Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system is provided for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each subscriber, including their phone numbers. A closing prompt module is coupled to the first database so as to select a closing prompt code from a plurality of available closing prompt codes, where each of the closing prompt codes is associated with a desired closing prompt message so as to provide a selected closing prompt message, where anyone of the available closing prompt messages is provided to a requester.

Communication assistance system and method.

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (2) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND - PROCEDURES

COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND - PROCEDURES

Communication assistance system and method

Sistema e método de auxìlio à comunicação

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (32) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICATION CHANNEL USE

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (32) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

Method and system for realizing prepayment intelligent service

The invention discloses a method for realizing a prepayment intelligent service. The method comprises the following steps that: when a calling is completed, a service control point (SCP) calculates content presented for a user and charge amount of principal, and charges according to the calculated content presented for the user and the charge amount of the principal; and when the user initiates a calling, the SCP controls calling time according to the principal and presented resource information of the user. The invention also discloses a prepayment intelligent service realizing system correspondingly. The system comprises a charge amount calculation module and a database module, wherein the charge amount calculation module particularly comprises a service logic module and a charge module. As each presentation of the user can independently set an application range, namely application in a certain charging sub-item, such as local call charge, remote charge or roaming charge, so that the ...

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (32) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

Communication assistance system and method.

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (2) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

System and method for providing communication services and intervening when necessary to provide service

System controlling use of a communication channel

Communication assistance system and method

SYSTEM CONTROLLING USE OF A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (32) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

Group messaging system

Billing of group text messages performed in a group messaging server 200 of a mobile telecommunications network N1, comprises: receiving (300, figure 3) an incoming message 101, such as a text message, Short Message Service message, SMS, at the group messaging server from a remote user terminal B, the message being for distribution to a group of users A, C, D, E; storing details (301) of the incoming message in a messaging log 204, the details comprising a message identifier received with the incoming message; identifying at least one recipient from the group of users to which the incoming message should be transmitted; transmitting (302) an outgoing message 102, 103, 104, 105 to each of the at least one recipient A, C, D, E, wherein the outgoing message comprises at least part of the incoming message101 and the message identifier; storing details (303) of each outgoing message in the message log 204, the details comprising the message identifier; and processing the message log to identify ...

Communication assistance system and method

A directory assistance system is provided for providing subscriber information to requesters communicating with the assistance system. A telephone switch receives calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A communications interface for database clean-up receives instructions from the subscribers so as to allow the subscribers to modify their corresponding information in the first database, where the communications interface is coupled to a carrier customer care representative system configured to receive phone calls from the subscribers. A carrier clean-up database is coupled to the customer care representative system and configured to store the modified information received from the subscribers. The communications interface unit further comprises a synchronization technology unit coupled to the clean-up database unit ...

System controlling use of a communication channel

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND INTERVENING WHEN NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SERVICE

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

A communication assistance system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters, a call center for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal, and a first database configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers. The system includes a masking feature that allows it to connect a requester to a subscriber without revealing subscriber's mobile telephone number.

SYSTEM CONTROLLING USE OF A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user, ...

System controlling use of a communication channel

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING PRE-PAID INTELLIGENT SERVICE

The present invention discloses a method for implementing pre-paid intelligent service. The method includes the following steps: when a call stops, Service Control Point (SCP) computes the deduction limits of the donated content and the principal sum of a user, and money is deducted according to the computed deduction limits of the donated content and the principal sum of the user, besides, when the user initiates a call, the SCP further performs call time control according to the principal sum and donated resource information of the user. The present invention also correspondingly discloses a system for implementing pre-paid intelligent service. The system includes: a deduction limit computation module and a database module, wherein, the deduction limit computation module specially includes a service logic module and a charging module. Because for each donation of the user, the application range can be singly configured, that is to say, the donation can be applied to a certain sub-fee, ...

Communication assistance system and method

Group messaging system

Database update in a communication assistance system

System controlling use of a communication channel

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

Combination mailer and confirmation post card assembly

A form assembly formed by front and back plies for creating a postcard having printing on both faces from a single pass through a non-impact printing device.

Communication assistance system and method

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the subscriber information. A listing database is configured to store the subscriber information including a field containing wireless phone numbers of a desired portion of the subscribers and a connect field that stores information instructing the system as to whether to mask the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester, such that during a process that the requester is being connected to a desired subscriber, the connect field is examined to determine whether to disclose the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester. A call center routes each of the received calls from the requester to an operator terminal that has access to the database listing table, where the connect field further comprises information instructing the communication assistance system as to ...

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (32) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the subscriber information. A listing database is configured to store the subscriber information including a field containing wireless phone numbers of a desired portion of the subscribers and a connect field that stores information instructing the system as to whether to mask the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester, such that during a process that the requester is being connected to a desired subscriber, the connect field is examined to determine whether to disclose the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester. A call center routes each of the received calls from the requester to an operator terminal that has access to the database listing table, where the connect field further comprises information instructing the communication assistance system as to ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND INTERVENING WHEN NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SERVICE

A method includes receiving (502) a request for a communication service and determining (504) if intervention is required to provide the communication service. The method also includes providing (508-512) the communication service if no intervention is required. The method further includes performing (524) an intervention in response to the request to gather information from at least one party associated with the request if intervention is required. In addition, the method includes providing (524) the communication service after the intervention is completed. The gathered information is used to charge the at least one party for the communication service.

Group messaging system

A data processing method performed in a group messaging server of a mobile telecommunications network, the method comprising the steps of receiving an incoming message at the group messaging server from a remote user terminal, the message being for distribution to a group of users; storing details of the incoming message in a messaging log, the details comprising a message identifier received with the incoming message; identifying at least one recipient from the group of users to which the incoming message should be transmitted; transmitting an outgoing message to each of the at least one recipient, wherein the outgoing message comprises at least part of the incoming message and the message identifier; storing details of each outgoing message in the message log, the details comprising the message identifier; and processing the message log to identify groups of messages, wherein the groups of messages are identified by having a common message identifier, and generating charging data based ...

Communication assistance system and method

Kommunikationsunterstützungssystem und -verfahren

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AID To the COMMUNICATION

System controlling use of a communication channel

System and method for correcting call detail record files

A processor readable medium embodying executable instructions to correct call detail records includes instructions to scan a received file including a plurality of call detail records to detect a file rejection condition, instructions to edit the received file to produce a modified file in response to detecting the file rejection condition, and instructions to forward the modified file to a downstream transaction record processing system.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (32) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

A SYSTEM TO CONTROL THE USE OF A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL IN A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK; PRODUCTS OF COMPUTER PROGRAM SO THAT A COMPUTER CONTROLS A SESSION OF COMMUNICATION, FOR A BOOKSTORE OF FUNCTIONS ON WATCH OF COMMUNICATIONS, PAIR

Un sistema para controlar el uso de un canal de comunicacion en una red de comunicaciones; productos de programa de computadora para que una computadoracontrole una sesion de comunicacion, para una librería funciones de servicio de comunicaciones, para una pluralidad de definiciones de mensajes, y para unapluralidad de interfaces de funciones de servicio; un método para proveer una comunicacion anonima entre una primer persona y una segunda persona sobre la redtelefonica conmutada publica; y unasenal de datos de computadora dispuestas en una sola onda transportadora para que una computadora controle una sesion decomunicacion. El sistema comprende una red que incluye nodos de servicios. Los nodos de servicio comprenden uno o más conjuntos que tienen uno o más nodosadaptados para proveer funciones de servicio en respuesta a mensajes en la red. Al menos uno de los conjuntos comprende un nodo miembro que tiene unainterconexion para comunicacion con un terminal remoto, y un proceso de interconexion ...

Method for correcting call detail record files

A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within ...

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the subscriber information. A listing database is configured to store the subscriber information including a field containing wireless phone numbers of a desired portion of the subscribers and a connect field that stores information instructing the system as to whether to mask the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester, such that during a process that the requester is being connected to a desired subscriber, the connect field is examined to determine whether to disclose the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester. A call center routes each of the received calls from the requester to an operator terminal that has access to the database listing table, where the connect field further comprises information instructing the communication assistance system as to ...

System controlling use of a communication channel

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

Communication assistance system and method

SYSTEM ZUR STEUERUNG VON KOMMUNIKATIONSKANALNUTZUNG

System controlling use of a communication channel

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system is provided for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring access to the information corresponding to subscribers. A database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A dial string translator receives dial strings dialed by the plurality of requesters and translate them to a corresponding digit sequence associated with a service provided by the communication assistance system.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a means for receiving incoming communications from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers and a database directory listing storing information corresponding to each one of the subscribers. The information includes a pre-announcement field containing information indicating whether a requester is pre-announced before a connection to a subscriber is made.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the subscriber information. A listing database is configured to store the subscriber information including a field containing wireless phone numbers of a desired portion of the subscribers and a connect field that stores information instructing the system as to whether to mask the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester, such that during a process that the requester is being connected to a desired subscriber, the connect field is examined to determine whether to disclose the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester. A call center routes each of the received calls from the requester to an operator terminal that has access to the database listing table, where the connect field further comprises information instructing the communication assistance system as to ...

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system is provided for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring access to the information corresponding to subscribers. A database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A dial string translator receives dial strings dialed by the plurality of requesters and translate them to a corresponding digit sequence associated with a service provided by the communication assistance system.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. This system is comprised of a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters, a call center for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal, and a first database configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers. The system provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester; a billing database for transferring call charges of the subscriber to the requester; a processor to notify subscribers to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers; a masking feature that allows system to connect requester to subscriber without revealing subscriber's mobile telephone number, a searchable database of subscriber information based ...

User information processing unit, user information processing system, terminal unit, apparatus and method for providing information

A user information processing method, an apparatus thereof and a user information processing system in which personal information can be more effectively employed. Terminal use record information is obtained when a user employs terminal units. The profile information of the user is generated on the basis of the accumulated terminal use record information and the generated profile information is stored, so that information peculiar to the user can be provided on the basis of the stored profile information of the user.

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Kommunikationsunterstützungssystem und -verfahren

SYSTEM CONTROLLING USE OF A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

SYSTEM CONTROLLING USE OF A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL

L'invention concerne un système permettant de gérer l'utilisation d'un canal de communication à l'intérieur d'un réseau de communication. Ce système comprend un réseau avec des noeuds de service, qui comportent chacun un ou plusieurs ensembles d'un ou plusieurs noeuds conçus pour fournir des fonctions de service en réponse à des messages dans le réseau. Au moins un de ces ensembles présente un noeud membre avec une interface lui permettant de communiquer avec un terminal à distance, et un processus d'interface utilisateur couplé avec cette interface pour inclure un utilisateur dudit terminal à distance dans le réseau. Au moins un des ensembles susmentionnés comprend un noeud membre avec une interface avec le réseau de communication, et un processus couplé à cette interface pour gérer l'établissement du canal de communication pour l'utilisateur.

SYSTEM CONTROLLING USE OF A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or snore sets having one or snore nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having ace for communication with a remote to final, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

Billing in a communication assistance system

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (2) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

SYSTEM ZUR STEUERUNG VON KOMMUNIKATIONSKANALNUTZUNG

Communication assistance system and method

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscriber listings. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of callers desiring to access the information corresponding to the subscriber listings and a database directory listing for storing information corresponding to each one of the subscriber listings. The information in the subscriber listings include a Rate Plan field associated with billing rates corresponding to each one of the subscribers such that when the system connects the caller to the subscriber, the system employs the Rate Plan Field to determine the billing amount charged to the caller so that the subscriber is not billed for the call.

System and method for correcting call detail record files

A processor readable medium embodying executable instructions to correct call detail records includes instructions to scan a received file including a plurality of call detail records to detect a file rejection condition, instructions to edit the received file to produce a modified file in response to detecting the file rejection condition, and instructions to forward the modified file to a downstream transaction record processing system.

