System and method for determining optimal wireless communication service plans

• US 6,574,465 B2
• Filed: 01/11/2001
• Issued: 06/03/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tangoe US, Inc. (Asentinel Holdings LP)
• Original Assignee: TRAQ-WIRELESS, INC. (Asentinel Holdings LP)
• Inventors: Marsh, William, Langworthy, David, Gonzales, Juan
• Primary Examiner(s): Urban, Edward F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Craver, Charles R
• Application Number:
  US09/758,818
• Publication Number:
  US 20010016831A1
• Time in Patent Office: 873 Days
• Field of Search: 455/405-408, 705/52-54, 379/114-1-1, 379/114.1, 379/114.12, 379/114.21, 379/114.22, 379/114.23, 379/114.27, 379/115.01, 379/115.02
• US Class Current: 455/406
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/41 Billing record details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure of call data record [CDR]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/42 Dynamic individual rates per user
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/43 Billing software details
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/44 Augmented, consolidated or itemized billing statement or bill presentation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/745 Customizing according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. friends or family
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/80 Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8083 involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions or volume discounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0104 Augmented, consolidated or itemised billing statement, e.g. additional billing information, bill presentation, layout, format, e-mail, fax, printout, itemised bill per service or per account, cumulative billing, consolidated billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0108 Customization according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. customer preferences, friends and family, selecting services or billing options, Personal Communication Systems [PCS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0152 General billing plans, rate plans, e.g. charge rates, numbering plans, rate centers, customer accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0164 Billing record, e.g. Call Data Record [CDR], Toll Ticket[TT], Automatic Message Accounting [AMA], Call Line Identifier [CLI], details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0184 involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions, volume discounts, cell discounts, group billing, frequent calling destination(s) or user history list
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 Accounting or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 Selecting a network or a communication service

Abstract

In general, a system and method for analyzing wireless communication data for determining an optimal wireless communication service plan is disclosed. A transceiver is configured to receive billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunications service under a current rate plan. A storage unit stores the billing information. A processor processes the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber. The processor then creates a usage history table and a call detail table within the storage unit from the processed billing information. The processed data is then analyzed by the processor in relation to at least one rate plans of at least one telecommunication service provider. The processor then determines at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and the call detail table. A report of at least one proposed rate plan is then produced and provided to the subscriber, which enables selection of a best telecommunication service provider.

Claims

1. A method, comprising the steps of:

receiving billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunication service under a current rate plan;

processing the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber;

creating a usage history table and a call detail table from the processed billing information;

analyzing the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider;

determining at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table; and

producing a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the usage history table and the call detail table exist within a storage unit located remote from a computer that performs the method.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the usage history table and the call detail table exist within a storage unit located within a computer that performs the method.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

creating a staging table which stores a minimum set of data and allows for the extraction of a minimum set of billing information used to create the call detail table.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of recommending the at least one proposed rate plan to the subscriber.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of recommending at least one proposed rate plan further comprises recommending at least one plan in the form of a rate plan evaluation record.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of recommending at least one proposed rate plan further comprises the step of recommending at least one plan in the form of at least one linked service plan instance record.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider comprises at least one service plan package and at least one coverage area.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of proposed rate plans is predefined.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining at least one proposed rate plan comprises the step of affecting the rate plan by specifying a desired zip code that the proposed rate plan should service.

11. A system, comprising:

means for receiving billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunication service under a current rate plan;

means for processing the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber, the means for processing being communicatively coupled to the means for receiving;

means for creating a usage history table and a call detail table from processed billing information, the means for creating being communicatively coupled to the means for processing and the means for receiving;

means for analyzing the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider, the means for analyzing being communicatively coupled to the means for creating, the means for processing and the means for receiving;

means for determining at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table, the means for determining being communicatively coupled to the means for analyzing, the means for creating, the means for processing and the means for receiving; and

means for producing a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan, wherein the means for producing is communicatively coupled to the means for determining, the means for analyzing, the means for creating, the means for processing and the means for receiving.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising means for creating a staging table which stores a minimum set of data and allows for the extraction of a minimum set of billing information used to create the call detail table.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising means for recommending the at least one proposed rate plan to the subscriber.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said means for recommending recommends at least one plan in the form of a rate plan evaluation record.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider comprises at least one service plan package and at least one coverage area.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the number of proposed rate plans is predefined.

17. A system, comprising:

at least one transceiver configured to receive billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunication service under a current rate plan;

a storage unit configured to store the billing information, wherein the storage unit is communicatively coupled to the transceiver;

a memory comprising software, wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the storage unit; and

a processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver, storage unit, and memory, configured by the software to;

process the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber;

create a usage history table and a call detail table within the storage unit from the processed billing information;

analyze the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider;

determine at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table; and

produce a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan,

wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit the report.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the report is transmitted to the subscriber.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein a location of the report is transmitted to the subscriber.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the location of the report is on a computer connected to the Internet and accessible via the Internet.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein the processor also creates a staging table within the storage unit, which stores a minimum set of data and allows for the extraction of a minimum set of billing information used to create the call detail table.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the transceiver is used to recommend the at least one proposed rate plan to the subscriber.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein the transceiver recommends at least one rate plan in the form of a rate plan evaluation record.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider comprises at least one service plan package and at least one coverage area.

