Portable device service payments by multiple means
First Claim
1. In a communication system providing a communications link between a calling electronic device and a called electronic device via at least one network, the calling electronic device having access to alternative payment provider data, a method for selecting a payment provider to pay for communication services, the method comprising:
- (a) the calling electronic device communicating the alternative payment provider data to the network via a communications link; and
(b) based on the alternative payment provider data, the network contacting a plurality of alternative payment providers in order to find one that will accept responsibility for paying for the communication services.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Method and apparatus for use in a variety of communications systems providing one or more payment alternatives for communication services and automatically selecting of a group of alternative payment techniques while significantly reducing the amount of interactive activity required from the user. Upon entry of a request to establish communications between calling and called electronic devices, the system initially looks towards a primary service provider. Absent acceptance of the request for service by the primary service provider, for whatever reason, the system automatically reverts to an alternative service provider and/or payment provider by searching data provided by the user and coupled to the electronic device for which a communication link is requested, eliminating the need for any further input by the user in the form of redialing the call, providing data through insertion of a debit or credit card, for example, identifying the alternative payment provider. The data identifying alternative service/payment providers may be contained in a card or chip removably insertable into the electronic device or in a storage device incorporated therein. Capability may be provided for choosing the most economic service/payment provider to be selected for honoring the request for service.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. In a communication system providing a communications link between a calling electronic device and a called electronic device via at least one network, the calling electronic device having access to alternative payment provider data, a method for selecting a payment provider to pay for communication services, the method comprising:
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(a) the calling electronic device communicating the alternative payment provider data to the network via a communications link; and
(b) based on the alternative payment provider data, the network contacting a plurality of alternative payment providers in order to find one that will accept responsibility for paying for the communication services. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A communication system for selecting a payment provider to pay for communication services, the system comprising:
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at least one network; and
a calling electronic device having access to alternative payment provider data, wherein;
said calling electronic device communicates alternative payment provider data to said network via a communications link; and
based on the alternative payment provider data, said network contacts a plurality of alternative payment providers to find one that will accept responsibility for paying for the communication services. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification