Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for allowing a local user of a calling card to allow remote users to make calls charged to such card. An association is created between a telephone number associated with the local user, the calling card, a remote telephone number, and an access number. A remote user can call the an access number and enter the access code and will thereby be connected to the telephone number associated with the local user.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing telecommunications access is disclosed. A customer interested in using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. The central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem connected to a telecommunication channel. Access to the same telecommunication channel or another channel can be made available to the customer via a switchable telecommunications access circuit which is also controlled by the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector. The central control unit provides information on the progress of the vending transaction to the customer via the user interface. The central control unit determines when the transaction is completed by sensing the cessation of usage via the usage detection circuit or via customer action at the user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing pre-pay and post-pay calls. A switching system receives the call where the switching system is class 4 or class 5. The switching system extends the call toward an integrated service platform. The switching system then receives the call destination number and the call validation parameter. The switching system releases the call extension to the integrated service platform and extends the call using the call destination number if the call validation parameter allows the call. The switching system monitors a duration of the call and terminates the call if the duration meets or exceeds an amount indicated by the call validation parameter. One advantage for post-pay calls is the provision of post-pay calls service such as messaging and validation is centralized in the integrated service platform, which reduces the time and cost of maintaining the post-pay service.

Abstract: A method for charging for services in a communication system comprising a charging entity and at least two connection Support entities for providing resources to support connection in the communication system. the method comprising: detecting initiation of a connection for provision by the connection support entities: generating a charging identity for identifying the connection: determining according to a first stored tariff a first charge for the support of the connection by the first connection support entity: determining according to a second stored tariff a second charge for the support of the connection by the second connection support entity; transmitting a first charging message from the first connection support entity to the charging entity. the message specifying the first charge and including the charging identity; and transmitting a second charging message from the second connection support entity to the charging entity, the message specifying the second charge and including the charging identity.

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: A method and system for allowing a user to dynamically pre-determine the duration and/or cost of a domestic or international long distance call is provided. For a selected outbound originating long distance call, the user is given the opportunity to determine the duration or the cost of the long distance call. In one embodiment, the customer dials *XX and the terminating phone number, where XX are predetermined digits. The originating central office recognizes the *XX code as requiring the invocation of an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) platform to allow the user to pre-determine the duration and cost of the call. Instructions are provided to the user for setting the length of the call to be connected and the calculated cost of the call would be communicated to the user. Before the call is to be connected to the terminating (dialed) number, the customer may be given the option to reset the duration and cost of the call.

Abstract: A method of providing pre-authorized communication services and/or transactions via a plurality of networks, including accepting and processing a request from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types, verifying that the user is authorized to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction and charging, in real time, an authorized account associated with the user as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided.

Abstract: A public telephone with a cash payment function is connected to a server of a banking agency through a telephone network and verifies whether a card, such as a credit card, inserted by a user is available for the requested cash service and, as the result of the verification, provides an amount of money required by the user from a currency cassette, thereby facilitating the cash withdrawal for the user. Therefore, an operator can use an inexpensive telephone network, instead of an exclusive line, thereby reducing operational cost.

Abstract: A prepaid virtual calling card, specifically for providing users (consumers and business affiliates) with an on-line method and apparatus to create custom prepaid calling cards for immediate use and distribution, wherein the prepaid virtual calling card is created by: connecting a user via a communications network to at least one server; presenting the user with an applications supplied by the server for the issuance of the virtual calling card; submitting the application to the server; and issuing the virtual calling card.

Abstract: A novel virtual calling card system and method aid in the formation of online relationships, serving as an introduction tool and as a contact mechanism. The calling card is an exchangeable entity that is automatically updated, ensuring that the recipient or viewer sees the most current version of the card. The card may display an aspect ratio that is the same as that of a traditional business card, and has front side and a reverse side. Furthermore, the card provides a number of avenues for the card owner to express themselves, including an array of affiliation symbols, a most recent mood symbol, and a text field. The reverse side of the card can display a representation of the owner's social network, so that recipients of the card may identify common friends and associates. The exchange of the card, although server-based, appears to users to simply be a transfer of the card from the owner, or other party, to the recipient, much as a card changes hands in the physical world.

