the selected entity.

Abstract: System and a method for facilitating the use of a preferred, discount rate pre-paid telephone calling card. The system and method include and involved a data storage system for storing data corresponding to a pre-paid telephone calling card and at least one location identifier related to the pre-paid telephone calling card. The location identifier(s) corresponding to at least one telephone call service rate. 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 which is configured to receive the location identifier(s) during a setup call over a telephone network and to cause the location identifier(s) to be stored in the data storage system during the setup call.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making least-cost non-local telephone calls. In accordance with this method, an identification code of a customer and a plurality of carrier codes associated with the identification code are stored in a memory which is accessible by a computer at a universal exchange. Each carrier code identifies a respective one of a plurality of telephone call carriers. Subsequent to the storing step, the universal exchange receives the customer identification code and a destination telephone number by means of a telephone call from the customer. The computer at the universal exchange processes the destination telephone number and the plurality of carrier codes corresponding to the customer identification code in accordance with respective rate schedules for those carriers and a least-cost routing algorithm, thereby determining a least-cost carrier for connecting the customer to the station identified by the destination telephone number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of charging for services in a communications system consisting of two or more communications networks (KN1, KN2, KN3) of different network operators, and to network nodes (N3 to N5) and gateway nodes (GN1 to GN4) for such a communications network. For a connection whose establishment was initiated by a subscriber (A) of a first communications network (KN1) of the communications system, one or more services are provided by network nodes (N3 to N5) of a second communications network (KN2; KN3). Each of the network nodes (N3 to N5) of the second communications network (KN2) which provide services for the connection determines a charge (Waaa to Wccc) assigned to the service.