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database is configured to store the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including phone numbers. A closing prompt module is coupled to the first database on as to select a closing prompt code associated with a desired closing prompt message so as to provide a selected closing prompt message, where anyone of the available closing prompt messages is provided to a requester. The closing prompt module selects the closing prompt code relating to a subscriber information other than the subscriber information requested by the requester.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscriber listings. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of callers desiring to access the information corresponding to the subscriber listings and a database directory listing for storing information corresponding to each one of the subscriber listings. The information in the subscriber listings include a Rate Plan field associated with billing rates corresponding to each one of the subscribers such that when the system connects the caller to the subscriber, the system employs the Rate Plan Field to determine the billing amount charged to the caller so that the subscriber is not billed for the call.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND INTERVENING WHEN NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SERVICE

Communication assistance system and method

A directory assistance system is provided for providing subscriber information to requesters communicating with the assistance system. A telephone switch receives calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A communications interface for database clean-up receives instructions from the subscribers so as to allow the subscribers to modify their corresponding information in the first database, where the communications interface is coupled to a carrier customer care representative system configured to receive phone calls from the subscribers. A carrier clean-up database is coupled to the customer care representative system and configured to store the modified information received from the subscribers. The communications interface unit further comprises a synchronization technology unit coupled to the clean-up database unit ...

Database update in a communication assistance system

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (2) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

Communication assistance system and method

Communication assistance system and method

A directory assistance system is provided for providing subscriber information to requesters communicating with the assistance system. A telephone switch receives calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A communications interface for database clean-up receives instructions from the subscribers so as to allow the subscribers to modify their corresponding information in the first database, where the communications interface is coupled to a carrier customer care representative system configured to receive phone calls from the subscribers. A carrier clean-up database is coupled to the customer care representative system and configured to store the modified information received from the subscribers. The communications interface unit further comprises a synchronization technology unit coupled to the clean-up database unit ...

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the subscriber information. A listing database is configured to store the subscriber information including a field containing wireless phone numbers of a desired portion of the subscribers and a connect field that stores information instructing the system as to whether to mask the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester, such that during a process that the requester is being connected to a desired subscriber, the connect field is examined to determine whether to disclose the subscriber's wireless phone number to the requester. A call center routes each of the received calls from the requester to an operator terminal that has access to the database listing table, where the connect field further comprises information instructing the communication assistance system as to ...

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (2) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

Communication assistance system and method

A billing system is provided for a communication assistance system that provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The billing system and communication assistance system include a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring access to the information corresponding to subscribers. A database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A billing record database is coupled to the switch and configured to store information corresponding to amount of time the requester was connected to each one of the subscribers. The communication assistance system provides instructions to the subscriber's service provider such that the subscriber is not billed for the call.

Communication assistance system and method

A billing system is provided for a communication assistance system that provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The billing system and communication assistance system include a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring access to the information corresponding to subscribers. A database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A billing record database is coupled to the switch and configured to store information corresponding to amount of time the requester was connected to each one of the subscribers. The communication assistance system provides instructions to the subscriber's service provider such that the subscriber is not billed for the call.

Method for correcting call detail record files

A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within ...

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database is configured to store the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including phone numbers. A closing prompt module is coupled to the first database so as to select a closing prompt code associated with a desired closing prompt message so as to provide a selected closing prompt message, where anyone of the available closing prompt messages is provided to a requester. The closing prompt module selects the closing prompt code relating to a subscriber information other than the subscriber information requested by the requester.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system is provided for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring access to the information corresponding to subscribers. A database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A dial string translator receives dial strings dialed by the plurality of requesters and translate them to a corresponding digit sequence associated with a service provided by the communication assistance system.

Communication assistance system and method

Communication assistance system and method

A directory assistance system is provided for providing subscriber information to requesters communicating with the assistance system. A telephone switch receives calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A communications interface for database clean-up receives instructions from the subscribers so as to allow the subscribers to modify their corresponding information in the first database, where the communications interface is coupled to a carrier customer care representative system configured to receive phone calls from the subscribers. A carrier clean-up database is coupled to the customer care representative system and configured to store the modified information received from the subscribers. The communications interface unit further comprises a synchronization technology unit coupled to the clean-up database unit ...

Communication assistance system and method.

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (2) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

A communication assistance system (2) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers (6). This system is comprised of a telephone switch (12) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters (4), a call center (16) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal (20), and a first database (18) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers (6). The system (2) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers (6) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester (4); a billing database (14) for transferring call charges of the subscriber (6) to the requester (4); a processor to notify subscribers (6) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers (6); a masking feature that allows system (32) to connect requester (4) to subscriber (6) without revealing subscriber's ...

System controlling use of a communication channel

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

System controlling use of a communication channel

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

USER INFORMATION PROCESSING UNIT, USER INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, TERMINAL UNIT, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION

A user information processing method, an apparatus thereof and a user information processing system in which personal information can be more effectively employed. Terminal use record information is obtained when a user employs terminal units. The profile information of the user is generated on the basis of the accumulated terminal use record information and the generated profile information is stored, so that information peculiar to the user can be provided on the basis of the stored profile information of the user.

Communication assistance system and method

A directory assistance system is provided for providing subscriber information to requesters communicating with the assistance system. A telephone switch receives calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A communications interface for database clean-up receives instructions from the subscribers so as to allow the subscribers to modify their corresponding information in the first database, where the communications interface is coupled to a carrier customer care representative system configured to receive phone calls from the subscribers. A carrier clean-up database is coupled to the customer care representative system and configured to store the modified information received from the subscribers. The communications interface unit further comprises a synchronization technology unit coupled to the clean-up database unit ...

Method for correcting call detail record files

A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within ...

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscriber listings. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of callers desiring to access the information corresponding to the subscriber listings and a database directory listing for storing information corresponding to each one of the subscriber listings. The information in the subscriber listings include a Rate Plan field associated with billing rates corresponding to each one of the subscribers such that when the system connects the caller to the subscriber, the system employs the Rate Plan Field to determine the billing amount charged to the caller so that the subscriber is not billed for the call.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system ( 2 ) is provided for accessing information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers ( 6 ). This system is comprised of a telephone switch ( 12 ) for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters ( 4 ), a call center ( 16 ) for routing each of said received calls to an operator terminal ( 20 ), and a first database ( 18 ) configured to store said information corresponding to each of said subscribers ( 6 ). The system ( 2 ) provides: a dynamically controlled closing prompt; an interface feature allowing subscribers ( 6 ) to update their own information; a dial string translator for identifying service provider of the requester ( 4 ); a billing database ( 14 ) for transferring call charges of the subscriber ( 6 ) to the requester ( 4 ); a processor to notify subscribers ( 6 ) to update their information; the ability to store license plate numbers of the subscribers ( 6 ); a masking feature that allows system ( 32 ) to connect requester ( 4 ) to subscriber ...

System controlling use of a communication channel

A system controlling use of a communication channel in a communication network. The system comprising a network including service nodes. The service nodes comprising one or more sets having one or more nodes adapted to provide service functions in response to messages in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface for communication with a remote terminal, and a user interface process coupled with the interface to include a user of the remote terminal in the network. At least one of the sets comprising a member node having an interface to the communication network, and a process coupled to the interface to control establishment of the communication channel for the user.

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscriber listings. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of callers desiring to access the information corresponding to the subscriber listings and a database directory listing for storing information corresponding to each one of the subscriber listings. The information in the subscriber listings include a Rate Plan field associated with billing rates corresponding to each one of the subscribers such that when the system connects the caller to the subscriber, the system employs the Rate Plan Field to determine the billing amount charged to the caller so that the subscriber is not billed for the call.

GROUP MESSAGING SYSTEM

A data processing method performed in a group messaging server of a mobile telecommunications network, the method comprising the steps of receiving an incoming message at the group messaging server from a remote user terminal, the message being for distribution to a group of users; storing details of the incoming message in a messaging log, the details comprising a message identifier received with the incoming message; identifying at least one recipient from the group of users to which the incoming message should be transmitted; transmitting an outgoing message to each of the at least one recipient, wherein the outgoing message comprises at least part of the incoming message and the message identifier; storing details of each outgoing message in the message log, the details comprising the message identifier; and processing the message log to identify groups of messages, wherein the groups of messages are identified by having a common message identifier, and generating charging data based ...

DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR USER INFORMATION PROCESSING, TERMINAL DEVICE, AND DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user information processing device and its method, and a user information processing system which can use individual information more effectively. SOLUTION: Terminal use history information when users use terminal devices 12, 13, 31, 47, and 61 is stored and profile information on the users is generated and stored according to the stored terminal use history information. Consequently, information which is specified to the users can be provided according to the stored profile information of the users. COPYRIGHT: (C)2001,JPO ...

Communication assistance system and method

A billing system is provided for a communication assistance system that provides access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The billing system and communication assistance system include a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring access to the information corresponding to subscribers. A database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A billing record database is coupled to the switch and configured to store information corresponding to amount of time the requester was connected to each one of the subscribers. The communication assistance system provides instructions to the subscriber's service provider such that the subscriber is not billed for the call.

USER INFORMATION PROCESSING UNIT, USER INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, TERMINAL UNIT, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION

A user information processing method, an apparatus thereof and a user information processing system in which personal information can be more effectively employed. Terminal use record information is obtained when a user employs terminal units. The profile information of the user is generated on the basis of the accumulated terminal use record information and the generated profile information is stored, so that information peculiar to the user can be provided on the basis of the stored profile information of the user.

Method for correcting call detail record files

A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within ...

Communication assistance system and method

Communication assistance system and method

A communication assistance system is provided for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each subscriber, including their phone numbers. A closing prompt module is coupled to the first database so as to select a closing prompt code from a plurality of available closing prompt codes, where each of the closing prompt codes is associated with a desired closing prompt message so as to provide a selected closing prompt message, where anyone of the available closing prompt messages is provided to a requester.

System and method for calling advertised telephone numbers on a computing device

Advertisers submit advertising campaigns to a call advertising system, each campaign including a telephone number associated with the advertiser and an amount per call that the advertiser is willing to pay to receive calls from users at the advertised telephone number. When an advertised telephone number is contained in content that is displayed on a computing device of a user, or when a user enters a telephone number that corresponds with the advertised telephone number, the computing device highlights the advertised telephone number to indicate to the user that the call can be made at a free or reduced rate to what a user would normally pay in order to make such a call. If the user initiates a call to the advertised telephone number, the call is routed to the advertiser and the advertiser is charged the amount that they agreed to pay to receive the call.

System and method for providing loyalty card rewards through an alternate user financial instrument

The present disclosure relates to comparison shopping and usage based service analysis for consumers, primarily for financial products. A consumer may not be aware of a provider's services, options, terms, conditions, costs, or how the service options change based on the consumer's particular usage characteristics. The disclosed comparison shopping method uses actual or predicted service usage data from the consumer. Service provider information is used to present the consumer with relevant alternative service offering options. Transaction data is gathered from a user's financial account and is analyzed for a savings opportunity indication. The analysis is used to match a savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities, and the savings opportunity may be displayed in a statement of a user's financial account. Past responses to a savings opportunity indication may be gathered and analyzed. In one example, a savings opportunity is presented for use in a subsequent transaction.

Methods for Providing Overdraft Protection for Post-Paid Communication Service Plans

Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Method and apparatus for controlling user communications

An apparatus receives a communication from a user address to a sender address and checks from a database whether a pair of the user address from which the communication is received and the sender address to which the communication is received, match to any of a plurality of previously defined pairs of sender addresses and user addresses stored in the database. Each of the previously defined pairs of user and sender addresses is associated with a prompting message previously sent to the respective user address for prompting to the user to communicate back to the respective sender address. If a matching previously defined pair of addresses is found, an action defined for the matching pair of addresses is performed, and the received communication and the performed action is charged according to a charging rule defined for the matching pair of addresses in the database.

Group charging method, charging processing apparatus and communication system

A group charging method, a charging processing apparatus and a communication system are provided in the embodiments of the present invention, in which the group charging method includes: obtaining at least one of a group identifier and a field of a charging characteristic of a user equipment; generating a charging rule according to the obtained at least one of the group identifier and the field of the charging characteristic; and charging user equipments in a group according to the charging rules. The method, the apparatus and the communication system provided in the embodiments of the present invention are capable of improving charging efficiency of charging user equipments of a group and reduci

Automated billing and distribution platform for application providers

Integrating a network-enabled application with a platform having a plurality of users and a plurality of communication channels with a respective plurality of wireless network carriers, including receiving a request from a third-party provider to integrate a network-enabled application with the platform, receiving a set of registration data corresponding to the network-enabled application from the third-party provider, the set of registration data including a link to an application location for accessing the network-enabled application, receiving a set of pricing structure data corresponding to the network-enabled application from the third-party provider, updating a system database in the platform to include the set of registration data and the pricing structure data corresponding to the network-enabled application, and enabling the network-enabled application to be accessible to the plurality of users via a networked interface operated by the platform.

