Patent ID: 7702331

Claim:
A method for initiating and rating calls across telecommunications networks said method comprising the steps of: i. receiving and handling a request at a call bridging server wherein said request is formed using at least one of Short Message Service (SMS), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), Internet browser, or a voice-based call; said request received from a first mobile station respective to a subscriber to initiate a voice call to a called number at a second mobile station; and ii. performing a requisite syntax and validity check to determine if said request is well formed; and iii. normalizing the called number; and iv. initiating a first call leg from said bridging server to said first mobile station; and v. initiating a second call leg from said bridging server to said second mobile station; and, vi. completing said voice call by said bridging server joining said first call leg with said second call leg.