Abstract:
A method for providing international calling services is disclosed. The method begins by preparing a mobile device for communication with a first network. In some cases, this would include registering the mobile device with the first network. The mobile device is then exported to a foreign service provider located in a foreign country. A user brings the mobile device back into the domestic nation (for example, the United States) after having purchased or leased the mobile device from the foreign service provider. The method can assist with various functions of the mobile device including: receiving call records related to the usage of the mobile device, and efficiently routing international and domestic calls.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to communications, and in particular the present invention relates to a method for providing international calling services.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     U.S. patent application No. 2003/0087639 to Barak is directed to a method and apparatus for making international cellular telephone calls. This method requires the use of dedicated switching equipment that introduces a number of problems. First, the dedicated switching equipment must be notified when the mobile device is brought into or taken out of the United States.  
         [0005]     The Barak application also fails to teach any relationship or transaction with a foreign service provider. Because of this, Barak requires the use of new Direct Inward Dial (DID) numbers that are required to be provided or assigned by the foreign service provider for call forwarding. Use of the customer&#39;s existing foreign mobile number is not taught by Barak.  
         [0006]     Barak also fails to teach access to mobile network operator systems. Because of this, the method of Barak would not allow the automated activation or suspension of service or porting of existing U.S. telephone numbers for additional services.  
         [0007]     U.S. patent application No. 2004/053618 is directed to a method for informing a calling party and a roaming party that the roaming party is currently roaming. The application also discloses a potential method of allowing a decision and communication as to whether the roaming party or calling party would pay the roaming charges.  
         [0008]     U.S. patent application No. 2004/142689 discloses a method of registering a roaming customer in a visiting network, and then carrying the call to/from the roaming customer by using a third network. However, the customer or mobile device in this application would still be roaming. The third network is disclosed as a private intranet backbone, as opposed to the public Internet. This application does not teach or suggest the elimination of “roaming” charges.  
         [0009]     U.S. patent application No. 2004/152058 discloses a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Application Service Provider (ASP) concept providing a platform for customers to use a single mobile device to manage the selection and use of multiple service providers for various services. The application discloses an example of using one service provider for mobile calling, another for voicemail, yet another for calls after a certain time. The customer would be able to select each provider for each service through the envisioned platform.  
         [0010]     U.S. patent application No. 2004/198362 discloses a concept of least cost routing for calls while roaming based on cost, using traditional roaming technology and agreements, and instituting a database for referencing costs of calls for determination of the least cost route, and then communicating the route instruction for call completion.  
         [0011]     U.S. patent application No. 2005/192035 discloses the concept of a new type of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card that supports two different network operators simultaneously. This new SIM card provides two local numbers for the customer so that the customer would not be considered “roaming” in either network or country. The technology has intelligence so that the current location network is recognized and “roaming” is not established, then the billing information is gathered by the local network operator. The application also discloses the use of this concept across technologies (GSM, CDMA, and TDMA).  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,094 discloses the introduction of a new prefix for routing international calls from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to foreign mobile subscribers, allowing for different treatment of such calls than the current method of sending the call to the home country. In the case that the subscriber is roaming abroad, the current method would require a two legged international call (first to the home country, then to the roaming location). This requires incurring/charging two international call legs. The prefix theoretically would allow look-up of the current location, and then only a one-legged call.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,070 discloses a system for minimizing international roaming costs. This patent discloses a solution that utilizes a PBX in both the home location or country and the visiting location or country. The caller would have to inform the system that he/she is roaming. Calls to the customer&#39;s “universal number” would then go through the home PBX over a transmission mechanism/network between the PBXs, and then via local call to the callers mobile device. This traveling mobile device is envisioned to be a different one than the home device. Calls from the traveling mobile device would be carried in the same fashion, via the PBX network.  
