WO2002005532A1

WO2002005532A1 - Method for offering a service for creating telephone connections for a subscriber of a mobile terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2002005532A1
Application number: PCT/FI2001/000655
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lauri Isotalo
Original assignee: Elisa Communications Oyj
Priority date: 2000-07-11
Filing date: 2001-07-09
Publication date: 2002-01-17
Also published as: FI20001648A0; FI110836B; AU2001279832A1; FI20001648A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, in which a call connection is created between a customer's mobile station (1) and some second telephone device (15), on the basis of a request sent by the customer. Such a method is used to provide an easy-to-use and cheap call connection service for a mobile subscriber, whose mobile subscription (1) is a visitor in a network other than that of the a domestic operator, for example, when abroad. When the customer wishes a connection to some number, they send a fixed-form message to a number stated by the mobile operator. The mobile operator identifies the customer on the basis of the header information of the short message, so that the mobile operator can connect the call connection in such a way that the call's called subscriber is informed of the number of the customer, i.e. the calling subscriber. This short message contains the number, to which the customer wishes a connection. Having received the short message, the equipment of the mobile operator calls the customer's mobile sation (1). Once the customer has answered the call, the equipment of the mobile operator calls the subscription (15) stated in the customer's short message. Once this call has been answered, the equipment of the mobile operator links the call connections in such a way that a call connection is formed between the customer's mobile station (1) and the destination subscription (15).

Description

Method for offering a service for creating telephone connections for a subscriber of a mobile terminal

The present invention relates to a method, according to the preamble of Claim 1, for providing a call-connection creation service to a mobile subscriber, whose mobile subscription is connected to the mobile network of a mobile operator other than the mobile subscriber's own mobile operator, i.e. the home operator.

Methods of this kind are used to provide an easy-to-use and cheap call-connection creation service for a mobile subscriber, whose mobile subscription is a visitor in another mobile network than the mobile network of the mobile operator, with whom the mobile subscriber has a mobile subscription agreement. In such a method, a call connection is created between the customer's mobile station and a second telephone subscription, on the basis of a request sent by the customer.

Solutions according to the state of the art are based on methods, in which the caller calls either a local telecommunications operator to order a so-called reverse-charge call, or else a special free number, which connects them with their domestic telecommunications operator, in order to order a call.

In the case of a reverse-charge call, the caller calls the local telecommunications operator and orders a call to their home country through that operator. In that case, the caller explains, for example, in the local language, that they wish a so-called reverse-charge call, and states to which country, city, and telephone number the call is being ordered. The telecommunications operator either contacts the relevant telephone number directly, or passes the task on to a second operator operating in the country in question, which makes the contact. When contact is made with the telephone number stated by the caller, notification is made to the effect that the call is a reverse-charge call, which has a certain fixed charge and an international call charge based on the duration of the call, which the receiver will pay. If the receiver agrees to pay for the call, the telecommunications operator connects the call to the receiver's subscription.

In a solution based on a service number that is free of charge, the caller who is abroad dials a free number in the country in question, which the domestic operator has reserved for the service. The free number connects the customer's call to the operator in the home country. The operator can provide the service as either a personal or automated service. In both cases, the caller receives instructions in their own native language about the payment alternatives for the call and is asked for the telephone number, to which the call should be connected. If the customer wishes to pay for the call themselves, they either give their credit card number either orally to the customer service officer or, in the case of an automatic service, they key in the number, using a tone-dialling telephone. In this solution, the caller can also request a reverse-charge call, in which case the receiver of the reverse-charge call pays for the call, either in connection with their telephone bill, or using a credit card. The calls generally have a fixed base charge (for example, in the 'Finland Direct' service of one Finnish mobile operator, credit card calls cost FIM 10/call and reverse-charge calls FIM

25/call), in addition to which there is a minimum charge for the call minutes (e.g., 3 minutes) at the international call charge for the country in question.

Of course, a customer who is abroad may use their mobile station to call the number they want directly, in which case the expenses relating to the call will be charged to the customer in connection with their telephone bill. This alternative is, however, usually quite expensive for the mobile subscriber.

