Abstract: A method and network system for obtaining, from a management entity, a bill-by-account service policy applicable to a device group managed at least in part by the management entity, the device group including a plurality of devices including a particular device identified by a particular credential, the bill-by-account service policy comprising classification and accounting policies; identifying wireless access network data traffic associated with the particular device; based on the classification policy, identifying a particular service activity within the wireless access network data traffic, the particular service activity being a bill-by-account service activity; obtaining a record comprising the particular credential and a usage measure indicating a wireless access network usage associated with the particular service activity; and, based on the accounting policy, allocating the usage measure to an account associated with an entity that is financially responsible for usage of the wireless access network a

Abstract: Equipments and methods are disclosed for facilitating service provisioning in a system that comprises a payment processor, a number of service providers and a mediator that mediates information exchange between the payment processor and service providers, and a mobile terminal operated by payment card holder. In some implementations, service provisioning can be facilitated in cases wherein the payment processor must reside in a strictly regulated Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant environment and the service providers operate servers that are not PCI-compliant.

Abstract: Equipments and methods are disclosed for facilitating service provisioning in a system that comprises a payment processor, a number of service providers and a mediator that mediates information exchange between the payment processor and service providers, and a mobile terminal operated by payment card holder. In some implementations, service provisioning can be facilitated in cases wherein the payment processor must reside in a strictly regulated Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant environment and the service providers operate servers that are not PCI-compliant.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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: One computer-implemented method includes identifying a plurality of communication plans, identifying a first communication associated with a first access method and associated with a first attribute, determining a first communication plan associated with the first communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first communication, identifying a second communication different than the first communication and associated with the first access method, the second communication associated with a second attribute different than the first attribute, and determining a second communication plan associated with the second communication from the plurality of communication plans, the determination based at least in part on the second attribute associated with the second communication, wherein the first and second communication plans are associated with a prepaid pay-as-you-go or subscription monetary values.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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 mobile communication terminal includes a first SIM card, a second SIM card, a surfing detecting module, a bandwidth detecting module, and a control module. The first SIM card uses a first payment mode to pay for surfing the Internet according to bandwidth used. The second SIM card uses a second payment mode to pay for surfing the Internet according to time used. The surfing detecting module detects whether the mobile communication terminal is connected to the Internet. The bandwidth detecting module detects the bandwidth used. The control module enables one of the first and the second SIM cards according to the bandwidth used.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the method determines a total amount of data exchanged between the wireless data card and a service provider for a time period. The determined total amount of data exchanged is further displayed on the display of the wireless data card. In one embodiment, the size of at least one data packet sent by the wireless data card and the size of at least one data packet received by the wireless data card within the time period is ascertained to determine the total amount of data exchanged.

Abstract: A communication is received via a telecommunications network. A determination is made concerning whether a monetary surcharge is associated with the communication, and a notification is transmitted concerning the determination.

Abstract: A method for operating a terminal which can be used with a credit account with an account statement and/or with a subscriber's account with subsequent rendering of accounts with an account statement and which can be used in a mobile network which provides communication services. The terminal comprises at least one display device for the reproduction of information and at least one input device for the gathering of information. The account statement of the credit account and/or of the subscriber's account will be reproduced by the display device of the terminal at least after having made use of a chargeable communication service. After using a chargeable communication service by the terminal, a device of the mobile network sends a trigger message which contains information with respect to the costs of the used chargeable communication service to a server of the mobile network. The server realizes a push service, and then triggers a push message to the terminal using the information of the trigger message.

Abstract: A processor executes instructions to provide over the air prepaid calling services at a local wireless system. The processor receives an access request from a wireless device; determines the local wireless system is not a home wireless system of the wireless device; determines at the local wireless system alone that the wireless device does not have a valid profile in the wireless system; allocates an identity for local service in the local wireless system to create a temporary profile associated with the wireless device; sets an expiration timer for expiration of the temporary profile; sends an update to a visitor location register (VLR) of the local wireless system to add the wireless device to the VLR, based on the temporary profile; and sends information on the temporary profile in a message to a user of the wireless device announcing the allocated identity.

