Method and apparatus for location-sensitive, subsidized cell phone billing
US7668765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/7435
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for determining a billing rate of a telecommunications connection is disclosed. The method and system may be used in a location aware telecommunications system that can determine the location of a telecommunications unit (TU) being used within the system. The geographic location of a mobile unit (MU) is determined, and compared to a list a predetermined subsidized zones. When the MU initiates or receives a call from within a subsidized zone, and the MU is otherwise responsible for paying a predetermined billing rate associated with the call, the predetermined rate is subsidized for at least the portion of the call made while the MU is located within the subsidized zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.