Methods and Apparatus for Allocating Service Costs in a Telecommunications Network

摘要

A node for use in a telecommunication network. The apparatus comprises a service session handler for establishing and controlling service sessions on behalf of end users served by the telecommunications network, and a charging generation point for generating charging data for established sessions involving served users as originating users and for reporting that charging data to a network charging system. The apparatus further comprises a signalling message handler for receiving, in respect of a given service session between an originating and a terminating user, a signalling message sent by or on behalf of the terminating user, the signalling message containing cost apportionment data apportioning costs between the originating and terminating users, the signalling message handler being configured to pass that cost apportionment data to the charging generation point. The charging generation point is further configured to apply the cost apportionment data to the generation of charging data so that the charging data reflects the required cost apportionment.

主权项

1. A node for use in a telecommunication network and comprising:
a service session handler for establishing and controlling service sessions on behalf of end users served by the telecommunications network; a charging generation point for generating charging data for established sessions involving served users as originating users and for reporting the charging data to a network charging system; and a signalling message handler for receiving, in respect of a given service session between an originating and a terminating user, a signalling message sent by or on behalf of the terminating user, the signalling message containing cost apportionment data apportioning costs between the originating and terminating users, the signalling message handler being configured to pass the cost apportionment data to the charging generation point, the charging generation point being further configured to apply the cost apportionment data to the generation of charging data so that the charging data reflects a required cost apportionment.