FI115690B - Procedure and apparatus for limiting the use of service - Google Patents

Description

115690

Method and system for limiting the use of the service

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to limiting the use of various services in mobile communication networks.

Technology background

With the increasing use of mobile devices, uncontrolled connection costs and service charges can easily become economically significant costs for service users and customers. For various reasons, more and more customers of a telephone operator want to set a limit on the maximum monthly bill for their managed subscriptions, so that the costs of communication remain more predictable.

Call barring methods and systems on the market 15 are characterized by their rigidity and poor controllability. A general arrangement will now be made with reference to Figure 1.

If a restriction service is implemented on mobile network 110, the subscriber may, if he or she so wishes, set a maximum limit for billing for the use of the subscription. The restriction may be determined, for example, by a computer 101 connected to the Internet 100. The computer connects to the so-. ·· to the application server 102, for example, through a web browser. An application is placed on the server 102 where the restriction information is fed into the HTTP protocol. through. The user may set or change the monthly usage limit of the subscription after proving that he / she is authorized to change.

_ _. The application server 102 provides information about the restriction to the restriction database 104 and informs the existence of the restriction to the restriction server 103. The '··' security server 103 monitors the salary accrued to the billing database 117 for access. Once the restricted balance has been reached, the restriction server limits: ": the services available for the subscription. This is discussed in more detail below.

...: 30 The mobile communication network 110 is connected via the mobile communication device 111. The subscription is closely associated with a subscriber identity module (SIM 105), the information of which enables the network to identify the user and route traffic to and from the subscription. Mobile station 111 communicates with mobile network 110 via base station 112. From the base station, traffic and setup messages pass through the base station "" · 35 through the station controller 113 to the mobile services switching center (MSC) 114. The MSC routes calls, if necessary, to another network 130 to the receiving switching service 132. The modern mobile stations also transmit text messages (SMS). Via MSC 114, possibly also using other telephone exchanges to Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 116. SMSC handles buffering and forwarding of messages to the size of radio network 5.

A visitor location register (VLR) is usually built in connection with the MSC, which contains information about subscribers within the network 110 and the services activated for them. In fact, the information is retrieved to the VLR 114 from the home location register (HLR), which may also be located in another central location or, for example, in a completely different mobile network if the subscriber is visiting, for example, abroad. The information in the home directory is managed by the subscriber's own operator.

Different billing criteria have been agreed between the telephone operator and the customer. The most common billing bases are, for example, calls made or terminated to the mobile station 111 (MO CALL, MT CALL) and 15 sent or received text messages (MO SMS, MT SMS). Billing criteria are generally related to the use of MSC 114, SMSC 116 or HLR 115, and are used to send a Billing Record (CDR) to Billing Database 117. The operator collects CDRs received during the monthly billing period from the Billing Database and bills the customer for 20 charges for using another operator's network while abroad.

\ If the customer has activated the service "" outgoing: V: calls "(MO CALL) from the mobile station, this is mentioned in the HLR 115 service description register.

The VLR 114 has retrieved information about activated services to the user from the HLR 115.

....: 25 Similarly, information is obtained from other online services and the network, · · ·. depending on the implementation, also the status of the value-added service order.

Before starting the service, MSC 114 checks the VLR register to see if the requested service is activated for the subscriber interface.

'' In a traditional call barring service, the restriction server 103 checks the accumulated balance of the billing database 117. When the preset limit Γ: is exceeded, the restriction server updates the HLR 115 to block outgoing calls.

; · *. Similarly, other online services or value-added services can be blocked.

Thereafter, the subscriber 111 cannot make more than emergency calls defined as • '' special calls.

: 35 In other implementations on the market, it is also possible to call the customer service number after the call barring 115690 3 countries. This is accomplished by routing all calls starting from the mobile station to the SCP (Service Control Point) located in the intelligent network 120, which manages the SCF (Service Control Function) when call restriction becomes effective. The SCF asks the 5 SDFs (Service Description Function) in the SDP 122 for a list of allowed numbers. The authorized customer service number has been entered by the operator in the SDP 122 database. If the subscriber has selected the B-subscriber number, the corresponding record of which is in the database, the call is directed to the customer service. If the subscriber is entitled to place service subscriptions on his subscription, the customer service may remove the restriction at the request of 10 subscribers.