         [0014]     While the related art teaches various kinds of communications technologies, the related art fails to teach a method for providing cost effective international calling services. The related art also fails to teach or suggest the concept of using by-pass communications over low cost networks to avoid roaming charges. The related art also fails to teach or suggest a method for providing international calling and roaming services in a domestic nation to foreign service providers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     A method for providing international calling services is disclosed. In one aspect, the invention includes the steps of preparing a mobile device for communication with a first network; exporting the mobile device to a foreign service provider located in a foreign country; receiving call records related to the usage of the mobile device in the United States; and sending the call records to the foreign service provider.  
         [0016]     In another aspect, the first network is a wireless cellular network.  
         [0017]     In another aspect, the mobile device is a cellular telephone.  
         [0018]     In another aspect, the mobile device is a SIM card.  
         [0019]     In another aspect, the step of preparing the mobile device for communication with the first network comprises the step of registering the mobile device with the first network.  
         [0020]     In another aspect, the step of preparing the mobile device for communication with the first network comprises the step of obtaining a domestic telephone number associated with the first network.  
         [0021]     In another aspect, the invention provides a method for assisting with international calls comprising the steps of preparing a mobile device for communication with a first network; exporting the mobile device to a foreign service provider located in a foreign country; receiving information related to an outgoing international call made by the mobile device; and routing the call to a second network in communication with a foreign network.  
         [0022]     In another aspect, the foreign network is associated with the foreign service provider.  
         [0023]     In another aspect, the outgoing international call is routed to a second service provider via a telephone number.  
         [0024]     In another aspect, the telephone number is a toll free number.  
         [0025]     In another aspect, the telephone number is a direct inward dial number.  
         [0026]     In another aspect, the telephone number is a local telephone number.  
         [0027]     In another aspect, the second network is a packet switched network.  
         [0028]     In another aspect, the packet switched network is the Internet.  
         [0029]     In another aspect, the international call is routed to the foreign network using voice over Internet protocol.  
         [0030]     In another aspect, the invention provides a method for assisting with international calls comprising the steps of preparing a mobile device for communication with a first network; exporting the mobile device to a foreign service provider located in a foreign country; receiving information related to an incoming international call made to the mobile device; and routing the call to the first network for delivery to the mobile device.  
         [0031]     In another aspect, the information related to the incoming international call is received from the foreign service provider and includes identifying information associated with the mobile device.  
         [0032]     In another aspect, the information related to the incoming international call is received over a network using voice over internet protocol.  
         [0033]     In another aspect, the first network is a wireless cellular network operated by a second service provider.  
         [0034]     In another aspect, the call records are received from the second service provider.  
         [0035]     In another aspect, the call records are sent to the foreign service provider.  
         [0036]     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0037]     The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.  
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for providing international calling services;  
         [0039]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a mobile device;  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of various foreign and domestic network resources;  
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for assisting a mobile device;  
         [0042]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for assisting a mobile device receive incoming international calls; and  
         [0043]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for assisting a mobile device in making outgoing international calls. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     Principles and teachings of the present invention can be applied to many different contexts and situations. The following description provides one operating or deployment example where the United States serves as the domestic or local nation, and another country serves as the foreign nation. However, it should be kept in mind that principles of the invention can be applied situations where any nation is considered the domestic or local nation and any other nation is considered the foreign nation. The following exemplary disclosure was selected for clarity.  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 ,  FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method  100  for providing international calling services, and  FIGS. 2 and 3  are schematic diagrams of various exemplary network elements.  FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of mobile device  200 . The term “mobile device” used in this specification and claims means any device that can facilitate communication with any network. Two different kinds of mobile devices can be observed in  FIG. 2 . Mobile device  200  can come in the form of mobile equipment  202  or a data device  204 . In some embodiments, mobile equipment  202  can be a wireless cellular telephone or wireless handset. However, in other embodiments, mobile equipment  202  can be a handheld computer, like a Personal Data Assistant, a portable computer, like a notebook computer, or any other device that can communicate with a wireless network either through voice or data. Data device  204  can be any device that facilitates or assists another device in communicating with a wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, data device  204  is a Subscriber Identifying Module (SIM) card.  
