REAL TIME CHARGING OF SHORT MESSAGES ORIGINATED ROAMING PREPAID SUBSCRIBERS

摘要

A real time charging gateway (RTCG) is disclosed allowing for real time charging of Mobile Originated Short Messages received from devices of prepaid subscribers while roaming. A Home Location Register HLR of the operator and an Interworking Gateway (IWG) of the operator are configured to redirect MO SM sent by roaming cellular communication devices of both prepaid and postpaid subscribers hosted by a foreign network to the RTCG. The RTCG may be configured to retrieve from the operator's database the type o subscription of the sending device. In case the device is of a postpaid subscription the RTCG operates as a relay between an SMSC and the foreign network through which the MO 8M has been originated and in case the device is of a prepaid subscription, the RTCG communicates with a PrePaid System (PPS) and forwards the MO SM to the SMSC only in case there are sufficient funds.