Patent ID: 7065339
Filing Date: 2006-06-20
Classification: G06Q,H04L,H04M,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for enabling prepaid service in a communications system which comprises one or more subscriber terminals, at least one subscriber database means storing subscriber information, and at least one control means for controlling a connection from a subscriber terminal to another network entity, wherein the communications system further comprises at least one server means storing prepaid accounts for subscribers, wherein the subscriber information stored in the subscriber database means for the subscribers include identification data of the server means storing the prepaid accounts, said method comprising the steps of: when a subscriber terminal is initiating the establishment of a connection to another network entity, or is attaching or updating its attachment to a network, sending a request to the subscriber database means; the subscriber database means in response to said request transmitting, to the control means, a name and/or address of the at least one server means storing the prepaid accounts; and when a subscriber terminal is initiating the establishment of a connection to another network entity, sending a request to the at least one server means storing the prepaid accounts; and the server means storing the prepaid accounts transmitting to the control means, in response to said request sent to the server means, a subscriber-prepaid account related value informing on an available charge threshold value for the connection to be established, wherein the control means is a Call State Control Function and the subscriber database means is a Home Subscriber Server.