System and method for monitoring voice/data usage and financial transactions made through a communications service
First Claim
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1. A method of determining charges for usage of a communications service, the method comprising the steps of:
- monitoring, over a period of time, use of the communications service and initiation of financial transactions associated with an account;
determining the charges based upon a combination of use of the communications service and initiation of the financial transactions; and
when a monetary value of the financial transactions made within the period of time reaches a pre-established threshold, increasing at least some of the charges.
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Abstract
A system and method for substantially increasing billing flexibility on communications or media accounts which also offer user users the ability to make electronic purchases or other financial transactions, where those transactions are accounted for with an additional account or with the same account through which the media or communications services are offered. Charges associated with use of the communications service or making of the financial transactions may be increased or reduced depending on such factors as volume of use, number of transactions, and a monetary value of the transactions.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method of determining charges for usage of a communications service, the method comprising the steps of:
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monitoring, over a period of time, use of the communications service and initiation of financial transactions associated with an account; determining the charges based upon a combination of use of the communications service and initiation of the financial transactions; and when a monetary value of the financial transactions made within the period of time reaches a pre-established threshold, increasing at least some of the charges. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system comprising:
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a device for allowing a user to use a communications service and to initiate financial transactions with an account, wherein said communications service has charges corresponding to use of the communications service; a memory for storing the account; and a processor, wherein the processor monitors, over a period of time, use of the communications service and initiation of financial transactions associated with the account, determines the charges based upon a combination of use of the communications service and initiation of the financial transactions and, when a monetary value of the financial transactions made within the period of time reaches a pre-established threshold, increases at least some of the charges. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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8. A method of determining a rate plan associated with usage of a communications service, the method comprising the steps of:
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monitoring, over a period of time, use of the communications service and making of financial transactions using an account associated with the communications service; and adjusting the rate plan when an unpaid balance on the account reaches a pre-established threshold. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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9. A system comprising:
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a device for allowing a user to use a communications service and to make a financial transaction with an account associated with the communications service, wherein said use of said communications service is according to a rate plan corresponding to the communications service; a memory for storing the account; and a processor, wherein said processor monitors, over a period of time, use of the communications service and making of financial transactions using the account associated with the communications service and adjusts the rate plan when an unpaid balance on the account reaches a pre-established threshold. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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Specification