Reverse charge calling in a communications network

A method, in a communication network, of performing reverse charge calling, comprising:

• receiving a request from a first subscriber to establish a reverse charge call with a second subscriber;
• establishing a call with the second subscriber;
• sending a call establishment request to a service control element to establish a call with the first subscriber, the call establishment request including a predetermined identifier;
• detecting, at the service control element, the presence of the predetermined identifier in a received call establishment request and in response thereto:
• informing the second subscriber that a reverse charge call has been requested along with a determined cost of the call;
• and
• completing the call with the first subscriber upon obtaining authorization to accept the reverse charge call from the second subscriber.

A communication network for performing reverse charge calling, comprising:

• a reverse charging element operable for:
• receiving a request from a first subscriber to establish a reverse charge call with a second subscriber;
• establishing a call with the second subscriber;
• sending a call establishment request to a service control element to establish a call with the first subscriber, the request including a predetermined identifier identifiable by the service control element;
• the service control element being further operable for:
• detecting a presence of the predetermined identifier in the call establishment request message:
• informing the second subscriber that a reverse charge call has been requested along with a determined cost of the call;
• and
• completing the call with the first subscriber upon obtaining authorization to accept the reverse charge call from the second subscriber.