Importance

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Abstract

A card and associated system and method provides disposable but secure telephone debit cards. Identifying indicia are disposed on the telephone debit card surface, and temporarily covered so that it cannot be visually or photographically detected. After purchase of a debit card from a distribution terminal or device, a user is able to remove the temporary covering and access a telephone service system by first accessing a central system server and communicating to such central system server the now revealed identifying indicia on the purchase card. The central system server monitors the duration of a user's telephone usage, and charges an appropriate associated toll against the debit card's predetermined debit limit. Separate toll rates may be applied for different forms of calls, eg., interstate long distance, intrastate long distance, local, or even collect or conference calling, or modem service. Use of a central system server can open the system to providing additional options or user services, such as gaming procedures involving gaming indicia optionally disposed on the debit card surface and, if desired, access to a central gaming system. Additionally, provisions may be made for a user to access an electronic voice mail system through the central system server.

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First Claim