Abstract: A local routing system is provided for selectively routing traffic in a telecommunications network according to a local service provider's preferences. The local service provider provides service for telephone lines acquired from a local exchange carrier. The telecommunications network supports an originator subscribing to the local service provider. The originator initiates a trigger when originating a call to a destination by dialing a number. The local routing system includes a classifier, a determiner, and a router. The classifier analyzes the dialed number and categorizes the call into one of several predetermined classes of traffic. The determiner determines whether the local service provider has a routing preference for the class of traffic into which the classifier has placed the call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for remotely processing a data string. The method includes the steps of generating a data string from a communications device, which may be a telephone or a modem, and attaching an identifier code to the data string. The data string is then transmitted to a remote processor that reads the identifier code and processes the data string according to an algorithm designated by the identifier code.

Abstract: A system and method that controls calls, such as telephone solicitations, by a calling party to a called party. A switch receives a call from the calling party and marks the call to identify it as a telephone solicitation. Such marking can be performed in various ways, such as altering a forward call indicator of an IAM message if the switch is using an ISUP procedure, or providing a station type with information digits used in multi-frequency signaling. After the call has been marked, it can then be identified by a switch serving the called party as a telephone solicitation. Once identified, the switch then analyzes a profile for the called party and determines how to complete the call. For example, if the profile indicates that the called party does not want to receive telephone solicitations, the call will not be completed to the called party, but instead will receive alternate treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically processing charges on a billing system for a telecommunications communication is provided. The type of communication is automatically determined from a received record. Based on the determined type of communication, information indicating attributes of the communication is retrieved from the record. A bill is then generated that includes at least one new section that is generated exclusively from the information retrieved from the record. The new section includes information about communications to new services. The billing system does not have to be extensively reconfigured when a new special service is offered on a trial basis.

Abstract: A computer network architecture and software that accesses multiple telephone billing systems across multiple telephone service regions, provides a telecommunications service provider with a consolidated view of a customer's telephone usage, and provides means for creating, automatically implementing, and monitoring billing plans based on customer billing relationships illustrated in the consolidated view. The present invention pulls information from different billing systems and presents the telecommunications service provider with a consolidated account view that summarizes a customer's total worth to the service provider, rather than listing a series of unrelated accounts for the same customer. With the individualized consolidated views, a telecommunications service provider can formulate and implement flexible terms and conditions for each customer.

Abstract: An automated emergency notification system is disclosed. When practicing one embodiment of the present invention, a calling party places a phone call to an emergency service provider by dialing into a service provider network. The service provider network determines the identity of the calling party by accessing a subscriber database. The network determines a set of parties to be called by utilizing the identity of the calling party to access the set of parties to be called from an outcall database. The calling party pre-defines the set of parties to be called (i.e., before an emergency occurs) in the event of an emergency and stores this information in the outcall database. The service provider network then establishes the phone call between the calling party and the emergency service provider and also automatically places phone calls to each individual included in the set of parties to be called that was defined by the calling party.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating and updating an authorization list associated with a subscriber which may be used to determine whether a party initiating a telephone call is on a list of parties authorized by the subscriber. If the calling party is not on the list of authorized parties, a fee may be charged to the calling party in return for being connected to the subscriber. Preferably, the present invention is implemented at the subscriber's central office, i.e., at the central office which services the subscriber. In accordance with common-channel signaling, commonly referred to as signaling system 7 (SS7), the calling party's telephone number and identity are received in the call signaling data transmitted to the central office which services the subscriber.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol Telephony Network and public switched telephone network, in which closed user groups may be dynamically defined and modified to take advantage of special billing within the closed user groups. Abbreviated dialing within the closed user groups may also be used to make dialing more convenient. The closed user groups may include members anywhere in a global network, and may take advantage of the special billing, regardless of whether the members are located in different states and/or countries.

Abstract: A local routing system is provided for selectively routing traffic in a telecommunications network according to a local service provider's preferences. The local service provider provides service for telephone lines acquired from a local exchange carrier. The telecommunications network supports an originator subscribing to the local service provider. The originator initiates a trigger when originating a call to a destination by dialing a number. The local routing system includes a classifier, a detenniner, and a router. The classifier analyzes the dialed number and categorizes the call into one of several predetermined classes of traffic. The determiner determines whether the local service provider has a routing preference for the class of traffic into which the classifier has placed the call.

