MXPA01005209A - Call delivery systems for roaming prepaid subscribers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides systems and methods that operate to provide seamless roaming to a prepaid subscriber in as many markets as possible. To that end, the systems of the invention include a location register (LR) that can determine the type, or class, of serving market with which the roaming subscriber is registering. Once the class of the serving market is identified, the LR can modify a subscriber's profile as a function of this class, and return to the serving market a profile that will allow the serving market to employ the prepaid platform that services the subscriber and thereby provide services to the roaming subscriber. In optional embodiments, the LR may also respond to location requests from the prepaid platform. The location information may be employed by the subscriber to determine a rate structure for a call, and thereby decrement the subscriber's balance as a function of, at least in part, the location of the roaming subscriber.

Description

CALL TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR FOLLOWING PREPAID SUBSCRIBERS REFERENCE RELATED REQUESTS This application claims priority for USSN 60 / 109,633 filed on November 24, 1998, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CALL DELIVERY SERVICES (Systems and Methods for Providing Call Transmission Services); and USSN 60 / 109,893, filed on November 25, 1998, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CALL DELIVERY SERVICES (Systems and Methods for Providing Call Transmission Services), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE IVENTION This invention relates to methods and systems for allowing prepaid subscribers to walk between service markets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cellular mobile phone services are currently one of the fastest growing types of communication services. They have been in operation in the United States for almost a decade 9 and have been offered in many other parts of the world for several years. Although cellular mobile phone services were once limited to relatively small geographic local areas, they have since evolved to allow expanded service through national states and boundaries through "follow-up agreements". This expansion has served the business objectives of mobile phone service providers by providing mobile tracking subscribers with the ability to originate and receive free, fast and automatically telephone calls from other fixed or mobile stations in the network. The tracking services have allowed cellular subscribers, who travel or "walk" away from their domestic businesses to use their mobile phones in these new markets. Typically, when a subscriber first enters a tracking market or "activates" the cell phone in a tracking market, the unique MIN and ESN of the telephone are transmitted to a carrier of services in the service market. These numbers identify the service bearer that the subscriber whose access codes have been transmitted is not a local subscriber. When using an IS-41 network, the server requests registration data of the subscriber's domestic carrier corresponding to the received MIN / ESN. This registration data is transmitted through the IS-41 network back to the service market to provide information to the service bearer regarding the characteristics and call restrictions of the subscriber and to allow the carrier to make a decision as to whether or not to provide the service The system then validates that a particular MIN / ESN is eligible to have tracking privileges Optionally, these tracking systems may also include functionality for security against clone fraud, which in recent years has increased dramatically A well-known system to prevent and detect cloning fraud is provided by GTE Telecomunication Services, Ine (GTETSI) GTE TSI provides a reference center validation service while maintaining a base of "positive" data of the valid MIN / ESNs of subscriber and a "negative" database of the invalid MIN / ESNs of the subscriber When a call received by the GTE TSI system, a search is made against the positive databases and Negative to determine if the combination of MIN / ESN is valid If not, the MIN / ESN is entered into the database n This way, this system provides the subscriber some protection against a fraudulent use of the ES and MIN of the subscriber In addition to the tracking services, the use of mobile telephones has also been expanded in part due to new services, such as Prepaid call, which allows an entirely new segment of users to have the advantage of mobile voice and data services For example, users who lack credit histories or users who wish to provide Third parties a mobile phone, but still retain some control over the cost of the provision of such service, can subscribe to prepaid phone services, allowing them to prepay phone calls. These systems operate by providing the subscriber with a debit or debit card account where the subscriber can withdraw funds to pay for a telephone call. Each time the prepaid subscriber makes a call, the call is routed through a prepaid platform. On the platform, the funds available to the subscriber are verified, and the subscriber is allowed to make a call while funds are available. As the funds run out, the prepaid platform issues an audible warning to the subscriber and finally the call ends. In this way, the