A drawback in solutions based on free service numbers and reverse-charge calls is that, from the customer's point of view, they are difficult and slow to use.

The state of the art also includes the solution disclosed in the patent application publication WO 99/66702, in which the mobile operator forms, on the basis of a request by the mobile subscriber, a call connection between the subscription of the mobile subscriber and the subscription stated in the request. In the method, the mobile subscriber sends a short message, which includes the number to which the subscriber wishes a connection. On the basis of message, the mobile operator forms a call connection between the mobile subscriber and the number stated in the short message.

A drawback of the methods according to the state of the art is that by means of them contact cannot be made with service numbers in the home country that are subject to a charge or are free of charge. Even GSM calls that are made in the normal way from abroad are generally not connected to service numbers subject to a charge, because in that case the additional charge cannot be billed to the GSM subscription making the call, as charging data (e.g., pulses) are not transmitted between different countries in international calls. For this reason, in the intelligent-network control logic of service numbers subject to a charge, calls coming from abroad are, in practice, always blocked to prevent calls to these services being made without an additional charge. This arrangement often causes problems for people who travel abroad a great deal and who are accustomed, in their own country, to use various services subject to an additional charge to acquire information, such as travel information, timetable information, and expert services. Thus, those maintaining service numbers subject to a charge cannot, in the known solutions, identify and bill a caller making a call from abroad, in which case those maintaining the numbers generally prevent calls coming from abroad from being connected to their service number. The same problem also appears in the case of other telephone services, such as bank services, in which the caller must be identified for security reasons. In the case of service numbers free of charge, there is also the problem that the customer must pay for that part of the call expenses that relate to the connection of the call from the network of the foreign operator to the telephone network in the home country.

The invention is intended to eliminate the defects of the state of the art disclosed above and for this purpose create an entirely new type of method, with the aid of which a mobile communications customer, located in the coverage area of a foreign mobile operator, can be provided with an easy-to-use, fast, and economical service for forming a call connection, for example to their home country. In addition, the invention is intended to enable contact, for example, to service numbers, when made from abroad using a mobile station.

The invention is based on a call connection, between a customer's mobile station and some second telephone subscription being formed by the action of the mobile operator, on the basis of a request by the customer. If a customer wishes a connection to some number, the customer sends a connection creation request, for example, in the form of a fixed form SMS short message, to a number stated by the mobile operator. This request contains the number to which the customer wishes a connection. After having received the request, the equipment of the mobile operator calls the customer's mobile station. Once the customer has answered the call, the equipment of the mobile operator calls the subscription stated in the customer's request. Once this call has been answered, the equipment of the mobile operator links the call connections in such a way that a call connection is formed between the customer's mobile station and the desired number. The mobile operator identifies the customer on the basis of the request, so that the mobile operator can connect the call connection in such a way that the call's called subscriber is informed of the subscriber number, or other network identifier of the customer, i.e. the calling subscriber. According to the invention, the calling subscriber number, or other network identifier is transmitted to the called subscriber.

More specifically, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing portion of Claim 1.

Considerable advantages are gained with the aid of the invention.

With the aid of the invention, a mobile customer who is abroad can be provided with an easy-to-use and economical way to make a connection, for instance, with their home country. In addition, with the aid of the invention, the customer can also be provided with the possibility to contact service numbers from abroad. The invention permits calls to service numbers too, because, with the aid of the invention, the subscription number of the customer's mobile station can be reliably brought to the knowledge of the provider of the service number. Billing can be carried out on the basis of not only a call ticket made by the MSC (Mobile Switching Center), but also of a ticket made by the SSP defined by the SCP (Service Control Point). Thus, in a call going to a service provider, it is now possible to transmit the calling subscriber's number identity in a manner corresponding to that used in service number calls made in the home country. The display of the calling subscriber number identity to the service provider can, however, be prevented, should this be necessary or mandatory due to the nature of the service in question.

