Abstract: A method of operating a communications charging system comprises receiving an override message comprising an override code indicative of a charging rule override request which affects a terminal. The method further comprises, in response to the override code, making an association of a use of the terminal during an override term to an alternate account rather than to a default account as would otherwise occur by a charging rule; and thereafter at reception of a charging request which is subsequent and separate from the override message, allocating a charge for a service for which the charging request occurs to the alternate account in accordance with the association.

Abstract: A centralized caller profile and billing system provides methods for routing and prioritizing calls and for providing billing information and payment. The systems and methods provide enhanced customer service by allowing multiple parties to update and share the same set of profile information from a centralized database. Faster and easier access to profile information is provided, allowing more efficient call routing and the ability to prioritize callers in a caller queue. When a caller connects with a called party, a centralized database of caller information is automatically applied to the caller, thereby eliminating the need for verbal billing requests. Billing information is sent from the centralized caller database to a payment gateway upon verification of a caller's PIN. The billing information is sent conveniently and securely. Security is improved because the billing information can be communicated directly to the payment gateway, third party, or other agent.

Abstract: Shared usage plans are popular with families, friends, and small businesses. These shared usage plans share some cumulative utilization of resources, such as communications services. Even though multiple devices may share a monthly allotment of resources, an individual threshold is established for each device. The multiple individual thresholds may then be dynamically regulated to maintain the monthly allotment of resources.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for reporting fixed network access information, in which an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) reports fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), and the PCEF notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. The disclosure also provides a system for reporting fixed network access information, in which a reporting unit is configured to allow an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) to report fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), which notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. According to the disclosure, the fixed network access information can be reported, so that an S9* session still can be established even if the BPCF cannot be aware of access of the UE to the WLAN.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile router network, comprises: providing a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each having access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular carrier, operating each mobile router to upload and download data via the cellular network, operating each mobile router to monitor the uploaded data and downloaded data to generate usage statistical; providing a server coupleable to the plurality of wireless mobile routers via the cellular network; operating the server to access billing data from the predetermined carrier for each mobile router; automatically operating each mobile router to upload its corresponding usage statistical data to the server; and operating the server to compare the usage statistical data for each wireless mobile router to corresponding billing data to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.

Abstract: A method for tracking usage of a wireless device includes monitoring a communications trigger to initiate communication with a wireless device over a wireless network, determining an identifier of the communication, comparing the identifier of the communication with a database including two or more communication identifiers and two or more proxy identifiers, each communication identifier being associated with a corresponding proxy identifier, identifying, in response to a comparison of the identifier of the communication with the database, a proxy corresponding with the identifier of the communication, monitoring data from the wireless device to a destination through the identified proxy, and receiving usage of the wireless device from the identified proxy to track the usage of the wireless device.

Abstract: A system that enables reconciliation of accounts between a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and a mobile host operator (MHO) includes an asset loader server that receives data that defines a user event. The asset loader server generates a wholesale bill associated with the user event. The rate charged in the generated wholesale bill is based on a negotiated rate between the MVNO and the MHO that is different that the may be different than the rate at which the MVNO charges the user. The asset loader communicates the generated wholesale bill to a billing interface of the MNVO that is configured to receive an extensible markup language (XML) file that defines a wholesale bill associated with the MHO. The format of the generated wholesale bill is substantially the same as the format of the XML file associated with the MHO.

Abstract: A method for operating a mobile router, comprises: transferring data via a cellular network at a data rate controlled by the router; receiving data rate information via the cellular network; and utilizing the data rate information to control the data rate of data subsequently transferred via said cellular network.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mobile router, comprises: a wireless wide area network interface to access a cellular network and operable to receive downloaded data; a memory comprising a data rate limiting rule; and a processor. The processor is operable to generate usage data based on the quantity of the downloaded data during a predetermined time period, and is operable to control the data rate of downloaded data based on the usage data and the data rate limiting rule.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking billing events in a mobile wireless network for a network operator is disclosed. The method can include, in one embodiment, capturing, by a server, event data associated with a mobile device. The event data specifies communication events at the mobile device and are captured are specific to a network operator which provides services to the mobile device. The method can further include, generating billing data for the mobile device using the event data and associated parameters, and providing, by the server, the billing data to the network operator providing services to the mobile device.

Abstract: A networked mobile router system comprises a plurality of mobile routers; and a main server operable to track and monitor the plurality of mobile routers. Each mobile router is initially configured to communicate with the main server and is operable to establish first communication with the main server to register with the main server to upload configuration information from each the mobile router to the main server. The main server is operable in response to each mobile router registering with the main server to assign each mobile router with a predetermined group. Each mobile router is operable to establish a second communication with the main server. The main server is operable in response to each mobile router second communication to reassign each mobile router to communicate with at least one group server assigned to communicate with the predetermined group.