There are three major problems with the above solution. First, when the call barring is activated, all outgoing calls are barred. There are numerous situations where this is not desirable. For example, when the subscription is for use by a child, it may be appropriate for the child to be able to contact home or close relatives even when the billing threshold has been reached. However, according to the prior art, this is not possible since all calls are routed to the intelligent network and the SDP database 122 is managed by the operator. Updating the database on a client-by-client basis is not cost-effective due to its workload and susceptibility to errors, but another important reason for the inactivity of solution 20 is also the query load on the intelligent network. Large number of database queries for individual call routing; can congest SCP 121 if each customer has its own numeric; Y: base.

When the billing threshold for subscription is reached, calls are barred completely.

..,.: 25 In some situations, it may be necessary to set different limits for the use of the interface. ··. restrictions. For example, calls made to foreign countries or to Entertainment Services can account for a significant portion of billable material. With these services, your balance can be reached quickly. On some Tuesdays, it may be appropriate to change call barring categories based on accrued billing. Even with this solution, 'Γ: cannot be used.

The third disadvantage relates to situations where the subscriber is a company or entity that wants to restrict access. The method of the solution described above, which sets a call barring on HLR 114, does not, for example, allow a company employee to make a call after the employer-defined balance has been reached. This is not an appropriate lane for efficient job performance. Prior art cannot restrict employee calls except by blocking long-distance or international calls, for example, or by using a special closed user group (CUG). In a closed user group, call barring is fixed and can be selected from the following options: out-of-CUG calls, incoming CUG calls, or incoming and / or outgoing calls within the CUG. Typically, the maximum number of CUGs enabled by a telephone exchange is insufficient for user-specific CUG configuration. In addition, the CUG restriction always applies when it is impossible to call numbers other than those permitted by the CUG restriction from the subscription.

The object of the invention is to provide a remedy for the problems described above. This is achieved by using the solution described in the independent claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Restrictions on the use of the Services are defined as progressive restrictions. This means that conditions corresponding to each degree of containment are defined. When the conditions are met, the gradual restrictions will be enforced. Restrictions may include, for example, telephone number-20 rot allowed or denied for the subscription and network-enabled services activated for the subscription. Conditions may be preconditions. · The billing balance, geographic location, time limit, or a combination of these, as a result of the use of the subscription. Basic services provided by the network; y. is further specified, for example, in the standard (02.03 Teleservices Supported by a GSM Public Land Mobile Network), and value-added services are presented • · ,,,; 25 for more detail, for example, in the standard (02.04 General on Supplementary Services »... ces).

* · · '* The restrictions and their associated terms may be located, for example, on a separate restriction server. If the restriction server is connected to an Internet or telephone:: network, the restriction and condition information can be updated by the subscription holder.

...: 30 When a predefined condition is met, the restriction server activates or:. removes the restriction as defined for the interface. This is , * . this can be accomplished in a number of different ways, for example by sending a list of restrictions to the subscriber identity module (SIM card) connected to the subscriber interface. In this case: .v The application on the SIM card checks the service 35 before calling the service. Another example is to associate a user with a predefined closed user group that meets the given restrictions. In this case, 115690 5 blocked user group blockings are valid. It is also possible to combine the various restrictions and conditions described above within the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates and FIG. 5 illustrates a restriction on the use of services implemented in the terminal to the terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the system for implementing the invention is illustrated in Figure 2. The subscription terms and conditions are set by the holder or his agent. The easiest way to do this is with the WWW-; · ": On a valid microcomputer 201 that communicates with the Internet 200. The interface owner selects the URL https://serveradministrations.radiolinia.fi as the URL for the application server 202, for example. A form appears on the user's screen. ···, Authentication is based, for example, on a previous registration of the subscriber, where he / she has been given a username and password, and the ID and password correspond to the application server 202. The user is probably a previously registered person. - • · · The holder of the service has allowed the viewing of the service restriction information even if the user is a different user, it may be possible that registered users of the service may not have the right to change the service restriction information. However, the application server does not have to be a web server, but it can also have a suitable front end, for example by XML mapping, so that other terminal devices can be contacted, for example, WAP or SMS interface.

