Back to results
US 6,480,710 B1Granted
System and method for managing prepaid wireless service
AssigneeTelemac Corporation
InventorsBernard Thomas Laybourn, Theodore W. Watler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method facilitates provisioning of pre-paid wireless services. Credit refresh operations involving a pre-paid wireless communication device involve SMS messages transmitted to the device over-the-air. The device uses tariff tables to keep track of a calls impact on available credit. The tariff tables are updatable at the service provider's discretion using SMS messages.
Claims37
A method for managing a wireless prepaid service using a control arrangement and a wireless device having a memory, comprising the steps of:
- storing a device identification number, calling tariff data, an available amount and one or more programs in the memory of the wireless device;
- receiving a first signal from a telephone system, the first signal being indicative of a connection of a call;
- after receiving the first signal, modifying the available amount as a function of the calling tariff data and a length of the call using the one or more programs;
- and
- updating the calling tariff data in the memory of the wireless device using a first message sent via a data bearer communication service.
2 more elements
A system for managing a wireless prepaid service, comprising:
- means for storing one or more of a device identification number, calling tariff data, an available amount and one or more programs on a wireless device;
- means for receiving a first signal from a telephone system, the first signal being indicative of a connection of a call;
- means for modifying the available amount as a function of the calling tariff data and a length of the call using the one or more application programs upon receiving the first signal;
- and
- means for updating the calling tariff data in the wireless device using a first message sent via a data bearer communication service.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.