Abstract: To provide toll services but limit the amount of such services, toll calls from a party's line are routed to selected calling card type processing equipment. However, so that such calling party's have equal access to multiple carriers and need not dial additional digits, the communications network supplies calling and dialed number information to the processing equipment. The network preferably identifies the call as requiring a special application (without user input of billing number or PIN information). The processing equipment performs all necessary account related screening, e.g. to determine the remaining amount of funds available for the caller's toll services, to route the call and to continuously rate the call cost for the duration of the call. If there are no remaining funds, the call is disallowed. If the funds run-out during the call, the calling card type processing equipment interrupts the call and informs the caller.

Abstract: A system and method that controls calls, such as telephone solicitations, by a calling party to a called party. A switch receives a call from the calling party and marks the call to identify it as a telephone solicitation. Such marking can be performed in various ways, such as altering a forward call indicator of an IAM message if the switch is using an ISUP procedure, or providing a station type with information digits used in multi-frequency signaling. After the call has been marked, it can then be identified by a switch serving the called party as a telephone solicitation. Once identified, the switch then analyzes a profile for the called party and determines how to complete the call. For example, if the profile indicates that the called party does not want to receive telephone solicitations, the call will not be completed to the called party, but instead will receive alternate treatment.

Abstract: A method of routing calls, messages or information (call routing) comprising storing in a memory a database representing a relationship or organization roles, including names of persons filling the roles and call directory numbers associated with the roles, in response to a request to complete a call to a particular directory number associated with one of the roles, looking up in the database a directory number associated with one of the roles, and processing the call as if the call were directed to the further directory number.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for aggregating customer information for a telecommunications system. Call information is received from the network and integrated with customer information which is stored in network databases. The customer information includes indicators which signify that particular customer applications that should be applied. One application can identify patterns of network usage, including the called number which receives a customer's largest volume of traffic, and applying a discount to all of the customer's calls that fit within the pattern. The network's processing system takes the integrated information and applies the indicated customer application at a call level. This process results in aggregated customer information.

Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring operations of advanced intelligent network (AIN) elements of a public switched telephone network by transporting standardized network management messages across a data network. A maintenance and operations console (MOC) sends and receives Simplified Network Management Protocol (SNMP) objects from AIN elements such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) via a packet switched network using a standardized transport protocol such as TCP/IP. The IP includes an error monitoring system that collects error messages and generates an error status report. An SNMP agent internal to the IP converts the error status report to SNMP objects outputs the SNMP objects onto the packet switched network. The MOC receives the SNMP objects, assigns an operational priority to the SNMP objects, and displays the operational priority of the received SNMP objects based on object relationships identified by a Management Information Base (MIB).

Abstract: Telecommunication switches (e.g., PBX's or local exchange carrier's Centrex-enabled switches) route calls in accordance with economic incentives (e.g., least cost routing) resulting from a bidding process between participating telecommunication Carriers (Carriers) by operation of a central processor, a computer referred to as a bidding moderator (Moderator). Each of the Carriers bidding for traffic over a route informs the Moderator of the rate it is willing to charge for (or other economic incentive it is willing to offer) service between two specific points in a telecommunication network, for example, from one NPA-NXX to another NPA-NXX, at some particular time. This "bid" rate may be lower than that Carrier's established rate for any of several reasons (e.g., the Carrier has excess capacity on that route at that time). The Carrier may change its bids as often as it likes during the day as traffic patterns change.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically updating subscriber service accounts to accommodate a numbering plan change, such as an NPA split, is provided. Subscriber service account information, such as account information pertaining to speed dialing, is automatically updated by a subscriber account update process, which runs periodically on an administrative computer system connected to an ISN via a wide area network. The subscriber account update process accesses NPA split tables to determine pending NPA splits. For each pending NPA split, the update process determines impacted ANIs that have existing service accounts. Then, for each such impacted ANI, the update process creates a new service account, which is indexed by the new ANI, to which the impacted ANI is being converted. The new service account includes account information previously stored in the existing account. The existing account is updated to refer to the new account.

Abstract: An arrangement for inhibiting the completion on defrauding calls. Calls to certain area codes are sometimes not subject to the kinds of regulations characteristic of U.S. based area codes. The result is that callers are charged an exorbitant fee (frequently several dollars per minute) without realizing that they are incurring such charges. In accordance with applicant's invention, a data base maintains a record of suspected telephone numbers and calls to the suspected area codes are checked to see if the call is to one of the suspected numbers. If so, the caller is warned and can disconnect before the call is completed. Advantageously, possibly for the payment of the fee, callers are saved from making calls with exorbitant charges.