25. The system of claim 17, wherein the number of proposed rate plans is predefined.

26. A computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer readable medium comprising:

logic configured to process subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber, where the subscriber is under a current rate plan;

logic configured to create a usage history table and a call detail table from processed billing information;

logic configured to analyze the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider;

logic configured to determine at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table; and

logic configured to produce a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan.

27. A system, comprising:

a storage unit configured to store billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunication service under a current rate plan;

a memory comprising software, wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the storage unit; and

a processor, communicatively coupled to the storage unit, and memory, configured by the software to;

process the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber;

create a usage history table and a call detail table from the processed billing information;

analyze the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider;

determine at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table; and

produce a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan.

28. A method, comprising the steps of:

receiving billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunication service under a current rate plan;

processing the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber;

creating a usage history table and a call detail table from the processed billing information, wherein the usage history table comprises;

an expected quantity of wireless telecommunication service usage during a selected billing period;

an expected distribution of usage according to time of day and day of week;

an expected distribution of usage by local and toll calling; and

an expected distribution of calls according to where the calls are made and received;

analyzing the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider;

determining at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table; and

producing a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the usage history table and the call detail table exist within a storage unit located remote from a computer that performs the method.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the usage history table and the call detail table exist within a storage unit located within a computer that performs the method.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of:

creating a staging table which stores a minimum set of data and allows for the extraction of a minimum set of billing information used to create the call detail table.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of recommending the at least one proposed rate plan to the subscriber.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of recommending at least one proposed rate plan further comprises recommending at least one plan in the form of a rate plan evaluation record.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of recommending at least one proposed rate plan further comprises the step of recommending at least one plan in the form of at least one linked service plan instance record.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider comprises at least one service plan package and at least one coverage area.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein the number of proposed rate plans is predefined.

37. The method of claim 28, wherein the selected billing period is one month.

38. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of determining at least one proposed rate plan comprises the step of affecting the rate plan by specifying a desired zip code that the proposed rate plan should service.

39. A system, comprising:

means for receiving billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunication service under a current rate plan;

means for processing the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber, the means for processing being communicatively coupled to the means for receiving;

means for creating a usage history table and a call detail table from processed billing information, the means for creating being communicatively coupled to the means for processing and the means for receiving and wherein the usage history table further comprises;

an expected quantity of wireless telecommunication service usage during a selected billing period;

an expected distribution of usage according to time of day and day of week;

an expected distribution of usage by local and toll calling; and

an expected distribution of calls according to where the calls are made and received;

means for analyzing the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider, the means for analyzing being communicatively coupled to the means for creating, the means for processing and the means for receiving;

means for determining at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table, the means for determining being communicatively coupled to the means for analyzing, the means for creating, the means for processing and the means for receiving; and

means for producing a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan, wherein the means for producing is communicatively coupled to the means for determining, the means for analyzing, the means for creating, the means for processing and the means for receiving.

40. The system of claim 39, further comprising means for creating a staging table which stores a minimum set of data and allows for the extraction of a minimum set of billing information used to create the call detail table.

41. The system of claim 39, further comprising means for recommending the at least one proposed rate plan to the subscriber.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the means for recommending recommends at least one plan in the form of a rate plan evaluation record.

43. The system of claim 39, wherein the at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider comprises at least one service plan package and at least one coverage area.

44. The system of claim 39, wherein the number of proposed rate plans is predefined.

45. A system, comprising:

at least one transceiver configured to receive billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunication service under a current rate plan;

a storage unit configured to store the billing information, wherein the storage unit is communicatively coupled to the transceiver;

a memory comprising software, wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the storage unit; and

a processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver, storage unit, and memory, configured by the software to;

process the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber;

create a usage history table and a call detail table within the storage unit from the processed billing information, wherein the usage history table comprises;

an expected quantity o wireless telecommunication service usage during a selected billing period;

an expected distribution of usage according to time of day and day of week;

an expected distribution of usage by local and toll calling; and

an expected distribution of calls according to where the calls are made and received;

analyze the processed data in relation to at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider;

determine at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan, via use of the usage history table and call detail table; and

produce a report of the at least one proposed rate plan to enable selection of a best telecommunication service provider and a best rate plan,

wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit the report.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the report is transmitted to the subscriber.

47. The system of claim 45, wherein a location of the report is transmitted to the subscriber.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the location of the report is on a computer connected to the Internet and accessible via the Internet.

49. The system of claim 45, wherein the processor also creates a staging table within the storage unit, which stores a minimum set of data and allows for the extraction of a minimum set of billing information used to create the call detail table.

50. The system of claim 45, wherein the transceiver is used to recommend the at least one proposed rate plan to the subscriber.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the transceiver recommends at least one rate plan in the form of a rate plan evaluation record.

52. The system of claim 45, wherein the at least one rate plan of at least one telecommunication service provider comprises at least one service plan package and at least one coverage area.

53. The system of claim 45, wherein the number of proposed rate plans is predefined.