Abstract: The disclosure discloses a method and a system for remote control of a smart card; the method comprises: receiving, by a smart card management platform, a request for performing a LOCKING/UNLOCKING operation for a smart card from a user (S101); and the smart card management platform performs a short message interaction with a terminal side through a mobile network platform based on the request, so as to make the terminal side perform the LOCKING/UNLOCKING operation for the smart card (S103). By means of the disclosure, the effects are achieved that the user can apply to a smart card supervision department for locking/unlocking the smart card and a terminal through a short message and disabling or enabling the smart card, when the smart card and the terminal in which the smart card is located are robbed, lost, stolen and has a serious illegal behavior, so as to protect the security of the user and the smart card relevant department to the greatest extent and provide a better flexibility for a payment system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for providing an alternative telephony service which automatically switches an originating call between a basic telephony network and an alternative telephony network, and a method of inducing a caller or a receiver to subscribe to a service having a cheaper call rate by notifying the caller or the receiver of an inverse call charge which can be reduced according to whether telephony communication is performed using a basic telephony or an alternative telephony. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically connect the telephony communication using the basic telephony or the alternative telephony according to a telephony communication condition of the receiver, and thus reduce inconvenience due to a direct control of the receiver and first select a telephony communication scheme having a cheap call rate.

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: The present application discloses a method and system for remote control of a smart card. The method includes: a smart card management platform receives a request to destroy the smart card from a subscriber (S101); according to the request, the smart card management platform performs interactive processing with a terminal side via a mobile network platform to make the terminal side destroy the smart card (S103). The present application enables the 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: 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: A system and method that facilitates mobile device selection among available qualities of service is described herein. A telecommunications network sends a notification to a mobile device when a change in quality of service is available to the mobile device. The mobile device then enables selection of an upgrade or downgrade to the current quality of service. In response to a selection, the mobile device transmits to the telecommunications network the change in quality of service. The telecommunications network then adjusts the quality of service in accordance with the request.

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: Access to a communications network may be provided via a data provider that may charge for access. In some cases, the access fee may be related to the amount of network resources consumed (e.g., amount of data downloaded or bandwidth used). In some cases, a user may have access to a particular amount of data provider resources and be required to pay an additional fee for using resources in excess of the particular amount. To assist the user in managing his data resource consumption, a resource utilization component may provide different alerts and notices informing the user of current consumption, expected future consumption, and recommendations for reducing data provider resources consumed (e.g., stopping particular processes or data provider requests, such as downloading media). If several electronic devices in a network are connected to the same data provider resources, a network component may manage the data provider resource use among the several electronic devices (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for purchasing and reloading airtime for a local and foreign prepaid mobile phone account are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of payment receiving means which are connected to a wireless protocol cloud (120), for receiving an airtime purchase and reload request, and also a corresponding payment based on a selected airtime denomination. The payment receiving means are connected to a plurality of servers (140-142). One of the servers is the main server (142) which links the wireless protocol cloud (120) to a group of reloading entities (180). Alternatively, the main server (142) may also be connected to an Internet cloud (150). Therefore, the group of reloading entities may receive the airtime purchase and reload request from the payment receiving means (100) via the Internet cloud (150) or directly from the main server (142) via a plurality of fixed wireless terminals (FWT) (170).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for confirming the delivery of a data packet in a mesh network by sending an acknowledgement (ACK) to an ingress mesh point (IMP). A mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh points that are wirelessly linked together. A data packet sent by a station (STA) is received by an IMP. A MAC frame is generated for transmission of the data packet and the frame is forwarded to an egress mesh point (EMP) in order to provide a service by the mesh network. The MAC frame includes a field comprising an IMP address and an EMP address. When the EMP, (or optionally an intermediate mesh point), receives a data packet successfully, the EMP or the intermediate mesh point sends an ACK to the IMP or preceding mesh point.

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: Techniques are described that facilitate performing accounting and billing separately for each customer of a service provider account registered to an owner of a shared customer device. An access router performs separate data usage accounting for each of the customers in sub-accounts of the registered service provider account based on customer virtual local area network (CVLAN) and service VLAN (SVLAN) tags included in data packets. A network operator may, therefore, generate a bill for the shared customer device that includes separate data usage charges for each customer. To facilitate the techniques, the access router may determine a CVLAN and SVLAN associated with a customer. The CVLAN and SVLAN tags are included in a service request toward a service provider, and copied into a service request reply toward the shared customer device. The shared customer device then includes the tags in data packets to identify the customer to the access router.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for handling insufficient account balance of subscribers in a mobile communications network is disclosed. A request for communication is received from a mobile station. A determination is made as to whether a subscriber of the mobile station has an insufficient account balance. If the subscriber has an insufficient account balance, the request is withheld and the mobile station is notified by a short message.