subscriber can budget the amount of money that the subscriber wishes to spend on telephone services and can use the prepaid service as a way to limit expenses and reduce cost operations. Although tracking and prepaid services have become very popular among mobile phone users, these services exist separately, and, therefore, a prepaid user does not have the ability to use their telephone service outside their local market. Specifically, the tracking systems that currently exist can support a traditional credit subscriber by keeping track of that subscriber usage of the service market circuits and subsequently billing the subscriber through their local market provider. Nevertheless, most of the tracking systems do not have access to the debit account information for a prepaid customer, nor do they have access to a prepaid platform that can notify the subscriber when the funds start to run out, or end a call once There are no longer funds. In this way, most remote service markets can not support a prepaid subscriber tracking. Accordingly, there is a need for a tracking system that can provide wireless tracking to a trained subscriber.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide tracking systems that support a prepaid subscriber as he travels between different service markets, and different types of service markets. It is another object of the present invention to provide tracking systems for prepaid subscribers that are protected against fraud, and to prevent the transmission of unrealized call through a roaming port of service bearer. Other objects of the invention, in part, will be obvious and, in part, will be shown from the following description of the systems and methods shown therein. In general, the systems and methods described here operate for provide wireless tracking to a prepaid subscriber in as many markets as possible. Up to this point the systems of the invention include a location register (LR) that can determine the type, or class, of the service market with which the tracking subscriber is registering. Once the service market class is identified, the location record (LR) can modify a subscriber profile as a function of this class and return the service market to a profile that will allow the service market to use the platform prepaid that serves the subscriber and in this way provides services to the subscriber of follow-ups. In optional modalities, the location record can also respond to location requests for the prepaid platform. The location information can be used by the subscriber to determine a speed structure for a call, and thus reduce the balance to the subscriber as a function of, at least in part, the location of the tracking subscriber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above objects and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a system according to the invention to allow a prepaid subscriber to walk in different service markets; Figure 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system according to the invention that allows a prepaid prepaid subscriber to access a prepaid platform in a remote service market to process calls; Figure 3 illustrates a data flow diagram showing the data exchange between service MSCs and a suitable location register for use with the system illustrated in the Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates a data flow diagram for a process according to the invention when the tracking call origin occurs within a wireless tracking market; Figure 5 illustrates a data flow diagram for a process according to the invention, wherein the location record allows a subscriber to trace a call originating within a hot line tracking market; Figure 6 illustrates a call termination model for a subscriber within a local market; and Figure 7 illustrates a data flow diagram for a transmission model for a prepaid tracking subscriber.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED MODALITIES To provide a full understanding of the invention, certain illustrative modalities will now be described. However, it will be understood by those aspects in the art that the systems and methods described herein can be adapted and modified for other suitable applications and that such other additions and modifications will not depart from the scope thereof. The system illustrated in Figure 1 provides wireless mobile origin and call forwarding services for prepaid subscribers that are being followed in or out of a prepaid market. As will be shown in more detail below, these systems include a location record, such as the location register 20 illustrated, which is capable of modifying a subscriber's profile as a function of a service market class. The modifications made to the subscriber profile are designed to direct the operation of the switch MSC. Once the profile is modified, the location record returns the modified profile to the service MSC. The MSC responds to the modified profile of the subscriber to operate in a way that provides the prepaid tracking subscriber with wireless tracking privileges outside the local market of the subscriber. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein a follow-up subscriber, illustrated to Figure 1 by the subscriber telephone unit 12, is able to walk in different service markets, including different types of market service, and being provided with prepaid communication services by a prepaid platform that can communicate with the subscriber of follow-ups. For purposes of illustration, Figure 1 presents this system 10 as a functional block diagram illustrating a telephone subscriber unit 12, a mobile switching center (MSC) 14, a local signal transfer point (STP) 16, a indoor signal transfer point 18, a location register 20 a database 22, an External Indoor Location Register (HLR), a prepaid service platform database 28, and a prepaid service voice node 30. Figure 1 further illustrates the domestic market 34 being separated from the service market 32 by the shaded line. The system 10 is shown as a conventional cellular system that supports voice and data communications. However, it will be apparent to those aspects in the art that in the invention it can be used with any mobile or wireless network. For example, the system can comprise a GSM network, a TCP / IP network, or a protocol developed in the future. Figure 1 further illustrates that elements of the system 10 may include conventional telecommunication equipment, such as, for example, the telephone unit 12 that is employed with the system to allow a prepaid subscriber to walk or be followed. In addition, the system 10 can employ other types of wireless communication device including any type of cellular communication device, such as a cellular phone, or wireless PDA The MSC 14 center can also be a conventional telecommunication device, specifically a mobile switching center of the type commonly used with cellular networks. The center MSC 14 can be coupled to an STP point 26 also of the type commonly used to transfer data, such as transferring data over an SS7 smart network. Similarly, the SPT point 18 illustrated in Figure 1 can also be used to transfer such data and may be in communication with the illustrated STP point 16. In the MSC center or the STP 16 point, a database can be provided which stores point codes for NPA / NXX numbers. These point codes may direct the MCS center 14 to the appropriate location and location for a tracking caller that tries to register at the MSC center 14. Figure 1 further illustrates that the system 10 may include an Interior Location Register (HLR) 24 of the type employed in cellular networks, and in addition can include a prepaid call processing platform 28. The prepaid call processing platform 28 can also be any suitable prepaid platform including the C2C prepaid call processing platform manufactured and sold by the transferee Of the same. The prepaid platform 28 can act as a centrally located database that includes information regarding the accounts of each subscriber of the prepaid system. This account information may include for each subscriber the amount of funds available to that subscriber, as well as other account information, such as free call time available to that subscriber and other information. This account information may be stored information. This account information may be stored in a database 28 comprising part of the prepared platform 28. The prepaid platform 28 may also comprise a nominal engine that processes the account information for a subscriber and determines from the account information a time interval representative of the number of minutes that the subscriber can talk. Other methods can also be practical to regulate the call. In the service market 30, a prepaid voice node is present, which is capable of processing a call for a prepaid subscriber. The prepaid voice node 30 is capable of connecting a prepaid subscriber to a communication network, such as the PSTN, and is able to reveal the call as a function of the determined time interval of the prepaid platform 28. In this way, the prepaid voice node acts as a switch connecting the subscriber through the center MSC 14 and the PSTN. Figure 1 further illustrates that the system 10 includes a location register (LR) 20 communicating with the HLR register 24 and the prepared platform 28. The LR register 20 is typically a data processing system that is coupled to the network and that receives and processes requests for data. In one embodiment, the LR register 20 comprises a conventional data processing platform, such as an IBM PC compatible computer running the Windows operating systems, or a SUN workstation running the Solaris operating system. Alternatively, the data processing system may comprise a dedicated processing system that influences an embedded programmable data processing system for transferring and processing data exchanged over the communication network. For example, the LR register 20 may comprise a single dashboard system that has been integrated into an MSC center at a cellular site within the network, such as at a cellular site associated with the internal market of the tracking subscriber. In any case, the LR register 20 will therefore comprise a software component operating in the data processing system. The software component program can be a C language computer program, or a computer program written in any high level language including C ++, Fortran, Java or Basic. In addition, the LR register 20 can be realized as a computer program written in microcode or written in a high level language and compiled into the microcode that can be executed on a platform used. Although the system 10 of Figure 1 illustrates a single registration unit LR 20, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a plurality of such location records can be connected to the network.

