WO1999052266A1

WO1999052266A1 - Method and device for reloading a telephone card for mobile telephones or enabling said telephone card to be reused

Info

Publication number: WO1999052266A1
Application number: PCT/DE1998/000962
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siegfried Ergezinger; Andreas Kandulski; Kirstin Kuyper; Katharina Rubbert; Anita Döhler
Original assignee: E-Plus Mobilfunk Gmbh
Priority date: 1998-04-04
Filing date: 1998-04-04
Publication date: 1999-10-14
Also published as: AU7637998A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for reloading a telephone card for mobile telephones or enabling said telephone card to be reused. The invention provides that the process of enabling a telephone card to be reused in the network does not occur on the telephone card itself. As a result, the inventive method and device are extensively safeguarded against fraud.

Description

Method and device for recharging a cell phone card

The invention relates to a method for recharging or reusing a telephone card for mobile phones.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for performing the method according to the invention.

Disposable cards with a value of, for example, DM 100, which are non-rechargeable, are known and can be used over a period of three months.

On the occasion of CeBIT ^'95 in Hannover, the company Robin Phone Oy D1 a prepaid card at the special price offered (valid from 08/03/95 to 03/31/95) of DM 118.80 and DM 9.90 per month. The following conditions apply to the prepaid card: Contract period 12 months

Minimum call turnover DM 29.90 per month

One of the following special services (price per DM 5.75)

- Proof of individual fees

- GoldService 24 (guarantee extension to 24 months)

- CardService (card exchange for the latest generation of cards)

Flat-rate provision fee for using the DM 78.20 telephone network

Payment of the basic fee for one year upon conclusion of the contract

According to an article in Mobile News (12/95), Umbach offers

Radio technology, Göttingen, and the mobile phone service and sales company

staft mbH, Kassel, a prepaid card in the D1 private customer tariff

(Prepaid card). The monthly basic price is DM 23.75. The Mo¬

The customer must pay a flat rate for one year in advance.

Deutsche Telekom already offers the T-Card with two options on the market:

1. Prepaid phone card worth z. E.g .: DM 25, - or 2. Debiting the call charges made via the phone card in the

Afterwards from the normal Telekom bill or via the credit

customer card.

Neither the first nor the second option represent a prepaid and how

the rechargeable telephone card. The T-Card also does not provide a telephone connection

in the actual sense. The T-Card is not assigned its own telephone number

arranges. The customer cannot be reached via the T-Card.

E-Plus Mobilfunk GmbH has been offering the E-Plus Sofort service since May 1995. on.

This is a prepaid phone card, but it cannot be recharged.

speed.

The Swiss PTT has been offering the "Natel D easy" service since 10/01/96

is a prepaid and rechargeable phone card,

however, the credit is managed on the SIM card and not

in the web. Charging takes place via short messages on the SIM card

be evaluated. The invention has for its object a method for recharging

or reusable phone cards that can be used for mobile phones

create.

Furthermore, the invention has for its object a device for

To provide implementation of the method according to the invention.

Solution to the problem regarding the procedure

This object is achieved by the Merk¬ reproduced in claim 1

times solved.

If "VASS" is mentioned in the registration documents, this is only as

To understand the exemplary embodiment, since instead of “VASS” a “service platform”

can be used in general. In the invention, the phone card is recharged for the operator

fende Handy not on the card itself, but z. B. at a predetermined

Location of the mobile radio network, ie in this itself. In this way, a ho

hes level of security against fraud given that only the network operator Zu¬

has access to the relevant point of his radio network. In addition, here

opened by the possibility that the customer himself from any place and at any time

his phone card, for example via a credit card

can charge for a certain amount. This eliminates long waiting times

cumbersome routes to banks or other agencies and that

Filling out forms.

It is particularly advantageous if checking the recharge in the VASS

done - claim 2.

Further advantageous procedures are in claims 3 to 11

described. The phone card can be in five different phases:

1. In the preactivated state

The phone card is preactivated by the SP and with a first loading

for example, DM 50, - loaded, which means it doesn't have to be where

it was purchased (PoS) through the otherwise usual

be activated. The first outgoing call goes

the customer by the following procedure:

a) He hears a greeting (only on the first try).

b) He is asked to enter his secret number which he chooses himself

can enter. The customer must repeat this until

he has entered his PIN correctly. For this he has

three tries. This PIN of the phone card is not the same

put with the PIN. It serves to legitimize the special, how-

the rechargeable phone card when, for example, transferring the Gutha¬

bens from a phone card to another rechargeable Phone card. The secret number is after input by the customer

stored in the VASS and can also be changed by the customer.