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: 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: 1.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that can conditionally and/or automatically control message forwarding by communication devices are presented. A network message management component and/or handset message management component can monitor messages (e.g., short message service (SMS) messages) communicated between user equipment (UE) in a communication network, identify and/or intercept a message for which one or more forwarding conditions have been specified by the message originator, target, or forward target, and conditionally and/or automatically route the message to the target and/or forward target in accordance with predefined message routing rules based at least in part on the conditions specified by the originator, target, or forward target. The predefined message routing rules can be implemented by the network and/or the UEs, and can relate to the UE identifiers, time, priority, cost, operation state, size, desired automatic response messages, or other desired factors, associated with the message.

Abstract: The invention relates to communication networks, specifically to service provisioning and authorization of service usage in different networks. The invention provides a method and a system for authorizing services for visiting subscribers and for obtaining the necessary charging profile information from the subscribers' home networks on a per-service basis.

Abstract: The management of communications devices on an application service system is disclosed. The communications devices are associated with a user and a subscription account of a wireless service provider as identified by a wireless number. Charge data is received on the application service system from a billing system of the wireless provider. The charge data is for one of the communications devices. The charge data is then saved in a wireless device inventory database that includes one or more device records, each of which is associated with a particular one of the communications devices. The device records are also be defined by a wireless number and a charge record that includes one or more charge identifiers and corresponding charge amounts therefor. The charge data is stored in the device record. A report may be generated from the wireless device inventory database.

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: 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 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: A system and method are disclosed for segregating transactions in a multimode communication device. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device (102) has a controller (206) for managing operations of a wireless transceiver (202) that supports a plurality of access technologies. The controller can be programmed to update (301) a phonebook stored in the communication device, wherein each entry in the phonebook comprises a calling number and one among a plurality of account designations, and submit (344) the phonebook to a network management system (110) for segregating (514) billing of incoming and outgoing calls directed to and from the communication device on each of the access technologies according to a corresponding account designation retrieved (510) from the phonebook according to said calls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing rate tiers in a wireless communication system. Embodiments of the method include forming, at a network element in the wireless communication system, a statistical representation of resource usage for a user in the wireless communication system as a function of location and/or time using measurements of the user's resource usage at a plurality of locations. Embodiments of the method also include defining, at the network element, a plurality of rate tiers based on the statistical representation. Each rate tier indicates a rate for a different level of resource usage offered to the user.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a data storage portion that stores data records in which second data is associated with first data; a communicating portion that communicates with an external device; an updating portion that receives the data records from the external device and updates the data records; a screen controlling portion that displays one or more of the first data or the second data, and that receives a specifying operation specifying the first data; a determining portion that determines whether the information processing apparatus is in a state, in which control that uses the first data will be started in response to the screen controlling portion receiving the specifying operation; and a caching portion that caches the first data specified by the specifying operation separately from the data records stored in the data storage portion, when it is determined that the information processing apparatus is in the state.

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: Usage information is received that describes usage of communication services by a communications device. The usage information is compared to monitoring criteria. When the monitoring criteria is satisfied, an electronic notification message is sent to the communications device. The electronic notification message when a communications service is initiated and before an additional charge for the communications service is incurred.

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: 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: 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: Management of multiple subscriber identity modules by server is disclosed. Instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the server, for at least one subscriber identity module belonging to a set of subscriber identity modules of a user of a mobile terminal, to: offer a period price of the subscriber identity module for the user covering usage of the subscriber identity module for a predetermined time period; track credit of the subscriber identity module during the predetermined time period; and top up credit of the subscriber identity module on the basis of the tracking of the credit in order to keep the subscriber identity module alive for the predetermined time period.

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: The present invention is directed to an improved operations method for a wireless communication system. The improved business method, operations method, network and system of the present invention includes the steps of delivering cellular services to the mass market, reducing peak capacity, increasing overall capacity utilization, improving capital utilization, providing an “all-you-can-eat” pricing model, and designing capacity based upon where the users live, work, and play.

Abstract: A system is provided comprising an application server and a media proxy. The application server comprises a first processor, a first memory, and a first application stored in the first memory that, when executed by the first processor, transmits a first digital media stream for mixing with a first voice over internet protocol (VoIP) stream. The media proxy is stored in a second memory and, when executed by a second processor, receives the first voice over internet protocol stream, mixes the first digital media stream with the first voice over internet protocol stream to produce a second voice over internet protocol stream, transmits the second voice over internet protocol stream, receives a third voice over internet protocol stream, produces a fourth internet protocol stream based on the third internet protocol stream, and transmits the fourth internet protocol stream.