It will also be noted that the system 10 of Figure 1 includes a database 22 that communicates with the LR register 20 and that can store subscriber profiles to be used by the system, as well as a search table that looks for information to solve a given service market, of the associated class of markets. For example, the LR 20 record can store a table that distinguishes between two types of service markets, those service markets that have a prepaid voice node and those that do not. By way of illustration, it can be seen that the service market 34 has a prepaid voice node 30. In this way, as will be explained below, the LR register 20 can modify the profile for the subscriber to instruct the switching center MSC 14 to pass the subscriber's call to the prepaid voice node 30. In contrast, returning to Figure 2, one can see a system 50, which is similar to system 10, however, the service market 56 lacks a node of prepaid voice. Rather, with the system 50 a prepaid voice node that can be employed by the system is located in the indoor market 54. In this way, the CR register 20 will adjust the profile of the subscriber to employ the prepaid voice node 52 in the internal market 54. In this way, the system divides markets into classes based on the ability of the system to control call processing. The polished database 22 can be any suitable database system, including the commercially available Microsoft Access database, and can be a local or distributed database system.

The database 22 can be supported by any suitable persistent data memory, such as a hard disk drive, a RAID system, a tape drive system, a floppy disk, or any other suitable system. The system illustrated in Figure 1 includes a database device 22 that is separate from the LR register 20 however, it will be understood by those aspects in the art that in other embodiments, the database device 22 may be integrated into the registry LR 20. During operation, the subscriber of the prepaid cellular service has a telephone unit 12 having associated therewith a MIN and ESN, as well as an NPA / NXX, which defines the subscriber as a prepaid cellular user. When the subscriber accepts the cellular service, a subscriber service profile is stored for that subscriber in a database maintained by the internal bearer central MSC for that subscriber, or alternatively in a centrally located database, such as the registry External HLR 24. The service profile of the subscriber can include data indicating that the MIN is a table that allows to originate calls while it is being monitored, that the MIN can dial internationally, that automatic call transmission is active and that the MIN it is associated with other services. Other types of information may also be associated with the subscriber service profile and all this information is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The data carried in the profile tells the switching center MSC 14 how to handle the caller. By example, the data in the service profile can tell the central MSC 14 how to direct the caller to a prepaid platform or deny the caller the ability to originate or receive a call. The codes, parameters or other information contained in the service profile that will perform the switching operation, may vary depending on the application and the programming of the switching exchange MSC 14. Therefore, in a practice with the registration LR 20 it can coordinate with the central MSC to determine which of the parameters in the profile will change and what values to be able to change these parameters, so that the central MSC can respond as appropriate. This information can be encoded in a table, such as the table 1 shown below, which establishes for each service market, the service market class as well as the list of parameters that are to be changed by the LR register 20 to effect the desired response by the exchange MSC 14. After entering the foreign service market, the subscriber activates the mobile telephone unit 12 and the telephone 12 begins a registration process with the service central MSC 14. In this process, the mobile telephone unit 12 transmits NPA / NXX the central MSC 14. The central MSC 14, or optionally the point STP 16, maintains a database of numbers NPA / NXX, each of which has a point code associated with the number. In the system of Figure 1 the NPA / NXX for prepared subscribers is fixed in a point code referred to the central MSC 14 to the register LR 20. In this way, after receiving the NPA / NXX, the central service MSC 14 will request, based on the NPA / NXX provided by the subscriber, the caller tracking profile and the validation of the LR register 20. The process is illustrated in Figure 3, which presents the data flow between the elements of systems 10 and 50 for registering a prepaid subscriber. Specifically, Figure 3 illustrates that the LR register 20 receives the request and sends the request, or makes a separate request, to the HLR register 24 associated with the tracking subscriber. Up to this point, the LR register 20 may include a database or have access to a database that includes information defining the associated HLR record as a particular subscriber. The HLR register 24 identifies the tracking profile of the caller and transmits that profile to the LR register 20. Optionally, the HLR register 24 receives location information from the central MSC 14, through the LR register 20, and the HLR register stores this information of location for later use. As described above, once the LR register 20 has the profile, the LR register 20 will modify the profile to direct the operation of the switching exchange MSC 14 to process a call for the prepaid subscriber. To modify the profile, the LR register 20 determines the class of service market associated with the central MSC 14 and which is currently serving the subscriber. In a first practice, the LR register 20 processes the data provided by the central MSC 14 during the profile request operation. For example, under SS7 the message between the central MSC 14 and the LR register 20 may include an identifier for the central MSC 14, such as parameter MSCID. The LR register 20 can use the identifier to perform a search operation within a table, such as table 1, stored in the database 22. In other embodiments, where an identifier does not pass to the LR register 20, the registration LR 20 may request from the MSC 14 an identifier indicating the type of service market type, or provide a unique identifier that may be used by the LR register 20 to determine the class of service market associated with the MSC 14 exchange. In practice, each service market can be divided into two classes or types, the first type being those service markets that have a prepaid voice node and the second type being those service markets that do not have a prepaid voice node. In this practice, those service markets that are identified as having a prepaid voice node can be provided with a modified subscriber profile that will direct the prepaid subscriber to the prepaid platform of the service market. These markets can be referred to as wireless tracking markets. Those service markets that are identified as not having a prepaid voice node can be provided with a modified subscriber profile that will direct the prepaid subscriber of the tracking to a prepaid platform outside the service market area. These service markets can be referred to as hotline or hotline tracking markets. Other classifications of service markets can be employed by the LR register 20 to modify the subscriber profile, and the use of these other classifications will not depart from the scope of the invention once the determination of the service market class is made. , the LR register 20 can determine the modifications that will be made to the subscriber profile. In an example where the LR register 20 receives an identifier for the service market that can be used to access a look-up table that includes information to modify the profile of the subscriber. An example of said table is table 1 presented below. Table 1 illustrates an example of a data structure that can be used by the LR register 20 to modify the subscriber profile. Specifically, Table 1 illustrates a table that includes information on two service markets, the service markets A and B. As described above, parameters A and B may correspond to an identifier, such as MSCID, associated with the service market. For each service market illustrated in Table 1, the information is stored with respect to its market class and the list of parameters that are to be identified in order for the MSC exchange in the service market to be provided with the information appropriate to handle the prepaid tracking subscriber.

TABLE In the example provided by Table 1, the service market A is described as a market that has a prepaid platform, and as such, as a wireless tracking market. For this service market A, table 1 lists that the parameter "ORIGIN INDICATOR" will be modified to be 3 before being sent to the MSC 14 exchange for the service market. Similarly, Table 1 shows that for the B service market, the market is defined as a market that does not have a prepaid platform. For this market, the parameter "DIGIT OF RESTRICTION" will be modified to be "886671234". Other parameters of the profile can be modified and it will be understood that the modifications that can be made to the profile will depend on the application and operation of the switch for the service market. These modifications can be determined using any suitable technique, including reviewing the operation of the service switch and forming an agreement with the carrier with the owner of the carrier or switch, so that the parameters modified by the LR register 20 will direct the Switch operation as desired.

Returning again to Figure 3, the LR register 20 will return the modified profile to the MSC 14 exchange to complete the validation and registration process for the subscriber. The operation of the system returns to the service market class. Figure 4 illustrates the operation of the network for a service market that includes a prepaid platform. Continuing with the example presented in Table 1, the registry LR 20 will modify the profile to set the parameter "ORIGIN INDICATOR" in 3. This modification is understood to provide the central MSC 14 with an instruction to send the subscriber to the prepaid platform within that service market, such as the prepaid platform 30 of the service market 34 illustrated in Figure 1. In this way when the central MSC 14 verifies the visitor location record to obtain the tracking profile for the subscriber, the central MSC 14 of a profile that has the "ORIGIN INDICATOR" set at 3, which can optionally be the fix for all prepaid traffic by the MSC 14 exchange. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the central MSC 14 service addressed to the prepaid tracking caller along with all other prepaid callers to the local prepaid system 30. The prepaid system 30 can act as a voice node to control to the processing of calls for the subscriber. In one practice, the prepaid system 30 accesses the prepaid database and the nominal motor 28 to determine for that subscriber the interval and time available to the subscriber by giving his account information. As discussed above, the The prepaid database and the nominal engine can be a centrally located system that can be accessed through any prepaid platform voice node in any service market. In one practice, the prepaid platform 30 employs the MIN, ESN the dialed number and the NPA / NXX numbers provided by the central MSC or other item to access the account information of the central database 28. However, in those In systems where this and other information is not provided, the prepaid platform may request that the subscriber re-enter this information to provide the nominal system with the information to gather the account information and to perform the nominal processing. If the service exchange MSC 14 is determined as a hotline or hot line tracking market, the LR register 20 will generally modify the profile to provide the MSC 14 exchange with a hotline number that the MSC 14 exchange can use to direct the prepaid subscriber tracking to a prepaid voice node in a remote service market. In this way, the LR register 20 will return a parameter of "origin through the hotline number or hot line" and a hotline or hot line number appropriate to the service exchange MSC 14. For example, table 1 shows the B service market without having a prepaid platform. For this illustrative service market, the system can modify the profile to set the parameter "DIGIT OF RESTRICTION" in 8887761234, which can be a "number of 1"hotline or hot line" selected according to a system criteria. One criterion is to use the SID / BID of the central MSCs obtained from the prepaid system 28 to identify the most economical prepaid system. In other systems, a default number is used. In other systems plus the internal market for the subscriber tracking you can set the hotline number or hot line. Other techniques for determining where to direct the call may be practiced with the present invention without departing from the scope thereof. The call origins made by the subscriber although they are still in a hotline tracking market, will be completed through the hotline number, as shown in Figure 5. Here, the hotline number or hot line allows the central MSC 14 directing the call to the prepaid platform in another market, such as the prepaid voice node 52 in the internal market 54. For some types of call origins, the