Apparatus, systems and methods for managing incoming and outgoing communication

A system and method for managing incoming and outgoing communications may include a definition of if, when, and who may communicate with a recipient. The identification of the communication may be concealed in that no actual addresses, phone numbers, or other addressing identifications are required to be exchanged by the communication initiator and recipient. In an example, if the database contains call management settings for a call recipient, the application logic may evaluate the rules to determine if a particular caller is authorized to connect with the call recipient at the current time and date. The application logic may connect the call utilizing the public telephone switch. The caller and call recipient phone numbers may be stored in a database.

Resource utilization management for a communication device

A technique for resource utilization management for a communication device includes provisioning 500 priority applications to be run in a priority mode on the communication device, triggering 502 a priority mode for the communication device, and minimizing 504 resources to any applications on the communication device that are not provisioned priority applications.

Method and Arrangement for Detecting Fraud in Telecommunication Networks

Method and arrangement in a mediating function ( 204 ) for supporting detection of fraud in a network, when a network security function ( 200 ) is employed for analysing activities in the network in view of predefined alert criteria, and a fraud detection function ( 202 ) is employed for analysing e.g. charging information of users. When a first alert is received from a first one of the network security function and the fraud detection function, indicating that the predefined alert criteria of said first function have been satisfied, the alert criteria of the second one of said network security function and fraud detection function are modified based on the received first alert. Thereby, the network security and fraud detection functions can be correlated and made more efficient regarding accuracy and/or speed in detecting fraud.

Verifiable and Accurate Service Usage Monitoring for Intermediate Networking Devices

Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, an intermediary networking device provides a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a network and one or more communications devices; implements a service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a service on the network, in which the service policy set includes one or more service policies, each policy being associated with either the intermediate networking device or a communications device; and monitors use of the service based on the service policy set; and in which the one or more of the communication devices include a service usage notification capability, and the implementation of the first service policy set is verified.

Network tools for analysis, design, testing, and production of services

Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a network device publishes a test service profile to a group of communications devices, in which the test service profile provides for beta testing of the test service profile for a service on a network, and the test service profile includes service policy settings; and monitors use of the service by the group of communications devices based on the test service profile.

Automated Device Provisioning and Activation

Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a communications device stores a set of device credentials for activating the communications device for a service on a network; and sends an access request to the network, the access request including the set of device credentials.

Method of and system for automatically switching between free directory assistance service and chargeable directory assistance service

A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Systems and methods to process donations

Systems and methods are provided to facilitate donations via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility and an interchange having a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and with the common format processor in a common format. For a payment to a merchant, the common format processor provides a user interface configured to present charity donation options in response to a phone number being specified in the user interface to identify a fund source. The common format processor uses one of the converters to communicate with a mobile phone at the phone number to confirm the payment to the merchant and a donation to a separate charity organization specified via the user interface.

Personal IP Toll-Free Number

In an internet telephony system, toll-free service and the calls that are accepted and paid for can be specified by the IP telephony system user to be limited according to the calling party's identity, time of day, day of week or other criteria. Data that is used to screen or filter incoming calls is programmed into a call manager by the IP telephone system user's broadband residential gateway. Using such a system the user can carefully screen calls that are paid for and more closely control telecommunications service costs. More generally, the user has the ability to store predefined call handling criteria, which may be executed by the broadband residential gateway and/or the call manager.

Methods, Computer Program Products, And Systems For Managing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Network Elements

Methods, computer program products, and systems for managing VoIP network elements are provided. Methods include receiving call details records (CDRs) from a plurality of network elements. The received CDRs including disconnect cause codes and telephone call correlation identifiers. The received CDRs are correlated to telephone calls based on the telephone call correlation identifiers. Two CDR records are associated with the same telephone call when their telephone call correlation identifiers are the same. A master correlated CDR is created for each telephone call. The creating includes assigning a correlated disconnect cause code and classifying the telephone call. The assigning and classifying are responsive to the received CDRs associated with the telephone call. The master correlated CDR includes the correlated disconnect cause code and the telephone call classification. A threshold crossing alert (TCA) is generated in response to a threshold for the correlated disconnect cause code being reached.

System and method for providing mobile device services using sms communications

An enhanced services platform the platform includes an interface for receiving a communication from a user requesting a desired data. A response module parses the communication and retries the desired data. The platform arranges the desired data into a response message that is sent to the user. A user identifier database module stores information about the users in a user profile that including at least a preferences field and a preference value field identifying relative values of user preferences stored in the preference field, where when a preference having a higher ranking in the preference value field is non available, a second preference having a lower ranking in the preference value field is utilized.

Software Program and Method For Offering Promotions On A Phone

The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion.

System and methods to connect people in a marketplace environment

Systems and methods to provide telephonic connections. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a listing on a marketplace, the listing including an assigned reference to be used to initiate a real time communication connection; and billing for a real time communication lead generated from presenting the listing in response to a real time communication initiated via the reference. In one embodiment, a method includes: conducting online auction of telephonic leads; determining a way to present listings based at least partially on received price bids on the telephonic leads (e.g., the order of placement, the selection for placement, etc); and providing the listings with information to initiate a telephonic connection in a way trackable to measure a number of telephonic calls generated from presenting the listings.

Wireless local area network (wlan) gateway system

The invention of present provides for real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regard to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanism for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.

Enhanced roaming services and converged carrier networks with device assisted services and a proxy

A method performed by a network system communicatively coupled to a wireless device by a wireless access network, the network system including a network element corresponding to a network element destination, the method comprising providing at least a portion of a device policy to the wireless device, wherein the device policy is configured to assist in detecting wireless device traffic associated with a service activity, identifying the service activity as being included in a service usage activity classification, and directing or routing the wireless device traffic associated with the service activity over the wireless access network based on information identifying the network element destination; providing a network element policy to the network element corresponding to the network element destination; detecting, at the network element, traffic associated with the wireless device; and applying the network element policy at the network element to the traffic associated with the wireless device.

Service Plan Design, User Interfaces, Application Programming Interfaces, and Device Management

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatuses to enable subscribers of mobile wireless communication devices to view, research, select and customize service plans; to create and manage device groups, share and set permission controls for service plans among devices in device groups; to manage communication services through graphical user interfaces; to sponsor and promote service plans; and to design, manage, and control communication services through application programming interfaces.

Method and apparatus for providing automatic international and local call dialing in a mobile communication terminal

A method and apparatus for providing automatic international and local call dialing in a mobile communication terminal. The apparatus includes a country identification unit for receiving country identification information from a network in which the mobile communication terminal is currently located; a memory for storing country identification information, a country codes, and international access codes corresponding to the country codes; and a controller for extracting from the memory a country code corresponding to the country identification information received from the country identification unit, comparing the extracted country code with a country code included in a phone number for an outgoing call, and making a local call or an international call according to whether the country codes are identical.

Mobile Device Activation Via Dynamically Selected Access Network

Within a network system, a wireless device sends a message to a network element over a first wireless access network, the message including a first device credential and being configured to obtain information to assist in presenting an on-device user service plan selection choice through a user interface of the wireless device. After sending the message, the wireless device determines that it lacks authorization to connect to the network element over the first wireless network and, in response, attempts to connect to the network element over a second data access network.

Automated device provisioning and activation

A system, a computer-readable medium, and a method for obtaining one or more credentials from a device communicatively coupled to the system over a wireless access network, the one or more credentials identifying at least an aspect of the device; determining, using a portion of the credentials, that a user of the device has not selected a service plan for the device; identifying one or more candidate service plans, at least one of the candidate service plans identified based on a portion of the credentials; establishing a secure link between the system and the device over an ambient connection enabling the user to select one of the candidate service plans; sending, to the device over the secure link, information about the candidate service plans; and obtaining, over the secure link, a response identifying a first service plan as selected by the user.

Automated device provisioning and activation

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 associated with the device group.

Method and apparatus for network maintenance and supervision of a controlled on-board audio portion

A method for network maintenance and supervision of an on-board controlled audio agent, the method constituted of: providing a plurality of audio portions, each of the provided audio portions being selected responsive to user descriptive data associated with a call initiator; providing a reimbursement rule associated with each of the audio portions; selecting, for each call instance, a particular one of the plurality of audio portions responsive to the determined reimbursement rules; and outputting the particular one of the plurality of audio portions at each call instance initiation such that at least a portion of the particular audio portion is heard by the call initiator prior to call connection.

Automated device provisioning and activation

A method and network system for obtaining, from a management entity, a service policy applicable to a device group managed by the management entity, the device group including a first device and a second device communicatively coupled to the network system over a wireless network, the service policy comprising a classification policy to assist in identifying traffic associated with one or more available service activities and a control policy to assist in controlling at least a portion of the traffic associated with the one or more available service activities; identifying data traffic over the wireless network associated with the first device; based on the classification policy, identifying first traffic associated with the one or more available service activities within the data traffic over the wireless network associated with the first device; and based on the control policy, controlling at least a portion of the first traffic.

System and method for peer-to-peer advertising between mobile communication devices

Disclosed are a method and system for peer-to-peer advertising between mobile communication devices. A subsidy program is set up based on a profile of an advertiser having at least one advertising media. A qualified subscriber is identified for the advertiser based on a profile of a subscriber. One or more advertisers and subsidy programs for the qualified subscriber is selected. In addition, when a communication transmission is received from a source communication device, at least one advertising media is associated with the communication transmission and the communication transmission is transmitted from a source communication device to a destination communication device.

Universal prepaid communications

A communications system includes both cellular and land based telecommunications such as PSTN telephone, as well as cellular telephone. A subscriber may use prepaid cellular phone to make and receive calls via cellular network. A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) routes the subscriber's calls to and/or from wireline network for domestic connections and/or network for international connection. A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) operates a prepaid vendor service control point (SCP), Prepaid Vendor Service Platform (PSP), and connected databases. A method of providing a universal communications account includes: providing at least one account to a customer, enabling use of the account for a first type of connection and a second type of connection; and debiting the account based at least in part on one of the first type of connection and the second type of connection.

Redemption system for mobile device

A redemption system for a mobile device includes a database module for determining a target customer. A streaming module is connected to the database module for serving content to the target customer. A priority module is connected to the streaming module for implementing a content delivery schedule. The streaming module serves first content data to the target customer. If the target customer affirmatively responds to the first content data, the priority module causes the system to send a redemption mechanism embedded in second content data to the target customer. The redemption mechanism enables the target customer to engage in a redemption activity using the mobile device.

Device and method for controlling charging in a mobile communication system

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling charging in a mobile communication system. The method for controlling charging in a mobile communication system is characterized by comprising the steps of: generating, by a service provider, a sponsor coupon to transmit to a terminal when a sponsor service request transmitted from the terminal is received; receiving, by the terminal, the sponsor coupon to transmit to an operator; setting, by the operator, a filtering and charging rule for sponsor traffic by using the sponsor coupon, and notifying the terminal; requesting, by the terminal, the sponsor service to the service provider again, and receiving a sponsor traffic service from the service provider; and charging, by the operator, the service provider for the sponsor traffic.

Application ecosystem and authentication

Disclosed herein is a method for financial institutions to provide value added services to customers while preserving security of customer financial information. The method comprising providing a single point of access to a centralized platform wherein the platform may host one or more financial applications, enabling the selection and configuration of the one or more financial applications, sharing anonymized customer financial information between the financial institution and the one or more financial applications via a single conduit, analyzing the financial information by the financial applications, receiving results from the one more financial applications via the single conduit and displaying the results to the customer.

Software program and method for offering promotions on a phone

The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion.

Methods, Systems, and Computer Program Products for Determining Targeted Content to Provide in Response to a Missed Communication

Targeted content is provided to at least one communication device responsive to a notification of a missed communication. Responsive to a notification of the missed communication, a selection of one of a plurality of different pricing options is received for a return communication. Targeted content is provided, in addition to content of the return communication, based on the selected pricing option.