The application server 202 provides the user authorized to change the restriction on the use of the services with a form by which he can plan the restrictions of the subscription 5. If there are already restrictions on the subscription, they are retrieved from the Restriction Database 204. It is also possible that, when the subscriber is an entity in a number of subscriptions, similar restrictions exist. For this purpose, a file system is implemented on the server, so that restrictions tailored to one interface can easily be copied to other interfaces. For copying 10, corresponding macros are made for different purposes, thus making the user interface as easy to use as possible. In one embodiment of the invention, the subscriber has allowed the user to modify some of his limitations. In this case, the user of the subscription is responsible for the implementation of the other parts of the restriction.

Once the restrictions on the use of the services are defined by the application server 152, the restriction agent gives consent for the restrictions to be stored in the restriction database 204.

The restriction server 203 monitors the implementation of the restrictions using the contents of the restriction database 204 and, depending on the restrictions, the billing database 217, the clock 222 connected to the system and the location system (LCS) server 220 with its location databases 221.

: 'When one or more conditions corresponding to a restriction are met,' the restriction server 203 checks which restrictions the conditions meet. The restriction server then generates the message and forwards it to the network element responsible for implementing the restriction.

The restrictions may be located either on the terminal or on one or more network elements. The restrictions implemented by the network element can be implemented in their simplest form, for example, by placing restrictions corresponding to service access restrictions in the subscriber register (e.g., in its HLR), for example, ETSI GSM Specification 04.88 (Call Bar-30 ring Supplementary Service; Stage 3) or 04.98 (New Barring Services) ; • 'standardization' in the process of filing a patent application).

. Restrictions on the use of services, including, for example, a certain allowed set of numbers, can also be implemented by means of a network element, with information about a closed user group (CUG) to be activated for connection to the restriction database 204, for example ETSI GSM Specification 04.85 (Closed User Group Supplementary). Service; Stage 3).

115690 7 The CUG access numbers, which may correspond, for example, to a company telephone directory, have been transferred from the restriction database to HLR 214, whereby the restriction server has information on how the CUG can be assigned to the HLR.

The restriction may also be located on the subscriber terminal 211 or on a SIM card 205 connected to the subscriber terminal. The basic idea of the terminal embodiment of the invention is that the restriction database 204 defines the allowed or denied services to be transmitted to the terminal if necessary. An example of a restriction on the use of services by means of a SIM card is discussed in more detail below.

3A-3C illustrate possible contents of the restriction database. In the example of Figure 3A, Company A limits calls to one of its employees. Restrictions are copied from a file that is more commonly used in a business. The Company's telephone directory contains, for Company A, 15 company employees, CEOs and key customer numbers. The employee has reported his home numbers to his employer, who has further recorded the data in the restriction service 204 for export.

In the example of Figure 3B, the company limits its employee calls to the accrued balance of the shirt, even when this has gone beyond the practical control distance. In this case, only calls to numbers stored in a company name corresponding to the one described above are allowed. When an employee cannot be located, a barrier is set to "all" outgoing calls outside office hours.

• · 25 In the example of Figure 3C, the child custodian has set a general restriction on the use of paid entertainment services. There is no limit on numbers with a cumulative balance of less than $ 50. The child can call for a € 100 balance. In addition to the list of home numbers that the caregiver deems most important, as well as other essential services, he or she has defined a circle of friends with a maximum size of »30 in the example. When the € 100 limit is reached: The child can only call home, school and the doctor's number.

A condition that depends on time and accrued balance may be, for example, the case that the use of services is restricted if the average accrued balance is more than 5 € / day. In this case, the restriction allows you to use the network-35 services throughout the billing period, even if there are sometimes days when access to the services is restricted.

115690 8

The operation of the restriction server shown in Figure 4 will now be described in more detail. In step 401, that is, when the restrictions are in the restriction information database 204, the restriction server activates the restriction service. In the next step, the restriction server 403 retrieves from the restriction database the conditions set for the subscription.

5 For example, a restriction server can be implemented on a batch-running UNIX computer, whereby one restriction service corresponds to a single CRON-type process.