With the aid of the method, a mobile subscriber abroad, for example, can be provided with the possibility to contact such telephone subscriptions, in which the originating numbers of incoming calls is examined and/or in which calls coming from unidentified numbers are blocked. Such numbers can be, for example, specific service numbers of banks.

Because, through the method, the called subscriber is informed of the calling subscriber number, the called subscriber can check from which subscription the call has originated. This is advantageous, for example, if an employee of a company who is travelling calls the company's office to ask about matters relating to some project. On the basis of the calling subscriber number, the office can ensure that the call has originated from the subscription of the company's employee, and not, for example, from the subscription of an industrial spy for a competing company.

In the following, the invention is examined with the aid of an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the example, the method is divided into two sub-methods, which together form a totality acting as an example of the application of the invention. The sub-methods are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In this application, the term domestic mobile operator refers to the mobile operator, with which the mobile subscriber has made a mobile subscription agreement. The domestic mobile operator is thus the entity that provides the mobile subscriber with mobile services and bills the mobile subscriber for these services. The term foreign mobile operator refers, in the example, to a mobile operator with which the domestic mobile operator has made a co-operation agreement, for instance, a roaming agreement. On the basis of the cooperation agreement, the foreign mobile operator can, at the request of the mobile subscriber, or of the mobile station of the mobile subscriber, connect the customer's mobile subscription to the mobile network of the foreign mobile operator. The foreign mobile operator then bills the domestic mobile operator for the mobile services used by the mobile subscriber while the domestic mobile operator in turn bills the mobile subscriber for them.

Through the agreement, the domestic mobile operator can provide its customers with an opportunity to use their mobile stations when abroad, though at a higher price than domestic services. Thus, the term foreign mobile operator need not refer to a foreign- owned mobile operator, or one that operates abroad, nor, correspondingly, need the term domestic mobile operator refer to a domestically-owned mobile operator, or one that operates in the home country. The term visited operator could also be used for a foreign mobile operator and, correspondingly, the term home operator for a domestic mobile operator.

For reasons of clarity, the operation of the digital mobile network, for example, a GSM or

UMTS network, is not examined in detail in the example. If the invention is implemented in a GSM network, several network elements, which are not referred to in the example, are connected to the totality. Such elements are, for example, a GMSC (Gateway Mobile Switching Centre), a BSC (Base Station Controller), and a BSS (Base Station System). The structure and operation of the international digital telephone network are also not described. The details of the operation and implementation of these networks are not essential from the point of view of the invention. In addition, one versed in the art can be assumed to be familiar with the operation, implementation, and use of the relevant networks, and with their application to the extent required by the invention.

Joint operation of a connection service, implemented with the aid of the invention, and mobile operator's billing system, can be realized in several different ways. The example shows one manner of implementation, which is based on the use of so-called tickets to transmit charging bases. The term ticket refers to a fixed-form data packet, which contains data relating to the event in question, such as time, duration, price, and title of the service used.

In the example, the following internationally recognized abbreviations are used:

MSC Mobile Switching Centre

SCP Service Control Point

SSP Service Switching Point

HLR Home Location Register

VLR Visiting Location Register

LE Local Exchange

BCSM Basic Call State Model

FCI Furnish Charging Information.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a mobile subscriber's request to create a call connection, made using an SMS short message, and the operations relating to its processing. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the creation of the call connection requested by the mobile subscriber, and the related operations.

The system shown in Figure 1 includes the foreign operator's MSC 2, which is linked to a VLR, a foreign traffic centre 3 abroad, a mobile station 1 of a mobile subscriber in the coverage area of the MSC 2, a domestic foreign traffic centre 5, an international digital telephone network 4 connecting the foreign centres 3 and 5, a domestic operator's MSC 6, the domestic operator's SMS short-message centre 7, the domestic operator's SCP 8, the foreign operator's billing system 9, and the domestic operator's billing system 10.