Radio communication control device, radio communication system and radio communication terminal

A radio communication control device accepts a call-up from a radio communication terminal and includes a unit configured to detect the degree of jamming in a cell, a unit configured to confirm the intention of a user of a terminal concerned as to whether the call-up is continued regardless of addition of an extra to the user's telephone call charge when the call-up has been made from a radio communication terminal in the cell concerned in a specific jammed state, a unit configured to block the call-up concerned in accordance with the confirmed intention of the user of the terminal concerned and a unit configured to change charge setting so as to add an extra to the user's telephone call charge when the call-up has not been blocked in the specific jammed state.

Network assurance analytic system

A network assurance analytics (NAA) system and method is disclosed. The NAA can be part of a risk analytic for telecom (RAFT) program. The NAA system is configured to monitor telecommunications networks, detect errors or fraud in those telecommunications networks, and provide solutions to resolve the errors or reduce the fraud. Traffic of a telecommunications network is electronically monitored for at least one pattern that is indicative of a telecommunications anomaly. Based on a set of a set of telecommunications profiles stored in a database, a model score representing a value of the telecommunications anomaly is generated. A solution for the telecommunications network to reduce the model score associated with the telecommunications anomaly is then generated for execution on the telecommunications network.

Method and system for exploiting location-dependent services in a cellular radio system

A communications system ( 100, 300 ) comprises base stations ( 101 ) for providing mobile stations ( 104 ) with communications links. It comprises at least one localized service area ( 111 ) and means ( 108, 109 ) for changing the service selection offered to a given mobile station on the initiative of the communications system. The change is realized in response to information ( 203 ) indicating the arrival of the mobile station in said localized service area.

System and process for tracking and exchanging consumer purchases for communication services

Some embodiments provide a novel system and process for tracking purchases of a consumer in exchange for communication service. In some embodiments, the communication service comprises a cell phone service plan. In some embodiments, the communication service comprises a reduced-price service plan. In some embodiments, the reduced-price service plan is a free service plan.

DETECTING CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY ISSUES IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Various embodiments manage service issues in a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, a plurality of call detail records associated with a wireless communication network is received. The plurality of call detail records is analyzed. At least one pattern from the plurality of call detail records is identified based on analyzing the plurality of call detail records. The at least one pattern indicates at least one service issue occurred during a set of calls associated with each of the plurality of call detail records. A location associated with the at least one service issue that has occurred is identified based on identifying the at least one pattern. 1. A method for managing service issues in a wireless communication network , the method comprising:receiving a plurality of call detail records associated with a wireless communication network;analyzing the plurality of call detail records;identifying, based on the analyzing, at least one pattern from the plurality of call detail records, wherein the at least one pattern indicates at least one service issue occurred during a set of calls associated with each of the plurality of call detail records; andidentifying, based on identifying the at least one pattern, a location associated with the at least one service issue that has occurred.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying the at least one pattern comprises:identifying a sequence of call detail records from the plurality of call detail records, wherein each of the sequence of call detail records was generated within a threshold interval of time;determining that each of the sequence of call detail records is associated with a matching source address and a matching destination address;determining that each of a first subset of the sequence of call detail records indicates that a corresponding call failed; anddetermining that each of a second subset of the sequence of call detail records indicates that a communication link for a corresponding call was ...

Methods and Systems for Facilitating Subsidized Access by a User to Network Content

An exemplary method includes a subsidized access management system detecting a request provided by a user of an access device for the user to receive subsidized access to network content, identifying a plurality of user parameters provided by the user and that define a plurality of conditions associated with the subsidized access to the network content and that the user is willing to experience in order to receive the subsidized access to the network content, selecting a sponsor from a pool of potential sponsors and that is willing to sponsor the subsidized access to the network content in accordance with the plurality of user parameters, and providing the user with the subsidized access to the network content by way of the access device in accordance with a subsidized access arrangement between a subsidized access provider and the sponsor. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. 1. A method comprising:detecting, by a subsidized access management system associated with a subsidized access provider, a request provided by a user of an access device for the user to receive subsidized access to network content by way of the access device;identifying, by the subsidized access management system in response to the request, a plurality of user parameters provided by the user that define a plurality of conditions associated with the subsidized access to the network content and that the user is willing to experience in order to receive the subsidized access to the network content;selecting, by the subsidized access management system based on the plurality of user parameters, a sponsor from a pool of potential sponsors that is willing to sponsor the subsidized access to the network content by the user by way of the access device in accordance with the plurality of user parameters; andproviding, by the subsidized access management system in response to the selecting of the sponsor, the user with the subsidized access to the network content by way of the access ...

Inserting Value into Customer Account at Point of Sale Using a Customer Account Identifier

A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. The request may comprise value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account. 160-. (canceled)61. A method of adding a value to a pre-existing customer account with a specific provider , the method utilizing an electronic central processor in selective communication with a computerized point of sale (POS) system and the provider , the method comprising: value identification data associated with the value;', 'account identification data associated with the pre-existing customer account;, 'receiving, at the electronic central processor, from the computerized POS system a request to add a value to the pre-existing customer account, comprisingdetermining, by the electronic central processor, the specific provider based on the account identification data received from the computerized POS system; andproviding, by the electronic central processor, to the processor of the specific provider, information that identifies the value and information that identifies the pre-existing customer account.62. The method of claim 61 , wherein the information that identifies the pre-existing customer account is the account identification data.63. The method of claim 61 , wherein the information that identifies the value is the value identification data.64. The method of claim 61 , wherein the information that identifies the value is an amount of the value.65. The method of claim 61 , wherein at least one of the value identification data and the account identification ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SWITCHING ZERO CHARGE CALLERS

Asynchronous and/or synchronous zero charge telephony protocol systems and methods may include an asynchronous signaling switch and/or a call duration time quota from a synchronous charging onset to place and complete a call. A call request is received with a second device mobile address. The asynchronous systems include instructions to automatically modify the mobile address with a routing prefix when the first device has insufficient balance or independent of balance, route to the asynchronous signaling switch based on an associated modified address trunk path, revert to the call signal at the asynchronous signaling switch, and deliver and automatically disconnect the call immediately when the call is completed. The synchronous systems include instructions to automatically set the call duration time quota upon insufficient balance, and deliver and automatically disconnect the call from the second user mobile device when the call is completed and the call duration time quota is exceeded. 1. A zero charge telephony protocol system comprising:one or more processors;a non-transitory memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors; and receive, from a first user mobile device associated with a first user account, a call signal comprising a request to place and complete a call to a mobile address of a second user mobile device;', 'automatically modify the mobile address with a routing prefix to generate a modified call signal comprising a modified address, including the routing prefix, when the first user account has insufficient balance to complete the call or is independent of balance;', 'route to an asynchronous signaling switch based on a trunk communication path associated with the modified address;', 'revert the modified call signal at the asynchronous signaling switch to the call signal;', 'deliver the call signal from the asynchronous signaling switch to the second user mobile device to complete the call; and', 'automatically disconnect the call ...

Management of dynamic mobile coupons

Providing for network-based management of dynamic mobile coupons (DMCs) employed in mobile device-related commerce is described herein. Management can include mitigating processing load involved in processing dynamic characteristics of a set of DMCs, facilitating post-transaction evaluation of DMCs, or facilitating a virtual shopping experience in conjunction with redeeming DMCs in a mobile-commerce environment. Communicative association between a mobile device and network components can be implemented to leverage data collected by the mobile device with communication and processing capabilities of the network. Dynamic DMC states are determined from the collected data, which are implemented to facilitate the mobile-commerce. The disclosure provides an integrated mechanism for efficient utilization of DMCs to enhance user experience and satisfaction with mobile commerce.

TELEPHONY WEB EVENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

An embodiment of the system for publishing events of a telephony application to a client includes a call router that generates events from the telephony application and an event router that manages the publication of events generated by the call router and that manages the subscription to events by clients. The system can be used with a telephony application that interfaces with a telephony device and an application server 1. A method comprising:a multi-tenant telephony system receiving a first application instruction of an application server external to the telephony system;a call router of the telephony system generating an event responsive to the first application instruction;the call router publishing the generated event to an event router of the telephony system;the event router sending the published event from the event router to at least one subscriber to the published event.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the telephony system receives the first application instruction from the application server via an Application Programming Interface (API).3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event router sending the published event comprises: sending the published event to the application server.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event router sends the published event to the application server via an HTTP connection.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first application instruction is an instruction to dial a phone number.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first application instruction controls interaction between a telephony device and the call router.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first application instruction is an instruction of a customer service application.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first application instruction is an instruction of a conference call application.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the call router generates the published event based on the call router dialing a number.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the call ...

MEDIA DATA USAGE MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Methods and apparatus for gathering data for media usage reports for a processing device is disclosed. An example apparatus includes means for gathering first usage data representative of usage of first media on a processing device, the first media being received from an external network source, the first usage data corresponding to at least one of (i) a first media type or (ii) a first user agent associated with the media; means for gathering second usage data representative of usage of second media on the processing device, the second media being received from a source that is local to the processing device, the second usage data corresponding to at least one of (i) a second media type or (ii) a second user agent associated with the media; and means for merging the first usage data and the second usage data into a respective user session to generate session data. 1. An apparatus for gathering data for media usage reports for a processing device , the apparatus comprising:means for gathering first usage data representative of usage of first media on a processing device, the first media being received from an external network source, the first usage data corresponding to at least one of (i) a first media type or (ii) a first user agent associated with the media;means for gathering second usage data representative of usage of second media on the processing device, the second media being received from a source that is local to the processing device, the second usage data corresponding to at least one of (i) a second media type or (ii) a second user agent associated with the media; andmeans for merging the first usage data and the second usage data into a respective user session to generate session data.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including means for providing a report of the user session.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further including means for merging the session data into the report.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , further including means for merging the user ...

SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CELLULAR BASED RESOURCE SHARING SERVICE

A system, method and program product for implementing a cellular resource sharing support system. A system is disclosed that includes: a behavior analysis system that collects usage data from a set of mobile devices in a cellular network; a subscription manager that computationally generates offers to mobile device owners to avail excess compute resources of the mobile devices to a resource sharing services system; a device manager that tracks the real-time availability and usage of participating mobile devices that are associated with mobile device owners that have accepted offers to avail excess compute resources; and an account manager that calculates a compensation for participating mobile devices. 1. A cellular resource sharing support system , comprising:a behavior analysis system that collects usage data from a set of mobile devices in a cellular network;a subscription manager that computationally generates offers to mobile device owners to avail excess compute resources of the mobile devices to a resource sharing services system;a device manager that tracks the real-time availability and usage of participating mobile devices that are associated with the mobile device owners that have accepted the offers to avail the excess compute resources; andan account manager that calculates and provides a compensation to the mobile device owners that have accepted the offers to avail the excess compute resources of the participating mobile devices to the resource sharing services system.2. The cellular resource sharing support system of claim 1 , further comprising a services manager that provisions a catalogue of virtual machine units for consumption by resource consumers and manages associates service level agreements.3. The cellular resource sharing support system of claim 1 , wherein each offer generated for a mobile device owner is based on collected usage data of an associated mobile device.4. The cellular resource sharing support system of claim 3 , wherein the ...

Operations method for providing wireless communication services

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.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCING DATA RELATED TO VOICE CALLS VIA A DYNAMICALLY ASSIGNED VIRTUAL PHONE NUMBER

The present disclosure is directed to syncing data related to voice calls via dynamically assigned virtual phone numbers. A system receives a voice call entry from a content provider. The system access a lot data structure to parse the log data structure. The system matches a device identifier of the voice call entry with a device identifier of the log entry. The system determines that a predetermined threshold is satisfied by a time or duration of the log entry. The system retrieves a virtual phone number from the log entry. The system performs a lookup to determine a content item impression identifier. The system stores data provided via the voice call entry. 120.-. (canceled)21. A method of syncing data via a network , comprising:identifying, by one or more processors of a data processing system, a voice call entry corresponding to a voice call received by a provider device of the content provider, the voice call entry comprising one or more fields;matching, by the data processing system, the voice call entry with a log entry, the log entry corresponding to one or more voice calls received by the data processing system;determining, by the data processing system responsive to the matching, that at least one of the start time or the duration of the voice call entry satisfies a predetermined threshold of a respective start time or duration of the log entry;retrieving, by the data processing system responsive to determining that the predetermined threshold is satisfied, a virtual phone number from the log entry, the virtual phone number dynamically assigned by the data processing system to a content item of the content provider and provided to the device having the device identifier of the log entry responsive to an interaction with the content item of the content provider;performing, by the data processing system, a lookup in a content item impression data structure using the identified virtual phone number to determine a content item impression identifier ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TARGETED ADVERTISING

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller operable to determine a behavioral pattern of at least one of a subscriber leader and a plurality of subscriber followers who track activities of the subscriber leader. The controller can be further operable to detect a first request to transmit first media content from a first device of a first plurality of devices of the subscriber leader to a second plurality of devices of the plurality of subscriber followers, identify in the first media content a first substitutable advertisement product, substitute the first substitutable product in the first media content with a first advertisement product selected according to the determined behavioral pattern to generate updated first media content, and transmit the updated first media content to the second plurality of devices of the plurality of subscriber followers. Other embodiments are disclosed. 1. A method , comprising:identifying, by a processing system including a processor, an individual subscriber to a communication service as a subscriber leader, wherein the identifying the subscriber leader is performed electronically via a network;identifying, by the processing system, a plurality of subscriber followers who track activities of the subscriber leader, wherein the identifying the plurality of subscriber followers is performed electronically via the network, wherein the plurality of subscriber followers are identified in accordance with interactions between the subscriber leader and the plurality of subscriber followers, wherein the interactions are performed electronically via the network, and wherein the interactions performed electronically via the network are identified electronically by the processing system;detecting, by the processing system, a detected behavioral pattern, wherein the detecting the detected behavioral pattern is based on monitoring first media content consumed at equipment associated with ...

