GB2399429A

GB2399429A - Providing cost data to users of a communication network

Info

Publication number: GB2399429A
Application number: GB0305894A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phu Trinh
Original assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
Current assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
Priority date: 2003-03-14
Filing date: 2003-03-14
Publication date: 2004-09-15
Also published as: GB0305894D0

Abstract

A mobile telephone network 1,7 is disclosed for providing a communication service (voice and/or data calls) to a plurality of mobile stations 3,5 at a cost which varies with respect to time. The network includes modules 11,13,15 for transmitting data to the mobile stations indicative of the cost of using the communication service. The mobile stations have modules 17,19,23 for interpreting this information and indicating to the user of the mobile terminal the cost of using the service at a particular time. The arrangement is such that the cost indication is provided irrespective of whether the user initiates a request for a communication service. The user indication may be the display of a particular colour which informs the user of the cost currently applicable for using the communications service to allow an informed decision to be made as to whether to proceed with using the service. The user does not need to take any steps to initiate a communication service to be provided with the indication of the cost of using the service.

Description

PROVIDING COST DATA TO USERS OF A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

The present invention relates to a network for providing a communication service to a plurality of user stations at a cost which varies with respect to the level of usage of the network or part thereof or a value expected to be indicative of the level of usage of the network or part thereof, and also relates to a user station adapted for use with such a network.

Mobile or cellular telephone networks levy different charges for calls at different times of the day. For example, it is common for a higher charge to be levied for a telephone call made during the working day than in the evening, at night and at weekends. One of the purposes of this differential charging is to smooth or even out usage of network capacity in any given twenty four hour period and over any seven day period. During the working day a high call volume will be generated by business calls, and at that time users will be discouraged by the differential charging from making personal calls which are not of an urgent nature. It is envisaged that when third generation (3G) networks become widely used the issue of network congestion will become even more important because the number of data calls (as opposed to voice calls) will increase as users make use of new and improved data-related features available on 3G networks. Differential charging according to the time of day/week is a potentially powerful tool for alleviating congestion on 3G networks.

However, the usefulness of this tool is dependent upon the user being aware of the charging tariff applicable at the time the user might wish to make a call. Even with the current charging tariff structures which typically have only a "peak" and "off-peak" rate many users may not t e aware of the times at which these different rates apply and/or, in the absence of any indication provided before initiation of the car], may not take into account the current charging rate.

For example, from a network capacity point of view, a charging tariff structure would ideally encourage the making of data calls which transfer a large amount of data which is not required immediately to occur during the night when the amount of voice call traffic is I. . mlnlma.

It would be desirable to provide more complex time dependent charging tariffs to provide greater smoothing of use of network capacity but such complex charging structures would be difficult for users to remember, and would therefore be ineffective and would be resisted by users. Further, it would be desirable to provide differential charging on the basis of location so that calls at heavily congested locations (such as railway stations) are charged at a higher rate.

E TSI standards GSM 02.24 and 02.86 provide for an "Advice of Charge" (AoC) facility to be provided to users, and AoC is available on some current GSM networks (phase 2+).

When AoC is implemented, Charge Advice Information (CAI) is provided to a mobile i 3 station at predetermined time intervals or when a call is initiated. The CAI allows the mobile station with the required functionality to estimate the charge that will be levied by the network for a telephone call which is in progress. This charge may be displayed to the user during a call and/or the total charge of the call may be indicated to the user when the call is finished.

While AoC is of value to a user because it allows the user to keep a record of call costs being incurred, AoC is not a particularly effective tool from the network point of view in evening out usage of the network.

According to an aspect ofthe present invention, there is provided a network for providing a communication service to a plurality of user stations at a cost which varies with respect to the level of usage of the network or a part thereof or a value expected to be indicative of the level of usage of the network or a part thereof, the network including means for transmitting cost data to the user stations indicative of the cost of using the service, the user stations having means for indicating to the user thereofthe cost of using the service, the arrangement being such that the cost indication is provided irrespective of whether the user initiates a request for the service.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user station adapted for use with the network defined above.

According to a further aspect ofthe invention, there is provided a method for smoothing usage of a telecommunications network over a period oftime or over a geographical area, including transmitting cost data to user stations ofthe network which is indicative ofthe cost of using a communication service and which varies with respect to the level of usage of the network or part thereof or a value expected to be indicative of the level of usage of the network or part thereof; providing an indication to the user of the user station of the cost of using the service; wherein the cost indication is provided irrespective of whether the user initiates a request for the service.

According to another aspect ofthe invention, there is provided a system for smoothing the usage of a mobile telecommunications network, including means for monitoring the available unused capacity of the network and generating a value representative thereof, cost data generating means for generating cost data in dependence upon the value, and transmitting means for transmitting the cost data to user stations associated with the network.

