Method and apparatus for load-based billing in communication networks
US8521543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/7428
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of load-based billing for customers in a communication network, wherein each customer has a calling plan. The method comprises monitoring utilization of the network in real-time via a switching center in the network; detecting at the switching center a Usage Level Event based upon the occurrence of a predetermined event trigger; informing a usage level application of the Usage Level Event; recording at the usage level application the Usage Level Event; and determining at the usage level application whether action should be taken based upon the Usage Level Event. When it is determined that action should be taken, the usage level application reports the Usage Level Event to a set of network elements via the usage level application and the switching center, where the set of network elements includes a customer billing platform and a broadcast message application. Further, a set of customers is notified of a change in pricing for calls based upon the Usage Level Event through the broadcast message application and a messaging center.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.