The customer has the option of entering his PIN as a secret number

ben. This is not checked by the VASS. The handling of Ge

home number is comparable to the handling of the secret number in

Voicemail system (announcement). The rechargeable phone card works

only after entering the PIN into the active state. In front

The customer can only make emergency calls by entering the PIN

Call the hotline set up for urgent cases.

In addition, the customer must set up the answering machine (AB)

if he comes to the VMB for the first time. The AB is automatic

set up during pre-activation. When setting up the

rechargeable phone card (entering the PIN and given

if necessary setting up the VMS) the customer will - provided he has problems

has - automatically directed to the hotline.

Incoming calls are activated from the start. they are

not blocked even before the first phone call; the trigger that 8th

the card was sold, comes in via the workaround entry

Customer database and into the VASS or the service platform.

2. Customer owned: Active and loaded

The customer is entitled to the full range of services of the rechargeable Te¬

phone card available. The customer can use up his credit

or recharge the rechargeable phone card. If two

No outgoing calls and toll calls for years

the card will be deactivated. The rest

credit expires after deduction of administrative costs. If the Gutha¬

ben falls below a threshold during his conversation (e.g. DM

5, -), the participant hears a warning tone.

If he sets up another conversation, he hears an announcement beforehand that

he has little credit and should reload.

Customer owned: active and unloaded

If the card is unloaded, the customer can continue for a few months

Example six months, incoming phone calls received. Moreover

he can continue to make emergency calls, the hotline and the phone number

under which he can reload his card. Takes place in this

If the card is not recharged, it will be deactivated. Tried the

Customer in this phase to set up a conversation, he will respond to an announcement

directed to the fact that he is out of credit and

need to charge. However, emergency calls can still be made without a card at any time

be set. However, this GSM feature also includes abuse

Possibilities in which the cause is very difficult to determine

can.

10

4. In the locked state:

There are two different locked states:

- Status: "HLR barred":

- takes place after express blocking by customers

- in the VASS and HLR

- no MOCs and MTCs possible (unlocking via call via PSTN)

- overrides the status "blocked2".

- Status: "VASS barred"

- occurs after incorrect input of sensitive data (e.g. secret number, voucher security number or credit card number)

- only in the VASS

- MOCs to the hotline and MTCs possible.

The customer must make a decision within a certain period: 11

Case a)

He finds his old card again and leaves it by calling the

Unlock the CSC by entering the PIN.

Case b)

He buys a new card and leaves the remaining credit on the old one

transfer the new card. If he wants a number exchange,

a certain amount will be deducted from the balance.

In this exceptional case of manual transmission there is an overload

of the DM limit. The customer must use the secret number of the ge

locked rechargeable calling card know.

Case c)

He doesn't respond at all. After a certain period of time (e.g.

B. two years) and the remaining balance of the blocked card

expires. 12

In the deactivated state

The customer can neither call nor be called the card

"Disappears" from the system. The number is quarantined

released three months and can be used again

the.

A distinction has to be made between two cases:

Case a) Deactivation after not in use

Here the card has no positive credit anymore.

13

Case b) Deactivation after not using within a certain

Period or after blocking

The remaining credit, which is always smaller than the limit of the re-

rechargeable calling card expires. Reason: During the two

Years in the network cost the participant up to a limit

or beyond.

The customer has a special phone number at every location

Mobile phone is ready for phone and at any time the possibility of calling his card

recharge. Since the recharging process from your own cell phone or with

the customer's own SIM card, the customer is called via the call number

Calling Line Identification recognized by the system. The customer

then gives his PIN, credit card number and expiry date

on. After the customer has been checked, the transaction is triggered. The

the corresponding amount is transferred to the customer's "account" via the VASS

The customer's credit balance is increased by the amount paid in. 14

When recharging using a credit card, the following cash flow results:

EPM settles with the customer via credit card processors.

100 DM

Airtime (phone time)

CUSTOMER

power

rechargeable phone card

97 DM

100 DM

Credit card processor keeps e.g. 2 or 3% = 2 or 3 DM

The loading amount can be reduced to a certain amount, for example DM 200, -

be limited. 15

When charging via credit card, the network operator of the mobile network

cooperate with several credit card institutions.

The most important requirement when charging with a credit card is the Si¬

security against fraud. The authenticity of the customer must be ensured

the. Therefore, a unique assignment of MSISDN to the credit card must be made once

number. The dealer or service provider must therefore

Completing the rechargeable phone card application check the credit card.

