Patent ID: 6259777
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method implemented by a communications carrier for a) processing multiple transactions, and b) billing for the transactions within a single 900-number call, said method comprising the steps of:completing via said carrier's communications system a 900-number call initiated by a caller and directed to a sponsor to carry out a first transaction and creating a billing record for said call, said billing record including a first field representative of a first rate at which said call is being charged;receiving successively at said communications system a first code and a second code from said sponsor for a second transaction and a third transaction, respectively, said first code being indicative of a first wish of said sponsor to change said first rate to a second rate and said second code being indicative of a second wish of said sponsor to change said second rate to a third rate;creating successively a first sub-record and a second sub-record for said call, said first sub-record including a second field representative of said second rate at which said call is being charged after said first code has been received and said second sub-record including a third field representative of said third rate at which said call is being charged after said second code has been received; andcreating a bill for said call, said bill including a line item for each one of said first, second and third rates and respective amounts of time for which each one of said first second and third rates apply for the call.