Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing monetary value data representative of a prepaid e.g. deposited in a centralized storage device, amount of monetary value available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured. The cost of the telecommunication connection is computed using the measured time duration and applicable prepaid rate data. The stored monetary value data is processed to indicate a decrement in the available prepaid monetary value, which decrement is essentially equal to the computed cost of the telecommunication connection. Telecommunication cost computing apparatus are provided for carrying out the method of the present invention using various telecommunication devices including privately sponsored prepay-type and cellular phones. Advantageously, the present invention allows groups of registered subscribers to prepay a bulk amount of monetary funds for telecommunication connections initiated by the members of the registered group, and thereby acquire preferred calling rates.

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First Claim