The application server sends information about the modified and created or removed terms and restrictions to the restriction server 203, for example, to a file containing restriction services located therein 10. If it is detected in step 405 that there is an interface for which the restriction service has already been activated, whereupon the service has been canceled or the conditions definition has been changed, the execution control must be moved to step 449. If the service has been canceled, go to step 451 . In the next step, step 453, the message is forwarded to impose restrictions. The message processing mechanism is discussed below. In the final step 455, the process is terminated. If the condition definitions have only been changed, return to the previous step 403 to retrieve the new conditions.

After fetching the condition definitions, the service system waits 20 (step 407) for the next scan start time, if defined. By default, restrictions are checked once a day, * · *; '. · * But can also be defined differently for each subscriber. When the scan time • · v, is reached, in step 409, the condition to be checked is selected from the set of conditions.

*: * ·: The service logic of the constraint server examines (step 411) whether there are position dependencies in the ·: ··· 25 condition being examined. If so, step 413 is generated in step 413; * ··. sely positioning system. For example, in the example of Figure 3B, the query to be sent to the LCS server 220 is formatted such that LCS can determine the distance between the office address of the workplace and the location of the mobile phone. For security reasons, you do not want to grant permissions to read the location database. The location system has a Geographic Information System (GIS) that can map the address as coordinates on the map.

35 Next, the performance control moves to step 415, which checks whether the subject under examination has a balance dependency. If so, proceed to step 1 15690 g where the inquiry is made to the billing system of the mobile network. The query returns the balance accrued to the subscription during the billing period.

After examining the existence of the balance condition, it is considered whether the condition is time dependent. This is done in step 419. If the time dependency to ha-5 is power, the date and time in the system are returned as the return value of the query.

Once the dependence of the condition on the various parameters has been verified and the values of the parameters are known in the condition checking process, in step 423 it can be checked whether the condition is fulfilled. If the condition is met, it is set aside (step 425) for further processing. The next step 427 checks whether all conditions have been passed. If not, performance control continues at step 409, where a new condition is selected. This will continue until all conditions have been reviewed.

After checking all the conditions, the next step 429 is to select the actual conditions. The conditions may include receding conditions as in Examples 15 of Figures 3A and 3B as well as absolute conditions. The latter are always valid, while receding conditions such as balance dependency are of such a nature that only the strictest condition is taken into account. For example, stringency refers to, for example, the highest value set for the balance.

From the description of step 429, it can be seen that there may be several conditions that are fulfilled. In step 431, the restriction database t ·! the restrictions corresponding to the actual conditions are observed and the restrictions on the subscription at the time of the check. Thereafter, it shall be checked:. v you need to remove those restrictions and set them. In addition, the restriction database. : retrieves information about how to set restrictions, which can include, for example, 1 to 25 addresses to which the message setting each restriction is sent. Once the set constraints have been retrieved, a setup message according to the constraint setting method is generated in the next step 433. In step 435, the setup message is transmitted according to the setting mode.

According to the ETSI GSM Specification 11.11 (USIM Application Toolkit), · "30 Call control by USIM" can be assigned to the SIM. When this service is activated, all numbers dialed by the terminal, value control services strings and USSD strings are sent to the SIM application before the terminal sets a call, and the application on the SIM card has the ability to allow, block or modify the call, value-added service or USSD • »t 35 SIM application can also replace selected numbers or strings with another call request. In addition, the aforementioned 115690 10 specification defines a feature called "MO Short Message Control by USIM" in which all short messages originating from a mobile station are used through the application before being sent.The SIM application can edit messages like Call Control by USIM functionality.

5 In the SIM application on a mobile station, it is possible to define allowed numbers (FDN) and denied numbers (BDN) for proactive prevention. According to the prior art, these can be configured via a mobile user interface. However, when implemented in this manner, the stepwise restriction on the use of the services would not work automatically, but would require the user 10 to configure the allowed and denied services. The FDN and BDN number definitions may also allow or deny connections based on certain subscriber numbers, such as area codes.

The basic idea of the terminal embodiment of the invention is that the allowed and / or denied services defined in the restriction database 204, which may be for example FDN or BDN numbers or numbers allowed for sending SMS, are set via an air interface using a defined over air interface (OTA). setup protocol, which is described in more detail, for example, in specification 03.48 (Security Mechanisms for the SIM Application Toolkit; Stage 2) according to GSM Phase 2+.