         [0046]     Other network elements can be observed in  FIG. 3 . First network  304  can provide communications services to domestic nation  302 . In this example, domestic nation  302  is the United States. In a preferred embodiment, first network  304  is a wireless network. First service provider  306  manages and operates first wireless network  304 . First service provider  306  can be referred to as a wireless network operator. Currently, in the United States, Verizon, Cingular, and Sprint are examples of wireless network operators.  
         [0047]     In addition to first service provider  306 , a second service provider  308  can also interact with first wireless network  304 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , second service provider  308  has an agreement with first service provider  306  to access first network  304  and provide services on first network  304 . Second service provider  308  can be referred to as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).  
         [0048]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , second service provider  308  can communicate with foreign service provider  316  located in foreign country  304 . In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 3 , foreign service provider  316  operates or interacts with foreign network  312 . Foreign network  312  can provide communications service to one or more foreign telephones  314 . Preferably, a second network  310  is used to conduct those international communications.  
         [0049]     Given this exemplary operating context and referring to  FIGS. 1-3 ,  FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method  100  for providing international calling services. Preferably, method  100  begins with step  102  where second service provider  308  obtains access for mobile device  200  to communicate with first network  304 . In step  102 , second service provider  308  can configure either mobile equipment  202  or data device  204  to communicate with or operate in first network  304 .  
         [0050]     Preferably, first network  304  is a wireless network and mobile device  200  communicates wirelessly with first network  304 . Returning to  FIG. 1 , the next step  104  of method  100  is to export mobile device  200  to foreign service provider  316 . As disclosed above, foreign service provider  316  is located in a foreign country  304 . Foreign service provider  316  then provides mobile device  200  to users who are planning to travel to domestic nation  302 . After the user obtains mobile device  200  from foreign service provider  316 , The user then travels to domestic nation  302  with mobile device  200 . Preferably, as shown in step  106 , second service provider  308  assists mobile device  200  in many ways after mobile device  200  has returned to the United States.  
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a preferred embodiment of a flow diagram of step  106 , where second service provider  308  assists mobile device  200 . In other words,  FIG. 4  is an enlargement of step  106  showing the various processes and methods that can occur in step  106  of  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , second service provider  308  can assist mobile device  200  in many different ways. In step  402 , second service provider  308  can assist mobile device  200  in receiving calls made to a home mobile number.  
         [0052]     In step  404 , second service provider  308  can assist mobile device  200  in receiving domestic calls made in domestic nation  302 . In step  406 , second service provider  308  can assist mobile device  200  in making local or domestic telephone calls. In step  408 , second service provider  308  can assist mobile device  200  in making international calls. And in step  410 , second service provider  308  can assist mobile device  200  in checking voicemail. After those functions have been carried out, second service provider  308  can capture and process call records in step  412 . All of the steps above are optional and need not be used in every embodiment. In some embodiments, one or more steps are used to assist mobile device  200 , in other embodiments, all of the steps shown in  FIG. 4  are used to assist mobile device  200 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for assisting mobile device  200  to receive internationally originated calls. Method  402  preferably begins with step  502  where foreign service provider  316  provides a foreign telephone number. This foreign telephone number can be a local telephone call within foreign country  304 . In other words, if foreign telephone  314  were to dial the foreign telephone number in foreign country  304 , the call would be a local call and, in some cases, no tolls or long-distance charges would be assessed.  
         [0054]     In step  504 , a call-forwarding process is established. In some embodiments, foreign service provider  316  establishes a call-forwarding feature so that calls made to the foreign telephone number are forwarded to mobile device  200 .  