For a better understanding of the present invention, a network and a user station for use therewith embodying the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I shows schematically the elements of a mobile telephone network; Figures 2A and 2B show schematically a mobile station providing a visual indication of different charging tariffs being applicable.

As shown in Figure 1 a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) I has a first mobile station 3 and second mobile station 5 associated with it (in practice of course there would be a large number of mobile stations). The mobile stations 3 and 5 can make and receive voice and data calls using the PLMN 1. The PLMN 1 is controlled by network server 7. The network server 7 controls communication between the mobile stations 3 and 5 via the PLMN 1 and allows connections to be made to fixed telephones and mobile stations in other networks via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) - not shown. The network server 7 stores data relating to the location of mobile stations 3 and 5, security and authentication information, information to allow the users of mobile stations 3 and 5 to be charged for usage of the network 1, etc. In Figure 1, mobile station 3 has a GPRS facility which allows data to be downloaded to laptop computer 9 from the network 1 via, for example, an infra-red link between mobile station 3 and laptop computer 9. Such an arrangement could allow the user of laptop 9 to download and send emails using his mobile station 3 and also allows access to the Internet. Mobile station 5 may be, for example, a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) enabled mobile station.

Thus far, what has been described is conventional. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention it is desired to provide a mechanism whereby the capacity of network 1 may be used optimally. To achieve this users of mobile stations 3 and 5 are provided with an indication of the charging rate applicable at a given time to allow the user to make an informed decision as to whether the user wishes to make a voice or data call at that time, or whether the user might wish to defer making such a call until a time that it can be made at less expense.

The network server 7 includes a cost data generation module 11 which generates data interpretable by mobile stations 3 and 5, indicating the charging rate applicable at a particular time. For example, such data can comprise a complete list of the different charges applicable over a twenty four hour or seven-day period, or alternatively may only indicate the charge rate applicable at the present time (i.e. real time charge tariff information). The cost data is passed from cost data generation module 11 to cost data transmission module 13, and via optional delay module 15 (to be described later) to the mobile stations 3 and 5 via network 1. The cost data may be transmitted to the mobile stations continuously, or at regular or predetermined time intervals. For example, the cost data may be transmitted to mobile stations 3 and 5 at the time when there is change in the charging rate applicable (and this approach is likely to be adopted when the cost data comprises real time charge information).

The cost data is transmitted to the mobile stations 3 and 5 in a similar manner to the multiplicity of other data continually being exchanged by mobile stations 3 and 5 to the network 1, such as data relating to the identity of the mobile station, the position of the mobile station, the signal strength of the network at the mobile station, etc. When received, the cost data is passed to cost data reception module 17 where the data is interpreted. Appropriate signals are passed to display driver 19 to provide a visual indication on the display 21 of the charging rate currently applicable. A delay module 23 may optionally be provided, and this will be described later.

In a first embodiment, a simple charging tariff is applicable where voice and data calls are charged at a higher per minute rate between 8a.m. and 7p.m. and are charged at a lower per minute rate after 7p.m. and before 8a.m. Data representing this charging structure is generated by cost data generating module I I and is transmitted to network I by cost data transmitting module 13. In this first embodiment the cost data relating to the complete tariff over a twenty four hour period is transmitted, so this data only needs to be transmitted to mobile stations 3 and 5 periodically, for example, once a day (although it could be transmitted much less frequently or much more frequently). The cost data is received by the mobile stations 3 and 5, and is interpreted by cost data receiving module 17. The cost data receiving module 17 calculates the tariff applicable at the present time (using information relating to the present time provided from the mobile station) and passes a signal to display driver 19 to provide an indication on the display 21 of the tariff applicable at the present time.

If the cost data is transmitted in real time, the processing performed by the cost data receiving module 17 is more straightforward. The module 17 simply instructs the display driver 19 to display the appropriate visual indication in accordance with the cost data received.

A visual indication of the applicable tariff may be provided by displaying a particular colour. For example, gold could indicate that the highest charging rate is currently applicable and silver could indicate that a lower charging rate is applicable. If more than two charging rates are applicable, further colours (such as bronze) could be displayed at the appropriate time. The colour could be displayed as the background or backlighting colour of the display 21, by an icon appearing on the display 21 having the appropriate colour, or by any other suitable means. It should be appreciated that the tariff information does not necessarily have to be displayed in the form of a colour, but could be displayed alphanumerically or by an appropriate range of pictures or icons. The use of differential colours is thought to be advantageous because it allows the charging tariff information to be displayed to the user in a manner that can be readily recognised. If the colour information is displayed by changing the background or backlighting colour, this is particularly advantageous because the tariff data does not diminish the capacity to display other data on the display 21.

