Patent ID: 6137872
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method for providing combined pre-paid and calling card telecommunications service, comprising the steps of:receiving within a telecommunications network a call initiated by a subscriber seeking combined pre-paid and calling card service;verifying the subscriber's eligibility, and if the subscriber is eligible, then,providing the subscriber with service while decrementing a cost for such service from a pre-paid balance associated with the subscriber; whiledetermining if the subscriber's pre-paid balance is depleted below a prescribed value, and if so,determining whether a subscriber is to be accorded manual or automatic overflow treatment for billing for continuing service once the subscriber's pre-paid balance falls below the prescribed value in accordance with a subscriber-entered overflow billing treatment designation received in advance of the call, such designation including a subscriber-selected account against which such charges are billed, but in the absence of any such billing overflow designation, in accordance with a default overflow treatment; andeffecting continuing service and billing for such continuing service when effected in accordance with the overflow treatment accorded the subscriber.