When processing, by means of the method according to Figure 1, a call connection creation request sent in an SMS short message form by a mobile subscriber, the following operations are carried out:

101. The mobile subscriber uses their mobile station to send an SMS short message to the number stated by the domestic mobile operator, as a result of which the mobile station 1 sends an SMS short message to the MSC 2 of the foreign operator. The SMS short message can contain, for example, a command and the destination number, to which the mobile subscriber wishes a connection.

102. The MSC 2 sends an SMS short message in a signalling channel to the foreign traffic centre 3 of a suitable foreign operator.

103. and 104. The foreign traffic centre 3 sends the SMS short message to the foreign traffic centre 5 of the domestic mobile operator, through the international digital telephone network 4.

105. The foreign traffic centre 5 sends the SMS short message to the MSC 6 of the domestic operator.

106. The MSC 6 sends the SMS short message to an SMS short message centre 7.

107. The SMS short message centre 7 sends an SMS short message to an SCP 8. The SCP 8 picks the destination number, to which the mobile subscriber wishes a connection, from the contents of the short message. The SCP 8 also obtains the mobile subscriber's A-subscriber number identity, i.e. the telephone number of the mobile subscriber's mobile subscription, from the header data of the SMS short message.

108. The MSC 2 of the foreign mobile operator makes a billing ticket for the sending of the SMS short message and sends it to the billing system 9 of the foreign mobile operator, which records the ticket.

109. The billing system 9 of the foreign mobile operator sends the information of the mobile services used by the mobile subscriber to the billing system 10 of the domestic mobile operator and bills the domestic operator for the mobile services used by the mobile subscriber. The billing system 10 of the domestic mobile operator records the information it receives and adds the billing information to the billing account of the mobile subscriber. The mobile subscriber is billed on the basis of the billing account.

The system shown in Figure 2 includes, as in Figure 1, an MSC 2 of a foreign operator, in connection with which there is a VLR, a foreign traffic centre 3 abroad, the mobile subscriber's mobile station in the coverage area of the MSC 2, a domestic foreign traffic centre 5, the international digital telephone network 4 connecting the foreign centres 3 and 5, the domestic operator's MSC 6, the domestic operator's SCP 8, and the domestic operator's billing system 10. In addition to these devices, the system of Figure 2 includes the domestic mobile operator's HLR 11, SSP 12, and announcement equipment 13, as well as the telephone network's LE 14 and the telephone device 15 of a subscriber of the telephone network.

When using the method according to Figure 2 to create a call connection requested by a mobile subscriber, the following operations are carried out:

201. The SCP 8 retrieves, from the HLR 11, data concerning to which foreign mobile operator's mobile network the mobile station of the mobile subscriber is connected. If the destination number is a service number subject to a charge, the SCP 8 also retrieves from the HLR subscriber register information as to whether the mobile subscriber has switched on a service block to service numbers subject to a charge.

202. The SCP 8 sends the SSP 12 an ICA (Initiate Call Attempt) message and a Continue message. The telephone number of the mobile subscriber is given in the

Destination-Routing- Address field of the header of the ICA message and at the same time the SCP 8 commands the SSP 12 to set an EDP (Event Detection Point)in the RRB (Request Report BCSM) format to monitor the answer sign of the mobile subscriber. A detection point DP7-R (Detection Point 7 - Request) can be used for this purpose. In connection with this, the SSP 12 can also be sent an FCI message defining a ticket.

203. The SSP 12 sends, on the basis of the ICA message, a procedure call to the MSC 6 of the domestic mobile operator. (At this stage, reverse-charge calls can be separated from the other calls coming from the mobile subscriber, for example, by adding some prefix to the call number originating from the SSP 12, or by altering some other field in the initiation address message. In that case, the MSC 6 of the domestic mobile operator can identify and ticket the call, so that it becomes free of charge in the billing system from the point of view of the mobile subscriber, or in such a way that it is billed at some other rate, or on some other basis than is the practice in the case of receiving normal calls abroad.)

204. The MSC 6 sends a query to the HLR 11 to determine the so-called roaming number of the mobile subscription. On the basis of the roaming number, the call can be routed to the mobile subscriber's mobile subscription in the network of the foreign mobile operator.