Abstract: A system is provided for enabling a subscriber using a credit call service to utilize a telecommunication service subscribed by the subscriber himself or herself. The credit call service system is provided with a service switcher station for registering telecommunication service information for identifying the telecommunication service that each terminal subscribes, a service controller for registering the telecommunication service information of the telecommunication service that the subscriber who subscribes the credit call service subscribes by himself or herself, and a service information replacement unit for replacing the telecommunication service information registered in the service switcher station by the telecommunication service information registered in the service controller upon the receipt the credit call service request from the subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone call tracking and billing system and method in which a subscriber can call a central system location, enter personal identification and billing code information, and then place a desired call is provided. The call duration can be logged and stored along with the billing code information. Monthly billing statements can be generated and provided to the subscriber, and custom reports can be generated and delivered at any time according to the subscriber's requests. The system is maintained at the provider's site so that the subscriber need not purchase or maintain hardware and software.

Abstract: A method is provided to distinguish local exchange communication services provided by an interexchange carrier from other services offered by the interexchange carrier. The local exchange service typically is provided to a customer with whom the interexchange carrier provides a direct connection. For each call, a terminating switch receives a code identifying a type of service assigned to the call. The code may contain a local service identifier associated with a call that identifies the call is identifying a type of service assigned to the call. The switch determines whether the call is a POTS call and whether the code includes the local service identifier. If both conditions are met, the terminating switch generates the billing record provided the customer is a subscriber to the local service offered by the carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time exchange of customer information between telecommunications companies provides a significant reduction in the time required for completing a preferred inter-exchange carrier (PIC) order. It also provides significant reductions in the time required for other applications of customer information exchange, such as messages from a local exchange carrier (LEC) to an inter-exchange carrier (IEC) and customer inquiries. The present invention is an application of systems, and is referred to as Quick PIC. Quick PIC utilizes a telecommunications gateway that transmits a Customer Account Record Exchange (CARE) record, which format is defined by the ANSI T1.246 standard, using an OSI protocol stack that includes Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP) for the application layer. A CARE record can contain a PIC order, customer information inquiry, or customer information.

Abstract: A call schedule is received that includes a plurality of sample calls to be made by an automated calling station. The plurality of sample calls are automatically placed on the network using the automated calling station. At least one final billing record corresponding to the at least one completed sample call is received. The call data is processed to determine billed cost data. The billed cost data is compared to the previous cost data and a change in the rate plan is detected based on the comparison of the billed cost data to the previous cost data.

Abstract: A system for screening telephone calls that include a caller identification information signals has a caller identification processor connected to a telephone line for generating caller identification information signals to a computer that retrieves an image associated with the caller from a database and displays the image on a television. A time delay also can be stored in the database to delay the display of the image by a predetermined amount. A user can change both the image and the time delay. The image can be alphanumeric and/or pictorial and can include audio information.

Abstract: A system and method for the switches of a telecommunications network to generate call records for telephone calls using a flexible and expandable record format. Upon receipt of a telephone call, a switch in the network analyzes the telephone call to determine whether the default call record is sufficiently large to store call record information pertaining to the telephone call, or whether the expanded call record must be used to store the call information pertaining to the telephone call. After determining which call record to use, the switch generates the default or expanded call record. The switch sends a billing block, comprised of completed call records, to a billing center upon filling an entire billing block.

Abstract: A call path system generates a graphical representation of a call path of a selected type of telephone call routed by a telephonic switch 100. An administrator computer system 110 includes a computer 112 and administrator display 114 for generating and displaying the graphical representation. The graphical representation may be a block diagram 200 consisting of telephone call type 202, application 204, scripts 206, agent group 208, agents/staff 210, supervisor 214 and a particular agent group I 212. Each of the blocks include available selections in the particular category. Such as a listing of agent groups 304, a listing of telephone types 300, a listing of available DNIS numbers 302 and a listing of agents/staff 306. The call path system further permits an administrator, via the administrator computer system 110 to select and any of the above. Applications may be modified such that the telephonic switch 100 thereafter routes telephone calls in accordance with the modified applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing a conference call session between parties provides collaboration between nodes having separate conference-bridging capabilities, so that selection from a number of alternative connectivity schemes can be based upon bridge-to-bridge negotiation. The selection of a connectivity scheme may be based upon one or more of cost and telecommunication resource availability. Selection may also be based upon stored historical data relating to prior conference calls involving at least one of said parties and/or upon historical data of patterns of node resource availability. A conference bridge includes a user interface, a message interface, a connectivity computation component, a conference bridge manager, and a multimedia exchange component. An input to the connectivity computation component includes a database having tariff table information and resource-demand cycle information.

