SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LEAST COST CALL ROUTING AMONG MULTIPLE SERVICE PROVIDERS

摘要

A system and method for call routing among multiple service providers is disclosed. In one aspect, a call dialed by the user is directed to a call routing broker for determination of a cost effective or otherwise best call option for the user. If an option to place a call through a service provider that does not incur extra charge and does not accrue data or minutes against a plan quota, the call will be placed through that service provider. If only an option to place the call through a service provider that does not incur extra charge but does accrue data and/or minutes is identified, the call will be placed through that service provider. If only an option to place the call through a service provider that does incur extra charge, the call will be placed through a service provider selected based in part on the best rates.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
routing a call from a caller's communication device to a recipient with a broker application hosted on the communication device, the method comprising the following acts performed by the communication device: receiving a destination number for the call; identifying a plurality of communication services available to the communication device to call the destination number; obtaining cost factor information for the plurality of available communication services using an application interface of at least one communication service provider; determining cost of calling the destination number through each of the plurality of communication services based on the cost factor information; selecting a communication service from the plurality of communication services based at least in part on the determined cost; and placing the call to the destination number through the selected communication service.