205. The HLR 11 sends a query to the VLR of the foreign mobile operator's MSC 2, in the area of which it knows the mobile subscriber's mobile station to be. The VLR responds to the HLR 11 by providing the mobile subscriber's roaming number.

206. The HLR 11 sends the mobile subscriber's roaming number to the domestic mobile operator's MSC 6. 207. On the basis of the roaming number of the mobile subscription, the domestic mobile operator's MSC 6 channels the call connection to a suitable foreign centre 5.

208. and 209. The domestic foreign traffic centre 5 channels the call connection further through the international digital telephone network 4 to the foreign traffic centre 3 abroad.

210. The foreign traffic centre 3 abroad channels the call connection further to the foreign mobile operator's MSC 2.

211. On the basis of the data in the VLR, the foreign mobile operator's MSC 2 channels the call connection to the mobile subscriber's mobile station 1, through the correct BSC and BSS. When the mobile subscriber answers the call, an answer signal is transmitted back to the home country, as far as the SSP 12.

212. The SSP 12 reports, by means of an ERB message (Event Report BCSM), to the SCP 8 that the mobile subscriber has answered.

If the destination number is a service number subject to a charge, either operations 213a - 219a, or 213b and 214b are carried out, depending on whether the mobile subscriber has switched on a service block for service numbers subject to a charge, or not. Operations 213a - 219a are carried out, if the service block for service numbers subject to a charge is not switched on. Operations 213b and 214b are carried out, if the customer has switched on the service block for service numbers subject to a charge, or if the provider of a free service number does not permit calls from abroad.

213a) The SCP 8 sends the SSP 12 a call connection operation (Connect), which includes information on the mobile subscriber's mobile subscription number (calling subscriber number) and the destination number, to which the mobile subscriber wishes a connection.

214a) On the basis of the call connection operation, the SSP 12 channels the call connection to the domestic LE 14, in such a way that the mobile subscriber's mobile subscription number ( calling subscriber number) is transmitted to the LE 14, during the creation of the call connection.

215a) The LE 14 connects the call connection coming from the SSP to the telephone device 15 of the telephone network subscriber, on the basis of the destination number, in such a way that the mobile subscriber's mobile subscription number (calling subscriber number) is forwarded to the telephone device 15 during the creation of the call connection. Once the telephone device 15 has answered the transmitted call, notification of this is sent to the SSP. The telephone network subscriber can be, for instance, the service provider of a service number.

216a) The SSP 12 forms a call connection between the domestic subscriber's telephone device 15 and the mobile station 1 of the mobile subscriber who is abroad. It is possible to send an FCI message defining a ticket to the SSP, at this time as well.

217a) The MSC 6 creates a ticket from the call connection and sends it to the billing system 10, which records the information relating to the ticket. The price of the ticket can depend, for example, on the duration of the call connection.

218a) If the call connection is to a service number subject to a charge, the SSP 12 creates a ticket for the use of the service number subject to a charge and sends it to the billing system 10, which records the information relating to the ticket. The price of this ticket can depend, for example, on the per-call price of the service number, or on the duration of the call connection. 219a) (Not shown in the figure.) If the call connection is to a service number subject to a charge, or to a conventional telephone subscription, the billing system 3 records the information it receives and transfers the relevant billings to the billing account of the mobile subscriber. The mobile subscriber is billed on the basis of the billing accounts. Different billings and their related data can be itemized in the bill. Because the call connection to a mobile subscription located in the network of a foreign mobile operator is formed through the actions of the domestic mobile operator, billing also takes place directly through the actions of the domestic mobile operator. Account balance service according to the state of the art can then be kept up to date in a manner corresponding to that used in the case of calls made from the network of the domestic mobile operator. Account balance services are implemented using known technology.

213b) The SCP 8 sends the SSP 12 a call connection operation (Connect), which contains instructions to create a connection to the signalling device 13.

