Importance

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Abstract

Method for controlling usage of phone debit cards and an associated telephony system which incorporates the same. A switch receives requests to complete telephone calls to destination terminals and to assess fees associated with the requested telephone calls to a phone debit card account. Upon receipt of such a request, the switch asks an SCP to verify that the account is valid and has sufficient credit to complete the requested call. Upon being advised of the same, the switch completes the call. The switch then requests that the SCP deduct the cost of a first minute of the call from the account. When the switch has been advised that the cost of the first minute has been deducted from the account, the switch sets a timer. If the call is continuing when the minute expires, the switch will request that the SCP deduct the cost of the next minute from the account. The process then repeats until either the call has been released by either the originating or destination terminal or the entire value of the phone debit card has been consumed and the switch has released the call.

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First Claim