Abstract: An infrastructure that leverages established wireless messaging paradigms (such as, possibly inter alia, Short Message Service, Multimedia Message Service, Wireless Application Protocol, IP Multimedia Subsystem, etc.) to provide, in new and creative ways, an enhanced level of security for the payment element or portion of a transaction—for example, a transaction within Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce, which, broadly speaking, encompasses the buying and selling of merchant-supplied products, goods, and services through wireless devices), a purchase in the checkout lane of a brick-and-mortar store, a purchase at a (fast-food or other) restaurant, etc. The infrastructure may optionally leverage the capabilities of a centrally-located Messaging Inter-Carrier Vendor.

Abstract: Selective calling party pays via a secure service feature may be provided. A determination is conducted to decide if a called party's wireless communications service has entered a suspension state. Next, if the wireless communication service is in a suspension state, a determination is conducted to decide if a secure service feature has been purchased for the particular wireless communications service under suspension. Next, if the wireless communications service includes the secure service feature, a determination is conducted to decide if a caller calling the called party is permitted to communicate with the called party when the called party's communications service is under suspension. If a caller is determined to be an authorized caller, a communications path is provided for the caller and the called party. Billing associated with the communications is charged to the caller instead of the called party.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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 method includes (a) receiving periodic subscription fees from subscribers of a content subscription service, (b) updating an electronically maintained account of the subscriber to reflect an additional amount of scrip corresponding to each subscription fee, and (c) enabling the subscriber to obtain items of content in amounts and at times determined arbitrarily by the subscriber in exchange for amounts of scrip in the subscriber's account.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for managing a subscriber connection, the device including a mechanism for granting connection services to the subscriber connection, mechanism for monitoring reception behavior concerning predetermined messages conveyed to the subscriber connection, and a mechanism for controlling a further connection service grant to the subscriber connection based on the reception behavior.

Abstract: A method for providing charging status information to a subscriber of a communication service includes: receiving an accounting request (ACR) from a network element (NE) at a charging collection function (CCF) subsystem, the ACR associated with communication service provided to a subscriber in conjunction with a communication session, the subscriber subject to a rate plan that applies different billing rates for different usage levels, the ACR including a volume parameter indicating usage since a previous ACR; converting the ACR to a credit control request (CCR), the CCR including a usage parameter indicating usage since a previous CCR; sending the CCR to a quota monitoring function (QMF) subsystem; adding the volume parameter to a previously consumed amount in relation to a billing cycle to form a total consumed amount; and comparing the total consumed amount to a threshold value associated with a quota value for a first usage level.

Abstract: An Internet-coupled transaction service has a link to a computer appliance coupled to a merchant site, the computer appliance operated by a person who has selected one or more products or services to purchase at the merchant site, and who has selected, through the merchant site, the transaction service to arrange payment, and software executing from a computer-readable medium accessible to the service. The transaction service, via the software verifies the identity of the person, determines a credit worthiness for the person, and the score being sufficient, arranges payment to be made to the merchant on behalf of the person, and arranges repayment terms with the person for the payment to the merchant.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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: Systems and methods to accelerate transactions made via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes: a data storage facility to store information associated with past payment transactions and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of controllers. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats, and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. After a payment request identifying the phone number is received in the interchange, the common format processor is to determine whether to skip mobile communications with a mobile phone at the phone number to confirm/authenticate the request, based on real time information about the current transaction, the historical transaction data related to the phone number, and other data such as social graph data related to the user of the phone number.

