Method and apparatus for providing prepaid local telephone services
US7110512B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/0116
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for providing prepaid dialtone services. The system includes a prepaid dialtone service center having an applications server that maintains a prepaid dialtone subscriber database including subscriber identification and service period information. The applications server is configured to automatically remind subscribers to renew their prepaid dialtone account and communicates with a local exchange carrier to place a hold on, or cancel, an expired subscriber account. The method includes the features of determining and monitoring a service period for a prepaid dialtone subscriber, communicating a reminder to the subscriber prior to expiration of the service period, and communicating with a local exchange carrier servicing the subscriber upon expiration of the service period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.