906 results about "Internet service provider" patented technology

A network-based system and method for providing anonymous voice communications using the telephone network and data communications links under the direction of a Call Broker and associated network elements. A user (the call initiator) present in a text chat room session establishes a data connection to Call Broker and, after qualifying for access (e.g., using credit card information) and providing a callback number, receives voice session information and participant access codes for each desired participant in a voice call. The initiator causes session information and participant codes to be passed to one or more selected chat participants in the current text chat room. When a selected participant uses the received session information, and enters the received participant code and a callback number, the Call Broker in cooperation with a Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) completes voice links to the initiator and the selected participant(s). The need for each party to have a second subscriber line is advantageously avoided by having the Call Broker arrange to have one or more voice links completed through a VoIP link, and further reduces the need for second lines for participants by forwarding a Call Broker—placed call to a busy participant line to the participant's Internet Service Provider (ISP), which then sends a message to the participant announcing one or more options for receiving the incoming call, including receiving the incoming call through a VoIP link.

The present invention provides methods and devices for determining the location, identity and age of a user who desires to initiate a gaming session from an uncontrolled environment such as a home, a gaming kiosk or a hotel room. In some implementations, the user's location is determined in part by reference to a database of land telephone lines and corresponding addresses. The location may be verified by other methods, e.g., by determining the location of an Internet service provider's network device that is near a user's host device or via a cellular telephone network. The user may be asked to input a confirmation number and / or make an oral response during a telephone call to a telephone number associated with the uncontrolled environment. The user may also be prompted to make statements verifying his or her identity, age, a maximum amount available for wagering or other statements.