Abstract: A method for receiving data on a mobile device includes accessing information identifying a number of collaborator devices and receiving respective portions of the data from each of the number of collaborator devices. The respective portions depend on at least one of (a) throughputs between the mobile device and the number of collaborator devices and (b) potential debits charged by the number of collaborator devices. The receiving occurs via mobile-to-mobile connections between the mobile device and the number of collaborator devices. The received respective portions of data are stored at the mobile device. Content is generated on a display of the mobile device based on the stored respective portions of the data.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method that includes a mobile device receiving via a wireless communication channel a request for an identifier corresponding to a network device. The mobile device transmits the identifier. The mobile device receives a network identifier corresponding to the network device. The mobile device utilizes the network identifier to establish communication with the network device via the wireless communication channel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products use combinations of international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), and account information to determine if a customer is eligible for service credit in near real-time. The customer needs an active account prior to inserting a subscriber identity module (SIM) into a device and powering on the device for the system to determine credit eligibility. No further customer action is required. The credit application process determines credit eligibility based upon device credit eligibility, account tenure, and/or credit rules, and applies the credit to the customer's account. The customer may be proactively notified when the credit is applied. The credit and tenure rules may be changed as the industry and business needs change to remain competitive in the industry. The SIM used is configured with software to lock the SIM to the device upon first power-on.

Abstract: The connection state of a wireless line, in which a communication can be immediately made in an estimated time period, is preset by estimating the time period with a high possibility of making a communication based on the communication history of a wireless terminal for a predetermined past period in a communication made between the wireless terminal and a wireless base station.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for use in establishing secure end-to-end communication links over a VPN gateway via a network interface unit. Illustrative embodiments include establishing and providing secure communication relationships between users (customers) and companies for e-commerce and other business purposes. Each company's data and linkage to users remaining private and secure from the other participating companies as well as from the general public over the Internet. Login by user with network interface units, addressing, authentication, and other configuration operations achieved using a web page-based GUI are applied in establishing tunnels from LAN clients to desired VPN destinations. Required authentication exchanges and required encryption key exchanges facilitate the secure communications. Financial arrangements regarding the provisioning and use of network interface units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and network system for obtaining, from a management entity, a bill-by-account service policy applicable to a device group managed at least in part by the management entity, the device group including a plurality of devices including a particular device identified by a particular credential, the bill-by-account service policy comprising classification and accounting policies; identifying wireless access network data traffic associated with the particular device; based on the classification policy, identifying a particular service activity within the wireless access network data traffic, the particular service activity being a bill-by-account service activity; obtaining a record comprising the particular credential and a usage measure indicating a wireless access network usage associated with the particular service activity; and, based on the accounting policy, allocating the usage measure to an account associated with an entity that is financially responsible for usage of the wireless access network a

Abstract: Embodiments of a mobile device and server system are described. The mobile devices communicate with the server system and present targeted content, such as advertisements to the mobile device users. The content is targeted based on usage statistics stored on the server system which were previously collected from the mobile device. The server receives the usage statistics collected from the mobile device, makes inferences about preferences of users by tracking application and/or content usage behaviors of the users, generates recommendations for advertisements targeted toward the users of the mobile devices based on usage statistics; and transmits the recommendations to one or more of the mobile devices for presentation to the user(s).

Abstract: Methods for provisioning wireline or wireless services and goods to at least one prepaid or postpaid customer in a communications network are provided. In one such method, a request is received for at least one service or good from a prepaid customer and it is determined based upon the request if sufficient funds are available to pay for the requested service and, if not, a warning message is sent to the customer. If funds are available a payment for the requested service or good is deducted form the customer's account, the account balance is updated, and an authorization is sent to the service node for that facilitates the requested service or good. Upon receipt of the authorization, the service node is permitted to access the requested service or good in accordance with a parameter. Other similar methods are provided for postpaid customers.

Abstract: A method for charging control in a communications network comprises, at a policy manager, responsive to a request for policy regulations for a subscriber, a stimulus is provided to a control system to trigger pre-emptive retrieval of subscriber information. At the control system, responsive to the stimulus, subscriber information is retrieved, information is stored in a cache, and responsive to receiving a request from a party, the information in cache is consulted and a response is provided to the party based on the consultation.

