Importance

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Abstract

A pre-paid calling card system enables customers to access a telephone network and obtain long distance telephone service. The system includes four main functional components: a plurality of calling cards, a host computer, a plurality of on-site activation terminals and a call processor. Each of the calling cards preferably includes a body portion and a read-only memory stripe having stored therein a security number. The card is typically formed of cardboard or plastic and may include the security number in cleartext under a suitable blackout. The main management and processing of the system is effected by the host computer, which is connectable to the telephone network. The host includes a database for storing security numbers associated with authorized calling cards. The data terminals are remote from the host computer and connectable thereto for transmitting data between the terminals and the host computer. The call processor is controlled by the host computer for interfacing one or more customers to the telephone network using the authorized calling cards.

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First Claim