Patent ID: 8005218
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: G06Q,H04L,H04M,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for providing access to a network, wherein a plurality of access points operated by a network provider are coupled to the network, the method comprising: the network provider acquiring pricing and service options information from a roaming partner, wherein the pricing and service option information comprises a first plurality of pricing and service options for access to the network; receiving a second plurality of the pricing and service options from the network provider at an access point of the plurality of access points for display on a portable computing device of a user, wherein the second plurality of pricing and service options comprises at least one option of the first plurality of pricing and service options from the roaming partner and at least a second option of pricing and service options from the network provider, wherein a user account of the roaming partner is associated with the user, wherein the roaming partner having a relationship with the user account such that the roaming partner is operable to signal the network provider to permit or deny access to the network; providing for the display of the second plurality of pricing and service options and an indication of the roaming partner on a portable computing device of the user over an access point of the plurality of access points operated by the network provider; receiving, from the portable computing device, a HTTP GET request comprising a user selection of one of the second plurality of pricing and service options and an indication of the roaming partner; sending the user-selected pricing and service option to the roaming partner, in response to the HTTP GET request; receiving an authentication response from the roaming partner; if the authentication response from the roaming partner indicates that the user account is authenticated by the roaming partner, the network provider permitting access of the portable computing device to the network based on the pricing and service options information; and if the authentication response indicates that the user account is not authenticated by the roaming partner, the network provider denying access of the portable computing device to the network.