Abstract: An over the air (OTA) Prepaid system, and a corresponding method, allows wireless connectivity when a wireless network would typically reject a user, such as when the user's profile cannot be validated. In wireless networks, unrecognized users are denied service due to the inability of the network to collect funds from the user for the services to be provided. When such a rejection scenario occurs, the OTA Prepaid system automatically (no user interaction required) initiates the process of local account allocation.

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: Separable billing of business and non-business calls to/from a remote station or wireless communications device is provided. Business calls may be billed to the business, or other entity that provides a telephone to a user, and non-business calls may be billed to a user personally. When a call is desired to be connected, it is determined if the number of the call is a business number. If the number is a business number, the call is placed and billed to the business. If the number is not a business number, the call is placed and billed to the user when the user approves personal billing for the call. If the user does not approve personal billing of a non-business call, the call may be denied.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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 mobile phone configured to complete payment transactions while the mobile phone is in a low battery shut-off state. The mobile phone comprises a secure element configured to store payment cards, a near field communication transceiver, wherein the near field communication transceiver is configured to complete a payment transaction based on a payment card stored in the secure element, a memory, a processor and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application detects whether a power reserve is below a predefined threshold. When the power reserve is detected below the predefined threshold, the application prompts selection of a payment card stored in the secure element for use in completing payment transactions while the mobile phone is in a low battery shut-off state and configures one of the secure element or the near field communication transceiver to complete payment transactions using the selected payment card.

Abstract: The communication device comprising a voice communicating implementer, a payment monetary value data transmitting implementer, a remaining monetary value data updating implementer, an automated supplementary monetary value data adding implementer, and a simultaneous implementation implementer.

Abstract: According to some wireless network standards the size of a neighbor cell list is restricted to a maximum size. The limited size of a neighbor cell list may not reflect the realities of a wireless network deployment, especially for deployments including numerous femto cells clustered in close proximity. Accordingly, as the concentration of macro cells and/or femto cells in an area increases, there lies a challenge to identify and communicate neighbor lists to user devices that reflect the arrangement of a particular portion of the deployment and the needs of the user devices. Various systems, methods and apparatus described herein are configured to provide a user device or a group of user devices a neighbor cell list that includes neighbor cell identifiers chosen from a candidate list.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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 system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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 system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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 call tracking system and method that uses an automated filtering function to increase accuracy of call tracking. In some embodiments, the system utilizes a spam blocking module, such as a challenge-response test (e.g., a CAPTCHA), a blacklist for callers sharing certain criteria indicative of robo-dialed or spam calls, or other similar spam filter to block unwanted calls from being routed to an advertiser. By using a spam blocking module, the amount of noise in the call tracking system can be reduced and the attribution of calls correspondingly more accurate. In some embodiments, an interactive voice response (IVR) module is utilized to reduce the noise in the system by filtering or blocking unwanted calls. By utilizing an automated filtering function, the disclosed system improves the accuracy of call tracking and allows advertisers to better track the performance of advertising campaigns that they undertake.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need 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 Home Location Register (HLR) and an Interworking Gateway (IWG) of an operator are configured to redirect Mobile Originated Short Messages (MO SM) sent by roaming cellular communication devices of both prepaid and postpaid subscribers hosted by a foreign network to a real time charging gateway (RTCG). The RTCG retrieves from the operator's database the type of subscription of the sending device. If the device is of a postpaid subscription, the RTCG operates as a relay between an SMSC and the foreign network. If the device is of a prepaid subscription, the RTCG communicates with a PrePaid System (PPS) and forwards the MO SM to the SMSC only in case there are sufficient funds in the respective prepaid account.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus and method are provided. The wireless communication apparatus includes: a transmission/reception side location recognizing unit recognizing the location of a transmission side and that of a reception side; a transmission power determining unit recognizing radio wave propagation characteristics according to the locations of the transmission side and the reception side, and determining transmission power in consideration of the radio wave propagation characteristics; a transmission time determining unit analyzing a transmission signal service type and determining a transmission time in consideration of a frequency usage fee if the transmission signal is not required to be transmitted in real time; and a transmission and reception unit transmitting the transmission signal according to the transmission power and the transmission time determined by the transmission power determining unit and the transmission time determining unit.

