Method and apparatus for controlled credit facility in telephone subset.

摘要

A method and apparatus for providing a controlled credit facility in a telephone subset. The subset is provided with a central processing unit (CPU) (3) and a keypad (4). The CPU is programmed by the proprietor of the subset with the keypad. After validation of a personal identification number, the proprietor can enter data representing a predetermined credit limit in a memory of the CPU. A client may then establish a connection via the PSTN using the subset. When the connection is established the CPU deducts stored charge unit data from the memory at predetermined periods until the credit limit is reached, whereupon the CPU disconnects the subset from the PSTN. The subset may be coupled to a facsimile machine and the controlled credit facility used by a client for facsimile transmissions. <IMAGE>