Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing variable rate prepaid telecommunication services utilizing a weighting function

摘要

Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing variable rate prepaid telecommunication services utilizing a weighting function are disclosed. The method includes intercepting a signaling message that includes an available credit value associated with a prepaid communications session. A credit adjustment factor based on at least one call parameter associated with the prepaid communications session is determined. The method also includes applying the credit adjustment factor to the available credit value to generate an adjusted available credit value. The signaling message is modified to include the adjusted available credit value.

主权项

1. A method for providing variable rate prepaid telecommunications services, the method comprising:
at a network routing element separate from a prepaid platform that maintains prepaid account balances for prepaid subscribers, wherein the network routing element is configured to receive, modify, and route signaling messages:
receiving a signaling message from the prepaid platform that includes an available credit value associated with a prepaid communications session initiated by a prepaid calling party subscriber to a premium service called party destination, wherein the signaling message is sent by the prepaid platform as a response message directed to a query message originator via the network routing element in reply to a query message sent by the query message originator to the prepaid platform via the network routing element, wherein the prepaid calling party subscriber has a static prepaid calling rate established at the prepaid platform that is applied to mobile originated prepaid communication sessions initiated by the prepaid calling party subscriber, and wherein the premium service called party destination is associated with a calling rate that differs from the static prepaid calling rate;determining a credit adjustment factor based on the premium service called party destination;applying the credit adjustment factor to the available credit value to generate an adjusted available credit value;modifying the signaling message received from the prepaid platform to include the adjusted available credit value; andtransmitting the modified signaling message including the adjusted available credit value to the query message originator.