System and method for service activation in mobile network billing
AssigneeResearch In Motion Limited
InventorMihal Lazaridis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments described herein provide a user with the ability to select from a list of available services that can be used on a mobile device. The services include device-based services and device-network based services. The activation, usage tracking and deactivation of a selected service can be conducted at a central location. Some of the services can be provided by different carrier network providers and in different geographical areas. The service selection can be performed from the mobile device, thus providing the user with maximum flexibility as to when and where the user requests the service.
Claims19
A mobile network service activation system for wireless activation of a selected service for use by a user of a mobile device, the system comprising:
- a) a central network node connectable to one or more wireless networks for communication with the mobile device and for provision of the selected service to the mobile device;
- b) a device database connected to the central network node, the device database including device information for the mobile device and service information for the selected service;
- and,
- c) a billing server connected to the central network node, the billing server activating the selected service for use by the mobile device in response to a service activation message sent by the mobile device to request access to the selected service.
A mobile device communication device comprising:
- a) a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device;
- b) a communication subsystem connected to the main processor, the communication subsystem being adapted for wirelessly sending and receiving data;
- c) a service request module for providing a user with a list of available services for use on the mobile device, and upon the user selecting a service and confirming the selected service, the service request module generates a service activation message including an indication of the selected service and sends the service activation message to a mobile network for enabling the selected service;
- and,
- d) an input unit for allowing the user to select and confirm the service.
A service activation method for allowing a user to request a selected service from a wireless network for use on a mobile device, the method comprising:
- a) providing a list of available services to the user from which the user can choose the selected service;
- b) generating a service activation message including an indication of the selected service and a specified service usage after the user has confirmed the selected service;
- and,
- c) sending the service activation message to a billing server associated with the wireless network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.