Abstract: Provided herein is a variable billing plan which calculates the lowest possible invoice amount to be billed to a consumer of cellular services from a variety of billing options. Through use of a billing method according to the invention, consumer loyalty is increased at negligible expense to bandwidth consumption.

Abstract: To prevent fraud perpetrators from using a public pay telephone to illicitly collect account numbers, authorization codes or personal identification numbers from an unsuspecting user of the telephone, the instant invention disables the keypad of the telephone if an incoming call is being received at the time that the handset is lifted from the phone by the user. In one method, the ringing signal and the off-hook condition are detected and a control output is provided which disengages the dialing tone generating circuits of the telephone until the handset is placed back on-hook. According to an alternative method, after the handset is lifted, a dial tone is sensed and evaluated by a dial tone discriminator to determine whether the dial tone is likely to be a valid dial tone from a legitimate service provider. If the dial tone is determined to be invalid, then the keypad of the telephone is disabled until the handset is placed back on-hook.

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.

Abstract: A slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member's card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member's account is debited for the cost of the call.

Abstract: A method of billing a collect telephone call comprising providing a toll-free or a local telephone number to a customer to access a provider in a toll-free call from a calling party telephone number; receiving the originating telephone number in response to the toll-free call; obtaining a destination telephone number from the customer; billing the call to the destination telephone number as coming from a predetermined other telephone number, whereby the calling party telephone number is not provided to the destination telephone number. Alternately, when a toll-free number is provided, billing the call to the destination telephone number as coming from the calling party telephone number.

Abstract: A charging system for use in a network composed of wireless terminals with a repeater function. As each terminal with a repeater function receives a communication session start request from a user terminal, it searches for a destination user terminal; when it finds the destination user terminal, it transfers the signal sent from the requesting user terminal to the destination user terminal without the mediation of base stations. The information about the amount of data thus transferred or communication time for transferring data is sent to the charging system which is under the control of the communications service provider concerned.

Abstract: A removable card is used in radio units. The card comprises a memory for storing telephone numbers associated with an owner of the card. One of the telephone numbers is a telephone number of the owner. The memory is configured so that upon insertion of the card in a radio unit, that radio unit receives calls associated with the owner telephone number stored on the card.

Abstract: A method of providing call tariff information to a subscriber coupled to a telecommunications network 1, where the call tariff information relating to a call from a terminal 9 of the subscriber to a B-number 13. The method comprising sending a subscriber initiated call tariff enquiry from the subscriber terminal 9 to the telecommunications network 1 over a signalling channel, the enquiry including at least a part of said B-number or an identification of the B-number. Call tariff information relating to said call is determined at the network 1 and sent from the network 1 to the subscriber terminal 9 over said signalling channel. The call tariff information is then presented to the subscriber on a display 11 of the subscriber terminal 9.

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

Abstract: A communication billing system comprising a processing system coupled to an interface system. The processing system is configured to process a plurality of wireless service events from a wireless system together at the event level with a plurality of wireline service events from a wireline system to generate total charge records for a plurality of wireless services and a plurality of wireline services. The processing system is also configured to process the total charge records for the plurality of wireless services and the plurality of wireline services to generate a customer bill. The interface system is configured to receive the plurality of wireless service events from the wireless system, receive the plurality of wireline service events from the wireline system, and transmit the customer bill for the processing system.

Abstract: A method of creating an address directory from address data of subscribers in a telecommunications network, wherein the address data comprise a subscriber identification and a position identification allocated to the subscriber, is characterized with respect to a simple creation of the address directory, in that during a payment procedure of charges for the use of the telecommunications network, address data of the subscriber are transmitted at least in part to a data acquisition station.

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: A method and system for prepaying credits to a user account for communications services provided. If a system detects a predefined condition associated with a communications connection, the system deducts the cost of the communications connection from the credit in the user account. The predefined condition includes the origination of the communications connection from one of a plurality of predefined sources. Software for implementing the method may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.

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 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: Subscribers in a mobile communications system are provided with a bundle of call time each billing period, against which standard call types are rated. If, at the end of one billing period, a portion of the bundle for that billing period remains, the rating system associates the remaining portion with a bundle provided for the forthcoming billing period. In one embodiment, rating is interrupted whilst any remaining portions of the previous bundles are added to the newly-created bundles for the next period. In other embodiments, the rating system refers both to the current bundle and to a previous bundle when rating standard call types.

