Method for providing gated network access
AssigneeUPS, Inc.
InventorsRobert C. Stowe, Joseph P. Johnson, Leon E. Gagnon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is generally directed to methods for an entity to provide access to Internet websites associated with the entity to customers that currently do not have Internet access. Additional methods are provided for billing an entity associated with a website for access to the website by the entity's customers.
Claims21
A method of allowing a carrier to provide shipping services to a user via one or more Internet websites associated with said carrier, wherein said user does not have access to the Internet, said method comprising:
- providing said user with a network terminal that is configured to access the Internet via a link between said network terminal and an internet service provider;
- establishing a billing relationship with said internet service provider such that said internet service provider monitors said Internet access by said network terminal and charges said carrier for said access;
- and
- restricting said access of said network terminal to said one or more Internet websites associated with said carrier.
A method of billing for providing access to a one or more IP addresses associated with an entity, said method comprising the steps of:
- establishing a communication link between a network terminal and the Internet;
- restricting access of said network terminal to a one or more IP addresses on the Internet, said one or more addresses predetermine by an entity, wherein said entity is associated with said one or more IP addresses;
- monitoring said access by said network terminal to said one or more IP addresses;
- and
- billing said entity a fee based upon said access.
A method of providing a shipper that does not have access to the Internet with access to a carrier website, said method comprising:
- providing said shipper with a carrier-supplied terminal that is configured to access said Internet via a link between said terminal and an internet service provider;
- establishing a billing relationship with said internet service provider such that carrier pays for any Internet access by said terminal;
- and
- restricting said Internet access to said carrier website.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.