Technique for identifying status of users and status of subscribers' accounts in a communications system
First Claim
1. A method of operating a communications system, wherein at least some users of the system are subscribers having subscriptions to the system, the subscriptions having expiration dates, the method comprising:
- informing a subscriber of an expiration date by a contact preference method selected by the subscriber.
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Abstract
A communications system and method for handling a call to the system based on whether the caller is a subscriber. In one example, in an information assistance service communications system, if the user is a subscriber, the call may be directed to a first operator device for directory assistance, while if the caller is a non-subscriber, the call may be directed to a special operator device discuss billing and subscription options, for example. In another communications system and method, calls to the system by subscribers are handled based on the status of parameters of the calling subscriber'"'"'s account, such as usage limits and expiration date of the caller'"'"'s subscription, for example. In another communications system and method, expiration dates are monitored and notices about the expiration dates are sent to subscribers by a method chosen by the subscriber. Features of these systems and methods may be used together or separately.
39 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of operating a communications system, wherein at least some users of the system are subscribers having subscriptions to the system, the subscriptions having expiration dates, the method comprising:
informing a subscriber of an expiration date by a contact preference method selected by the subscriber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A communications system, wherein at least some users are subscribers having subscriptions to the system, the subscriptions having expiration dates, the system comprising:
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memory storing subscriber information, the information comprising an expiration date and a contact preference method selected by the subscriber; and
a processor programmed to inform a subscriber of an expiration date via the contact preference method stored in memory. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A communications system, wherein at least some users are subscribers having subscriptions to the system, the subscriptions having expiration dates, the system comprising:
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means for receiving signals to establish a communication with a user; and
means for informing a subscriber of an expiration date by a contact preference method selected by the subscriber.
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Specification