Abstract: A network operations center is operable with a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each comprising a wide area network wireless interface to access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular service provider. Each mobile router is operable to upload and download data via the cellular network, each mobile router is operable to monitor the uploaded and downloaded data to generate usage data. The network operations center comprises: first apparatus operable to manage communications with the plurality of mobile routers, operable to receive the usage data, and operable to access billing data from the predetermined cellular service provider for each of the mobile routers; and second apparatus operable to compare the usage data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.

Abstract: A prepaid messaging solution that utilizes a pre-delivery debit query to tariff a short message, coupled with an additional debit query performed once necessary billing information has been acquired. A short message is tariffed prior to message delivery via a pre-delivery debit query to a prepaid server. During message delivery, the prepaid server is queried a second time, following the HLR query performed by the Short Message Service Center (SMSC). This subsequent debit query bills a subscriber for any additional service fees discovered throughout message delivery, e.g., international/roaming fees, etc. If either the pre-delivery debit query or the subsequent debit query indicates that a subscriber has insufficient account balance to deliver a short message, the message is prevented from being delivered. If a message is dropped due to lack of account balance, any funds debited throughout the attempted message delivery may be credited back to the subscriber's prepaid account.

Abstract: A method, implemented at least in part by a computing device, that can be used to bill a communication. The method includes terminating a teleservice request at an intermediary node, wherein the teleservice request is associated with a sender and a recipient; receiving teleservice content transmitted by the sender, wherein the teleservice content is received at no charge to the sender; receiving a request transmitted by the recipient to access the teleservice content, wherein receiving the request includes charging a fee; and sending the teleservice content to the recipient.

Abstract: A mobile router network, comprises: a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each comprising a wide area network wireless interface to access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular carrier. Each mobile router is operable to upload data and to download data via the cellular network. Each mobile router is monitors the uploaded and downloaded data to generate statistical usage. The network further comprises a server coupleable to the plurality of wireless mobile routers via the cellular network. The server is operable to access billing data from the predetermined carrier for each of the mobile routers. Each of the mobile routers automatically operates to upload the statistical data to the server. The server operates to compare the statistical data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.

Abstract: A mobile router comprises: a wide area network wireless interface operable to access a cellular network; first apparatus operable to upload data and to download data via the interface to the cellular network; second apparatus operable to monitor the uploaded data and the downloaded data and to generate data corresponding to predetermined quantifiable units corresponding to the uploaded data and the downloaded data; and the first apparatus and second apparatus cooperatively operate to automatically upload the usage data to a server for generation of usage discrepancy reports.

Abstract: A server provides Internet access to wireless devices. Billing information for each wireless device is shared with a content provider. The server formats usage information into a transaction record for the content provider. A customer of a network carrier is charged differently based upon a type of content accessed through the server.

Abstract: A network is provided comprising at least one access point and one access-controlling node whereby the identity of the station can be approved by the access controlling node. The at least one access-controlling node issues at least one Inter-Access Point Protocol message causing the access point with which the station is currently associated to disassociate the given station thereby terminating the access for the given station.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions executable by at least one processor, the instructions to cause the at least one processor to bill a subscriber, enrolled in a multi-tiered pricing plan, a plan fee associated with the multi-tiered pricing plan, for each billing cycle of a plurality of billing cycles, for services associated with a subscriber device; track, for each billing cycle, an amount of usage of the services; determine, for each billing cycle, a pricing tier corresponding to the tracked usage; and bill the subscriber, for each billing cycle, a fee associated with the corresponding pricing tier, wherein at least two of the corresponding pricing tiers differ.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that notify end users of mobile devices of charging rate adjustments within a mobile network. A rate notification system receives bandwidth usage data for the mobile network, and identifies a region within the mobile network having a bandwidth usage that exceeds a threshold. The bandwidth usage is processed per media type (i.e., voice calls, text messages, etc) based on the bandwidth usage data. The rate notification system then identifies a mobile device located within the region, and identifies one or more contacts of the end user of the mobile device. The rate notification system then identifies an adjusted charging rate per contact per media type for this end user, and provides the adjusted charging rates to the end user of the mobile device.

Abstract: A method includes a processor of a mobile telephone receiving a top-up request for an offline balance in an offline payment application of the mobile telephone, and opening an over-the-air (OTA) connection to a top-up authorization server computer. The user is prompted to enter a monetary amount for the offline balance and to enter a form of authentication. The method also includes receiving a monetary amount input and a user authentication input, authenticating the user, calculating a cryptogram and transmitting an OTA top-up request message to the top-up authorization server computer. In addition, the method includes receiving an OTA response indicating authorization of the top-up request and including a script. The processor then executes the script to increase the offline balance stored in the mobile telephone by the monetary amount.

