Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a policy and charging rules node (PCRN), the method including: sending a first Sy spending limit request (SLR) to an online charging system (OCS) without specifying any policy counters; receiving from the OCS a first spending limit answer (SLA) including policy counters and associated status reports for a subscriber; creating an Sy session; determining required policy counters based upon the policy counter statuses; sending a second Sy SLR to the OCS for the required policy counters; and receiving a second SLA including status reports for the required policy counters.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for network metadata based policy control. According to one aspect, a system for network metadata based policy control is provided. The system includes a network metadata directed policy server for obtaining network information for a plurality of subscribers, for deriving network metadata from the network information, for applying a network metadata policy manipulation rule for changing a value of a network an operator assigned policy control parameter for the subscribers, and for generating an instruction for changing the value of the network operator assigned policy control parameter for the subscriber. The system further includes a policy control and charging rules function (PCRF) node for detecting the instruction and for instructing a policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF) node to change value of the operator assigned policy control parameter for the subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method by which past SMS messages generated or received by a user or a user-application are stored in the telecommunications network, and retrieved by the user at any time using a client application. The system allows the user to access this database using a graphical user interface over the public Internet using a mobile or fixed client to search and view past SMS messages. This system can be used for the user to respond to or resend past SMS messages to his/her or other recipient's mobile terminals as well.

Abstract: Groups of consenting users such as families can track where other members of the same group are under agreed upon access arrangements. The locating system can operate in a passive mode. Users do not have to actively sign-in or check-in to the locating system for the locating system to obtain individual location determination estimates. The locating system collects communications device usage information from a plurality of communications networks, e.g., landline, cellular, Wi-Fi, DSL. The locations of communication devices and infrastructure are known. Members of locating groups are associated with various communication devices detected are being used. Approximate locations of an individual member or members of a locating group are inferred from detected device usage information. A location report is generated, e.g., in a map, table, or audio format, indicating the determined location of individuals, and optionally including time tags. The report is provided to authorized members of the locating group.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a schema for representing data usage plans and data usage statistics. The data usage plan describes threshold values associated with network connections of computing devices of the user. A web service dynamically generates data usage statistics for the computing devices to represent data consumed by the computing devices under the data usage plan. The schema is updated with the data usage statistics and distributed to the computing devices for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for establishing media data exposure, where a media device, such as a computer, radio, television and the like, receive media data and produces research data from it. The research data may be based on computer-based or computer network-based characteristics, ancillary codes or audio signatures. As the research data is being produced, an inductive coupling is sought for nearby portable computer devices. Once a portable computing device inductively couples to the media device, information is transferred, allowing a system to determine and/or verify that specific users were exposed to particular media data.

Abstract: A method includes: a) assigning, at a MME, after initiation of a user session of an UE, a correlation ID to the user session; b) defining, at the MME, in response to an initiation of a first trace session of the UE during the user session, a first mapping correlation which maps a first trace ID reflecting the first trace session, to the correlation ID, and sending the first mapping correlation to a TCE; and c) defining, at the MME, in response to an initiation of a second trace session of the UE during the user session, a second mapping correlation which maps a second trace ID reflecting the second trace session, to the correlation ID, and sending the second mapping correlation to the TCE. The first and second mapping correlation enable the TCE to assign trace session information to the user session.

Abstract: A system for billing communications between a subscriber and a verified professional comprising a verified professional repository and a central tracking system. The central tracking system is configured to receive a communication request targeting the registered device ID, determine an applied billing rate using a value set by the verified professional, and transmit the applied billing rate to the subscriber. The central tracking system is further configured to track the connection, generate a communication data file comprising the registered device ID, the subscriber ID, the applied billing rate, the communication duration, and the billing signal. The central tracking system is further configured to obtain a billable duration by parsing the communication data file using the billing signal and the communication duration, calculate a communication charge using the applied billing rate and billable duration, and pay the verified professional a portion of the communication charge.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for performing key agreement operations in a communication system are described. In some aspects, a wireless network operator receives a mobile device identifier and accesses a secret key associated with the mobile device. A message authentication code function is evaluated based on the secret key to produce an output value. A session key and a challenge value are obtained based on the output value. In some aspects, a mobile device accesses a secret key in response to receiving the challenge value from the wireless network operator. A message authentication code function is evaluated based on the secret key to produce an output value. A response value and a session key are obtained based on the output value. The response value is transmitted to the wireless network operator.

