Method and systems for toll-free internet protocol communication services
US7848312B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L12/1471
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This document describes Toll Free IP (TIP), a business model and its enabling methods to provide no-charge-to-user (“toll-free”) connectivity through IP-based access networks (e.g., public wireless hotspot networks based on IEEE 802.11), which may be operated by different network operators. With TIP, the use of networks to communicate with a toll-free IP destination will be paid by the owner of the toll-free IP destination. A toll-free IP destination can be identified in many ways, e.g., by a toll-free IP address, toll-free Internet Domain Name, a toll-free Universal Resource Identifier or Universal Resource Locator. TIP enables a user to use networks without prior service subscriptions with network or service providers and without any special terminal software or hardware for gaining permission to use a network. It allows users to use more access networks, i.e., larger “footprints”, than any individual network operator or aggregator can provide. With TIP, a service provider can provide services over IP-based access networks without the need to have business arrangements with each individual network operator or aggregator. TIP can also be used to enable other value-added services s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.