Mobile network operator and mobile virtual network operator with cooperative charging functions which record service related intended actions and indications of success

A method by a second charging function, CHF, in a network node of a second communications network, the method comprising:

• receiving a charging data request from a first CHF of a first communications network, the charging data request requesting quota for a service provided by a network function of the first communications network;
• opening a charging data record, CDR, and adding to the CDR charging data related to the service and an indication of intent of the second CHF to perform at least one of account balance management related to the service and rating related to the service;
• attempting to perform the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service;
• updating the CDR to add further charging data related to the service and an indication of whether the attempt to perform the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service was successful;
• and
• sending a charging data response to the first CHF indicating whether the attempt to perform the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service was completed successfully.

A first charging function, CHF, in a network node of a first communications network, the first CHF comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing computer readable program code that when executed by the at least one processor causes the at least one processor to perform operations configured to:
• receive a charging data request from a charging trigger function of a network function, the charging data request requesting quota for a service provided by the network function;
• determine that a second CHF of a second communications network needs to be contacted for recording related to the service and at least one of account balance management related to the service and rating related to the service;
• open a charging data record, CDR, and adding to the CDR charging data related to the service and an indication of intent of the first CHF to contact the second CHF to perform the recording related to the service and the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service;
• send the charging data request to the second CHF;
• receive a charging data response from the second CHF indicating the second CHF completed the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service;
• update the CDR to indicate whether the second CHF completed the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service;
• and
• send a charging data response to the network function with the quota.

A second charging function, CHF, in a network node of a second communications network, the second CHF comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing computer readable program code that when executed by the at least one processor causes the at least one processor to perform operations configured to:
• receive a charging data request from a first CHF of a first communications network, the charging data request requesting quota for a service provided by a network function of the first communications network;
• open a charging data record, CDR, and add to the CDR charging data related to the service and an indication of intent of the second CHF to perform at least one of account balance management related to the service and rating related to the service;
• attempt to perform the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service;
• update the CDR to add further charging data related to the service and an indication of whether the attempt to perform the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service was successful;
• and
• send a charging data response to the first CHF indicating whether the attempt to perform the at least one of the account balance management related to the service and the rating related to the service was completed successfully.