Abstract: A mobile computing device that supports cost-aware application components for operation over a metered network. A current basis for computing usage charges over one or more networks may be made available to the cost-aware application components through an application programming interface supported by an operating system service. That service may receive a policy for charging for data usage over a network and may also obtain information defining data usage for the mobile computing device. Based on this information, the service may determine a current basis for charging for data usage. With this information, the application component can determine a manner for executing network operations that involve data transmission over the network, such as deferring the operation or selecting an alternative network.

Abstract: A mobile device may manage the battery of the mobile device by controlling radio power usage. In one implementation, a mobile device may determine a target power usage associated with a radio of the mobile device, the radio implementing a radio link with a base station associated with a cellular wireless network. The mobile device may also determine an actual power usage associated with the radio of the mobile device and compare the actual power usage to the target power usage. The mobile device may communicate with the base station, and based on the comparison of the actual power usage to the target power usage, to cause the base station to reduce a bit rate associated with the radio link.

Abstract: An appropriate communication service is provided in response to usage of a user. The information processing apparatus includes a control unit and a recording unit. The control unit is configured to perform control so as to give a wireless communication apparatus a connection credit for connecting to a predetermined network using a wireless communication, wherein the connection credit is used to provide a particular service. The recording unit is configured to record a usage history of a service other than a particular service by the wireless communication apparatus connecting to the network using the given connection credit.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer-readable storage media are provided. The method can include identifying a set of one or more rules in response to an offline event for the remote device. The method can also include determining, based upon the offline event, one or more usage factors from one or more rules that identify at least one usage factor. The method can also include measuring, using the remote device, the determined one or more usage factors. The method can also include generating a filter from the set of one or more rules based off the measured one or more usage factors. The method can also include filtering the plurality of records from the online-accessible database to produce a set of filtered records. The method can also include transmitting the set of filtered records to the remote device.

Abstract: A system and method having a first software module of a server recorded on a computer-readable medium programmed to receive a request for information from a user. The user requests a purchase of a lottery ticket, information on lottery laws and regulations, and lottery winnings distribution information using at least one of a short code and a long code and a generic assigned identification. The system obtains a lottery ticket number, lottery laws and regulations, and lottery winnings distribution information requested by the user. The system send the lottery ticket number, lottery laws and regulations, and lottery winnings distribution information requested by the user to a mobile device of the user through at least one of a short message service (SMS) gateway, a mobile phone network, and the Internet.

Abstract: A network device connected to a base station via a backhaul connection may be operable to determine whether the backhaul connection is congested. The determination may be based on a periodic data cap imposed on the backhaul connections. In response to a determination that the backhaul connection is congested, the network device may configure one or more cellular communication parameters of one or more of the plurality of base stations. The determination may be based on one or more of: a total amount of data consumed over the backhaul connection during a current time period, a traffic load on the backhaul connection, and an amount of time remaining in the current time period.

Abstract: A computer server provides location of a mobile device to a user. The computer server allocates to an account for the user a predetermined number of location credits associated with a purchase made by the user; The computer server receives, from the user, identification information that identifies the mobile device. Upon the user requesting a current location of the mobile device, the computer server checks to see whether there remains location credits allocated to the account for the user and, provided there remains location credits allocated to the account for the user, provides to the user location information about the current location of the mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method for homogeneously merging locations in a telecommunications network including: calculating a characteristic of a carrier at a first location and a second location; determining a penalty for excluding the carrier based in part on the characteristic; comparing the penalty determined to a preselected value; and, if the penalty is less than the preselected value, merging the first location and the second location, thereby forming a merged location.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a system for providing a Diameter signaling router with integrated monitoring functionality. The system includes a Diameter signaling router comprising a network interface for receiving, from a first Diameter node, a first Diameter message having Diameter information. The system also includes an integrated monitoring module located within the Diameter signaling router for copying at least a portion of the first Diameter message and providing the copied information associated with the first Diameter message to an application.

Abstract: The described subject matter relates to an architecture that can dynamically detect and/or automatically remedy service usage inequities in a communications network. In particular, based upon a comparison of incoming call detail records (CDRs) to various subscriber information (e.g., service plan, blacklisted devices for the service plan, historic or current billing cycle usage, etc.), the architecture can identify when a usage inequity occurs or is likely to occur, substantially in real time.

Abstract: Providing automated customer care for a mobile phone is described herein. By way of example, a system can include component(s) that can automatically detect and transmit an error in interfacing a mobile phone with a communication network. The system also can include a customer care component(s) that can receive the error, initiate an error resolution process, and automatically provide a plurality of options with which to contact customer care and/or utilize customer care resources.

