Importance

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Abstract

A method of billing a telephone call between a caller and a value-added service. A request is received from a caller for a telephone call between the caller and the value-added service. Information associated with a credit account is requested before the caller is connected to the value-added service. The information associated with the credit account, such as credit card information, debit card information or checking account information, is received in real time. Credit account information, which includes the received information associated with the credit account and a predetermined amount that is to be charged to the credit account, is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely. Alternatively, the credit account information includes the received information associated with the credit account and a predetermined amount that is to be set aside in the credit account for the telephone call. Payment authorization information associated with the credit account is received from the remote site before the caller is connected to the value-added service. The caller is connected to the value-added service when the payment authorization information is affirmative. A total charge for the telephone call that is based on an actual time that the caller is connected to the value-added service is calculated when the telephone call is terminated. Lastly, call charge information associated with the telephone call is transmitted to the remote site when the telephone call is terminated, the call charge information including information for charging the credit account an amount representing a charge for the telephone call.

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First Claim