Enhanced Curfew and Protection Associated with a Device Group

A method comprising obtaining, from a master user, a device usage allocation applicable to two or more devices, the two or more devices being associated with another user, the another user being different from the master user, obtaining an aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices, if the aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices satisfies a condition relative to the device usage allocation, managing an activity of the two or more devices, and sending a notification to at least one of the two or more devices, the notification for presentation to the another user through a user interface of the at least one of the two or more devices. 1obtaining, from a master user, a device usage allocation applicable to two or more devices, the two or more devices being associated with another user, the another user being different from the master user;obtaining an aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices;if the aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices meets a condition relative to the device usage allocation, managing an activity of the two or more devices; andsending a notification to at least one of the two or more devices, the notification for presentation to the another user through a user interface of the at least one of the two or more devices.. A method, comprising: Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.illustrates a representative system of interconnected network elements communicatively coupled to a mobile wireless communication device in accordance with some embodiments.illustrates a representative screen for a mobile wireless communication device that is not yet associated with a master service account in accordance with some embodiments.illustrates a representative screen providing a choice between a prepay account and a post-pay account in accordance with some ...

Advertisements in Controlled-Environment Communication Systems Using Tablet Computing Devices

A tablet computing device and controlled-environment communications processing system implemented process calls for the tablet requesting, via the controlled-environment communications system, a communication link between the tablet and another communications device. A resident of the controlled-environment facility operating the tablet is identified by the tablet to the controlled-environment communications system. The controlled-environment communications system selects advertisement(s) to be played on at least the tablet operated by the resident. The advertisement(s) are played on at least the tablet. The communications link is established by the controlled-environment communications system, between the tablet and the other communications device, before, during or following playing of the advertisement(s) on at least the tablet. Communication is carried out on the tablet, via the communications link, before, during and/or following playing of the advertisement(s).

Mobile wlan gateway

A technique for operating a mobile station as wireless local-area network [“WLAN”] gateway. The mobile station is provided with a gateway application to control the following operations: activating ( 3 - 0 ) the WLAN means as a WLAN base station capable of communicating with at least one WLAN terminal over a WLAN network; creating a network identifier ( 3 - 2, 3 - 4 ) for the WLAN base station; assigning ( 3 - 8, 3 - 10 ) an internet protocol address for the at least one WLAN terminal; resolving domain name service [“DNS”] queries ( 3 - 12 . . . 3 - 18 ) in cooperation with an external DNS service system; assigning at least one port number for each protocol supported by the gateway application; and tunneling internet traffic ( 3 - 30 . . . 3 - 36 ) between the at least one WLAN terminal and an internet host over the broadband connection.

Enhanced Curfew and Protection Associated with a Device Group

A method comprising obtaining, from a master user, a device usage allocation applicable to two or more devices, the two or more devices being associated with another user, the another user being different from the master user, obtaining an aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices, if the aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices satisfies a condition relative to the device usage allocation, managing an activity of the two or more devices, and sending a notification to at least one of the two or more devices, the notification for presentation to the another user through a user interface of the at least one of the two or more devices. 1. (canceled)2. A method of operating a first wireless end-user device , the method comprising:designating the first wireless end-user device as subject to controls under a device group authorization from an authorized master wireless end-user device,receiving, via a wireless modem on the first wireless end-user device, one or more protection management profiles from the master wireless end-user device,evaluating the current status of a plurality of device states for the first wireless end-user device, including a device location change state and a device user input/output method state, against corresponding settings in a given one of the protection management profiles, to determine a value for a match status to the plurality of devices states,for at least one determined value of the match status, performing one or more corresponding network activity management actions specified in the given one of the protection management profiles, the network activity management actions limiting at least a specified one of a plurality of device service activities conducted by the first wireless end-user device with a network, via the wireless modem, andfor at least one other determined value of the match status, refraining from performing the one or more activity management actions.3. ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING UNWANTED COMMUNICATIONS USING COMMUNICATION FINGERPRINTING

A method for identifying communicators as wanted or unwanted based on messages from such communicators comprising receiving, by the data processing system, an inbound message from a communicator, comparing, by the data processing system, the inbound message to fingerprints stored in a database accessible to the data processing system, determining, by the data processing system, at least one match to the fingerprints, determining, by the data processing system, an identity of the communicator by determining whether and how likely the communicator is wanted or unwanted based on the at least one match to the fingerprints, and configuring, by the data processing system, handling of calls from the communicator based on the identity. 120-. (canceled)21. A method , in a communication environment including a data processing system comprising a processor and a memory , for identifying communicators as wanted or unwanted based on messages from such communicators , the method comprising:recording, by the data processing system, communications from a plurality of communicators;generating, by the data processing system, fingerprints for the communications based on content features from the communications;tagging, by the data processing system, the fingerprints with data representative of the content features;matching, by the data processing system, at least one of the fingerprints to an inbound communication from a given communicator; anddetermining, by the data processing system, an identity of the given communicator based on the tagged data of the matched at least one of the fingerprints.22. The method of wherein the communications include at least one of calls claim 21 , voice messages claim 21 , text messages claim 21 , and emails.23. The method of further comprising electronically deploying computer-generated auditory speech to facilitate the communications with the plurality of communicators.24. The method of wherein determining the identity of the given communicator ...

ADAPTIVE, MULTI-MODAL FRAUD DETECTION SYSTEM

A system and method for fraud detection and management are provided. The system includes a first communication device that receives a phone call from a second communication device, wherein a call flow of the phone call comprises one or more distinct phases. The system also includes a fraud detection and management system (FDMS) platform that determines whether the phone call exceeds a predetermined risk threshold at each distinct phase of the call flow. 1. A fraud detection and management system (FDMS) platform that detects fraud in a call signal received from a caller device during one or more distinct phases of a call lifecycle , the platform comprising:a controller that initiates and manages operations of a plurality of components in the FDMS platform;a fraud detection module suite that includes a plurality of fault detection modules, each of which employs a respective fraud detection technology based on the fraud; anda module manager that dynamically selects one or more of the plurality of fault detection modules in the fraud detection module suite to detect the fraud during the one or more distinct phases of the call lifecycle.2. The platform of claim 1 , wherein the fraud detection module suite comprises at least one of: a call detail record (CDR) analytics module that searches anomalous behaviors within a caller history; a voice print module that verifies a voice print of a caller voice signal against one or more voice prints stored in a database; a prosody module that analyzes prosodic features of an interaction between a caller on the caller device and a human agent on a caller agent device; and a predictive analytics module that predicts a fraud risk of the call signal.3. The platform of claim 2 , wherein the module manager selects the call detail record (CDR) analytics module to search anomalous behaviors within the caller history associated with metadata in the call signal.4. The platform of claim 2 , wherein the module manager selects the voice print ...

Universal smdr buffer

The present invention provides a highly flexible system that can receive SMDR messages in many different formats and process these messages to produce useful reports and control information. The system can collect data via a LAN/WAN connection from PBX systems with internal data storage, PBX systems without internal data storage and legacy PBX systems that are connected to a buffer for storage of SMDR records.

Device and method for controlling charging in a mobile communication system

The present invention relates to a method and terminal in a mobile communication system. The method includes transmitting a first sponsor service request to a first server, receiving a sponsor coupon and information corresponding to a second server from the first server in response to the first sponsor service request, transmitting the received sponsor coupon to an entity in a network, receiving a sponsor coupon validation result, which is used to charge a service provider for a sponsor service, from the entity, and transmitting a second sponsor service request to the second server.

SPONSORING OF A MOBILE STATION SESSION BY ANOTHER MOBILE STATION IN A WIRELESS NETWORK

An apparatus and method are described for sponsoring service and preferential traffic handling, (i.e., data connectivity) by wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs). A first WTRU may initiate user sponsoring of a second WTRU via an application server (AS). The first WTRU may receive a service trigger from the AS and forward the service trigger to the second WTRU. The second WTRU may then initiate a sponsored session with the AS using the service trigger in order to receive a service from the AS. The first WTRU may also request the AS to transfer a credit to the second WTRU. The AS may establish a direct communication link with a charging system including an online charging function (OCF) and a charging data function (CDF). The AS may send a request to a network to provide preferential traffic handling needed to deliver content to the second WTRU. 1. A method of user sponsoring by wireless transmit/receive units , WTRUs , the method comprising:a first WTRU receiving a service trigger from an application server, AS, and providing the service trigger to a second WTRU;the second WTRU initiating a sponsored session with the AS using the service trigger; andthe AS sending a request to a network to provide traffic handling needed to deliver content to the second WTRU, wherein a user of the first WTRU is charged for the traffic handling.2. The method of further comprising:the AS establishing a direct communication link with a charging system including an online charging function, OCF, and a charging data function, CDF.3. The method of further comprising:configuring user sponsoring data in a user profile associated with the first WTRU; andthe first WTRU obtaining authorization from the second WTRU.4. The method of wherein the service trigger is associated with a hyperlink with an embedded token.5. The method of wherein the service trigger is associated with a uniform resource locator claim 1 , URL claim 1 , including a token.6. The method of further comprising the first WTRU ...

System and method for identifying unwanted communications using communication fingerprinting

A method for identifying communicators as wanted or unwanted based on messages from such communicators comprising receiving, by the data processing system, an inbound message from a communicator, comparing, by the data processing system, the inbound message to fingerprints stored in a database accessible to the data processing system, determining, by the data processing system, at least one match to the fingerprints, determining, by the data processing system, an identity of the communicator by determining whether and how likely the communicator is wanted or unwanted based on the at least one match to the fingerprints, and configuring, by the data processing system, handling of calls from the communicator based on the identity.

Methods for Providing Overdraft Protection for Post-Paid Communication Service Plans

Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period. 1. A system , comprising:a processor; and determining whether a communications account is associated with an overdraft-protection plan; and', 'providing, in response to determining that the communications account is associated with the overdraft-protection plan, a user-inquiry message to determine whether the user would like to borrow additional data blocks from a future data plan period or be charged a predetermined cost per additional data block for additional data blocks., 'a computer-readable storage device comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise receiving claim 1 , following providing the user-inquiry message claim 1 , a user instruction to add data blocks to a present data plan period of the communications account by a mechanism selected from a group consisting of:borrowing additional data blocks from the future data plan period; andcharging the predetermined cost per additional data block for additional data blocks.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the operations further comprise adjusting claim 2 , in response to receiving the user instruction claim 2 , the communications account to add additional data blocks to the communications account.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the operations further comprise charging claim 2 , in response to receiving the user instruction indicating that the user would like to be charged the predetermined cost ...