The process can be as follows:

1. The customer dials from his end device to top up the phone card

(Cell phone) with its rechargeable phone card a separate, cost

loose service number. This creates a connection to the corresponding one

System manufactured.

2. The customer selects the item "top up by credit card" via the menu. 16

3. The system informs the customer that he is charging a charge

agreed amount, for example DM 100, - will carry out. Self ver¬

Of course, other amounts are possible, so that the announcement is flexible

can be designed.

4. If the current charge exceeds the maximum

Credit limits of the phone card to be topped up will be the top-up

possibly rejected.

5. The caller is identified via MSISDN and the customer must

enter his phone card PIN.

6. The customer makes the following entries on his display:

- credit card number

- Expiry date of the credit card

7. The system checks the assignment of MSISDN and credit card number. 17

8. If this check is successful, the system switches an authorization

request for the lock file (batch process). The lock file will

updated daily.

9. If the customer is not listed in the lock file, the VASS will be sent

a release for charging.

10. The system transfers the amount to the account of the rechargeable

Customer's phone card.

11. As soon as the last entry number has been entered correctly, the edition applies

end as initiated by the customer. The customer receives at the end

of the conversation or later (e.g. the next outgoing conversation)

a message as to whether the recharge was successful or not, for example:

a) Your top up was successful; Your credit is xy DM.

or

b) Your recharge was unsuccessful; Your credit is xy DM. 18th

or other announcements. If the customer does not hang up, he hears the announcement

after the conversation. If he hangs up beforehand or no more cover

he hears the announcement on his next outgoing phone call.

Security check by the system:

The security check takes place in succession in four test steps:

a) Charging only from the mobile phone (identification of the phone number MSISDN).

b) Enter the secret number of the rechargeable phone card.

c) Check the assignment: MSISDN and credit card number.

d) Authorization offline, e.g. B. via the lock file, or online.

The likelihood of fraud is considered to be extremely low. 19

It is also a combination of a rechargeable phone card and one

normal contract, as is usual with mobile phones, possible. The charging takes place

over a telephone call from the "normal" customer who charged for the

triggers a rechargeable phone card, but over the bill of "normal"

Customer is billed. The target group is the so-called "Family Telephone", the

means that the earner has a budget; the family shares the phone

or several cell phones or telephones.

The billing system and VASS are compared.

Charging via voucher at the PoS is also possible. Customers with one

Mobile phones have the option of a voucher at the PoS, for example, in value

from DM 100, - to purchase. The voucher has two numbers: Inside the Si¬

Security number for charging and outside the identification number for

Checking / legitimizing problems. The customer gives when recharging

or when calling (the separate free service is available for the charging process

cenummer) the security number via DTMF. The re

charging process - for security reasons - from your own cell phone or

with the customer's own SIM card so that the system uses it as a Nut¬

zer for a rechargeable phone card can be identified. To 20th

successful identification, the transaction is triggered, and the corresponding

amount is loaded into the customer's "account". The customer receives one

Confirmation. The operator of the mobile network sells the vouchers to

SP and offers him the opportunity to make his own price and this

Set price with the corresponding tariff model in the system.

1. The customer acquires the SP voucher at the PoS with a value of additional

game DM 100 for telephone time (airtime) and services. The voucher contains

the security number and identification number.

2. To top up the phone card, the customer chooses from his end device

his rechargeable phone card the corresponding free

Service number.

3. From the menu, he selects the item "Top up via voucher".

21

4. Would the current top-up exceed the credit

limits of DM 200, for example, will not be charged

instead of. The customer is informed by an announcement that the loading

cannot be carried out due to the limit being exceeded and the

Voucher remains valid.

5. If the credit is not exceeded, the system informs the

Customers that he will charge DM 100, for example.

6. The caller is identified via MSISDN.

7. The customer then gives the vo

cher security number. After three unsuccessful attempts, the

Card blocked.

8. The system checks the validity of the security number of the voucher

(A certain value is assigned to the voucher in the system). If the

Voucher is not used, the top-up takes place. 22

9. The system transfers the amount to the account for the rechargeable

Customer's phone card.

10. As soon as the last input digit has been entered correctly, this checks

System the validity of the voucher. The customer receives an announcement:

a) Your top up was successful; Your credit is xy DM.

b) Your recharge was unsuccessful; Your credit is xy DM.

or other announcements.

If the customer does not hang up, he hears the announcement after the conversation.