When the user of mobile station 3 wishes to make a call, on viewing the display 21 they will be given an immediate indication of the charging rate currently applicable. A decision can then be made as to whether the call should be made at that time or should be deferred. For example, if the user of mobile station 3 at the peak time of the charging tariff wishes to make an urgent call to a business associate he will be aware that the call will be charged at the higher rate but will nevertheless wish to make the call. However, knowledge that the call will be charged at the higher rate may encourage the user to keep the length ofthe call to a minimum. Further, if the user of mobile station 3 is considering transmitting a large amount of non-urgent data and is provided with an indication that the highest charging tariff is currently applicable, the user may make an informed decision to delay transmitting this large amount of data until a lower tariff is applicable. The charging rate information displayed therefore unobtrusively encourages users to use the network I in a way that will smooth the traffic carried by the network 1, thereby maximising network capacity.

Of course, as an alternative to a visual indication of the charging tariff applicable, this information may be provided in a different manner, for example by an audible signal.

From the above description, it should be understood that the cost data is displayed (or provided by other means) to the user of a mobile station without the user being required to take any special action. For example, there is no requirement to initiate a call. In prior art arrangements for providing an advice of charge, the user has to take certain steps to initiate the call (even if there is a facility for terminating the call before any charges are actually incurred). This is detrimental to efficiency of the network because, even if only preliminary steps are taken to set up a call, this will waste network resources. In contrast, the embodiments described above provides charging tariff data to a user without requiring any steps to be taken to initiate a call.

In order to prevent the network I becoming congested or overloaded by users wishing to make lower cost calls as soon as the charging rate changes from a peak rate to an off-peak rate, a random or pseudo-random delay may be provided so that the users of different mobile stations 3 and 5 will receive an indication that the rate is changed at slightly Idifferent times. If real time cost data is transmitted to mobile stations 3 and 5, delay module 15 in the network server 7 will control the transmission of the real time charging rate change data to mobile stations 3 and 5 such that these receive the data at different times. If tariff data is transmitted only periodically and in the form of data indicating a tariff structure over a particular period (for example twenty four hours), it is advantageous for a delay module 23 to be provided in the mobile stations 3 and 5. The cost data receiving module 17 of each mobile station 3 and 5 will recognise that the charging rate has changed. However, rather than the display module 19 indicating this change immediately on display 21, the delay module 23 provides a random or pseudo-random delay to the appropriate indication being provided on display 21.

Figure 2A shows mobile station 3 having a display background with a first colour (for example gold) represented by the pattern of dots in the Figure. Figure 2B shows the mobile terminal 3 where the display 21 background is a second colour (for example silver) represented by the pattern of inclined lines. The display of the different colours provides a simple indication to the user of the cost of making a call at the relevant time in a way that is readily comprehensible (gold being generally understood to be more expensive than silver).

The arrangement described above, because it provides a simple, easily recognised and user-friendly indication of the charging rate currently applicable, allows the use of more complex charging tariff structures. Even if a large number (for example 10) charging rates are applicable at different times of day, the user will at any given time simply and quickly be able to ascertain which charging tariff is applicable before initiating any call and using any network resources. As an alternative to having a fixed tariff structure, an adaptive tariff structure could be provided, which increases charges to users wishing to initiate a call as the network becomes increasingly congested, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood of the network becoming overloaded, and allowing users who consider their calls to be of great importance the facility to make that important call albeit at high cost. Thus, the charging rate may vary in accordance with the calculated available capacity of the network, rather than simply with time (which is only indicative of the expected available capacity).

Further, rather than the available capacity of the entire network being calculated, the available capacity in a part of the network, such as the cell occupied by a mobile station, may be determined or estimated and charging rates for different cells may be varied, with relevant cost data for the occupied cell being transmitted to the mobile station by cost data transmission module 13. The user in a highly congested cell will have an indication in display 28 that making a call will be expensive and can therefore choose to defer making a non-urgent call until they occupy a less congested cell - which again will be indicated by a change in colour if the display 2.

The charging rate can vary according to both time and location. The charge for making a call at a particular time and location can be provided to the user in real time via the display 2 l.

The tariff operated by the network server 7 may alter the charges for different services (such as voice calls, data calls (e.g. MP3 or video/picture), SMS, MMS) at different times.

The current charge for each service can be indicated on display 21 by, for example, a series of appropriately coloured icons.

In an enhancement of the embodiments described above, means may be provided for controlling the supply of data downloaded from a subscription service - for example, the regular supply of stockmarket prices. Where the service provider wishes to "push" the data to a user's mobile station, the user receives a prompt which allows the user to accept the downloading of the data immediately, or to defer receiving the data until a different charging rate applies. If the user chooses to defer, the data may be downloaded by several different mechanisms. Firstly, the mobile station cost data reception module 17 may cause the mobile station to request the data when the charging rate changes.

