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Method for billing IP broadband subscribers

  • US 6,775,267 B1
  • Filed: 12/30/1999
  • Issued: 08/10/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of billing a variable bit rate communication between a first terminal and a distant terminal to a broadband subscriber, the variable bit rate communication having a variable quality of service related to the degree of utilization of a plurality of different networks comprising the steps of:

  • i.) receiving user identification data at said first terminal and data representing a required bit rate and a default quality of service selected by said user;

    ii.) verifying said user identification data to be associated with said broadband subscriber;

    iii.) determining least cost alternative network resources available for achieving said communication at said default quality of service and said required bit rate;

    iv.) determining cost data associated with said network resources;

    v.) outputting to said subscriber a least cost for said communication according to said default quality of service and said least cost alternative network resources;

    vi.) coupling said first terminal and said distant terminal via said least cost determined network resources and said default quality of service at said required bit rate responsive to user authorization; and

    vii.) billing for said call at said default quality of service and according to said required bit rate after the termination of the communication.

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