Method and apparatus for validating pre-pay and post-pay communication services using the same integrated database

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for validating pre-pay and post-pay calls using an integrated validation database. The integrated validation database receives a pre-pay query including a pre-pay account code. The integrated validation database retrieves a pre-pay validation parameter based on the pre-pay account code. The integrated validation database then transmits a pre-pay validation response including the pre-pay validation parameter. The integrated validation database receives a post-pay query including a post-pay account code. The integrated validation database retrieves a post-pay validation parameter based on the post-pay account code. The integrated validation database transmits a post-pay validation response including the post-pay validation parameter.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is a continuation of pending patent application Ser. No. 09 / 597,368; filed Jun. 19, 2000; entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VALIDATING PRE-PAY AND POST-PAY COMMUNICATION SERVICES USING THE SAME INTEGRATED DATABASE;” and which is hereby incorporated by reference into this patent application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to communication networks, and more particularly, to a system for providing pre-pay and post-pay calls using an integrated service platform connected for a portion of the calls. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] As is the case for most businesses, telecommunication service providers desire to increase their profits. Typically, profits are increased by offering new products and services, and by reducing costs associated with providing products and offering services. Communication service providers typically offer services on a very large scale, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] One advantage of the invention is the validation systems for pre-pay calls and post-pay calls are combined into a single integrated support system. The time and costs to modify pre-pay and post-pay support services can then be reduced.

is the validation systems for pre-pay calls and post-pay calls are combined into a single integrated support system. The time and costs to modify pre-pay and post-pay support services can then be reduced.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage with this solution is the pre-pay call is extended through the first switch 110, third switch 130, the service platform 160, and the second switch 120.

The disadvantage with this solution is the maintenance and cost problems of providing the post-pay call service.

Thus, a simple change in post-pay call service would have large costs to distribute the change to each switch that performs post-pay call service.

Current pre-pay and post-pay implementations do not provide enough flexibility for providing new services, such as providing customized greetings that are easily and dynamically changeable.

Currently, post-pay call greetings are played to a customer by a switching system and a voice response unit, which cause the greetings to be very expensive to change, and do not provide enough flexibility.

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