# US 6,373,929 B1 · Bidding for telecommunications traffic > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 6,373,929 B1 - Document ID: US6373929B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 09/537,046 - Filed: 2000-03-28 - Granted: 2002-04-16 - Earliest claimed: 1995-11-06 - Assignees: Summit Telecom, Inc. - Inventors: Jack J. Johnson; William F. Coyle - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6373929B1 ## CPC - H04M 15/8044: {Least cost routing} - H04L 41/00: Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks - H04M 15/00: Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication {; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP} - H04M 15/49: {Connection to several service providers} - H04M 15/50: {for cross-charging network operators} - H04M 15/51: {for resellers, retailers or service providers} - H04M 15/8083: {involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions or volume discounts} - H04M 15/90: {using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]} - H04Q 3/0045: {involving hybrid, i.e. a mixture of public and private, or multi-vendor systems} - H04Q 3/66: Traffic distributors - H04M 2215/016: Billing using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN] - H04M 2215/0184: involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions, volume discounts, cell discounts, group billing, frequent calling destination(s) or user history list - H04M 2215/42: Least cost routing, i.e. provision for selecting the lowest cost tariff - H04M 2215/46: Connection to several service providers - H04M 2215/52: Interconnection, inter-exchange, reseller billing, billing agreements between different operators, e.g. billing identifier added on the CDR in order to cross charge the other operator, inter-operator accounting, reconciliation, bill directly resellers customers - H04M 2215/54: Resellers-retail or service providers billing, e.g. agreements with telephone service operator, activation, charging/recharging of accounts - H04M 2215/745: Least cost routing, e.g. Automatic or manual, call by call or by preselection - H04Q 2213/13093: Personal computer, PC - H04Q 2213/13097: Numbering, addressing - H04Q 2213/13106: Microprocessor, CPU - H04Q 2213/1313: Metering, billing - H04Q 2213/13138: Least cost routing, LCR - H04Q 2213/13141: Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel - H04Q 2213/13148: Maximum profit routing - H04Q 2213/13204: Protocols - H04Q 2213/1322: PBX - H04Q 2213/13332: Broadband, CATV, dynamic bandwidth allocation - H04Q 2213/13383: Hierarchy of switches, main and subexchange, e.g. satellite exchange - H04Q 2213/13389: LAN, internet - H04Q 2213/13533: multivendor and hybrid, e.g. public/private, networks, inc. international - H04Q 2213/13541: routing - H04Q 2213/13566: mediation - H04M: TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08) - H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) - H04Q: SELECTING (switches, relays, selectors H01H; wireless communication networks H04W) ## Abstract Because of technological and regulatory changes, telecommunication service is becoming more of a commodity, with competition between service providers for traffic. The herein disclosed invention stimulates this competition and facilitates a service provider's and a consumer's ability to make economic choices between competing telecommunication carriers. In this method and system, telecommunication switches route calls in accordance with economic incentives (e.g., least cost routing) resulting from a bidding process between participating telecommunication carriers (Carriers), administered by a bidding service provider through operation of a central processor, a computer referred to as a bidding moderator (Moderator). Some of these switches may be provisioned to treat every call attempt presented to them as a call attempt to be routed to the low-bidding Carrier. Other switches may be capable of handling call attempts from calling parties who are customers of the Moderator's auction service and from other calling parties who are not. Call attempts can be differentiated by such switches based on, for example, classes of service or data field indicators, with or without an association with an unique calling party identifier. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first auction switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first auction switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first auction switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in an originating switch, including a caller identifier; b) associating the caller identifier with a class of service that utilizes the first auction switch; c) routing the call attempt to the first auction switch; d) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and e) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A method of claim 1 in which the step of associating the caller identifier with the class of service is performed at the originating switch. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A method of claim 1 in which the step of associating the caller identifier with the class of service is performed at an access tandem switch associated with the originating switch. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A method of claim 1 in which the processed data includes economic incentive data and the selecting is performed based on the economic incentive data. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A method of claim 1 in which the processed data includes Carrier selection data and the selecting is performed based on the Carrier selection data. ### Claim 6 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first auction switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first auction switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first auction switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in an originating switch, including a caller identifier and a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized auction service user; c) routing the call attempt to the first auction switch; d) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and e) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A method of claim 6 in which the step of confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized auction service user, is performed at the originating switch. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) A method of claim 6 in which the step of confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized auction service user, is performed at an access tandem switch associated with the originating switch. ### Claim 9 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first auction switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first auction switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first auction switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in an originating switch, including a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) associating the data field indicator with the auction service; c) routing the call attempt to the first auction switch; d) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and e) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A method of claim 9 in which the step of associating the data field indicator with the auction service is performed at the originating switch. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) A method of claim 9 in which the step of associating the data field indicator with the auction service is performed at an access tandem switch associated with the originating switch. ### Claim 12 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing originating switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing originating switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing originating switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving in the first subscribing originating switch a call attempt including a caller identifier; b) associating the caller identifier with a class of service that utilizes the processed data; c) selecting the first Carrier based on the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 13 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing access tandem switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing access tandem switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing access tandem switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving in the first subscribing access tandem switch a call attempt including a caller identifier; b) associating the caller identifier with a class of service utilizing the processed data; c) selecting the first Carrier based on the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 14 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing originating switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing originating switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing originating switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving in the first subscribing originating switch a call attempt including a caller identifier and a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized auction service user; c) selecting the first Carrier based on the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 15 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing access tandem switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing access tandem switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing access tandem switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving in the first subscribing access tandem switch a call attempt including a caller identifier and a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized user of the auction service; c) selecting the first Carrier based on the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 16 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing originating switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing originating switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing originating switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving in the first subscribing originating switch a call attempt including a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) associating the data field indicator with the auction service; c) selecting the first Carrier based on the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) A method of claim 16 in which the processed data includes economic incentive data and the selecting is performed based on the economic incentive data. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) A method of claim 16 in which the processed data includes Carrier selection data and the selecting is performed based on the Carrier selection data. ### Claim 19 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers, B) processing the economic incentive data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing access tandem switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing access tandem switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing access tandem switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving in the first subscribing access tandem switch a call attempt, including a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) associating the data field indicator with the auction service; c) selecting the first Carrier based on the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 20 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first auction switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first auction switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first auction switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in an originating switch, including a caller identifier; b) associating the caller identifier with a class of service that utilizes the first auction switch; c) routing the call attempt to the first auction switch; d) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and e) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a default Carrier. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the user-specific data includes rate information negotiated between a user and a contract Carrier designated by the user. ### Claim 23 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 including specification of the time interval in which the user-specific data is valid. ### Claim 24 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers acceptable to the user. ### Claim 25 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the plurality of users includes a telecommunication service reseller. ### Claim 26 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points outside of a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 27 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points within a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 28 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a defined switching point as auction service calls. ### Claim 29 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a first switching point of a defined plurality of switching points as auction service calls. ### Claim 30 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the step of associating the caller identifier with the class of service is performed at the originating switch. ### Claim 31 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the step of associating the caller identifier with the class of service is performed at an access tandem switch associated with the originating switch. ### Claim 32 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the processed data includes economic incentive data and the selecting is performed based on the economic incentive data. ### Claim 33 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 in which the processed data includes Carrier selection data and the selecting is performed based on the Carrier selection data. ### Claim 34 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer, A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first auction switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first auction switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first auction switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in an originating switch, including a caller identifier and a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized user of the auction service; c) routing the call attempt to the first auction switch; d) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and e) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a default Carrier. ### Claim 36 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the user-specific data includes rate information negotiated between a user and a contract Carrier designated by the user. ### Claim 37 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 including specification of the time interval in which the user-specific data is valid. ### Claim 38 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers acceptable to the user. ### Claim 39 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the plurality of users includes telecommunication service resellers. ### Claim 40 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points outside of a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 41 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points within a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 42 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a defined switching point as auction service calls. ### Claim 43 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a first switching point of a defined plurality of switching points as auction service calls. ### Claim 44 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the step of confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized auction service user, is performed at the originating switch. ### Claim 45 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the step of confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized auction service user, is performed at an access tandem switch associated with the originating switch. ### Claim 46 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the processed data includes economic incentive data and the selecting is performed based on the economic incentive data. ### Claim 47 (depends on 34) A method of claim 34 in which the processed data includes Carrier selection data and the selecting is performed based on the Carrier selection data. ### Claim 48 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first auction switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first auction switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first auction switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in an originating switch, including a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) associating the data field indicator with the