Abstract: An Operator Charging Gateway (OCG) facility within a Mobile Commerce environment that, among other things, provides a bearer-independent and delivery-agnostic charging platform that, inter alia, (a) uncouples all of the particulars of the delivery of content, services, etc. from the myriad of activities, challenges, etc. of charging and (b) adds substantial value to each of the involved parties (including, for example, Mobile Subscribers, Operators, Merchants, etc.). Within a wireless messaging ecosystem an OCG may leverage the capabilities of a centrally-located, full-featured Value-Added Service Provider.

Abstract: An approach is provided for processing transaction payments. The transaction engine receives payment information, from a device, for completing a transaction between a first party and a second party, wherein the payment information is for requesting, at least in part, a payment approval from at least one payment service provider. Next, the transaction engine determines historical transaction data associated with one or more previous transactions between the first party and the second party. Then, the transaction engine processes and/or facilitates a processing of the historical transaction data to determine whether to initiate a delivery of at least one item associated with the transaction prior to receiving a confirmation of the payment approval from the at least one payment service provider.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a program for causing a computer to execute the method, the information processing apparatus including an acquisition unit configured to acquire communication quality at a time of communication between a base station and a wireless communication apparatus that connects to a predetermined network via the base station and performs the communication, and a charging processing unit configured to perform charging processing related to the communication based on the acquired communication quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, a method, a service server, a traffic information relay method, an application server, a mobile communication terminal, a navigation terminal, an execution method, and a storage medium for providing traffic information using a short-range communication network, and more specifically to a technique for providing traffic information using a short-range communication network, in which a navigation terminal connectible to the short-range communication network receives traffic information from an application server connected to a mobile communication network via the mobile communication terminal and the service server, thereby overcoming restrictions of communication networks.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for voice approval, where the method includes: receiving voice approval request information sent by an enterprise application server; establishing a voice communication connection with the terminal according to the contact information of the approver terminal; sending approval content audio information corresponding to the voice approval request information to the approver terminal; receiving feedback information, and obtaining approval result information according to the feedback information; and sending the approval result information to the enterprise application server. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a device and system for voice approval. In the embodiments of the present invention, the enterprise application server and the enterprise gateway are combined and improved to enable an approver to approve, in voice mode, an approval request raised by an applicant, thereby increasing the approval efficiency.

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, method, and computer program product are provided for persona based telecommunication service subscriptions. Usage of a device is detected, and one of a plurality of personas configured for the device is determined to be associated with the usage of the device. Additionally, at least one telecommunication service subscribed to by the persona is identified. Further, the usage of the device is serviced using the identified telecommunication service.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacturing for automatically associating an identifier of a particular mobile station with a mobile communications network account are shown and described. In some circumstances, an identifier is automatically captured from a mobile station, e.g., via over-the-air signaling to the network. Upon verification of other account details, the captured identifier is assigned to the account, e.g., with a particular directory number of the account, and the change is propagated to other systems of the mobile communications network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control method and system for a smart card. The remote control method for a smart card includes the following steps: a smart card management platform receives a request for destruction of a smart card from a user (S101); the smart card management platform carries out short message interactive processing with a terminal via a mobile network platform according to the request to make the terminal destruct the smart card (S103).

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: Embodiments of the invention may use a first accelerometer to measure first acceleration data of a first device. Other interaction data, including time data and geographic location data, generated by the first device may also be recorded. First acceleration data is compared by a remote server computer to second acceleration data generated by a second accelerometer in a second device. If the first and second accelerometer data are substantially equal, it can be determined that the devices have interacted and communications can be initiated. After communications are initiated, a financial transaction is conducted. Accelerometer data may be stored and/or used as part of the authentication process in a payment processing network. Other embodiments of the invention use the accelerometer to generate movement security data to make financial transaction more secure. Accelerometer data is used for authentication, security, encryption, session keys, non-repudiation, or fraud protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for service mobile node decision based on user history information includes: an information management unit configured to manage information of the node and the service and history information of the node and the service; a monitoring unit configured to monitor whether or not the node is usable and monitor the node and the service the user is currently using; and a service mobile node decision unit configured to decide the node which is capable of service mobility according to situations, based on the information of the node and the service, the history information, and the monitored information.

Abstract: A method for performing a telecommunication service, including identifying, on a Service Delivery Platform (SDP) and by a processor, the telecommunication service, selecting, on the SDP and by the processor, the telecommunication service, and executing, on the SDP and by the processor, the telecommunication service on a cellular network, where the SDP is configured to implement the telecommunication service on the cellular network.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for displaying discount data in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method includes determining whether displaying discount data is set; and when the displaying of the discount data is set, checking discount data provided by a billing system of a subscriber recorded on a Subscriber Identification Module/Universal Subscriber Identification Module (SIM/USIM) card.