prepaid system 52 may request the subscriber the location of the LR register 20. The LR register 20 may store the location of the subscriber, or the LR register 20 may require the request of the subscriber location of the HLR register 24. If the service market 56 does not send the SS7 signaling with the subscriber's MIN and the digits dialed , the prepayment system 52 may prompt the subscriber to re-enter the dialed digits and the subscriber's MIN. If the service market does not send the SS7 signaling the MIN and marked digits of information, it is likely that the propagation system 52 will not need to incite the MIN, but it is still possible that the prepaid system 52 needs to incite the dialed digits. The subscriber location information can be provided to the nominal system to allow the nominal system to use the subscriber's location to determine how the call will be directed. It will be noted that for an HLR record provided by the tracking market, the LR register 20 will pass through any message provided by the HLR register 24. In this way, the LR register 20 will pass directly to the HLR register 24 requests that are not for prepaid subscribers. As described above, there will also be other messages that the LR 20 registry will need to "pass" such as to record messages, either to the HLR register 24 or to the service central MSC 14. This allows the markets to use profile sections for the purposes of property. Optionally these operations apply not only to roaming registration requests, but to any message, including ANSI-41 messages, where a subscriber profile or subscriber status is requested. In an optional additional practice, the LR register 20 may store the location of the subscriber, which in turn may pass to the HLR register 24 towards the lowest level of supported granularity. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate call transmission also known as call termination methods for use with a prepaid tracking subscriber. Specifically, Figure 6 illustrates a data flow diagram that shows how the systems of the invention allow a prepaid tracking subscriber to receive an incoming call when that prepaid tracking subscriber is in his home or local network. Specifically, Figure 6 illustrates that an incoming call, such as a call from a landline within the service market, can be delivered to the gateway of the internal market. In this example, the prepared subscriber is in the indoor coverage area already registered that coverage area, the gateway sends the call to the prepaid platform, such as a prepaid platform 28 illustrated in Figure 1. The prepaid platform makes a request for subscriber location of the location register 20, the location register 20 requests the location of the subscribers of the indoor location register 24, which may be part of an interior gate system. The HLR register 24 responds to the registration LR 20 with the location of the subscribers, and the LR register 20 provides that information to the prepaid system 28. The prepaid system can then complete the call to the subscriber tracking within the local coverage area. The prepaid system 28 may then perform call processing, as described above, wherein the funds in the account associated with the subscriber are to be used to determine a time interval for the call. Returning to Figure 7, a call transmission method for a tracking subscriber, which is a prepaid subscriber that is outside the local market, is illustrated. Specifically, Figure 7 illustrates the incoming call such as a call as A landline may be transmitted to the local market for the prepaid subscriber. In this case, the local market will direct the prepaid call to the prepaid system. Here, the prepaid system will make a request for the location of the subscriber to the location register 20. The HLR register 24 will respond with the location of subscribers. The location register 20 will then provide the location of the subscriber to the prepaid system 28. Here, the prepaid system 28 requests a TLDN to perform the transmission of calls. The LR register 20 can set a parameter in the user profile, such as a permitted field termination for the tracking profile, during the term of a call. The LR register 20 obtains the TLDN from the VLR and the VLR returns the TLDN to the LR register 20. The LR register 20 transmits the TLDN to the prepayment system and the local MSC central completes the call and values the call accordingly. In this way, a prepaid subscriber can receive incoming calls in a service market. Those skilled in the art will know or be able to determine the use of no more than routine experimentation, many equivalent to the modalities and practices described herein. Accordingly, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but will be understood from the following claims, which will be construed as broadly as possible under the law.