Abstract: A system for preventing fraudulent calling activity in a telecommunications network when an Automatic Number Identification failure (ANIF) occurs at a switch attempting to process a call within the network. When an ANIF occurs, an operator obtains information equivalent to an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) from the calling party and the system determines whether the call is of a type that would not have been restricted had the ANIF not occurred. If the call would not otherwise have been restricted had the ANIF not occurred, the system automatically assigns a blanket billing restriction to the call which only allows specific call types (such as what are deemed the safer alternate billing methods of collect or credit card) and blocks other restricted call types.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automating telecommunications billing operations and reducing operator errors when processing operator assisted telephone calls is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, when an operator assisted telephone call is being serviced, a computer is used to automatically generate default billing charge information, e.g., a default class charge, which is automatically entered unless the operator alters this computer generated information. In addition, the computer provides the operator with messages regarding restrictions which are applicable to the call being processed as well as other useful call processing information. When the operator alters the default class charge, a check is automatically performed to insure that the new class charge is a valid class charge. If the class charge appears to be in error, a message is provided to the operator and the operator is given a chance to alter the class charge information before the call is terminated.

Abstract: A system for completing calls to a passenger aboard an aircraft. The passenger activates ground-to-air service by accessing a ground-to-air database subsystem that is located on the ground. The passenger gains access to the ground-to-air database by dialing a special service number and entering a Master Personal Identification Number (Master PIN). Once access to the database is obtained, the passenger may enter one or more ground-to-air forwarding parameters which enable the system to forward ground initiated calls directly to the passenger. At anytime after ground-to-air service has been activated, but before it is terminated, a person on the ground may initiate a call to the passenger by dialing the special service number. In a preferred embodiment, a Ground-to-Air User PIN is employed to screen ground callers.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring operations of advanced intelligent network (AIN) elements of a public switched telephone network by transporting standardized network management messages across a data network. A maintenance and operations console (MOC) sends and receives Simplified Network Management Protocol (SNMP) objects from AIN elements such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) via a packet switched network using a standardized transport protocol such as TCP/IP. The IP includes an error monitoring system that collects error messages and generates an error status report. An SNMP agent internal to the IP converts the error status report to SNMP objects outputs the SNMP objects onto the packet switched network. The HOC receives the SNMP objects, assigns an operational priority to the SNMP objects, and displays the operational priority of the received SNMP objects based on object relationships identified by a Management Information Base (MIB).

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network application is provided for collecting and recording cumulative call data to a subscriber's telephone number. The subscriber may receive monthly reports regarding incoming telephone traffic with the data formatted according to one or more of the following categories: total calls for the reporting period; quantity of calls by day of month; quantity of calls by hour of day; quantity of calls by local area and exchange (i.e., NPA-NXX); quantity of calls by Zip Code+4; and quantity of calls by demographic code. The report may also provide the subscriber with, e.g., a record of incoming local exchange telephone traffic.

Abstract: A system for recording the services provided by a telecommunications network in response to a service request generates a number of individual records corresponding to the number of network elements providing telecommunications services in response to the request. Each individual record contains information relating to the services provided by the corresponding network element. Those service requests requiring the services of two or more network elements are assigned an identifier which is stored in each corresponding record. Records having a common identifier are matched with one another and merged into a single network record corresponding to the service request. Billing statements and statistical reports may be derived from the single network record.

Abstract: A system and method automatically, in real-time, create and maintain records of customer use of a telecommunication network for diverse types of service and costs. Each customer use of the network is collected and tagged in a record as an event for each switching device in the network. Real-time event correlation based upon all tags is performed and combined into a standard record for each event. Additional information, e.g. pricing, tax, service is incorporated into the standard record as a basis for billing the customer for use of the diverse types of services and costs on the network.