Abstract: A mobile device having first and second modes of operation is operated responsive to detection of a predefined localized movement of a housing of the mobile device using a sensor associated therewith. The detected predefined localized movement is associated with first and second functions of the mobile device responsive to a user input assigning the detected predefined localized movement thereto. A first device function is performed responsive to detection of the predefined localized movement in the first mode of operation, and a second device function is performed responsive to detection of the predefined localized movement in the second mode of operation. A predetermined delay time may also be associated with the predefined localized movement, and the first and/or second functions may be performed at the predetermined delay time after detecting the predefined localized movement.

Abstract: An approach for optimizing the rate of delivery of data records required by a billing system associated with a service provider is described. A mediation platform collects session records for specifying data about sessions conducted by network subscribers via the network and transport records for specifying data about the transport of data via the network during a correlation cycle. The mediation platform also generates, based on a minimal threshold of correlation, a charging data record based on a mapping of data associated with a session record and multiple transport records. The mediation platform also transmits the charging data record to a billing system of the provider prior to the collecting of all of the session records and transport records.

Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated and described herein include at least one of systems, software, and methods to perform one or more tasks such as quoting wireless service plans, receiving wireless service orders, generating wireless service contracts, and effectuating these contracts in a wireless service network. In particular, such embodiments provide mechanisms through which a primary subscriber is allowed to choose wireless services for a primary subscriber and one or more secondary subscribers with differing and customizable service levels while having a single rate-plan, which may be pre-paid, post-paid, or a combination thereof. These embodiments are facilitated by an application that allows for defining and capturing of one rate plan that covers wireless services for a plurality of subscribers each having different pre-paid or post-paid accounts with an ability for each subscriber to have differing services and service levels.

Abstract: A method for transferring data based on an event function is provided. The method includes receiving an event function from an event initiator. The event function is distributed to one or more destinations associated with event performers. A response message is received as a function of destination and time. It is determined whether the time is less than or equal to a limit time, and it is further determined whether an event parameter is greater than or equal to an event constant if the time is less than or equal to the limit time. Data is transferred from a data origination system accessible by the event initiator to a data destination system accessible by the event performer if the event parameter is greater than or equal to the event constant and if the time is less than or equal to the limit time.

Abstract: A global mobility system and method for providing a global mobility framework. The system includes a mobility data collection unit, a mobility data management unit, and a device management unit. The data collection unit acquires real-time mobility data relating to a user and associated mobile and stationary devices. The data management unit manages mobility data and applies data to the devices in use. The device management unit activates and controls the operation of the devices based on available device and environmental data, and the mobility services subscribed by the user. The data management unit configures a device using the collected mobile data and prepares the device for operation in a respective environment. The device management unit prepares device work flows, activates and deactivates the devices, and controls the device operations based on the collected mobility data.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving, at a policy and charging rules node (PCRN) from a requesting entity, a message including a request associated with at least one service data flow (SDF); extracting a subscriber identifier and a first identifier from the message; retrieving a subscription record associated with the subscriber identifier, wherein the subscription record is associated with a first plurality of subrecords; identifying an first subrecord from the plurality of subrecords based on the first identifier; and conditionally fulfilling the request based on a first value stored in the first subrecord.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for alternative billing of VoIP services are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving an indication at a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) device that a call placed from the VoIP user device is blocked, and sending a VoIP protocol message containing billing information received at the VoIP user device to an alternative billing server. Another disclosed example method comprises determining at a VoIP call session control function (CSCF) server that a VoIP session is blocked, and providing a prompt at a VoIP user device to obtain billing information for the VoIP session.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for remote control of a smart card. The method comprises that: a smart card management platform receives a request of locking or unlocking a smart card from a subscriber; and the smart card management platform performs interactive processing with a terminal side according to the request via a mobile network platform, so as to enable the terminal side to perform the locking or unlocking of the smart card. The present disclosure enables the payment subscriber to avoid loss when the terminal is robbed, lost, stolen, or is illegally used seriously, and provide a higher flexibility to the payment system.

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 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: Equipment and methods for facilitating service provisioning in a system that include 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 disclosed embodiments, service provisioning can be facilitated in cases where 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: Equipment and methods for facilitating service provisioning in a system that includes 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 disclosed embodiments, 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 communication system of the invention includes a communication terminal correctable to first and second communication networks, and a controller for controlling service provision to the communication terminal according to which one of the first and second communication networks the communication terminal is connected to. The communication terminal includes: a reception determination unit for determining a reception condition of a control signal transmitted from the first communication network; and a notification transmitter for transmitting, to the controller, a notification indicating that the control signal can be received when the reception condition satisfies a certain requirement.

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.