If he hangs up beforehand or has no more cover, he hears the announcement

on his next outgoing phone call.

11. If the loading process was successful, the voucher will be in the system

marked as redeemed. 23

The realization can also be done by bank transfer. For this the Sy¬

cooperate with banks. Once a transfer is "rechargeable

Telephone card "is made by the bank computer of the cooperation bank

sent a corresponding message to the system (VASS) and the

Customer's credit increased by the amount deposited. The customer does

the transfer via bank transfer terminals, which with a

special mask "recharge phone card" are provided. As soon as the

The recharging process has ended, the customer receives a corresponding loading

confirmation. In addition, he will use his account statements to make the

Transactions informed.

The prerequisite for this is that the system cooperates with one or more

Banks or card processors. The customer has a corresponding one

Bank account.

Furthermore, a specified interface between banking and

System and mobile network (preferably Edifact) and data connection. 24

The process is as follows:

1. To top up the phone card, the customer uses the transfer date

nal the bank his "recharge phone card".

2. The caller is identified in the bank system by entering ei¬

ner secret number of the phone card known to the banking system.

3. The customer enters in the mask the amount to be transferred from the bonus

play DM 100, -.

4. The banking system repeats the amount to be transferred and the

Account to which this amount should be transferred.

5. If the customer confirms this data, the bank system initiates the transfer

solution.

6. As soon as the customer has confirmed, the transfer will be initiated. The customer

receives a message whether the recharge was successful or not. 25th

7. If the charging was successful, the customer now has the security, telefo¬

to be able to kidney.

8. If the current top-up exceeds the credit limit

for example, DM 200, -, the transfer will be rejected.

The charging does not take place. The customer will be informed later that

the recharge was not carried out due to the limit being exceeded.

In this case, the amount will not be charged to his bank account.

9. He hears the announcement about the new credit balance at his next one

outgoing call:

a) Your last top-up was successful; Your credit is xy DM.

b) Your last top-up was unsuccessful; Your credit is xy

DM.

The charging can also be implemented via an electronic direct debit

proceed. 26

The prerequisite here is that the customer has a corresponding bank account

and has provided his bank sort code and account number.

Bank routing number and account number are saved in the system.

The process can be as follows:

1. To charge the phone card, the customer chooses from his with the wie¬

the rechargeable phone card equipped cell phone a separate, cost

loose service number. This creates a connection to the corresponding one

System manufactured.

2. The customer selects the menu item "Charging via an electronic

Direct debit ".

3. The system informs the customer that he is charging a charge

agreed amount, e.g. B. DM 100, - will perform. Of course

other amounts are possible, so that the announcement is flexible

can be. 27

4. The caller is identified via the MSISDN and the customer

must also enter his phone card PIN.

5. The customer makes the following entries on his display:

aa) Sort code

bb) account number

cc) if applicable, the value of the charge.

6. The system checks the assignment MSISDN and bank sort code and

Account number.

7. If the test is successful, the system initiates the electronic one

Direct debit.

8. The system assigns the amount to the rechargeable phone card

or transfers this amount to the phone card account on the network.

9. As soon as the last input digit has been completely entered, the

Charging can no longer be undone by the customer. 28

10. The customer always receives the following information

a) The loading was successful; Your credit is xy DM.

b) Your recharge was unsuccessful; Your credit is xy DM.

and possibly other announcements.

The customer can use the rechargeable phone card with PIN and PUK at the PoS

acquire. The phone card is already activated and loaded with a monetary value;

the customer can make calls immediately. The final activation or free

The card is switched to the service platform when the call is first opened

construction: The customer is asked by announcement, a secret number via key selection

Enter (DTMF) and confirm once. After successful entry or

The customer can make a phone call. Incoming calls can

can also be received before the first outgoing call.

29

The actual administration of the rechargeable telephone cards takes place with all inventions

procedures only take place in the VASS. In the CASS they are like

the rechargeable calling cards are marked as blocked.

Furthermore, you will usually get special service phone numbers

see.

For example, a hotline will be provided. The hotline is at wie¬

the rechargeable phone card at EPM; since the SP does not have direct access to the

May have system. The customer usually has three service numbers

available:

1. Hotline

All customer inquiries / problems / complaints are processed here. It

may be a separate phone number, but

accumulate on the same operator positions. 30th

2. Rechargeable calling card service number

It is an automatic announcement system, the customer will like

guided via menus in the VMS system. Here are the following Funk¬

handled:

a) Change the PIN

b) Top up by credit card

Here the customer must enter his credit card number in the contract

Have left dealers; the assignment of credit card number

MSISDN must exist in the system.

c) Top up via voucher

d) Top up from a normal premium number

Participation ratio 31

e) Top-up via electronic direct debit, top-up

about bank transfers and the like

3. Credit check

Credit information via announcement (optional additional SMS)

Outgoing calls from customers using a rechargeable phone

card, the same tariff class is used in the MSC (by cpc = payphone)

how outgoing calls from instant customers are assigned (for example TC =

62).

