Patent ID: 6078805
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: H04M,H04Q,H04W

Abstract:
A method for controlling an outbound call transmitted from a mobile station in a cellular frequency band, wherein use of a cellular telephone number is purchased from a cellular services provider by a reseller and maintained confidential from a user of the station, comprising:(a) providing the user of the station with an access number for dialing out from the station, which is different from the cellular telephone number, and permitting the user access to the access number for an outbound call from the station, where the access number forms a part of a message set for transmission to a cellular services facility for accessing an IN (intelligent network) platform if said user dials a destination number, wherein said message set includes area site information;(b) obtaining access to said IN platform for validation of the outbound call, wherein step (b) further comprises:(1) transmitting said access number to a switching facility having access to a carrier capable of transmitting said access number to said IN platform;(2) transmitting said access number to a switching facility of said carrier, said facility transmitting said access number to said IN platform for validation;(3) transmitting a signal to the station indicating a valid access number has been received;(c) rating the outbound call and allowing the user to transmit a request for and receive call credits as needed to complete the call; and(d) completing the outbound call between the user and a called party.