Methods and apparatus for allocating service costs in a telecommunications network
US10158764B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M15/8228
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A node for use in a telecommunication network. The apparatus comprises a service session handler for establishing and controlling service sessions on behalf of end users served by the telecommunications network, and a charging generation point for generating charging data for established sessions involving served users as originating users and for reporting that charging data to a network charging system. The apparatus further comprises a signalling message handler for receiving, in respect of a given service session between an originating and a terminating user, a signalling message sent by or on behalf of the terminating user, the signalling message containing cost apportionment data apportioning costs between the originating and terminating users, the signalling message handler being configured to pass that cost apportionment data to the charging generation point. The charging generation point is further configured to apply the cost apportionment data to the generation of charging data so that the charging data reflects the required cost apportionment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.