Abstract: A method and system 11 for quickly changing a subscriber's long distance or local carrier while allowing the subscriber to maintain the same directory number. A preferred carrier code is entered into an interim carrier database 42, 43, and an indicator is activated for communications originating on the subscriber's line 14a. When a communication originating on the subscriber's line 14a is subsequently received, the carrier-of-record code is retrieved from a subscriber database 44, and the preferred carrier code is retrieved from the interim carrier database 42, 43. The preferred carrier code is compared to the carrier-of-record code. If the preferred carrier code is different than the carrier-of-record code, the preferred carrier code is used to assign the communication to the preferred carrier. At a later time, the carrier-of-record code in the subscriber database 44 is updated with the subscriber's preferred carrier code.

Abstract: A high-speed information service system is provided which uses a unique identifier received during call setup to retrieve automatically a personalized profile for an information service subscriber. The identifier uniquely identifies the subscriber, thereby allowing the information retrieval process to begin immediately after the call is setup. The system utilizes Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) signaling and temporary, "out-of-band" signaling to improve information retrieval capability. ISDN signaling permits electronic addressing of information requested by the subscriber, thereby eliminating the delays which accompany DTMF signal processing. Communications between an information service provider and an individual information source are conducted using out-of-band signaling. That is, call setup and information request are processed using a channel other than the channel which carries data between the information service provider, the information source and the subscriber.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of providing information for display at a calling party telecommunications station or at an idle station. Two signaling arrangements are described, the D-channel of an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) channel, and an in-band frequency shift key signal. The information that is displayed is related to the called party (such as information identifying that party), the carrier of the conversation, or represents general information (an emergency announcement).

Abstract: An electronic switch (29) for automatically connecting a subscriber telephone instrument (31a, 31b, 31c, or 31d) to either of two telephone signal paths (27 or 28) is disclosed. Outbound calls are selectively routed to one or the other of the two telephone signal paths, based on the nature of the initial digits generated by the subscriber. Local calls are sent to a local exchange carrier (23a) and toll calls are sent to an inter-exchange carrier (25) via a transmission medium that may also carry other signals, such as cable television or utility energy management signals. In the event the normal path is out of service, outbound signals are sent via the other path. Inbound signals from either path are automatically routed to the subscriber. Signal routing is completely transparent to the subscriber.

Abstract: A telecommunications method is disclosed for processing calling party information so that an "800" or toll-free telephone number or a value-added service telephone number made up of a special service code followed by 7 digits indicating an ultimate destination for the call can be directly provided by a foreign telecommunication administration and processed by a domestic telecommunication administration without the need for the originating foreign telecommunication administration to pass a country identifier or other carrier specific information as part of the dialed number. Additionally, the method provides for a blocking condition which allows calls from certain foreign locations to the dialed number to be blocked.

Abstract: A computer system employs a repeater unit which repowers a serial channel link. The repeater unit also monitors and records non-idle usage and errors for both directions of the repeated serial link. Non-idle usage of the serial link is recorded as a number of seconds that non-idle traffic flowed in the link over a given period of time. Link serial code violations and loss-of-light transitions are also counted. Link code violations are counted with an accuracy that permits targeted serial link bit-error rates, of no more than one bit error in approximately two months, to be accurately verified for the first time in a normal customer environment. The repeater unit permits an attached monitoring computer to read and reset all its usage and error counters as often as required by the customer, and without losing any counts of any counted event.

Abstract: A telecommunications system allows multiple users to place and charge telephone calls to personal debit accounts without requiring specially designed telephones or "smart" cards. The system keeps track of the cost of each call, including applicable taxes, in real time and notifies the user when the account balance approaches zero. The system allows the user to restore the account balance in real time either manually or automatically by charging the increase to a commercial credit card. The system has one or more local area networks with means for receiving an inbound call and means for performing-a function in response to the inbound call, where both means perform concurrent processing.

Abstract: A telephone line selection and accounting system is provided. The system an electronically programmable read only memory (EPROM) database of rate information for each carrier. Upon initiation of a user call, the database is first updated using automatic rate update tones (if available) from each carrier. The database rate information is then used to select the lowest cost carrier. The system provides the capability to connect to a carrier using either distinct lines or local access numbers over a common line. During the call, total elapsed time and cost is displayed at the user phone. Once the call is complete, call accounting information is stored for later retrieval and analysis. In addition to the automatic rate update tones, the rate information database may be updated either by changing EPROMs or by manually entering new rate information from a user phone.

