Importance

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Abstract

A multi-use service charging protocol is disclosed. A data structure (303, 308) which includes chargeable elements relating generally to the multi-site service, and chargeable elements relating to the provision of network resources for each site involved in the multi-site service is transferred between a customer terminal (44) and an online charging system (30) in the network. In this way a customer who provides a description of a multi-site service is able to instantaneously receive advice of the charge for the multi-site service, and the network operator is able to instantaneously charge the customer for the multi-site service. Furthermore, the customer is later able to analyse his communications costs broken down by multi-site service and/or by site.

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First Claim