Patent ID: 6480588
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: H04L,H04M

Abstract:
A method of performing prepaid telephony service via an IP network system including at least an originating IP telephony switch connected to a destination IP telephony switch via an IP network, an originating PSTN telephone switch, and a destination PSTN telephone switch, said method comprising the steps of:providing a signaling station between the originating PSTN telephone switch and the originating IP telephony switch; forwarding a telephone number entered by a subscriber and received by the originating PSTN telephone switch to the signaling station; determining if the telephone number matches a prepaid access telephone number stored within a database; transmitting prepaid access instructions from the signaling station to the subscriber if the telephone number matches the prepaid access telephone number to inform the subscriber to continue placing a prepaid call by dialing at least a destination telephone number and account information; determining if the account information is accurate and a corresponding account balance is greater than a predetermined amount; forwarding the destination telephone number to the originating IP telephony switch via the originating PSTN telephone switch and the signaling station if the account information is accurate and the corresponding account balance is greater than the predetermined amount; and setting up the prepaid call to the destination telephone number.