, t 20 The following is introduced with the terminal or the SIM card *; 5. The constraint server 203 requests (message 502) · '. * constraints to be set from the constraint database 204. Restrictions database returns' restrictions (message 504). With the constraint interleaver (step 505), a list of allowed and / or prohibited services ι ['Ί] is placed in the terminal: 25, and the list (message 506) is then forwarded to a separate OTA server 219. The use of a separate server is not necessary. The functionality of the server 219 may also be located on a restriction server 203, *, or another network element, such as an HLR, to which information about the restrictions to be set may be transmitted.

A: Server 219 then examines the message. For each interface, the encryption key used is defined. In addition, the messages must have a serial number to ensure that the configuration messages from the network have been passed through; it in the right order on the SIM card. For this purpose, the required parameters (message 508) are requested from the database 218 connected to the system 35. The database returns parameters (message 510). Next, the server generates (step 115690 11 511) a configuration message consisting of the header information and the actual content of the message. In the GSM system, the configuration message is typically transmitted as SMS messages, with a maximum of 140 bytes of data content per SMS. For example, the number of bytes needed to transfer a phonebook is 5 more. The problem is solved by using the GSM specification 03.48 way to divide the message into several parts which are combined with the SIM card. To this end, the block number of the messages is added to the message header before being sent.

The generated multi-part message message 10 is measured to be sent by SMSC 216 (messages 512-514). The SMSC forwards the received messages to the terminal 211 (messages 516-518). The SIM card 205 associated with the terminal 211 processes the received messages (messages 520-522) after detecting them as setup messages.

Upon receiving the complete configuration message, the SIM application processes the message 15, i.e., makes the necessary restrictions or removes the restrictions. When the restrictions have been set, an acknowledgment 530 is sent as a return message. The mobile station forwards the message to SMSC (message 532), which forwards the received acknowledgment to the OTA server (message 534), after which the message is forwarded to the restriction server 536. 20 messages from serial numbers (messages 560 and 562). In addition, the restriction server can update the restrictions in force in the restriction database (posts 550 and 552).

: Y: The SIM card has a service table (for more details see 11.102 Characteristics of the USIM Application), to which the message ..,.: 25 activates the service "CALL CONTROL". When a user attempts to either dial a telephone number or send a text message or USSD message, the terminal sends the service initialization information to the UICC using the "" ENVELOPE (CALL CONTROL) "command specified in 11.111 USIM Application Toolkit (USAT).

* 'If the requested service is not on the blacklist or on the whitelist, UICC

* ... · * 30 responds by resetting the numeric values (90, 00), whereby the terminal continues to call the service. If the service is not allowed, the UICC returns values (93, 00).

. ···. When the terminal gives a TERMINAL RESPONSE response to the "SET UP CALL, SEND SS, or SEND USSD" command modified by the call control function: UICC, it forwards the response to the ENVELOPE (CALL CONTROL) command: ": In a limited case, the message ' "Interaction with call control by UICC or MO short message control by UICC, action not 115690 12 allowed." This can be interpreted in USIM as user friendly and clearer.

Although the invention is described above when implemented in a GSM network, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be implemented in other communication systems utilizing similar types of network elements. Examples of such messaging systems are UMTS and various VolP systems. Packet switched wireless networks, such as GPRS, also contain similar elements. They replace the MSC with a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), and the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) handles 10 connections to other networks. Thus, the invention is equally applicable to packet switched networks.

In addition, the services to which the method, apparatus and system according to the invention are restricted, are not limited to the possibilities set forth in the description. The conditions and limitations may be implemented in accordance with the basic idea of the invention in a different manner than described above. The invention is to be interpreted according to the appended claims.

