Charging in a communication system

A connection support entity for providing resources to support a connection in a communication system comprising a charging entity and at least one other connection support entity, the connection support entity being configured to perform the following steps:

• detect initiation of a connection;
• generate a charging identity for identifying the connection to the at least two connection support entities and the charging entity;
• make available the charging identity to the at least one other connection support entity and the charging entity;
• determine according to a stored tariff a charge for the support of the connection by the connection support entity;
• and
• transmit a charging message to the charging entity, the message specifying the charge and including the charging identity.

A charging entity for charging for services in a communication system comprising at least two connection support entities for providing resources to support a connection in the communication system, the charging entity being configured to perform the following steps:

• receive a charging identity from a first one of the connection support entities for identifying a connection to the charging entity and the at least two connection support entities, the at least two connection support entities providing resources to support that connection;
• receive a first charging message from the first connection support entity, the message specifying a first charge and including the charging identity;
• receive a second charging message from a second connection support entity, the message specifying a second charge and including the charging identity;
• add the first and second charging messages to a transaction to form a total value for the transaction;
• and debit the total value of the transaction from an account indicated in the first or second charging message.