214b) The SSP 12 creates a connection to the signalling device 13 and links the call connections in such a way that a call connection is formed between the signalling device 13 and the mobile station 1 of the mobile subscriber who is abroad. The announcement device states the reason for the failure of the call, by means of a voice announcement.

Embodiments of the invention, differing from those disclosed above, can also be contemplated. The apparatuses shown in the figures and the examples are not the only technical means with the aid of which an embodiment of the invention can be implemented. The embodiments of the invention can be implemented by means of techniques and systems differing from the figures and examples.

In the example, a connection is formed between the mobile subscriber's mobile station and a telephone device of a fixed telephone network. The method according to the invention can, however, also be used, for instance, to create a call connection between two mobile stations.

The call connection between the mobile subscriber's mobile station 1 and a telephone device 15 of a telephone network can be formed in a manner differing from the example, for instance, in such a way that call is not connected through a local telephone exchange 14, but by using some other technique. The service number provider can be, for example, the relevant domestic mobile operator, in which case the call connection can be connected directly to the equipment of the service-number system.

The call connection being formed can be used not only for voice communication, but also for other purposes, such as data transmission.

An application according to the invention can be implemented with the aid of several different mobile technologies, for example, the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) technologies. The call connection creation request can be sent, for example, within the framework of WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology.

The invention can also be applied in such a way that the mobile subscriber makes a call connection creation request by using their mobile station to call a specific number. In that case, the identification of the mobile subscriber can be carried out with the aid of, for example, a username and password. The mobile subscriber can give their username and password, for example, by keying in the relevant number combinations on their mobile station during the call.

If the mobile subscriber requests the creation of a connection to a service number subject to a charge, despite the fact that the mobile subscriber has switched on a service block for service numbers subject to a charge, the customer can be sent, for example, an SMS short message stating that the connection cannot be created. Notification can also be sent, for example, if the service provider of a free number does not permit calls coming from abroad.

The method can also be applied in such a way that the mobile subscriber states the destination, to which they wish to be connected, in some other way than as a telephone number. The mobile subscriber can, for example, send an SMS short message, which contains a specific command or specific commands and the name of the person or company, to which a connection is desired. On the basis of the name, the mobile operator can retrieve the destination number from a database, for instance. The database can be, for example, a directory enquiries database, from which the desired telephone number can be retrieved on the basis of a name. The destination, to which a call connection is wished, can also be stated in such a way that, for example, the postal address, Web address, e-mail address, or other information relating to the person or company, and on the basis of which the telephone number can be determined with the aid of a database, is stated in addition to, or instead of the name of the person or company. In that case, the mobile subscriber can request the formation of a call connection, for example, by sending an SMS short message, which contains a specific command, or specific commands and/or the Web address of the company to which a connection is desired. In addition, the mobile subscriber can define their own abbreviated dialling codes, which are associated with a telephone number. These abbreviated dialling codes can be saved, for example, in a database maintained by the mobile operator. For example, the mobile subscriber can record their own home number and entitle its code 'home', then the mobile subscriber can form a call connection to their home number by sending a request, which includes the code 'home'.

Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to contemplate embodiments, in which the mobile operator selects the destination number on the basis of information given by the customer or appearing in other ways and/or of a command given by the customer. For example, the mobile subscriber can send an SMS short message, which contains a specific command and information as to the country in which the mobile subscriber is located. On the basis of this, the mobile operator forms a call connection between the mobile subscriber and the service number, from which information is available on the prices of mobile service in the country in question. Correspondingly, the mobile subscriber can give the name of the foreign mobile operator, to the mobile network of which the mobile subscriber's mobile station is connected, in which case the mobile operator can form a call connection to the corresponding service number. Information on the location of the mobile subscriber, or on the foreign mobile operator being used can also be transmitted, for example, in the header data of, for instance, an SMS short message. The equipment of the mobile operator, for example, the SCP, can also retrieve information form the HLR as to the country in which the relevant mobile subscriber is located, or which foreign mobile operator the subscriber is using. The embodiment can also be implemented in such a way that the call connection creation request can include definitions and/or commands, on the basis of which the mobile operator forms a call connection to a suitable number. The mobile subscriber can, for example, send an SMS short message, which contains the text 'interpreter Spanish', in which case the mobile operator forms a call connection to a Spanish-language interpreter. This service can be of considerable benefit to the mobile subscriber, if, for example, the language barrier is causing problems when dealing with officials.