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 telecommunications system, service control point and method are described that can pre-screen a telephone call to help prevent telephone toll fraud. More specifically, the telecommunications system includes a service control point capable of receiving information about a telephone call originated by a calling party, and further capable of determining whether the telephone call has a fraudulent attribute. If the telephone call has a fraudulent attribute, then the calling party is informed that there is a possibility of telephone toll fraud occurring if the telephone call is connected to a called party. And, if the telephone call does not have a fraudulent attribute, then the telephone call is automatically connected to the called party.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for customizing a telephone calling card operation. In one embodiment, the calling card may be customized to redial a last number by entering a pre-defined shortcut sequence. In another embodiment, a search tool is used to search for a particular number using one or more pre-stored address books.

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: A system and method for preventing fraud. The method typically includes identifying one or more fraud indicators and examining past transactions and/or a pending transaction associated with the account for the presence of the fraud indicators. The method also includes, by said examining, detecting at least one of the fraud indicators. The method also includes calculating a cumulative fraud risk level associated with the pending transaction based on the detected fraud indicators. The method may also include determining whether the cumulative fraud risk level meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if the cumulative fraud risk level meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold, verifying the request for the transaction with an owner of the account. The method may further include assigning a weighted value to each of the fraud indicators. The account is typically a telephone calling account, such as a calling card account.

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: 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 computer implemented method, computer program product and system are provided for implementing calling card security. A telephone call request is received from a calling card user. A plurality of predefined options is checked to identify user selected options for the calling card. The telephone call request from the calling card user is processed responsive to the identified user selected options for the calling card. During calling card setup, the calling card user can selectively enable multiple predefined options for use of the calling card. The calling card user can selectively enable use of the calling card for one or more user specified telephone numbers, use of the calling card to a user specified limited area, use of the calling card with voice recognition, use of the calling card for a user specified limited number of calls from a specified telephone number; and use of the calling card for a user specified limited time duration for a call.

Abstract: A system subsidizes telephone calls over a network. The system includes a service provider 120 that establishes a telephone call between a calling party terminal 130 and a called party terminal 140 over the network 110. During the telephone call, the service provider causes at least one advertisement 312 to be displayed at the calling, or called party terminal. At any time during, or after, the telephone call, the service provider generates a bill based on a subsidized billing rate related to the display of the at least one advertisement.

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: 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: 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: Request and response messages conforming to Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) between media gateways 12 and 16 and a media gateway controller (MGC) 22 are examined to enable them to be correlated. The correlated messages are assembled to produce a call detail record (CDR) describing a voice or data call established over an IP network via the media gateways under the control of the MGC.

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 slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member's card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member's account is debited for the cost of the call.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing bandwidth pricing for a data transmission system electronically connected to a source of bandwidth spot prices, where the data transmission system transmits data as packets to a predetermined destination, are provided.

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: In a method to accept call charges by the calling subscriber (A) for individual calls over a telephone network (1), following an agreement on the allocation of the charges between two subscribers, the calling subscriber (A) sends a caller-specific signal as binding confirmation of this agreement, whereupon the calling subscriber (B) accepts the call. The caller-specific signal can be stored in the form of a digital code on a smart card (9).

Abstract: The present invention is a pre-paid calling card system for companies that utilize 900 lines. The cards are graphically designed to imbibe the nature of the particular 900 number. The cards are targeted for specific 900 numbers and are easily be marketed along side products that are similar to the 900 line. The cards provide a method for a caller to know exactly the amount spent on calls in advance as they are pre-paid. The present invention allows callers to dial 900 numbers from any location with a phone without worries of surcharges or reverse billing. The callers are assured anonymity in their calls due to the nature of pre-paid calling cards.

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: Methods and apparatus for placing and receiving voice calls using the conventional telephone network or the Internet are disclosed. A caller initiates a call by lifting a handset and dialing a toll-free telephone number. The call is routed over through a local telephone switch or through an Internet Service Provider. A credit or payment is issued to the caller for each minute the call continues. Brief commercial messages are played to the participants of the call to promote goods or services offered by a sponsor. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a Speech Recognition Engine deploys a sponsor's precisely targeted promotion when key words spoken during the call are detected.

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: 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.