Methods and apparatus for economical utilization of communication networks

A method of operating a communication system including a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUs) using a network to communicate, said method comprising the steps of:

• each RTU utilizing a unique account identifier to communicate in a first communication mode;
• each RTU utilizing at least one shared account identifier to communicate in a second communication mode;
• and
• coordinating each RTU's use of the at least one shared account identifier.

A server for controlling access of a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUs) to a network, said server configured to:

• communicate commands to a first RTU of the plurality of RTUs to conduct a switched connection protocol session via the network;
• assign a shared network account identifier to the first RTU for switched connection protocol access to the network;
• and
• coordinate usage of the shared network account identifier between the plurality of RTUs.

A method for operating a server to control access by a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUs) to a network, said method comprising:

• communicating commands to a first RTU of the plurality of RTUs to conduct a switched connection protocol session over the network;
• assigning a shared network account identifier to the first RTU for switched connection protocol access to the network;
• and
• coordinating usage of the shared network account identifier between the plurality of RTUs.