Real time charging of short messages originated by roaming prepaid subscribers
US8630618B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/28
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A Home Location Register (HLR) and an Interworking Gateway (IWG) of an operator are configured to redirect Mobile Originated Short Messages (MO SM) sent by roaming cellular communication devices of both prepaid and postpaid subscribers hosted by a foreign network to a real time charging gateway (RTCG). The RTCG retrieves from the operator's database the type of subscription of the sending device. If the device is of a postpaid subscription, the RTCG operates as a relay between an SMSC and the foreign network. If the device is of a prepaid subscription, the RTCG communicates with a PrePaid System (PPS) and forwards the MO SM to the SMSC only in case there are sufficient funds in the respective prepaid account.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.