Methods for providing prepaid telephony service via an internet protocol network system
US6480588B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/8166
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods are disclosed for providing prepaid telephony service via an Internet protocol (IP) network system. A first method provides controlling at least one media agent or call routing station/switch of an IP network system for allowing and/or blocking call media streams from traversing through the media agent. A second method provides directing all signaling messages transmitted by a signaling agent or station and all media packets transmitting voice and data communications through at least one common device within the IP network system. The methods further provide for continuously monitoring a subscriber's account balance and terminating the prepaid telephony service if the account balance is less than a predetermined amount.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.