Convergent communications system and method with a rule set for authorizing, debiting, settling and recharging a mobile commerce account

A user input device for accessing an account in a convergent communications system, comprising:

• a transmitter that transmits to the convergent communications system via at least one communication network, identification of an authorized user account and a request for a transaction by an account manager, the account manager including
• a determiner that determines, for an authorized user, at least one payment rule applicable at that time for authorizing a transaction and charging an account,
• a processor that applies the at least one payment rule for authorizing the transaction,
• an account charger that charges the account, according to the at least one payment rule, in real time if the transaction is authorized, and
• a settler that settles real time charges to a plurality of transaction providers in accordance with at least one settlement rule;
• and
• a receiver that receives, via at least one financial network in addition to the at least one communication network, at least one of a confirmation of authorized user account charge or a notification of settlement.

A convergent communications system employing a rule set and coupled to at least one communication network and at least one financial network separate from the at least one communication network, comprising:

• a rule determiner that determines, for an authorized user, at least one payment rule, applicable at that time for authorizing a transaction and charging an account of the authorized user;
• a processor that applies the at least one payment rule for authorizing the transaction;
• an account charger that charges the account, according to the at least one payment rule for charging the account, in real time if the transaction is authorized;
• and
• a settler that settles charges in real time to at least one of a plurality of transaction providers in accordance with at least one settlement rule.

A convergent communications system employing a rule set and coupled to at least one communication network and at least one financial network separate from the at least one communication network, comprising:

• a determiner that determines in real time a plurality of rules for authorizing, charging and settling a transaction at a current time;
• an authorizer that authorizes the transaction if a current status of an authorized user's account or the authorized user meets at least a first rule among the plurality of rules for authorizing the transaction at the current time;
• an account charger that charges the authorized user's account in real time and credits at least one transaction provider account;
• and
• a settler that settles the transaction according to at least a second rule among the plurality of rules for settling the transaction.

A convergent communications method employing a rule set, comprising:

• receiving a request for at least one transaction via at least one communication network;
• determining at least one transaction rule currently applicable to an authorized user as a result of the request;
• applying the at least one transaction rule to determine whether the at least one transaction is authorized to be provided by one of a plurality of transaction providers;
• generating in real time, according to the at least one transaction rule if the transaction is authorized, a charge to an account of the user utilizing at least one financial network, separate from the at least one communication network;
• and
• settling, in accordance with at least one settlement rule, the charge by the one of a plurality of transaction providers utilizing the at least one financial network.