Patent ID: 7272379

Claim:
A method of providing information for use in determining duration of packet data communication through a packet network for a wireless communication device, for use in billing for service to the wireless communication device, comprising: during a first packet data communication session through the packet network for the wireless communication device, detecting inactivity with regard to packet data communication via the first session; in response to the detection of inactivity, (1) noting the time of inactivity detection as a last activity time, and (2) starting an inactivity timer having a predetermined time-out period such that the timer will time out if the predetermined period expires before detection of further activity with regard to packet data communication via the first session; subsequently, receiving a request from the wireless communication device for establishment of a second packet data communication session through the packet network; and if the request for establishment of the second session is received before the predetermined period of inactivity expires, (a) providing a billing adjustment flag signifying a need to adjust duration computation for the first session, and (b) providing the noted last activity time for use in the adjustment of the duration computation.