With the aid of the method, various interfaces can be used to make the service implemented easier for the customer to use. For example, the WAP browser of the mobile station can be utilized to send the connection creation request, in which case the mobile subscriber can be identified with the aid of a username and password, for example. The mobile subscriber can present a connection creation request, for instance, by entering the destination number they desire, or data related to it, in a text field of a WAP page and sending this to the mobile operator, with the aid of the WAP browser of their mobile station. In addition, the mobile station's interface can, for example, be programmed to send SMS short messages with a specific content, when speed dialling keys are pressed. The interface can also be programmed in such a way that specific information, such as location data or information on the foreign mobile operator being used, is automatically added to SMS short messages sent to the mobile operator.

Some entity other than a mobile operator can also use or provide the method according to the invention.

The invention can also be used with the aid of some other message technology, for example, with the aid of USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) messages. A connection creation request can be, for example, sent and/or received in the form of, or with the aid of a USSD message.

The example shows one alternative billing procedure, but in the various embodiments of the invention billing can be carried out in different ways. For example, billing can be carried out in such a way that a ticket for the service is made in the MSC, through the operation of the SSP and/or some other device. The mobile operator can implement its billing in a manner differing from the example. The billing system can, for instance, be outsourced, in which case a subcontractor of the mobile operator carries out the operations relating to billing. In the example, the billing information is transmitted to the billing system through tickets. Data communications between the various apparatuses of the mobile system and the billing system can, however, be implemented in a manner differing from the example.

The billing of the mobile subscriber can also take place by sending an FCI message defining the ticket, from the SCP to the SSP in connection with sending an ICA (Initiate Call Attempt) message or a Connect message. The ticket created is transferred to the billing system.

The method can also be used to provide the customer with a home-country call service, in which case the service can be used to provide the customer with an easy way to call their home state using their mobile station. To use the service, the customer only needs to write the number they wish in a short message and send it to a specific number. In addition, the invention gives the caller the possibility to use the numbering scheme of their own country when dialling a telephone number. Thus, the customer need not necessarily know, for example, the country code of the destination country. The customer's use of a service based on the invention need not depend on their language skills. In addition, the service will operate in the same way in all countries, the short message being sent to the same number independently of the country. The service is also relatively fast, as the customer does not need to talk with a customer-service employee or listen to instructions for an automated service. Thus, the customer can be offered, for example, mobile connections between abroad and home, which are cheaper than conventional calls from abroad made using a mobile station. This advantage is due to the present GSM call charging practice, in which it is clearly (about 25 - 60 %) cheaper to receive calls to a GSM telephone abroad than it is to use a GSM telephone to make a call from abroad to the home country.

The method can also be used to resolve problems relating to account balance services. The term account balance service refers to a service, by means of which a customer is informed of the call charges that have accumulated to their account during a billing period.

Customers who use account balance services experience the problem in the state of the art that the account balance service is not up to date. Information on GSM calls made from the home country is updated in an account balance service with a delay of about 2-3 days, so that the GSM subscriber remains informed of the growth of their telephone bill. Because GSM calls made abroad in a conventional manner and the related billing data are received by the GSM subscriber's own operator with a delay of two or even three weeks, in such cases the call balance service can no longer remain up to date. If the GSM subscriber uses their telephone particularly often abroad, the balance information service is of no practical benefit to them. When using the method based on the invention, a mobile operator can provide its customers with balance services that remain up to date, even in the case of connections made from abroad. The method based on the invention permits balance services to be updated with a delay of about 2 - 3 days, because the domestic mobile operator carries out the operations relating to billing.

