Patent ID: 6504918
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method for operating a telecommunications network to implement at least one service, the at least one service including at least one of a forward tariffing service and a backward tariffing service, the telecommunications network including a connected first terminal and a first switching system and a connected second terminal and a second switching system, the first terminal and the first switching system being associated with a calling party, the second terminal and the second switching system being associated with a called party, the method comprising:exchanging communications between the calling party and the called party via a communications channel; sending, for the forward or the backward tariffing service, from the first terminal and from the second terminal via respective first and second signaling channels to the telecommunications network, corresponding signals for the forward or the backward tariffing service, the corresponding signals indicating that the forward or the backward tariffing service is to be used; sending, for the forward or the backward tariffing service, from the first terminal and second terminal to a circuit arrangement of the telecommunications network, via respective information paths associated with the first and second terminals, respective corresponding data including at least one of an amount, a method of invoicing, and an indication of whether forward or backward tariffing is to be performed; sending, for the forward or the backward tariffing service, from the first terminal and second terminals to the circuit arrangement, via the respective information paths, respective corresponding consents of the calling party and of the called party to backward tariffing and to storing the respective corresponding data in the circuit arrangement; automatically checking, using the circuit arrangement, at least the sent respective corresponding data and, if necessary, initiating query operations in a processor-controlled manner; if the sent respective corresponding data from the first and second terminals are complete and in agreement, the telecommunications network triggers a financial transaction to be effected either: through backward tariffing, an amount being collected from the calling party by a provider of the at least one service and then transferred to the called party, or invoicing data of the calling party being transmitted to the called party; or through forward tariffing, the amount being collected from the called party by the provider of the at least one service and the then transferred to the calling party, or the invoicing data of the called party being transmitted to the calling party; and initiating a termination of an operation of the at least one service.