Patent ID: 8090344
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method for use in a communications network, the method comprising: in response to expiration of a current charging time period having a corresponding current charging rate for a call of a prepaid communications device associated with a prepaid subscriber account, allocating a next charging time period for the call based on continued eligibility for the call of the prepaid subscriber account, the next charging time period being associated with a corresponding next charging rate based on updated location information for the prepaid communications device received in response to the expiration of the current charging time period; reporting chargeable time units; and billing the prepaid subscriber account for the call based on the current charging time period, the corresponding current charging rate, at least one next charging time period, and at least one corresponding next charging rate, the billing including calculating a total charge for the call based on the reported chargeable time units and corresponding charging rates.