With the aid of an embodiment of the method, a mobile operator can also provide, for example, corporate customers with the possibility to offer free service numbers, which are free of charge to customers, even when they are calling from abroad. If the corporate customer agrees to pay the expenses arising from calls made form abroad, the mobile operator can bill the corporate customer, instead of the mobile subscriber, for the call connection. In this way, a service provider can provide a service that is completely free of charge, even to mobile subscribers who are located abroad. If desired, the expenses arising from the sending of the connection creation request (e.g., sending an SMS short message) can also be billed to the corporate customer. The billing of expenses relating to the presentation of a connection creation request, for example the expenses of sending an SMS short message, can be implemented in, for instance, the following manner:

The SCP compares the destination number of the call-connection creation request received with the data in the database. The SCP then notes that the destination number is a free service number, the service provider of which has agreed to pay all expenses relating to a connection being made to the service number.

The SCP makes a ticket, on the basis of which the billing system bills the service provider for the expenses arising from the call-connection creation request, such as the expenses arising from sending an SMS short message from abroad. - The SCP makes a ticket, on the basis of which the expenses arising from the call- connection creation request, such as the expenses arising from sending an SMS short message from abroad, are deducted from the customer's billing account. With the aid of this ticket, the ticket previously sent by the foreign mobile operator (in operation 109 of the example) is cancelled. The ticket can include identifier data, on the basis of which it can be linked to the ticket sent previously

(in operation 109 of the example).

Claims

Claims:

1. A method for creating a call connection between a mobile subscription (1), which is connected to the mobile network of a second mobile operator, of a mobile subscriber, who has a mobile subscription agreement with a first mobile operator, and a second telephone subscription, the destination subscriber (15), with the aid of an intelligent telephone network service, in which method

-a call connection creation request directed to an intelligent network telephone service, and which includes the network identifier of the mobile subscription of the mobile subscriber, such as a telephone number, and information for defining the destination subscription (15), is received from the direction of the mobile subscriber,

-the mobile subscriber's mobile subscription (1) is called and a call connection is opened to it,

-the destination subscription (15) is called and a call connection is opened to it, and

-the opened call connections are linked in such a way that a call connection is formed between the customer's mobile station (1) and the telephone device (15) or terminal device according to the destination number,

characterized in that, in the method

the network identifier of the mobile subscription (1) , from which the connection creation request was sent, is transmitted to the destination subscription (15), in order to identify the mobile subscription (1).

2. A method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the network identifier is a telephone number.

3. A method according to either Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the call connection creation request is received in the form of, or through an SMS (Short Message Service) short message.

4. A method according to either Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the call connection request is received in the form of, or through a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) message.

5. A method according to any of Claims 3 - 4, characterized in that the information for defining the destination subscription (15) appear in the contents field of the message.

6. A method according to any of Claims 3 - 5, characterized in that the network identifier of the mobile subscription (1) of the mobile subscriber appears in the header field of the message and/or the contents field.

7. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 6, characterized in that information is sought concerning the location, within the mobile network, of the mobile subscription (1) of the mobile subscriber.

8. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the network identifier of the destination subscription (15) is retrieved from a database, with the aid of the information, given in the connection creation request to define the destination subscription

(15).

9. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 8, characterized in that a suitable destination subscription (15) is selected with the aid of the location information of the mobile subscription (1) of the mobile subscriber and/or of the information given in the connection creation request to define the destination subscription (15).

10. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the connection creation request is received through a data call or other data connection, for example, from a mobile station (1) supporting WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology.

11. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the information provided to determine the destination subscription (15) includes predefined commands.

12. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 11, characterized in that the owner, possessor, and/or user of the destination subscription (15) is billed for a certain sum on the basis of the connection creation request sent by the mobile subscriber and/or of the call connection formed.

13. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 12, characterized in that the entity, which is billed for a certain sum on the basis of the connection request sent by the mobile subscriber and/or of the call connection formed, is determined on the basis of the destination subscription (15) and/or of the network identifier of the destination subscription.

14. A method according to any of Claims 1 - 13, characterized in that the information in the call connection creation request for determining the destination subscription (15) comprises the network identifier of the destination subscription.