Abstract: A service request (SRV) comprising a second identifier belonging to a collection of identifiers identified by a first identifier (WPSI-I) is rejected or allowed to proceed depending on whether the current usage data stored in relationship with the first identifier reaches a value established by usage limit data stored in relationship with said first identifier. Current usage data is updated according to service requests comprising a second identifier belonging to said collection and allowed to proceed. The usage limit data can state maximum number of simultaneous communications, or maximum number of second identifiers belonging to said collection, and can be dynamically updated according to traffic load conditions in an apparatus of the telecommunications system. The invention prevents overloading resources in telecommunications systems when the number of eventual users can not be foreseen.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to automate at least some of the information gathering required for check-in using a mobile device. A user may enter at least some required information using a mobile application on a mobile device. The mobile application may convert the entered data into a Quick Response (“QR”) code or other type of readable form that may be read or received by a device at the location of check-in. The information entered may be stored in the mobile device's memory and may be modified for future check-ins. A user would enter the location of check-in and present the mobile phone containing the information previously entered by the user to a reader at the location. The reader reads the information which may be transmitted to the location's database. Using the information submitted, the user may be checked in automatically.

Abstract: A portable electronic device that promotes user awareness of approaching a usage limit is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and an application. When executed by the processor, the application installs a file describing a subscription plan documenting availability of at least one of wireless voice and data services, the subscription plan comprising a usage limit. The application also records a first usage of a first unit of a first service provided under the plan and increments a count of units of usage of the first service during a first usage period based on the record of the first usage. The application also detects the count of units of usage reaching a first predetermined threshold wherein the threshold is less than the usage limit. The application also presents a first message, the message providing notification of the count of units of usage reaching the threshold.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to associate two or more phone numbers with two or more phone bills, where the controller is adapted to send outgoing phone calls and receive incoming phone calls on multiple telephone numbers assigned to the mobile communication device in accordance with at least one user profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing system of the present invention comprises a storage apparatus storing calculation equations for calculating a communication fee corresponding to an identifier of said information terminal regarding first and second subscription courses whose said particular utilization forms are different each other, and storing subscription information including information on a date and time of starting the first subscription course, and an information processing apparatus connected to the storage apparatus through a network. Upon receipt of information on the second subscription course will be selected instead of the first subscription course and a date and time of starting the second subscription course from the information terminal through the network, the information processing apparatus stores received information in the storage apparatus, and changes the calculation equation for calculating the communication fee based on the date and time of starting the second subscription course.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting and mitigating fraud in a distributed monitoring system which includes fixed-location monitoring and communication devices. According to one aspect, a method for detecting and mitigating fraud includes receiving a signaling message that originates or appears to originate from a wireless communication device that is associated with a fixed-location management system that performs at least one of monitoring and control of a resource, wherein the wireless communication device is responsible for communicating information generated by the management system over a network. The method further includes determining whether the signaling message indicates an expected location of the wireless communication device and in response to a determination that the signaling message does not indicate an expected location of the wireless communication device, initiating a mitigating action.

Abstract: A device and method provide a user with a template for a message having fields that can be pre-filled with data to reduce the manual entry of data into the message. The method includes, but is not limited to, executing an application at a device, wherein context data including context data items is associated with the executing application, selecting a messaging technology to send a message from the device, selecting a template for the message, wherein the template comprises one or more dynamic fields, selecting a context data item from the context data associated with the executing application, and inserting the selected context data item in the dynamic field to facilitate the creation of a message.