Claims (9)

1. A system for allowing a subscriber to have a prepaid communication service to follow different service markets, comprising: a service MSC capable of communicating with the subscriber and capable of generating a request for a profile associated with the subscriber, a registration location in communication with the service MSC exchange and in communication with a local location register associated with the subscriber profile, the location record being able to gather the user profile and capable of identifying a market class associated with the exchange MSC, whereby the location register can modify the user profile as a function of the identified class of the market to control the services provided to the subscriber, and a prepaid platform capable of performing the call processing for a call associated with the subscriber. . A system according to claim 1, wherein the location register includes a database having information representative of the class of markets associated with a plurality of markets capable of serving the subscriber. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location register includes a message sending processing unit for processing a message from the MSC exchange to identify a market class associated with the MSC exchange. A system according to claim 1, wherein said central MSC includes a profile request service capable of requesting the profile of a user in response to an NPA / NXX signal representative of the subscriber who is a prepaid client. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location register includes a memory space for storing information representative of a location associated with the subscriber. 6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location record includes means for providing a local location record with information representative of a location associated with the subscriber. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location register includes means for passing through registration requests for subscribers identified as non-prepaid subscribers. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location register includes means for requesting location information from the subscriber from a local location and register associated with the subscriber. 9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location register is in communication with the prepaid platform for transmitting subscriber location information to the prepaid platform. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location record includes means for communicating with a visitor location record to allow call termination for a call. 11. A system according to claim 1, wherein the location record includes an error report to report detected error conditions to the prepaid platform. 1

2. A method for processing prepaid telecommunication services comprising: providing a location register (LR) in communication with a service MSC in a service market, and in addition in communication with a local or internal location register (HLR) , being associated with at least one profile of the telecommunications subscriber, receiving a request from the service exchange MSC, the request associated with the selected subscriber, determining a market class based on the service exchange MSC and providing the exchange Service MSC with a modified subscriber profile, based on the specific market class and a profile associated with the selected subscriber. 1

3. A method according to claim 12, wherein the determination of a market class based on the service exchange MSC further includes determining whether the service market includes a prepaid voice node. 1

4. A method according to claim 12, which it further comprises recovering a profile associated with the selected subscriber of a local location register (HLR). 1

5. A method according to claim 12, wherein the provision to the service exchange MSC with a modified subscriber profile based on the particular market class, further includes modifying the profile associated with the selected subscriber to direct service telecommunications associated with the subscriber to a prepaid platform of the service market. 1

6. A method according to claim 12, wherein the proportion to the serving MSC with a modified subscriber profile based on the given market class, further includes modifying the profile associated with the selected subscriber to direct service telecommunications associated with subscribing to the prepaid platform outside the service market. 1

7. A method according to claim 12, wherein the provision to the service central MSC of a modified subscriber profile based on the specific market class, further includes modifying the origin indicator in relation to the profile associated with the selected subscriber. 1

8. A method according to claim 12, wherein the provision to the serving MSC with a modified subscriber profile based on the given market class also includes modifying the restriction digit related to the profile associated with the selected subscriber. 1

9. A method according to claim 12, wherein receiving a request from the service central MSC further includes receiving a data message from the service MSC. 20. A method according to claim 12, wherein the determination of a market class based on the service exchange MSC includes processing a data message from the service exchange MSC to identify the service market tag. 21. A method according to claim 12, wherein receiving a request from the service exchange MSC further includes receiving an NPA / NXX signal associated with the selected subscriber. 22. A method according to claim 12, wherein receiving a request from the service exchange MSC further includes receiving at least one of MIN and ESN associated with the selected subscriber. M 40ol 005 0 SUMMARY The invention provides systems and methods that operate to provide wireless tracking to a prepaid subscriber in as many markets as possible. Up to that point, the systems of the invention include a location register (LR) that can determine the type, or class, of the service market with which the tracking subscriber is registering. Once the service market class is identified, the LR registry can modify a subscriber profile as a function of this class, and return to the service market a profile that will allow the service market to use the prepaid platform that serves to the subscriber and in this way provide services to the tracking subscriber. In optional modalities, the LR registry can also respond to requests for the location of the prepaid platform. The location information may be used by the subscriber to determine a nominal structure for a call, and thereby reduce the balance of the subscriber as a function of, at least in part, the location of the tracking subscriber.