Abstract: A base station allocates a radio resource to a scheduling-target user based on a scheduling metric which is calculated for each of scheduling-target users and calculates the amount of available data for each user. When the radio resource is allocated to the scheduling-target user, the amount of data (Dassign) to be communicated using the allocated radio resource is subtracted from the amount of available data (Davailable) for the user. The amount of available data (Davailable) for each user within a cell is updated (min((Davailable+Dref), Dref)) to be less than or equal to a reference data amount in each control period (TAMBR). The scheduling-target user is selected based on the amount of available data for each user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data. A disclosed example method involves receiving geographic location information associated with a mobile phone user, associating the geographic location information with an identifier unrelated to personal information associated with the mobile phone user, identifying a home location associated with the geographic location information, and associating segmentation information with the identifier based on the home location and without referencing personal information of the mobile phone user.

Abstract: A method in a telecom node for controlling a grace period associated with a licensed capacity usage in the telecom node is provided. The telecom node is comprised in a cellular telephone network. The licensed capacity usage is associated with a capacity license limit. The telecom node measures (201) over a specific amount of time, the capacity usage in the telecom node overshooting the capacity license limit. When the measured capacity usage exceeds a preset value of an allowed capacity usage overshoot, the telecom node triggers (202) a grace period of the licensed capacity usage at the expiry of the specific amount of time. During the grace period capacity usage overshoot is allowed. Upon expiry of said grace period the licensed capacity usage is enforced according to the capacity license limit unless the licensed capacity usage is increased.

Abstract: A method performed by a first client-side device agent, instantiated on a hardware device that is configured to connect to a data-handling network via associated device circuitry, comprising receiving configuration data in the form of non-executable data, configuring the first client-side device agent such that the first client-side device agent has a first configuration specifying a first application on the hardware device, monitoring substantially in real-time a flow of packets between the of applications and a server-side device, selecting packets based on their association with the application, modifying or appending packet header information for the selected packets, and transmitting modified or appended packets configured such that they are routed based on the modified or appended packet header information.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a telecommunication system includes a call routing circuit configured to receive and route calls and data transmissions from a plurality of telecommunication devices. The telecommunication system also includes a processing circuit for monitoring business and personal use of telecommunication devices associated with a client account. The processing circuit is configured to maintain a log of calls and data transmissions routed by the call-routing circuit for a the plurality of telecommunication devices. The processing circuit is further configured to use a set of classification functions in a policy of the client account to determine whether each of the identified first set of calls and data transmissions are business related or personal based on characteristics of each of the first set of calls and data transmissions.

Abstract: A process of tracking usage of a wireless device in a third party wireless network with a metering system includes implementing the metering system in a network separate from the third party wireless network and activating the wireless device in response to identification of the wireless device and confirmation of use of a tracking system to the metering system. The process further includes obtaining, by the metering system, an amount of wireless services used by the wireless device. The obtaining includes at least one of obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the third party wireless network and obtaining an amount of wireless services used from the tracking system.

Abstract: A device is configured to receive signal information and demand information associated with a set of cell devices in a network. The device is configured to determine time usage information, based on the signal information and based on the demand information, and to provide the time usage information. The device is configured to determine a proposed cell device, for the network, based on the time usage information, and to determine modified signal information based on the proposed cell device and based on the signal information. The device is configured to determine modified time usage information based on the modified signal information, and to provide the modified time usage information.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a mobile device to execute user experience software that dynamically determines operating policies that are suited for managing resources, such as transceivers, processors, and other units within the mobile device. In an aspect, a processor executing the user experience software may monitor for activity information that indicates a user's interactions with the mobile device. Based on the activity information, a processor executing the user experience software may match a circumstance defined by the activity information with a stored activity profile. The activity profile may include information indicating aggregated resource usage associated with the matched circumstance. A processor executing the user experience software may implement an operating policy based on the activity profile that manages how the mobile device utilizes resources.

Abstract: A system and method of routing a conference call participant to a conference call is disclosed. Participant location data is requested from an electronic device of the conference call participant. The participant location data is received on a system server from the electronic device of the conference call participant. A least cost connection conference call access phone number is determined from an access number group of one or more available conference call access phone numbers based on the location data from the electronic device of the conference call participant. The conference call participant is provided with the least cost connection conference call access phone number.

Abstract: One or more servers may: receive information regarding a content file stored by a device; provide information associated with a first cost value corresponding to a cost to deliver the content file from the device to a user device; receive a delivery instruction directing the one or more servers to provide a portion of the content file to the user device via one or more ports or via one or more access points, each of the one or more ports or the one or more access points being associated with respective one or more second cost values; generate a key associated with the information regarding the content file and with the delivery instruction; receive an indication of selection of the key by the user device; deliver, to the user device, the portion of the content file via the one or more ports or the one or more access points.

Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed for selectively applying call forwarding between a mobile device and a fixed line device based on the location of the mobile device. A communication network includes a call control function that receives a call attempt to a mobile directory number. Responsive to the call attempt, the call control function identifies a location of the mobile device, and determines whether to apply call forwarding based on the location of the mobile device. If call forwarding is applied, then the call control function forwards the call attempt to the fixed line device instead of the mobile device. A similar process is performed for a call attempt to the fixed line device for forwarding the call to the mobile device.

Abstract: Real-time customer feedback of call information is determined by a carrier network. Databases are used to map individual phone numbers to the carrier currently servicing that number and to lookup the carrier information for the other party during each call. This information may be displayed on the customer's handset device. Furthermore, this called party network carrier information could be used in conjunction with information about the calling party's rate plan to display the actual cost status of the call on the customer's handset.

Abstract: IMS networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for CAMEL services provided in the IMS network. If a CAMEL service is provided by an application server for a session in an IMS network, then the application server generates CAMEL charging data for the service provided and also generates a charging message, such as a Diameter ACR message. The application server includes the CAMEL charging data in the charging message and transmits the charging message to a charging collector system. The charging collector system generates a CDR for the session, and maps the CAMEL charging data from the charging message to the CDR. The charging collector system then transmits the CDR to a billing system. The billing system may then charge for the CAMEL service provided in the IMS network.

Abstract: A method and system for defining a route between a first user and a second user having respective mobile devices. A communication is established between a backend server (13) and a plurality of mobile devices (11) belonging to a respective user of a cellular phone network (12).

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing a telecommunications service by receiving a request for a telecommunications service from a wireless client, providing a local exchange point of presence to the wireless client in response to the request, and providing the telecommunications service to the wireless client through the local exchange point of presence. The local exchange point of presence may be based on the geographic location of the wireless client.

Abstract: Provided is a system for comparing telecommunications resources between a first company and a group of companies. A storage is accessible by a system computer, the computer having a network connection. An interface module allows the first company to access the system computer, and a comparison module receives a comparison request. The comparison request includes a group selection and a criteria selection that includes telecommunications services criteria associated with a telecommunication. The comparison module compares the telecommunications services criteria data related to the first company with telecommunications services criteria data related to the group. A telecommunications metric module generates a telecommunications metric related to the comparison of the telecommunications services criteria data of the first and second companies.

Abstract: A personal wireless device is utilized to carry out measurements of one or more network-performance related metrics in response to a triggering event. The triggering event can be a message that is transmitted by a network element to the personal wireless device. The personal wireless device may be exemplified by a variety of personal devices such as, for example, a cellular phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The measurements may be used to derive network-performance related information such as cellular signal coverage areas, signal hole areas, and signal interference areas.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for measuring, on a per-QoS-class basis, the average number of user devices active on the uplink of a wireless communication system are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a number of mobile terminals with buffered data for transmission to a base station is estimated based on received buffer status reports. An estimated quantity of active mobile terminals is calculated, based on the received buffer status reports and a number of mobile terminals for which a semi-persistent scheduling grant has been granted. In some embodiments, the estimated quantity of active mobile terminals is estimated on a per-traffic-class basis, in which case the technique includes calculating first and second estimated quantities, corresponding to mobile terminals having active data bearers for first and second traffic classes, respectively, based on the received buffer status reports and the number of mobile terminals for which a semi-persistent scheduling grant has been granted.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring a call associated with a connection established via a Media Gateway node (MGW) is described. The Media Gateway node (MGW) is controlled by a Media Gateway Controller node (MGC). The Media Gateway node (MGW) and the Media Gateway Controller node (MGC) belong to a layered network (LN). A method implementation of this technique comprises the steps of detecting a loss of communication between the Media Gateway Controller node (MGC) and the Media Gateway node (MGW) and logging the loss of communication together with a time stamp of the detected communication loss to be used for determining a charging time of the call.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling tethering distribution. At least one leecher to which data is to be tethered is detected. Usage of the data that is to be tethered to the at least one leecher is controlled by adjusting an amount of data that is to be tethered for each of the at least one leecher.

Abstract: A method for determining a cell placement efficiency number for a wireless cell by computing a first radius R1, wherein the first radius R1 defines a first region that comprises a first threshold TH1 of the total cell traffic. A second radius R2 is computed, wherein the second radius R2 defines a second region that comprises a second threshold TH2 of the total cell traffic. A cell placement efficiency value is then computed using R1 and R2.