         [0055]     In step  506 , calls made to the foreign telephone number are routed by foreign service provider  316  to second service provider  308 . Preferably, second network  310  is used to forward the call from foreign service provider  316  to second service provider  308 . Second network  310  can be any type of network. In some embodiments, second network  310  is a traditional voice network, for example, PSTN or TDM. If second network  310  is a traditional voice network, the calls can be routed or switched in a conventional manner.  
         [0056]     In other embodiments, second network  310  can be an international public network. In some cases, this international network can be a low-cost network and in some embodiments, second network  310  can be the internet. In embodiments where second network  310  is the internet, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) can be used to send voice calls from foreign service provider  316  to second service provider  308  located in domestic nation  302 .  
         [0057]     Unlike related art systems that use dedicated switching equipment, the present method is preferably different. Preferably, general call forwarding occurs to the US mobile number through their existing foreign mobile service. In some cases, second service provider  308  does not participate in providing the call forwarding service. However, in embodiments where second service provider  308  does participate in forwarding calls, it would typically be routed (via a router) by foreign service provider  316  via the public internet (using VoIP) to second service provider  308  for termination via PSTN or VoIP and not usually directly to first service provider  306 .  
         [0058]     After second service provider  308  has received the incoming international call from foreign service provider  316 , second service provider preferably routes the call to first network  304  as shown in step  508 . First network receives the call from second service provider  308  and completes the call to mobile device  200 .  
         [0059]     In an alternative embodiment, foreign service provider  316  can route incoming calls for mobile device  200  directly to first network  304  by-passing second service provider  308 . In this embodiment, second service provider  308  may provide instructions to foreign service provider  316 , including the domestic telephone number of mobile device  200  in domestic nation  302  and SIM information. Foreign service provider  316  can then use this information to forward calls directly to first network  304 . In this embodiment, second service provider  308  can still collect information related to usage even though it does not participate in forwarding the call to mobile device  200 .  
         [0060]     By using the method shown in  FIG. 5 , expensive international roaming and international long-distance fees or tolls can be avoided. If foreign telephone  314  were to call the telephone number assigned by foreign service provider  316  in foreign country  304 , the call would be a domestic call that could be either a toll free local call or a domestic long distance call with domestic long distance charges being applied. However, the call would not be an international call with international long distance charges being applied. Using the method shown in  FIG. 4 , international long distance charges and international roaming charges can be avoided.  
         [0061]     Returning to  FIG. 4 , in step  404 , second service provider  308  can provide a domestic telephone number associated with mobile device  200 . In cases where the calling party is located in the domestic nation  302  and makes a call to the domestic telephone number associated with mobile device  200 , those domestic calls are preferably managed by first network  304 . In some cases those calls are managed exclusively by first network  304  without the participation of second service provider  308  or second network  310 .  
         [0062]     Similarly, in step  406 , if mobile device  200  is located in domestic nation  302  and wishes to call a called party located in domestic nation  302 , those domestic calls can be managed by first network  304 . In some embodiments, those domestic calls are managed exclusively by first network  304  and second service provider  308  does not participate in the completion of those calls.  
         [0063]     In step  408 , second service provider  308  can assist mobile device  200  in making outgoing international calls. A preferred embodiment of a method for assisting mobile device  408  in making international calls is shown in  FIG. 6 . In step  602 , the mobile device  200  is preferably programmed for international calls. Preferably mobile device  200  includes information that directs or forwards all international calls to second service provider  308 .  
         [0064]     This can be done in many ways. In a preferred embodiment, all international calls or all calls with an international dialing prefix are routed to a telephone number associated with second service provider  308 . In a preferred embodiment, this telephone number associated with second service provider  308  is a toll-free number, for example, a 1-800 or a 1-888. In other embodiments, it is also possible to route the calls to second service provider  308  using a Direct Inward Dial (DID) number or a local telephone number.  
         [0065]     In step  604 , mobile device  200  determines if an international or domestic telephone call is being made. If a domestic phone call is being made, in the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the called party is located within the United States  302 , then method  408  goes to step  608  where the process returns to step  406  of  FIG. 4 . As disclosed above, step  406  is the procedure for making domestic telephone calls.  
