InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[Gamco]

United States Patent 7,546,944
Goldberg , et al. June 16, 2009
Method and apparatus for selecting the most cost-efficient payment provider to pay for communication services

Abstract
A method and apparatus for selecting the most cost-efficient payment provider to pay for communication services. A calling electronic device communicates alternative payment provider data to a network via a communications link. The network examines costs charged by a plurality of alternative payment providers indicated by the alternative payment provider data. The network determines and contacts the most cost-efficient payment provider to determine if the contacted payment provider will accept responsibility for paying for at least a portion of the communication services.

Inventors: Goldberg; Steven Jeffrey (Downingtown, PA), Briancon; Alain Charles Louis (Poolesville, MD)
Assignee: Interdigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 11/082,287
Filed: March 17, 2005
Related U.S. Patent Documents
Application Number Filing Date Patent Number Issue Date
10791227 Jul., 2005 6913191
10040999 Apr., 2004 6726092
Current U.S. Class: 235/375 ; 235/380
Current International Class: G06F 17/00 (20060101); G06K 5/00 (20060101)
Field of Search: 235/375,380,382,492 455/432.1,434,435.1,435.2