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: The collect cellular call identifies the cellular telephone carrier and called party cell phone. After determining whether the carrier and phone accept message service charges (SMS), a voice response module seeks positive authorization from the called party with the telephone. If positive, the system facilitates a connection between the calling party and the called party and initiates a predetermined billing charge assigned to the cellular telephone number. If the carrier or the cell phone is not enabled or if no authorization is obtained from the called party, the system facilitates a denial of completion signal. A timer monitors the length of the collect cellular call. Databases are accessed to locate the carrier and called cell phone number approved list of numbers and deny service list of numbers.

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 communication system and method thereof are configured to provide a service including a communication network including a charging entity and a service provision node. A user terminal is configured to transmit a session control message to the charging entity identifying a service provision threshold determined by a user of the user terminal for a session of the service requested by the user of the user terminal. Monitoring means is configured to monitor provision of the session and, if the provision of the session exceeds the service provision threshold, to notify the service provision node to performs a predetermined action upon receipt of the notification.

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: 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: A mobile radio access network includes a plurality of radio cells, the plurality of radio cells comprising at least a first cell type of radio cells and a second cell type of radio cells, the first cell type of radio cells including at least one of a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) cell and a hybrid cell, and the second cell type of radio cells including open cells; and a charging unit, configured to receive cell information corresponding to at least one subscriber out of a plurality of subscribers, wherein the cell information is dependent on whether the subscriber has entered, left, or accessed a radio cell of the first tell type.

Abstract: Methods and products for providing an item of content to a mobile device in a prepaid context by way of a wireless telecommunications network are provided. One embodiment of a method includes receiving an indication that the item of content is desired to be communicated to a mobile device (which is associated with a certain customer); determining that the customer obtains wireless-telecommunications services by way of either a piecemeal plan or a recurring-fees plan; when the customer is associated with the piecemeal plan, determining that a remaining amount of the prepaid balance is insufficient to pay for the desired content (and thereby triggering a first follow-up process); and when the customer is associated with the recurring plan, determining that an immediate-payment option does not exist (and thereby triggering a second follow-up process).

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitating access to a communication session for a client is provided. The method may comprise obtaining one or more call plan proposals, receiving a destination phone number for making a call on a wireless communications device (WCD) when the WCD is in a source country, determining the source country from which the call is to be made, determining a destination country code of the destination phone number, identifying each of the one or more call plan proposals available to the WCD in the source country, selecting a call plan proposal from the identified available call plan proposals, generating a destination number string, and executing the call using the destination number string. The destination number string can comprise the destination phone number combined with the destination country code and the country access code and the discount identifier code of the selected call plan proposal.

Abstract: A platform for supporting network enabled applications enables billing for microtransactions associated with the applications using the users wireless network carriers. The platform also enables access to billing for third party network enabled applications by wrapping the third party network enabled applications in code that allows the third party network enabled applications to be rendered to the user and the billing component.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods and systems are disclosed that provide per-session dynamic charging caps. For a session, the communication network includes a network element adapted to serve the session, a charging system, and a subscriber server adapted to store charging criteria defined for a party to the session. In operation, the charging system receives one or more charging request messages from the network element. Responsive to a charging request message, the charging system identifies the charging criteria defined for the party as stored in the subscriber server, and determines a dynamic charging cap for the session based on the charging criteria. A charging cap is a limited or maximum amount of time and/or money that is charged for an individual session. The charging system then limits the charging for the session based on the dynamic charging cap.

Abstract: A method and system for providing pre-emptive advice of charge messages (201) to users (5b-2) of a communications system (2), via mobile terminals or fixed terminals (5b-2). Each terminal has at least one physical and at least one functional connection in the communications system (2). The pre-emptive advice of charge messages (201) are based on historical usage (203), administrative (202) and operational (205) information in the communications system (2) and are sent to the user without user's request or initiation of the facility or service for which pre-emptive advice of charge is given.

Abstract: A test system for a communication device, such as a mobile telephone, uses flexible software, that runs on a variety of different hardware setups, so that the system generates events from the communication device either through batch processing or creation of a batch of test events interactively for that particular purpose.

Abstract: In a cellular telephone system, an account manager server is used to monitor all services provided to hand-held devices of the system and to charge the respective customers of the system. The server also provides advertisements to the customers via data channels for the devices. The customers are charged for services based on the number of advertisements (if any) presented on the devices. Optionally, customers may buy goods or services associated with the presented advertisements, in this case, the amount charged for voice and/or data services provided by the system are adjusted as well.