Patent ID: 8296234

Claim:
A method in a telecommunications network for enabling an application service provider initially obtaining telecommunication services from a first network operator to rapidly switch and obtain the telecommunication services from a second network operator, wherein the application service provider provides end-user services to end users and must pay the network operators for telecommunication services utilized to deliver the end-user services to the end users, wherein as a prerequisite for obtaining the telecommunication services from the second network operator, the application service provider must provide the second network operator with evidence of the application service provider's financial responsibility, the method comprising the steps of: providing from the application service provider to a liability provider, current information regarding the ability of the application service provider to pay for telecommunication services; receiving by a server at the second network operator, a request from the application service provider for the telecommunication services; sending from the second network operator server to a liability server at the liability provider, a request to verify the ability of the application service provider to pay for the requested telecommunication services following delivery of the services; and receiving by the second network operator server via the telecommunications network, a liability token data signal issued by the liability server, wherein the liability token data signal includes time-dependent validity data for the liability token data signal and a certification by the liability provider guaranteeing payment of a first monetary amount for which the application service provider is liable.