Patent ID: 7499533

Claim:
A method for setting a subscriber-specified limit on the duration of a voice channel communication, the method comprising: receiving a communication from a subscriber on a first network element, said communication causing said first network element to send a request to a second network element; in response to said request, sending a message from said second network element to said first network element, causing said first network element to request entry of demarcation information, wherein said demarcation information comprises a demarcation interval; the demarcation information applying to communications for which a subscriber's directory number is an origination point or a termination point; receiving said demarcation information at said first network element; communicating said demarcation information to said second network element, causing said second network element to store said demarcation information; and initiating a billing of the subscriber for accepting and enforcing said demarcation information; wherein said subscriber provides said demarcation information; wherein said demarcation interval specifies at least one of a time interval or a monetary amount; the demarcation information implementing one or more of: associating each of a respective plurality of directory numbers of other subscribers with a corresponding demarcation interval, or identifying one or more directory numbers of other subscribers to which a corresponding demarcation interval does not apply, or associating each of a respective plurality of directory numbers of other subscribers with a corresponding default demarcation interval; and wherein said demarcation interval applies to all communication on the voice channel between a subscriber directory number and a directory number of the respective plurality of directory numbers of other subscribers, such that the subscriber directory number is either an origination point or a termination point for the communication on the voice channel.