Alternatively, the network or subscription service server may receive a notification from the user's mobile station that transmission of the data is to be deferred, and the network or server will "push" the data to the mobile station again when it is determined by the network or the subscription service server that the charging rate has changed.

The network 1 may be a GSM or 3G network, for example.

Claims

1. A network for providing a communication service to a plurality of user stations at a cost which varies with respect to the level of usage of the network or a part thereof or a value expected to be indicative of the level of usage of the network or a part thereof, the network including means for transmitting cost data to the user stations indicative of the cost of using the service, the user stations having means for indicating to the user thereof the cost of using the service, the arrangement being such that the cost indication is provided irrespective of whether the user initiates a request for the service.

2. The network of claim 1, wherein the cost of the communication service varies with respect to time and the cost indication indicates the cost of using the service at a particular time.

3. The network of claim I, wherein the cost ofthe communication service varies with respect to the location of a user station and the cost indication indicates the cost of using the service at a particular location.

4. The network of claim 1, wherein the cost of the communication service varies with respect to the spare capacity of the part of the network in which a user station is located and the cost indication indicates the cost of using the service at that part of the network.

5. The network of claim 1,2,3 or 4, including means for calculating the level of usage of the network or part thereof and means for continuously varying the cost to the user stations of using the communication service in dependence of the calculated level of usage.

6. The network of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indication to the user is a visual indication. l i

7. The network of claim 6, wherein the indication is provided by displaying a selected colour.

8. The network of claim 7, wherein the indication is provided by displaying a selected background colour on a display of the user station.

9. The network of claim 7 or 8, wherein the indication is provided by selecting a backlighting colour of the display.

10. The network of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the network comprises a GSM or 3G mobile telecommunications network.

11. The network of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user station comprises a mobile telecommunications station.

12. The network of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cost data is transmitted continuously.

13. The network of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cost data is transmitted at predetermined time intervals.

14. The network of any one of claims I to 1 1, wherein the cost data is transmitted in response to a change in the cost of the service.

15. The network of claim 13 or 14, wherein the cost data is transmitted to different ones of the terminals at different times.

16. The network of any one of the preceding claims, wherein respective terminals have a different delay between receiving the cost data and indicating to the user the cost of using the service in accordance with the received cost data.

17. The network of any one of the preceding claims, for providing a plurality of communication services, each having a cost which varies with respect to the level of usage of the network or a part thereof or a value expected to be indicative of the level of usage of the network or a part thereof, the network including means for transmitting cost data for each of the respective services to the user stations.

18. A user station adapted for use with a network according to any one of claims I to 17.

l 9. A method for smoothing usage of a telecommunications network over a period of time or over a geographical area, including transmitting cost data to user stations of the network which is indicative of the cost of using a communication service and which varies with respect to the level of usage ofthe network or part thereofor a value expected to be indicative of the level of usage of the network or part thereof; providing an indication to the user of the user station of the cost of using the service; wherein the cost indication is provided irrespective of whether the user initiates a request for the service.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cost of the communication service varies with respect to the time and the cost indication indicates the cost of using the service at a particular time.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the cost of the communication service varies with respect to the location ofthe user station and the cost indication indicates the cost of using the service at a particular location.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the cost of the communication service varies with respect to their spare capacity of the part of the network in which the user station is located and the cost indication indicates the cost of using the service at that part of the network.

23. The method of any one of claims 19 to 22, including the steps of calculating the level of usage of the network or part thereof, and varying the cost to the user stations of using the communication service in dependence upon the calculated level of usage.

24. The method of any one of claims l 9 to 23, wherein a visual indication of the cost of using the service at a particular time is provided.

25. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the cost data is transmitted continuously.

26. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the cost data is transmitted at predetermined time intervals.

27. The method of any one of claims l 9 to 23, wherein the cost data is transmitted in response to a change in the cost of the service.

28. The method of any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein the cost data is transmitted to different ones of the terminals at different times.

29. A system for smoothing the usage of a mobile telecommunications network, including means for monitoring the available unused capacity of the network and generating a value representative thereof, cost data generating means for generating cost data in dependence upon the value, and transmitting means for transmitting the cost data to user stations associated with the network.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the monitoring means monitors the available unused capacity of the network at a plurality of respective parts thereof and generates respective values representative thereof, wherein the cost data generating means generates respective cost data for each of said values, and wherein the transmitting means transmits the cost data to mobile stations in the part of the network to which the cost data relates.

31. A network, system or user station substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

32. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.