Abstract: The cost of a telephone toll call is shared by arranging the billing system of the telephone toll carrier to permit sharing of the period cost for at least one indivisible time period of a toll call. Accordingly, at least a portion of the period cost associated with at least one of the indivisible time periods of a toll call is assigned to both the terminating and originating subscribers, so that each subscriber to the toll call is billed for a portion of the total basic cost incurred for each of those indivisible periods of time over which it is agreed that the period costs will be shared. An authorization signal, indicating that the subscriber who would not have shared in the period costs for any indivisible period if the call had the call been placed as in the prior art--typically the terminating subscriber--agrees to accept his share of the period costs, may be required before any period cost sharing periods can occur.

Abstract: A system to allow two or more telephone carriers to automatically connect to existing in-house telephone wiring wherein the choice of carrier is made by the calling party. Service is provided on a default basis by a primary carrier, however, the user can select and cause an alternative carrier to be connected to the in-house wiring permitting the use of standard telephone equipment with different carriers at the option of the calling party. In this system the switching arrangement is such that only one carrier is connected to the in-house wiring at any one time. Additionally, there is provision to detect incoming calls from carriers other than the default primary carrier and to switch to that carrier in response to the incoming call. Further, this system permits the packetization of outgoing information and the receipt of packetized incoming information on the secondary carrier with standard telephone equipment that is connected to the in-house wiring.

Abstract: A modular traffic analyzer for one or more digital signal multipath transmission channels for the management of digital or analog telephone installations including a module for acquiring and storing samples and a module for processing the latter. A module including at least one dedicated discrimination circuit per signal type travelling over the channel is provided so as to perform, from spectral and power values of the digital signal, a compression of discriminated parameter signal and a distribution according to the signal type or in a temporal mode with respect to one or more channels.

Abstract: A call-disposition analyzer (10) for determining whether calls placed by way of a private branch exchange (PBX) (12) have been completed employs current sensors (22) to monitor the trunk lines (16) that the PBX (12) uses. It thereby records the telephone numbers dialed over the trunk lines (16). It also detects supervisory and voice signals on the trunk lines (12) so as to determine of the call's disposition--i.e., typically, so as to determine whether the call went through successfully. It stores in a memory (60) the call-disposition estimate and tags it with the telephone number that was dialed to make the call.

Abstract: A subscriber can dynamically provision, i.e., assign desired characteristics to any "target station", which is an active phone accessible to a telecommunications network. A call thereafter originated from the target station (including a pay phone or a mobile phone) then can use customized features (for example, speed calling, conferencing, account code dialing) and take advantage of special corporate billing arrangements (for example, SDN, WATS and MEGACOM). The identity of the target station with respect to the communications network (e.g., the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) of the station) is not changed. Initially, a service profile is created and stored for each subscriber, containing information describing desired features and billing options.

Abstract: A call billing method and apparatus establishes an ISDN connection between the network and a called location which enables the called location to specify call billing information to the network, via the ISDN connection, on a call-by-call basis. The method provides the called party real time access to network rate tables to specify call billing parameters needed to generate a separate billing record for each call made to the called location. Other features enable the caller or called location to provide various types of information for call billing purposes.

Abstract: A transaction recording and rating method and apparatus rates communication transactions completed using one or more Carrier Switched Network Point Of Attachment (CSN POA) locations of a communication network. The network stores a unique code for each CSN POA location. The rating systems store rating parameters associated with each CSN POA code. During a transaction (e.g., a call), one or more CSN POA locations are identified and their CSN POA codes are recorded. A transaction charge is calculated from the prestored rating parameter(s) obtained using the one or more CSN POA codes in addition to other information.

Abstract: An interface between mobile telecommunication stations and trunks that link with communication carriers of various media comprises station channels (11, 12, 13, and 14) that connect to telecommunication stations, trunk channels (1, 2, 3, and 4,) that connect to trunks that link to communication carriers, software code executable for interrogating the trunk channels for availability, software code executable for determining the communication medium or network of least cost, and software code executable for routing the telephone call from one of the station channels to the available trunk channel linked to the communication carrier having the medium or network of least cost. If the routing is to a trunk line linked to satellite communications, the interface selects the coast earth station of least cost based upon the location of the ocean going vessel, the destination of the call, and other rate considerations.