SPONSORING OF A MOBILE STATION SESSION BY ANOTHER MOBILE STATION IN A WIRELESS NETWORK

An apparatus and method are described for sponsoring service and preferential traffic handling, (i.e., data connectivity) by wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs). A first WTRU may initiate user sponsoring of a second WTRU via an application server (AS). The first WTRU may receive a service trigger from the AS and forward the service trigger to the second WTRU. The second WTRU may then initiate a sponsored session with the AS using the service trigger in order to receive a service from the AS. The first WTRU may also request the AS to transfer a credit to the second WTRU. The AS may establish a direct communication link with a charging system including an online charging function (OCF) and a charging data function (CDF). The AS may send a request to a network to provide preferential traffic handling needed to deliver content to the second WTRU. 1. A method for use in a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for user-to-user sponsoring of mobile data , the method comprising:receiving identifying information from one or more other WTRUs;initiating sponsoring of mobile data for a second WTRU of the one or more other WTRUs based on a trigger; andproviding the trigger to the second WTRU to initiate the sponsored mobile data to the second WTRU.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifying information is received with involvement of the one or more other WTRUs.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising obtaining authorization for sponsorship from the second WTRU.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein obtaining authorization is performed by the WTRU.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the trigger is provided by an application server (AS).6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the trigger includes sponsorship tokens.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the sponsorship tokens are limited in scope to a sponsored mobile data type.8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the sponsorship tokens are limited in time.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the trigger includes a token.10. The ...

Method and System for Transmission of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Identity Header in an Out-of-band Verification Network

A computer-implemented network verification system includes a second device situated in a terminating call network and configured to receive a call signal from a first device situated in an originating network. The first device is coupled to a first registry that stores originating call records. The first registry is configured to obtain, from the first device, and store call data and a SIP identity header associated with the call signal. The system also includes a second registry coupled to the second device and configured to receive, from the first registry over an out-of-band verification network, a first verification request that contains the originating call record, including the SIP identity header associated with the call signal. The second registry is further configured to send the SIP identity header contained in the first verification request to the second device.

Method and Apparatus for Detecting SMS Parameter Manipulation

System and method for detecting SMS parameters manipulation. A first SMS registry is coupled to a first Short Message Service Center (SMSC) and optionally to other SMS registries. The first SMSC is within a terminating telephone network. The first SMS registry receives first and second information about an SMS message that was sent from another telephone network or from an External Short Messaging Entity (ESME) and is destined to the first SMSC. The first and second information represent status of the SMS message respectively before and after the SMS message enters the terminating telephone network. The first SMS registry or a firewall automatically compares at least corresponding portions of the first and second information. As a result of the comparison, in response to detecting a difference between the at least portions of the first and second information, the first SMS registry automatically sends a signal indicating SMS parameter manipulation.

System and method for paying a merchant by a registered user using a cellular telephone account

A system and method allows users to make purchases by charging or funding a prepaid debit card with their cell phone accounts by simulating a user roaming with their mobile device.

Architecture of simplified hardware requirements for bank card payment transactions in a large group of clients, transaction terminal unit, extended function sim card, and methods for individualisation and performing transaction

Architecture of simplified hardware requirements for bank card payment transactions in a large group of clients, in which each client have an extended function SIM card containing payment utility and regular bank card identification information. A mobil pay center ( 4 ) is connecting to the client and the service provider ( 2 ) of the actual transaction through a bidirectional cryptographic interface and a communication channel of the first type, and is connecting to one or more bank card authorisation center ( 11 ) of the actual transaction through a bidirectional cryptographic interface and a communication channel of the second type. The mobil pay center ( 4 ) is comprising at least one virtual POS terminal ( 5 ) for each service provider ( 2 ). The virtual POS terminal ( 5 ) handle authorisation messages received through communication channel of the second type.

Charging id correlation in an ims network

In a method of correlating information relating to message in a SIP session, a first SIP message that includes a first IMS Charging Identifier, ICID, is received. The first SIP message is retargeted by generating a second SIP message that includes a second ICID. A reference to the first ICID is inserted into the second SIP message. Information relating to the first SIP message is correlated with information relating to the second SIP message based on the first ICID and the reference to the first ICID in the second SIP message.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING UNWANTED COMMUNICATIONS USING COMMUNICATION FINGERPRINTING

A method for identifying communicators as wanted or unwanted based on messages from such communicators comprising receiving, by the data processing system, an inbound message from a communicator, comparing, by the data processing system, the inbound message to fingerprints stored in a database accessible to the data processing system, determining, by the data processing system, at least one match to the fingerprints, determining, by the data processing system, an identity of the communicator by determining whether and how likely the communicator is wanted or unwanted based on the at least one match to the fingerprints, and configuring, by the data processing system, handling of calls from the communicator based on the identity. 120-. (canceled)21. A method , in a communication environment including a data processing system comprising a processor and a memory , for identifying communicators as wanted or unwanted based on messages from such communicators , the method comprising:receiving, by the data processing system, an inbound communication from a communicator;comparing, by the data processing system, the inbound communication to fingerprints stored in a database accessible to the data processing system, the fingerprints including data representative of content features from communications associated with unwanted communicators;determining, by the data processing system, at least one match of the inbound communication to the fingerprints;associating, by the data processing system, a communicator identifier with the communicator based on the at least one match to the fingerprints, the communicator identifier including a descriptive name associated with the fingerprint; andproviding, by the data processing system, the communicator identifier to recipients of future communications from the communicator.221. The method of claim wherein the inbound communication includes a voice message.232. The method of claim further comprising transcribing , by the data processing ...

Enhanced Roaming Services and Converged Carrier Networks With Device Assisted Services and a Proxy

A method performed by a network system communicatively coupled to a wireless device by a wireless access network, the network system including a network element corresponding to a network element destination, the method comprising providing at least a portion of a device policy to the wireless device, wherein the device policy is configured to assist in detecting wireless device traffic associated with a service activity, identifying the service activity as being included in a service usage activity classification, and directing or routing the wireless device traffic associated with the service activity over the wireless access network based on information identifying the network element destination; providing a network element policy to the network element corresponding to the network element destination; detecting, at the network element, traffic associated with the wireless device; and applying the network element policy at the network element to the traffic associated with the wireless device. 1. (canceled)2. A method of operating a multiple wireless network service system , the method comprising:configuring one or more elements in each of a first and a second wireless provider access network to allow each of an identified plurality of wireless end-user devices, operable on both the first and second wireless provider access networks, to connect through the wireless provider access networks to one or more proxy servers;configuring a respective service processor on each of the plurality of wireless end-user devices to, when the device having a respective service processor is connected to the first wireless provider access network and when that device is connected to the second wireless provider access network, communicate data traffic for a given Internet data service with the one or more proxy servers;providing a service policy to the one or more proxy servers to control the use of the given Internet data service by each of the wireless end-user devices; ...

MESSAGE EXCHANGE

Disclosed is a voice message exchange system and method for improving communication between an inmate and a third party by enabling the inmate to leave a message when a call is not answered and further allowing the third party who receives the message to reply with a message to the inmate. Additionally, outside parties that meet the institution's requirements can leave messages for inmates at any time. The present invention can be used as an add-on to legacy inmate call management systems or incorporated internally into an inmate call management system. The system also provides monitoring, controlling, recording, and billing means. 120.-. (canceled)21. A platform for processing messages between a calling party and a called party , the platform comprising:a call processor configured to attempt to connect an outgoing call by the calling party to the called party;a memory that stores a message and a plurality of notification options associated with the message recipient; detect that the outgoing call was not answered by the called party;', 'access messaging restrictions associated with the calling party;', 'verify that the calling party is authorized to send messages;', 'prompt the calling party for a message;', 'receive the message from the calling party;', 'store the message in the memory; and', 'carry out a first notification option from among the plurality of notification options in order to attempt to notify the called party of the message., 'at least one processor and/or circuit coupled to the memory, the at least one processor and/or circuit configured to22. The platform of claim 21 , wherein the at least one processor and/or circuit is further configured to carry out a second notification option from among the plurality of notification options in order to attempt to notify the called party of the message upon a failure of the first notification option to successfully notify the called party claim 21 ,wherein the first notification option is different from the ...

SECURE MECHANISM FOR SUBSIDY LOCK ENFORCEMENT

A malicious party may attempt to avoid a mobile network operator (MNO) contract involved with subsidy-lock by inserting an interfering piece of hardware called a proxy SIM in a device. The device provided herein uses an authentication technique to guard against a proxy-SIM attack. The device includes a secure element (SE) with subscriber identity module (SIM) functionality present on the SE. The device sends the SE a nonce to be signed over. The SE signs using a public key infrastructure (PKI) private key of the SE and provides a response. The device evaluates whether the response contains a valid signature. If the validation is successful, the device relies on SIM data provided in the response to continue with activation of the device, so that the device can provide services under the MNO contract. If the validation fails, the device will not attempt to access network services with the SIM functionality. 1. A method comprising: generating a nonce;', 'sending to the SE a first request comprising the nonce;', 'receiving a response, wherein: i) the response comprises a payload, ii) the payload comprises information associated with the SIM functionality, and iii) the response comprises a cryptographic signature;', 'providing, via the AP, a first indication on a user interface; and', 'when the cryptographic signature is not correct, 'sending the information associated with the SIM functionality to the AP.', 'when the cryptographic signature is correct], 'by a device comprising an application processor (AP) and a baseband processor, wherein the device houses a secure element (SE), and subscriber identity module (SIM) functionality is present on the SE2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: 'receiving, via the AP, an input that triggers activation of the SIM functionality.', 'prior to the generating the nonce3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: 'determining that the cryptographic signature is not correct based on the nonce and a public key of the SE.', ' ...

Localized Sensor Quality Analysis and Control

A computer-implemented method comprising capturing measurement data via a first sensor suite, broadcasting the measurement data via short-range communication, receiving, via the short-range communication, a broadcast including a quality control analysis result corresponding to the measurement data and determined by a second sensor suite, acting on the quality control analysis result, and performing quality control analysis for a third sensor suite.

ENHANCED COMMUNICATION PLATFORM AND RELATED COMMUNICATION METHOD USING THE PLATFORM

Pre-authorized communication services and/or transactions are provided via a plurality of networks in response to a request received from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types. Prior to processing the request, there is verification of the user's authorization to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction. After verification, an authorized account associated with the user is charged in real time as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided. 1. At least one non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with processing instructions performed by at least one computer platform performing a method of providing authorized communication services or transactions using a communication network , including at least networks of different types which are external to the platform , user devices communicating with the platform via the communication network , the method comprising:accepting and processing, by the platform, a request to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction or user account information via one of the external networks;verifying at the platform that the requestor is authorized to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, or the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service or the transaction; andcharging at the platform by logging transactions on a real-time basis to an authorized account associated with the user, while the platform controls an element of a corresponding one of the external networks to provide at ...

ADVANCED CONTENT RETRIEVAL

Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium for implementing advanced information retrieval are described. A user may provide fetching parameter values to acquire content. The system may determine whether or not the user-provided fetching parameter values can be satisfied. If the fetching parameters can be satisfied, the system obtains and caches the information. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:receiving, by one or more computing devices, a request to acquire data at a first future time using a graphical user interface displayed by a user device;receiving, by the one or more computing devices, one or more parameters to configure an acquisition of the data at the first future time;determining, by the one or more computing devices, whether the data is downloadable according to the one or more parameters at the first future time;in response to determining that the data is downloadable according to the one or more parameters, obtaining, by the one or more computing devices from one or more content delivery servers, the data at the first future time;receiving, by one or more computing devices, a request to output the obtained data at a second future time that occurs after the first future time; andin response to receiving the request to output the obtained data at the second future time, controlling, by the one or more computing devices, a display connected to the user device to output the obtained data at the second future time.2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more parameters include a content type claim 1 , a content size claim 1 , a likely financial cost to purchase the data claim 1 , and a wireless connectivity threshold.3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein determining claim 1 , by the one or more computing devices claim 1 , whether the data is downloadable according to the one or more parameters at the first future time includes: ...

Systems and Methods for Telecommunication Expense Management

Systems and Methods for telecommunication expense management are provided. A distributed platform including a user support site, multiple user databases and customized user applications is provided to enable organizations to better manage their telecommunication services and expenses. In an embodiment, a method for electronically processing telecommunication invoices includes importing the telecommunication invoices, extracting elements from the imported invoices and performing reasonability tests on the imported invoices. The reasonability test includes conducting an automated comparison against established criteria that may be customized by users. The method includes generating one or more interactive reports that enable an organization to effectively manage its telecommunication services. 1. A method for electronically processing telecommunications invoices using a computer connected to a network , the computer performing the following steps:receiving a plurality of telecommunications invoices from at least one vendor computer via the network, wherein each invoice is provided in a format and describes telecommunications elements in a nomenclature selected by a vendor associated with the vendor computer;extracting elements from the plurality of telecommunications invoices based on a set of mapping rules that link the elements being extracted in the nomenclature selected by the vendor to equivalent nomenclature used by the computer;correlating cost center information with the equivalent nomenclature;determining whether a cost center associated with an element among the extracted elements is active; andgenerating a report by the computing device that identifies at least one element billing exception.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cost center information comprises whether an employee is currently active.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:the computer comparing a total sum of line-item charges to the invoice total of a received invoice; ...

