Prepaid broadband internet and software service method and apparatus
US7424973B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L12/1467
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A prepaid computer service operating on a personal computer and a networked computer is activated at a point of sale. The service includes broadband Internet access such as DSL. The service running on the personal computer includes a switch for discontinuing the service upon expiration of the prepaid service. The switch may be a comprised in a circuit interconnected between a DSL modem and a personal computer. A DSL service provider provides Internet access service and a service manager manages the prepaid service. The switch has a timer having a value loaded by the service manager, and the timer is used to determine the expiration of service. The prepaid service alternately includes a software based switch which may be used to regulated prepaid internet service or other software based services such as prepaid Internet based games, thin-client software services or entertainment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.