auction service; c) routing the call attempt to the first auction switch; d) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and e) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 49 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a default Carrier. ### Claim 50 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the user-specific data includes rate information negotiated between a user and a contract Carrier designated by the user. ### Claim 51 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 including specification of the time interval in which the user-specific data is valid. ### Claim 52 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers acceptable to the user. ### Claim 53 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the plurality of users includes telecommunication service resellers. ### Claim 54 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points outside of a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 55 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points within a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 56 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a defined switching point as auction service calls. ### Claim 57 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a first switching point of a defined plurality of switching points as auction service calls. ### Claim 58 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the step of associating the data field indicator with the auction service is performed at the originating switch. ### Claim 59 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the step of associating the data field indicator with the auction service is performed at an access tandem switch associated with the originating switch. ### Claim 60 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the processed data includes economic incentive data and the selecting is performed based on the economic incentive data. ### Claim 61 (depends on 48) A method of claim 48 in which the processed data includes Carrier selection data and the selecting is performed based on the Carrier selection data. ### Claim 62 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing originating switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing originating switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing originating switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in the first subscribing originating switch, including a caller identifier; b) associating the caller identifier with a class of service that utilizes the processed data; c) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 63 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing access tandem switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing access tandem switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing access tandem switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in the first subscribing access tandem switch, including a caller identifier; b) associating the caller identifier with a class of service that utilizes the processed data; c) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 64 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing originating switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing originating switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing originating switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in the first subscribing originating switch, including a caller identifier and a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized user of the auction service; c) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 65 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing access tandem switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing access tandem switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing access tandem switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in the first subscribing access tandem switch, including a caller identifier and a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) confirming that the caller identifier is associated with a caller that is an authorized user of the auction service; c) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 66 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing originating switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing originating switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing originating switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in the first subscribing originating switch, including a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) associating the data field indicator with the auction service; c) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 67 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a default Carrier. ### Claim 68 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the user-specific data includes rate information negotiated between a user and a contract Carrier designated by the user. ### Claim 69 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 including specification of the time interval in which the user-specific data is valid. ### Claim 70 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers acceptable to the user. ### Claim 71 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the plurality of users includes telecommunication service resellers. ### Claim 72 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points outside of a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 73 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points within a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 74 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a defined switching point as auction service calls. ### Claim 75 (depends on 66) A method of claim 66 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a first switching point of a defined plurality of switching points as auction service calls. ### Claim 76 A method for controlling a telecommunication network comprising, in a moderating computer: A) collecting economic incentive data from each Carrier of a plurality of telecommunications Carriers and user-specific data from a plurality of users, B) processing the economic incentive data and user-specific data, C) distributing at least a portion of the economic incentive data to at least a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers, and D) distributing processed data to at least a first subscribing access tandem switch equipped to implement an auction service, thereby enabling the first subscribing access tandem switch to select a first Carrier of the plurality of telecommunication Carriers for a call attempt presented to the first subscribing access tandem switch, based on an economic choice, wherein the method further comprises: a) receiving the call attempt in the first subscribing access tandem switch, including a data field indicator associated with the auction service; b) associating the data field indicator with the auction service; c) selecting the first Carrier on the basis of the processed data; and d) routing the call attempt to the first Carrier. ### Claim 77 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a default Carrier. ### Claim 78 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the user-specific data includes rate information negotiated between a user and a contract Carrier designated by the user. ### Claim 79 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 including specification of the time interval in which the user-specific data is valid. ### Claim 80 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the user-specific data includes designation of a portion of the plurality of telecommunications Carriers acceptable to the user. ### Claim 81 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the plurality of users includes telecommunication service resellers. ### Claim 82 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points outside of a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 83 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at switching points within a defined geographic area as auction service calls. ### Claim 84 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a defined switching point as auction service calls. ### Claim 85 (depends on 76) A method of claim 76 in which the user-specific data includes an instruction to treat all calls terminating at a first switching point of a defined plurality of