Abstract: A method estimates resource consumption between applications within and among a population of wireless mobile devices. Aggregating and analyzing samples for each member of the population of devices provides comparable individual results. Subsequently aggregating and analyzing only summary information for each member of the population of devices provides cluster, crowd, and global comparisons. An apparatus determines out of norm behavior of an individual within a crowd, or relative differences between two crowds.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide third party charging for SIP sessions. A communication network of the invention comprises a session control function (e.g., an IMS CSCF), a network node (e.g., an IMS application server), and a charging system. The session control function serves a SIP session initiated between a first and second party. The network node identifies a third party to charge for the session. The network node includes a third party identifier for the third party in a SIP message for the session, and transmits the SIP message to the session control function. The session control function generates a charging message, maps the third party identifier to the charging message, and transmits the charging message that includes the third party identifier to the charging system. The charging system then initiates charging of the session to the third party based on the third party identifier.

Abstract: A technique for handling radio link failure in a communication network (10) is provided. A method implementation of this technique comprises the steps of maintaining radio link failure information including the identifier of a user equipment (UE) effected by the radio link failure together with at least one of a time stamp of when the radio link failure was detected and a reference to a cell (C1) which was serving the user equipment (UE) before the radio link failure was detected, receiving reconnection information including an identifier of a reconnected user equipment (UE) effected by a radio link failure after the user equipment (UE) is reconnected to the communication network and correlating the radio link failure information with the reconnection information to obtain a correlation result.

Abstract: A system, method and software application track call failures on a wireless phone. A software application on the phone monitors outbound calls made on the phone to determine whether or not a call fails. In one embodiment, such monitoring is done only for a select period of time (e.g., the initial few seconds when the phone is attempting to connect to a call to the wireless communication carrier's network), and, in an alternate embodiment, such monitoring is done for the duration of the call. If a call fails, the software application stores information related to the call. Examples of such types of information include the time the call failed, the location of the phone at call failure, and identification information for the phone. The stored call information is then sent to the wireless communication carrier to enable the carrier to assess network quality.

Abstract: A personnel access system may include a mobile device(s) comprising a first near field communication (NFC) device, a wireless device, and a first controller configured to generate an access request. An access control device may be associated with a personnel access position and include a second NFC device configured to receive the access request, and a second controller configured to generate a verification request for the mobile device(s) based upon the received access request. A verification device may be configured to receive the verification request from the access control device, and send a verification message to the mobile device(s). The first controller may be configured to receive the verification message via the wireless device, and generate verification data based thereon. The second controller may be configured to selectively grant personnel access based upon the verification data.

Abstract: Methods, servers and systems for directly accessing and modifying charging information maintained within a telecommunications operator's business and operating systems' infrastructure from user equipment. A mobile application server may receive a charging request from a user equipment, identify a relevant charging system based on the received request, send a charging request to the identified charging system for processing, receive a first response message including charging information from the identified charging system, generate a second response message based on the charging information included in the first response message, and send the generated second response message to the user equipment. The received charging request may include various types of information, including information for transferring cost or billing information from a first billing category to a second billing category.

Abstract: A system and method for the management of a device, including the establishment and enforcement of policies/rules associated with feature or functions that may be performed with the device. Modern devices are capable of many things, including making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. Depending on who is using the device, such as a child, student, or an employee, there may be a need or desire to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: A group server maintains an outstanding quota granted to a group of lines at a variable margin at at most a maximum total standby allocation to ensure a group data usage of the group surpasses a current notification milestone by at most an accuracy requirement associated with the current notification milestone, the group server including a processor configured to update a tally of the group data usage based on usage update messages, allocate, to lines requesting a new quota allocation, a current quota of a plurality of quotas associated with the current notification milestone, in response to the tally of the group data usage plus the outstanding quota being within the variable margin, and allocate, to lines requesting a new quota allocation, a next quota of the plurality of quotas, in response to the tally of the group data usage plus the outstanding quota exceeding the variable margin.

Abstract: A communication control device includes a traffic monitoring unit, the number of ranks calculation unit, a rank value calculation unit, a communication control unit, and a download unit. The traffic monitoring unit monitors a traffic amount between a content server and a base station. The number of ranks calculation unit calculates the number of rank values that servers as a reference for determining a download destination mobile station of data based on a monitoring result by the traffic monitoring unit. The rank value calculation unit calculates the rank value for each mobile station using the number and radio communication quality of a plurality of mobile stations. The communication control unit determines the download destination mobile station in order from a mobile station having a high rank value at a determination timing. The download unit downloads the data to the mobile station determined as the download destination.