20 • · «• 1 ·»

Claims (43)

115690 A method for restricting the use of services in a mobile communication system, characterized in that the mobile communication system: - defines different conditions (E1, E2, ... EN) 5 for the use of the subscriber line, - defines a corresponding restriction for each condition, as opposed to other condition-specific restrictions, - monitoring (423) the fulfillment of the conditions, and - if any (No) condition is fulfilled, restricting (433, 435) the use of service 10 to match the limit specified for the condition that has been fulfilled. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said restriction is placed on the subscriber identity module of the terminal. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the restriction to be applied to the subscriber identity module of the terminal is delivered as a message to be transmitted over the air interface. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said message contains allowed subscriber numbers. 5. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said message contains allowed initials of subscriber numbers. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that:. that said message contains blocked subscriber numbers. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that: | that said message contains blocked prefixes of subscriber numbers. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said message prevents the sending of text messages. i t * A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said message prevents sending of USSD messages. A method according to claim 1, characterized by placing said usage restriction in a subscriber register of the mobile communication system. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that said access restriction to be placed in the subscriber directory is a closed access group. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that said access restriction to be placed in the subscriber directory belongs to the group of outgoing calls. 115690 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one condition relates to the balance accrued to the subscription. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one condition relates to the location of the interface. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one condition is related to a time. An apparatus (203) for restricting the use of services in a mobile communication system, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: - first reading means for reading various conditions (E1, E2 .... EN) specified for the subscriber interface, - monitoring means (411, 415, 419). , 423) for monitoring the fulfillment of said conditions, - said second reading means (431) responsive to the supervisory bodies for reading the condition constraints corresponding to the fulfilled conditions, each condition constraint being different from the other condition constraints, and - message forming means (433, 435) to set up a message and send it to a predefined address. Device according to Claim 16, characterized in that said message forming means produce a message to be transmitted to the terminal necessary for setting a restriction. _ 18. A device according to claim 17, characterized in that: said message generating means provide a message to the terminal for transmitting a restriction over the air interface. ] 25 The device of claim 18, characterized in that said message contains allowed subscriber numbers. Device according to Claim 18, characterized in that said message contains the initial parts of the allowed subscriber numbers. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that: said message contains blocked subscriber numbers. Device according to Claim 18, characterized in that said message contains the initials of blocked subscriber numbers. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that: said message contains the information necessary to prevent the sending of • SMS messages from the terminal. 115690 Device according to Claim 18, characterized in that said message contains information necessary to prevent USSD messages being transmitted from the terminal. Device according to Claim 16, characterized in that said message forming means are arranged to send a message to the subscriber directory of the mobile communication system. Device according to claim 25, characterized in that said restriction is a closed user group restriction. The device of claim 26, characterized in that said restriction is part of an outgoing call restriction group. 28. A system for limiting the use of services in a mobile communication system, characterized in that the system includes: - different subscription-specific conditions (E1, E2 .... EN) for limiting the use of services, 15. condition-specific restrictions, each condition-specific restriction being different from the other and - regulatory bodies to set a limit corresponding to the actual condition. A system according to claim 28, characterized in that; that said setting means include j v, - message forming means having a constraint corresponding to the fulfilled condition \! to generate the message necessary to give it effect, and ** '·. - transmitting means for transmitting the message to a predetermined address when the condition corresponding to the restriction is fulfilled. The system of claim 29, characterized in that said transmitting members are adapted to send a message to the subscriber identity module of the terminal. A system according to claim 29, characterized in that:. said enforcement means being adapted to deliver said terminal subscriber identity module over the air interface. A system according to claim 31, characterized in that: 35 said message contains allowed subscriber numbers. 115690 A system according to claim 31, characterized in that said message contains allowed initials of subscriber numbers. The system of claim 31, characterized in that said message contains blocked subscriber numbers. The system of claim 31, wherein said message includes blocked prefixes of subscriber numbers. The system of claim 31, characterized in that said message is blocked from sending text messages. The system of claim 31, characterized in that said message prevents the sending of USSD messages. System according to claim 28, characterized in that the usage restriction is set in the subscriber directory of the mobile communication system. The system of claim 38, characterized in that said restriction to be placed on the subscriber directory is a closed user group (s) restriction. A system according to claim 38, characterized in that said restriction to be placed on the subscriber directory belongs to the 2. outgoing call restriction group. A system according to claim 28, characterized in that at least one condition relates to the balance accrued to the subscription. 42. The system of claim 28, characterized by: that at least one condition relates to the location of the interface. : 30 The system of claim 28, characterized in that the at least one condition is associated with a time of day. 115690