Through the cpc = payphone outgoing calls from customers who

have a rechargeable phone card directed to the VASS. at

OCCF on the number 177 99 + GC number becomes the forwarding leg

B (rechargeable phone card) -C not routed to the VASS.

32

Setting tariff class = 62 ensures that the corresponding

the MSC-CDRs are filtered out by the rating. Because the CASS this

Customers do not know, otherwise error messages would be produced in the CASS

become. The CDRs from customers who have a rechargeable phone card

are stored in a separate file - regardless of CASS

saves. An explicit separation of customers using a rechargeable

Phonecards and Soforti customers are not listed in this file. A

Tracing can only be done via the MSISDN.

With the cpc = payphone all outgoing calls from customers,

which have a rechargeable phone card, from the MSC to the VASS

headed. The cpc is changed in the VASS from "payphone" to "ordinary subscriber"

reset. The call is routed back to the MSC, the call setup

will continue with the new cpc. This means that the conversation is checked by

VASS.

33

Voice mail handling

Incoming call - speak

conditions

1. It must be ensured that MSC - CDRs of the forwarding legs B-C

can be filtered for the voice mail box in the CASS

can. (To avoid error messages because CASS has the green card

Customer doesn't know.)

2. Should calls forwarded to the voicemail box be billed once

the VASS must also be routed to the voicemail box

get the call control.

34

realization

HLR entries

- cpc = payphone

- OCCF on 177 99 "Green Card" number

CASS already filters the relevant CDRs regardless of the Green Card service

according to the criteria CALL RECORD TYPE (1 = MOC, 3 = CF) and B-participant

mernummer = 017799x for MOC or C-subscriber number = 017799x for CF.

These records are filtered at a time when an assignment to

Participant has not yet taken place, so there are no error messages in the CASS

would arise from Green Card participants due to OCCF usage.

If call forwarding to the voice box remains free in the future (see

Requirement 1), OCCF can be added directly to the Green Card Service Package

be taken.

For an upcoming fee allocation or allocation of a tariff class

The following options are available for the CF leg: 35

HLR entries

- cpc = payphone

- OCCF on 177 VASS (special number for routing calls from the

MSC to VASS

Realization possibility 1 / MSC system data

The charge allocation of the CF leg depending on the calling part

Participant (Calling Party Category Payphone) is possible because for this CPC

special OFFSET given to the Central Memory Tree Selection Analysis

must become. This means that a separate call number analysis can be carried out for the CF case

started, for which a separate tariff class, for example 62,

is defined. The call is routed by analyzing the number 177 VASS

of the BC leg to the VASS.

36

VASS

Based on the forwarding indicator and destination 177 VASS er¬

the VASS application knows that the call to the voicemail box of the B-part

must be built up. The VASS application sets the call

continue with the following parameters / data:

Dialied digits = 17799 + B-CLI

CLI = A-CLI

cpc = ordinary

Presentation of the realization:

OCCF = 177 VASS MSC-CDR with TC = 62

A B- C cpc = XXX cpc = payphone number = 0177 VASS

Implementation: Dialied Digits = 17799 + B-CLI CLI = A-CLI

Voicemailbox cpc = ordinary of the customer with ^"" * ^" rechargeable services¬

Phonecard platform

(= VMB of the (VASS)

Participant B) 37

Listen to the voicemail box

The pre-analysis of the dialed number in the MSC is carried out like a

Call setup from normal customers to their voicemail box:

When using the numbers 99 ^* , 9911, 17799 * or 1779911 using

the own SIM card is implemented in the MSC preanalysis

Dialied digits to 17799+ A-CLI instead. Another possibility is

direct selection of the 17799+ A-CLI.

The call setup for a customer with a rechargeable phone card

to listen to the voicemail box is like a normal outgoing in the MSC

Conversation handled. Using the cpc = payphone, the conversation becomes

VASS headed. Tariff class 62 is assigned to the associated MSC-CDR

sen. The CDRs can thus be filtered out in the CASS.