TELECOMMUNICATION MEDIATION USING BLOCKCHAIN BASED MICROSERVICES

Disclosed herein are techniques for telecommunication mediation platforms using a blockchain-based distributed microservice architecture. Upon generation, usage events are assigned a blockchain-based identification, which is used by subsequent mediation microservice processes to enable traceability of a given usage event from endpoint to endpoint in the mediation process. Separate, distributed microservices for file collection, file validation, record validation, record aggregation, and record distribution provide for flexible and finely grained scalability based on where demand surge occurs and what step of the mediation process is experiencing heightened demand. Incoming usage events are ultimately transformed into billing system compatible records corresponding to the appropriate billing accounts for the usage event. 1. A computer-implemented method (CIM) comprising:receiving a telecom mediation data set including a plurality of detail records corresponding to usage events of a telecom service;generating, through one or more microservices, a plurality of blockchain based records corresponding to one or more types of detail records in the telecom mediation data set; andprocessing, through the one or more microservices, at least some of the plurality of blockchain based records into a plurality of billing system compatible records.2. The CIM of claim 1 , further comprising:distributing, through the one or more microservices, at least some of the billing system compatible records to one or more billing systems.3. The CIM of claim 2 , wherein the one or more microservices include a plurality of mediation record distribution microservices claim 2 , where each mediation record distribution microservice distributes mediation records in a different file format.4. The CIM of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of mediation record distribution microservices includes:a first set of mediation record distribution microservices that distribute billing system compatible records ...

THROTTLING BASED ON PHONE CALL DURATIONS

According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor and a computer readable medium on which is stored machine readable instructions that may cause the processor to determine a call duration threshold assigned to an entity, in which a phone number may be associated with the entity. The processor may also track durations of one or more calls placed to the phone number, determine whether the tracked durations of the one or more calls placed to the phone number meet or exceed the call duration threshold, and based on a determination that the tracked durations meet or exceed the call duration threshold, throttle placement of an additional call to the phone number. 1. An apparatus comprising:a processor; and determine a trust level associated with an entity, wherein a phone number is associated with the entity and the entity is to receive calls on the phone number;', 'determine a call duration allotment assigned to the entity, wherein the call duration allotment is an allotment of time that a service associated with the apparatus is permitted to place one or more calls to the entity and is based on the determined trust level associated with the entity, wherein the call duration allotment is higher for entities associated with a higher trust level than for entities associated with a lower trust level;', 'track durations of one or more calls placed to the phone number;', 'determine whether the tracked durations of the one or more calls placed by the service to the phone number meet or exceed the determined call duration allotment assigned to the entity; and', 'based on a determination that the tracked durations meet or exceed the call duration allotment, throttle placement of an additional call to the phone number., 'a non-transitory computer readable medium on which is stored machine readable instructions that cause the processor to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further to cause the processor to:determine an average number of calls ...

NETWORK SLICE BASED BILLING

Techniques are described herein for network sliced based billing. In one example, a control center obtains, from a charging system, a charging data record that includes an indication of a network slice associated with a chargeable telecommunications event. Based on the indication of the network slice, the control center identifies a charging rate for the chargeable telecommunications event and applies the charging rate to the chargeable telecommunications event.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTENT SELECTION, DELIVERY AND PAYMENT

Aspects of a method and system for content selection, delivery and payment may comprise a management entity that coordinates operation of one or more endpoint devices. The one or more endpoint devices may be operable to select one or more parameters associated with a particular content type from the management entity. The particular content type may specify a type of media content that is handled by the one or more endpoint devices. The one or more endpoint devices may be operable to receive configuration information from the management entity based on the selected one or more parameters associated with the particular content type. The one or more endpoint devices may be configured utilizing the received configuration information. The one or more endpoint devices may be operable to pay for the received configuration information. 1. A method for network management , the method comprising: selecting by said one or more endpoint devices, one or more parameters associated with a particular content type from said management entity, wherein said particular content type specifies a type of media content that is handled by said one or more endpoint devices; and', 'receiving from said management entity by said one or more endpoint devices, configuration information based on said selected one or more parameters associated with said particular content type., 'in a communication system comprising a management entity that coordinates operation of one or more endpoint devices2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said one or more parameters associated with said particular content type comprises one or more of: a bandwidth claim 1 , a latency claim 1 , a service class claim 1 , one or more applications claim 1 , a time period of accessing said one or more applications claim 1 , one or more services claim 1 , and/or a time period of leasing said one or more services.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said received configuration information comprises one or both of: ...

Enhanced Roaming Services and Converged Carrier Networks With Device Assisted Services and a Proxy

A method performed by a network system communicatively coupled to a wireless device by a wireless access network, the network system including a network element corresponding to a network element destination, the method comprising providing at least a portion of a device policy to the wireless device, wherein the device policy is configured to assist in detecting wireless device traffic associated with a service activity, identifying the service activity as being included in a service usage activity classification, and directing or routing the wireless device traffic associated with the service activity over the wireless access network based on information identifying the network element destination; providing a network element policy to the network element corresponding to the network element destination; detecting, at the network element, traffic associated with the wireless device; and applying the network element policy at the network element to the traffic associated with the wireless device.

Network-based social telephony firewall

A method receives a call from a device of a caller destined to a device of a subscriber of a communication network. The method connects the call to the device of the subscriber and then receives from the device of the subscriber an indication that the call is an undesirable call. The indication further includes a description of the call. The method then provides a reward to the subscriber when the indication further includes the description of the call.

Handheld Electronic Device Having Improved Phone Call Log, and Associated Method

An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method provide an improved call log that presents information relating to logged phone calls in a collapsed manner, meaning that for each phone number having a call stored in the memory of the device, only the most recent in time call is listed on the call log. An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method also provide a call history for any phone call from the improved call log that is selected by the user. The call history includes a listing of all of the calls stored by the device that are associated with the selected call log call. 1. A method of displaying a communications log on a mobile device , the method comprising:displaying an entry in the communications log associated with one of an outgoing phone call or an incoming phone call, wherein the communications log comprises a log of outgoing calls combined with a log of incoming calls into a single call log such that outgoing and incoming calls associated with the logs of outgoing and incoming calls are simultaneously displayed in the communications log, wherein the entry is displayed in the communications log with a plurality of entries associated with outgoing and incoming phone calls to and from respective phone numbers, wherein only a single entry is displayed for each phone number associated with the respective entries; anddisplaying a call history in response to the entry being selected from the communications log, the call history including the outgoing phone call and the incoming phone call associated with the entry.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein each single entry displayed before the selection corresponds to the most recent in time outgoing or incoming phone call associated with the respective phone number.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising displaying a menu of user options associated with the entry.4. The method of claim 3 , the menu of user options comprising at least one of sending a text message claim 3 , ...

System and method for providing socially enabled rewards through a user financial instrument

A system and method for providing socially enabled rewards through a user financial instrument includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account and analyzing the transaction data for a savings opportunity indication. A savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities is matched to the user based on the savings opportunity indication, wherein the savings opportunity can be shared with other users or a social network. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of a user's financial account and the user is allowed to share the savings opportunity, wherein sharing causes a shared savings opportunity to be generated. A second user, one who received the shared savings opportunity, can redeem the shared savings opportunity. The sharing and redemption of the shared savings opportunity is tracked, such as to improve targeting users who are influential based on the number of redemptions of the shared savings opportunity.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND HANDLING UNWANTED CALLERS USING A CALL ANSWERING SYSTEM

A method and system for identifying an unwanted caller using a call answering system. The method comprises receiving, by a call records server, information about callers from a plurality of telephony devices and one or more phone number data sources, classifying, by the call records server, one or more of the callers as either wanted or unwanted callers based on the received information, and storing, by the call records server, the received information and the classification of the one or more of the callers into a directory. The method further comprises identifying, by a call answering server, that a call from a given caller from a phone number to a receiving telephony device is from an unwanted caller by searching the directory, and handling, by the call answering server, the call from the given caller according to one or more preferences of the user, the one or more preferences including rejecting the call from the receiving telephony device, playing a recorded message, and disposing of the call. 120-. (canceled)21. A method performed by a call answering system for identifying unwanted callers , the method comprising:collecting, by a call records server, data about phone numbers, the data collected from a plurality of telephony devices and one or more phone number data sources over a communications network, the data collected including call patterns of the phone numbers to one or more of the plurality of telephony devices;determining, by the call records server, a probability of each of the phone numbers being associated with an unwanted caller based on the collected data; andexecuting, by a call answering system, operations on calls to a receiving telephone device based on the determined probability of each of the phone numbers being associated with an unwanted caller.22. The method of wherein executing the operations on the calls further comprises playing a call answering message based on the determined probability of each of the phone numbers.23. The method of ...

Method and apparatus for controlling traffic in wireless communication system

Methods and apparatuses are provided for signal transmission and reception between a user equipment, a base station, and a server in a mobile communication system. The user equipment obtains control information related to traffic associated with the user equipment. The user equipment transmits a user plane message created based on the control information, to the server, via the base station.

Wireless End-User Device Providing Ambient or Sponsored Services

A wireless end-user device is disclosed. One or more user inputs indicate that a user of the wireless end-user device authorizes the device to send a first file to a server over a network of a first network type, and that the user does not authorize the device to send a second file to the server over the network of the first type. Based on the one or more user inputs and a determination that the device is connected to the network of the first type, the device sends the first file, but not the second file, to the server over the network of the first network type. Upon detecting that the device is connected to a network of the second network type, the device sends the second file to the server over the network of the second network type. 1one or more modems enabling the wireless end-user device to communicate over at least two wireless network types, the at least two network types including a first network type and a second network type;memory configured to store two or more files of a particular type, the two or more files including a first file and a second file;a user interface; and obtain one or more user inputs, the one or more user inputs indicating (a) that a user of the wireless end-user device authorizes the wireless end-user device to send the first file to a server over a network of the first network type, and (b) that the user of the wireless end-user device does not authorize the wireless end-user device to send the second file to the server over the network of the first network type,', 'determine that the wireless end-user device is connected to the network of the first network type,', 'based on the one or more user inputs and the determination that the wireless end-user device is connected to the network of the first network type, (i) cause the first file to be sent to the server over the network of the first network type, and (ii) prevent the second file from being sent to the server over the network of the first network type,', 'determine that the ...

Virtualized Policy & Charging System

A network system for providing one or more services to one or more end-user devices communicatively coupled to the network system over a wireless access network, the network system comprising: a policy enforcement function, a first policy element, a second policy element, and a network element, wherein the network element is communicatively coupled to the policy enforcement function, the first policy element, and the second policy element, and wherein the network element is configured to communicate first policy information between the policy enforcement function and the first policy element, and communicate second policy information between the first policy enforcement function and the second policy element. 1a policy enforcement function;a first policy element;a second policy element; and communicate first policy information between the policy enforcement function and the first policy element, and', 'communicate second policy information between the first policy enforcement function and the second policy element., 'a network element communicatively coupled to the policy enforcement function, the first policy element, and the second policy element, wherein the network element is configured to. A network system for providing one or more services to one or more end-user devices communicatively coupled to the network system over a wireless access network, the network system comprising: A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of the applicant, the assignee or third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is for providing an enabling ...