         [0066]     Returning to step  604 , in cases where it has been detected that an international call is made, method  408  goes to step  612  where the call is forwarded to second service provider  308 . In step  614 , second service provider  308  routes the call to foreign service provider  316 . Preferably, a second network  310  is used to send the call for foreign service provider  316 .  
         [0067]     As disclosed above, second network  310  can be any type of network. In some embodiments, second network  310  is a traditional voice network, for example, PSTN or TDM. If second network  310  is a traditional voice network, the calls can be routed or switched in a conventional manner.  
         [0068]     In other embodiments, second network  310  can be an international public network. In some cases, this international network can be a low-cost network and in some embodiments, second network  310  can be the internet. In embodiments where second network  310  is the internet, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) can be used to send voice calls to foreign service provider  316 .  
         [0069]     Unlike related art systems that require the use of a dedicated switching platform for carrying the international calls, a software application is preferably used to route the call to foreign service provider  316 . Preferably, a software application is used to authenticate and authorize mobile device  200  prior to completing or routing the international call. After authentication and authorization have been successful, the call is then routed either via a VoIP gateway or a switching platform; such switching platform would not be “dedicated” to this service or application.  
         [0070]     In step  616 , foreign service provider  316  receives the incoming call from second network  310  and completes the call to foreign telephone  314 . Using the method shown in  FIG. 6 , mobile device  200  is able to make international calls while avoiding expensive international roaming and international long-distance rates.  
         [0071]     Second service provider  308  can also assist mobile device  200  in checking voicemail in step  410 . In some embodiments, the traveler&#39;s home voicemail can be checked. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the traveler&#39;s home voicemail would be associated with, and likely hosted by, foreign service provider  316 .  
         [0072]     To assist in checking home voicemail, mobile device  200  can include provisions to rapidly access home voicemail. In some embodiments, a voicemail button on mobile device  200  is programmed to access home voicemail, in other embodiments, a contact telephone number on a directory in mobile device  200  is programmed to access home voicemail.  
         [0073]     In any case, the user provides instructions to mobile device  200  to access home voicemail. Mobile device  200  then contacts second service provider  308 . This can be done in a manner similar to the international outgoing call routine described above, where a predetermined telephone number, like a 1-800 number is programmed into mobile device  200 . Once second service provider  308  receives a request for home voicemail access, second service provider  308  contacts foreign service provider  316 . Preferably, second network  310  is used to conduct these communications between second service provider  308  and foreign service provider  316 .  
         [0074]     Preferably, by using second network  310 , second service provider  308  can help mobile device  200  communicate directly with foreign service provider  316 , which can allow mobile device  200  to access and interact with its associated voicemail account. Using this method, a traveling user who is currently in another country, can access his or her home voicemail account located in their home country with incurring expensive international roaming or international long distance charges.  
         [0075]     An optional step that can be used in conjunction with any of the steps  402 - 410  is a step of capturing and processing call records in step  412 . In this step, second service provider  308  receives information related to the usage of mobile device  200 . In one embodiment, second service provider  308  receives this information from resources, such as switches or servers, that it maintains or are otherwise within its custody and control. In another embodiment, second service  308  receives detailed call records from first service provider  306 . In any case, second service provider  308  can then send this information to foreign service provider  312 , who can then prepare a bill for the customer.  
         [0076]     Using principles of the present invention, a foreign service provider can be provided with the turnkey ability to offer alternative international mobile roaming solutions to their existing subscribers who travel abroad to the United States. Foreign service providers would have the ability to give their existing customers an economical mobile service for making and receiving calls, as well as checking voice mail, while traveling outside of their home country and to another country, for example, the United States. This provides an alternative to international roaming. The foreign service provider can not only offer this to their customers as an add-on service to increase customer loyalty and retention, but also as a means to increase usage, revenue and profits.  
         [0077]     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.