Patent ID: 8363802

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, the communication causing the first network element to send a request to a second network element; in response to the request, sending a message from the second network element to the first network element, causing the first network element to request entry of demarcation information, wherein the demarcation information comprises a demarcation interval, the demarcation information applying to communications for which a subscriber directory number is one of an origination point and a termination point; receiving the demarcation information at the first network element; communicating the demarcation information to the second network element, causing the second network element to store the demarcation information; and initiating a billing of the subscriber for accepting and enforcing the demarcation information; wherein the subscriber provides the demarcation information; wherein the demarcation interval specifies a time interval and a monetary amount; the demarcation information implementing associating each of a respective plurality of directory numbers of other subscribers with a corresponding demarcation interval, identifying directory numbers of other subscribers to which a corresponding demarcation interval does not apply, associating each of a respective plurality of directory numbers of other subscribers with a corresponding default demarcation interval; wherein the 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 one of an origination point and a termination point for the communication on the voice channel; wherein the first network element comprises a service switching point; and wherein the second network element comprises a service control point.