OFFLINE CHARGING OF COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

The disclosed embodiments include a method for offline charging performed by an anchoring node of a telecommunications network. The anchoring node can send a request to an online charging system (OCS), where the request is for online metering of a call by a subscriber of the telecommunications network. The anchoring node may obtain an indication of an exception to the online metering of the call. In response, the anchoring node can perform a default call handling (DCH) procedure to allow the call on the telecommunications network despite an inability to perform the online metering. The anchoring node also generates a modified charging detail record (CDR) that includes an indication of the exception. The anchoring node can then send a message, which includes at least an indication of the modified CDR, to enable a mediation server to perform offline charging for the call. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions to be executed by at least one processor , wherein the instructions cause a Mobile Switching Centre Server (MSS) , Telephony Application Server (TAS) or other server coupled to a telecommunications network to perform a method for offline charging , the method comprising: wherein the call is associated with a subscriber to the telecommunications network, and', 'wherein the exception is associated with a type from among multiple types of exceptions;, 'identifying an exception to online metering of a call,'}performing a default call handling (DCH) procedure to allow the call on the telecommunications network;changing a charging detail record (CDR) to indicate the exception and the type; and,enabling an offline charging procedure based on the changed CDR to charge the subscriber for at least a portion of the call.2. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein identifying the exception comprises:receiving an indication of the exception from an online charging system (OCS).3. The non-transitory ...

User Unsubscription Prediction Method and Apparatus

A user unsubscription prediction method and apparatus includes obtaining service consumption feature data, position activity feature data, and social network feature data of a user within a first preset time period, where the position activity feature data refers to data related to communication between the user and each base station within the first preset time period, and the social network feature data refers to data related to communication between the user and another user in a social network within the first preset time period, and inputting the obtained service consumption feature data, position activity feature data, and social network feature data to a pretrained classifier for calculation and outputting a calculation result, where the calculation result is a user unsubscription prediction result. 1. A user unsubscription prediction method , comprising:obtaining service consumption feature data, position activity feature data, and social network feature data of a user within a first preset time period, wherein the position activity feature data refers to data related to communication between the user and each base station within the first preset time period, and wherein the social network feature data refers to data related to communication between the user and another user in a social network within the first preset time period; andinputting the obtained service consumption feature data, the position activity feature data, and the social network feature data to a pretrained classifier for calculation and outputting a calculation result, wherein the calculation result is a user unsubscription prediction result.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein obtaining the position activity feature data of the user within the first preset time period comprises extracting the position activity feature data of the user from a position activity feature matrix claim 1 , wherein the position activity feature matrix is a matrix formed of data related to communication ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FAIRLY CHARGING TALK TIME OF VIDEO CALL THAT INTRODUCES NEW PERSON

A computer-implemented billing method including displaying, on a video call screen, video data related to a counterpart terminal with which a video call is connected, recognizing reaction information input from the counterpart terminal based on the video data related to the counterpart terminal displayed on the video call screen, and generating billing data related to the recognized reaction information of the counterpart terminal based on a billing policy may be provided. 1. A computer-implemented billing method comprising:displaying, on a video call screen, video data related to a counterpart terminal with which a video call is connected;recognizing reaction information input from the counterpart terminal based on the video data related to the counterpart terminal displayed on the video call screen; andgenerating billing data related to the recognized reaction information of the counterpart terminal based on a billing policy.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating the billing data comprises setting the billing policy for assigning the billing data based on the reaction information of the counterpart terminal.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the generating the billing data comprises suspending generation of the billing data that is assigned based on the billing policy claim 2 , in response to absence of the reaction information input from the counterpart terminal or in response to the reaction information being recognized for less than a duration of time.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the generating the billing data comprises counting a duration of time during which the reaction information of the counterpart terminal is recognized claim 2 , and generating or suspending generation of the billing data related to the counted duration of time based on the billing policy.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recognizing comprises determining whether the reaction information of the counterpart terminal is recognized based on at least one of facial ...

Core network apparatus, radio base station, mobile terminal, mobile communication system, and operation control method

A core network apparatus ( 1 ) in a mobile communication system, includes a control unit ( 101 ) that, when a resource utilization rate of the own apparatus falls below a predetermined threshold, makes a transition to an MME utilization promotion state and transmits, to a radio base station ( 2 ), an MME promotion start message ( 111 ) for encouraging a terminal ( 3 ) to perform a communication. When the network utilization rate is low, it is possible to improve the utilization rate by transmitting the MME promotion start message, which is a utilization promotion message.

Method and System for Location-Dependent Billing for Services

A method for location-dependent billing for a services that are available to a mobile terminal, a local communication connection is set up to a fixably installed external location tag with a corresponding wireless interface between the fixably installed tag and the mobile terminal, the method including the steps of accessing the external location tag and transmitting a billing rate code from the external location tag to the mobile terminal, forwarding the billing rate code from the mobile terminal to a central unit of a mobile communication network, in which the mobile terminal is logged, determining a geographic location identification of the external location tag by evaluation of the billing rate code at the central unit, and selecting a billing rate for billing for the service available to the user based on the billing rate code at the central unit.

OPERATIONS METHOD FOR PROVIDING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICES

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. 120-. (canceled)21. A computing device including a server computer to support wireless communication , the computing device to:facilitate establishment of one or more wireless communication services, wherein the one or more wireless communication services include a data service offered according to a subscription plan; andprovide the one or more wireless communication services over a network.22. The computing device of claim 21 , wherein the subscription plan is based on a flat-rate fee to be received in multiple installments over a period of time.23. The computing device of claim 21 , wherein the data service offers access to the Internet claim 21 , wherein the Internet is capable of being accessed using one or more computing devices including one or more mobile computing devices.24. The computing device of claim 21 , wherein the one or more wireless communication services comprise a voice service offered according to the subscription plan.25. The computing device of claim 24 , wherein the voice service offers long-distance calling based on a nationwide coverage claim 24 , wherein the long-distance calling is capable of being performed using the one or more computing devices.26. The computing device of claim 21 , wherein the one or more wireless communication services comprise Short Message Service (SMS) according to the subscription plan claim 21 , wherein the SMS is capable of being performed using the one or more computing devices.27. A method for supporting wireless communication claim 21 ...

SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR ASSESSING RISK OF IDENTITY THEFT

In one embodiment, this invention analyzes demographic data that is associated with a specific street address when presented as an address change on an existing account or an address included on a new account application when that address is different from the reference address (e.g., a credit bureau type header data). The old or reference address and the new address, the new account application address or fulfillment address demographic attributes are gathered, analyzed, compared for divergence and scaled to reflect the relative fraud risk. 1. A method for assessing a risk of fraud , comprising:receiving at least information relating to a first address relating to one of an account holder or an applicant;receiving information relating to a second address; andmeasuring demographic differences between the first and second addresses.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising analyzing whether the first address is a warm address.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising analyzing whether the first address is a undeliverable mail address.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising calculating a score indicative of a level of risk of identity theft fraud.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the act of calculating a score comprises using a mathematical model that includes weighting factors for one or more pre-defined variables used in the model.6. A method for assessing a risk of identity theft fraud with respect to new applications claim 4 , comprising:receiving first address information relating to an applicant for an account; andusing demographic data relating to the address information.7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising receiving a reference address.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein act of receiving a reference address includes receiving reference address information from a third party database9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the act of receiving a reference address includes receiving reference address information as part of input data provided in ...

Methods and systems for processing call establishment request

A system ( 200 ) and method ( 300 ) for establishing a call from an Originating subscriber in an Originating network ( 203 ) to a Terminal subscriber ( 207 ) in a Terminal network ( 204 ) is provided. The method includes establishing a call by the Originating subscriber ( 206 ) in the Originating network ( 203 ) to the Terminal subscriber ( 207 ) in the Terminal network ( 204 ); bridging the calls between the Originating network ( 203 ) and Terminal network ( 204 ) via the automated Switching Centre ( 201 ); and triggering the Terminal network ( 204 ) to charge the Terminal subscriber ( 207 ) for the call.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND HANDLING UNWANTED CALLERS USING A CALL ANSWERING SYSTEM

A method and system for identifying an unwanted caller using a call answering system. The method comprises receiving, by a call records server, information about callers from a plurality of telephony devices and one or more phone number data sources, classifying, by the call records server, one or more of the callers as either wanted or unwanted callers based on the received information, and storing, by the call records server, the received information and the classification of the one or more of the callers into a directory. The method further comprises identifying, by a call answering server, that a call from a given caller from a phone number to a receiving telephony device is from an unwanted caller by searching the directory, and handling, by the call answering server, the call from the given caller according to one or more preferences of the user, the one or more preferences including rejecting the call from the receiving telephony device, playing a recorded message, and disposing of the call. 1. A method performed by a call answering system for identifying an unwanted caller using a call answering system , comprising:collecting data about callers from a plurality of telephony devices and one or more phone number data sources, the data collected including a number of calls placed by a given caller to a plurality of telephone devices over a period of time;classifying the given caller as an unwanted caller based on the collected data;storing the classification of the given caller as an unwanted caller into a directory;identifying a call from the given caller to a receiving telephony device as an unwanted caller using the directory; andhandling the call from the given caller as an unwanted caller.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein classifying comprises classifying the given caller as an unwanted caller when the number of calls placed by the given caller over the period of time exceeds a threshold value.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein collecting data about ...

Systems and Methods for Telecommunication Expense Management

Systems and Methods for telecommunication expense management are provided. A distributed platform including a user support site, multiple user databases and customized user applications is provided to enable organizations to better manage their telecommunication services and expenses. In an embodiment, a method for electronically processing telecommunication invoices includes importing the telecommunication invoices, extracting elements from the imported invoices and performing reasonability tests on the imported invoices. The reasonability test includes conducting an automated comparison against established criteria that may be customized by users. The method includes generating one or more interactive reports that enable an organization to effectively manage its telecommunication services. 1. A method for electronically processing telecommunications invoices from one or more vendors using a computing device deployed in a distributed computing environment , comprising the steps of:(a) importing a plurality of telecommunications invoices into the computing device, where each invoice is formatted in a vendor specific format;(b) extracting elements from the imported telecommunications invoices with the computing device by applying a set of vendor mapping rules to vendor specific nomenclature for elements to transform the vendor specific nomenclature to categories that are comparable;(c) importing information relating to cost centers from one or more human resource systems;(d) correlating the information relating to cost centers with the extracted elements from the imported telecommunications invoices;(e) evaluating the telecommunication invoices with the computing device on an element basis against established criteria and determining whether a cost center associated with an element among the extracted elements is active; and(f) generating a report with the computing device that identifies at least one element billing exception.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein an ...

Network Connection System

A system and method for automatically negotiating Internet access between a user and one of a plurality of Internet connection providers. Users can buy or bid for Internet bandwidth, for example, through a server or website or by direct communications with an Internet access point such as, for example, a WIFI access point. 1. A system for providing a computer with a connection to a network , comprising:a plurality of network providers each offering to provide access to the network;each of the plurality of network providers having an application executing thereon that, in response to user input, alternately enables or disables its offer to provide access to the network;a connection request sent to the plurality of network providers;a plurality of connection offers, each sent from one of the plurality of network providers in response to the connection request;the computer accepting one of the plurality of connection offers based at least in part on comparing the plurality of connection offers;a connection to the network enabled for the computer by the network provider associated with the accepted connection offer.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the network provider associated with the accepted connection offer receives compensation for the network connection.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein:an account associated with the computer is debited an amount according to the compensation;an account associated with the network provider associated with the accepted connection offer is credited an amount according to the compensation.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the account associated with the computer has a prepaid balance.5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the compensation comprises an agreement to accept advertising on the computer.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of network providers identify the computer as credentialed to access the network based at least in part on the connection request.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein:the computer comprises ...

Method and apparatus for providing service in user equipment of mobile communication system

A method for transmitting and receiving a signal by a terminal in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting a first message including information related to a service to a core network, receiving a response to the first message from the core network, and transmitting or receiving traffic related to the service based on the response.

Electronic data sharing device and method of use

A method of enabling selected users to share contact information, comprising the steps of: an issuing entity issuing, electronic data sharing devices that are either free, subsidized, or bundled with other products or services to a plurality of selected users for the purposes of sharing user related information, wherein the user related information is shared a) between two or more of the users, between one or more of the users and the issuing entity, or with other parties authorized by the users or entity, and b) based on a preliminary, user-to-user initiated, exchange of data between two or more of the electronic data sharing devices or one or more of the electronic data sharing devices and a static or mobile hub configured to operate in the same manner as an electronic data sharing device; a server retrieving the exchanged data from the electronic devices, and providing the exchanged data to the issuing entity to enable the issuing entity to perform one or more of the following steps: i) identify the user related data associated with the users; ii) match users with users they exchanged data with; iii) analyze the user related data to determine one or more of: demographic information associated with the users; network inter-relationships of users; networking trends.