IMPULSE PAY PER USE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DATA AND MULTIMEDIA SERVICES

摘要

A method and system are provided for impulse purchasing of services over a communication network, such as a cable or satellite television network. Such services can include games or information accompanying television programming, home-shopping, e-mail services, streaming media and the like. Security is provided through entitlements generated by the access controller (14) and entitlement tokens generated by a secure processor. The secure processor is located at a subscriber terminal (16) through which a subscriber orders and obtains the services. A token is generated when the subscriber either selects the service, if pre-authorized, or when the service is purchased on impulse. The token is secured and signed, and may be used by a policy/proxy server (18) subtending to the NO's ISP and associated services to further facilitate offering these services to the subscribers.