The VASS treats these conversations like all other outgoing calls

Calls from customers with a rechargeable card, the cpc is in the VASS of

Payphone converted to ordinary and the call setup to the voicemail box

continued. Depending on the setting of the data in the VASS, the conversation can 38

be free or not. Since there is no difference between instant

Customers and customers can be made with rechargeable phone card

A corresponding identification must be made in the VASS. Belongs to the CLI

an immediate customer, the conversation is rejected.

Management of customers for the rechargeable phone cards

EPM manages customer data on behalf of the service provider. The customers

database is in the GC AdC WA on HP01. It contains the vorese¬

customer data as well as a consecutive customer number, the

IMSI and the MSISDN. When the cards are preactivated, an initial entry is made

(without actual customer data) in the customer database, it will be continued

Assign customer number. The customer number is at the preactivization

Transfer the cards from the GC AdC WA to the VASS. Everyone else for

the necessary data of the rechargeable phone card (current Gutha¬

ben, CDRs) are held exclusively in the VASS.

The IMSI and the associated MSISDN are noted as blocked in the CASS. The

Customers of the rechargeable phone cards are not known to the CASS per se. 39

The HLR does not make an explicit distinction between customers for recharging

bare calling cards.

Voucher handling

This is only relevant if top-up is offered via voucher.

The administration of the vouchers takes place in the VASS. All relevant data

to Vouchem are stored in the VASS and the involved parties (VU,

CSC etc.) provided.

However, this only applies to data that are known to the VASS. Bei¬

for example, data on voucher sales made at the PoS are to the VASS

not known.

This ensures that the data of all vouchers put into circulation

are also stored in the VASS. To ensure this, there will be a release

to the dealer (distributor) of the voucher letters after successfully entering the

Data issued to VASS. Voucher letters are only allowed in the

Circulate. The vouchers are marked as follows: 40

- Voucher identification number

- Voucher security number

- Value

- Associated SP

The entire voucher history is recorded in the VASS, namely:

Voucher identification number

Security-relevant data to identify the voucher security number

Date of first entry in the VASS

value

Associated SP

Redemption date

MSISDN for which the loading (redemption) was carried out

Expiry date (assigned by the manufacturer)

Deactivation date

Operator ID that caused deactivation 41

Voucher identification number:

This number is used to identify the voucher for administrative processes

(-> serial number). No special security algorithms are involved in the generation

rithms to be observed. It only has to be ensured that no double ver¬

the numbers can be given. The voucher identification number is in

VASS saved and additionally readable from outside on the voucher letter

printed. The voucher identification number consists of xxx (e.g. thirteen)

Put.

Voucher security number:

This number is used to clearly identify the voucher during the

Charging process. The voucher security number itself is not in the VASS

saved. A security algorithm is used to ensure that

the VASS can check the security number entered by the customer.

For this purpose, specific security-relevant data is saved for each voucher.

It is ensured that these security-relevant data that are used for

The required voucher security number by unauthorized persons is very difficult 42

can be generated. The voucher security number is not from the outside

legibly inserted into the voucher letter and consists of 16 digits.

Date of first entry:

This is the date of the first entry of the voucher into the VASS.

Value:

Value of the voucher (DM 50, - or DM 100, -).

Associated SP:

The dealer (service provider) through whom the voucher is sold.

43

Expiration date:

A voucher can only be redeemed before the one defined for this voucher

Expiration date possible. The voucher is then marked as expired. To

The voucher is automatically deactivated for xx days and sent to the archiving pro

zeß fed.

Deactivation date:

This date indicates when a voucher was deactivated. This can be done with ab¬

vouchers that have expired automatically, for certain reasons from

Operator by command or as a result of a check of returned

vouchers. A deactivated voucher will be available for at least four months

VASS saved and then archived.

The following data must be transmitted as a file that can be read into the VASS

the:

- Voucher identification number

- Value 44

Order number (this number relates the voucher to the delivery)

Security-relevant data for checking the entered voucher security number

Associated SP

Expiry date

Interface for reading voucher data into the VASS:

The data is read in via a data carrier (DAT tape) local am

VASS. It is ensured that unintentional and deliberate changes

data on the data carrier can be recognized. The dates are on the

Data storage encrypted.

After reading in the data, the VASS confirms it on paper

testifies. This contains the following data:

- Name of the data file

- Number of vouchers read

- First and last voucher ID

- Date of import with time 45

- Login Name of the person who read the data

In the VASS, all vouchers read are clearly identified as active

net. Redeemed vouchers are marked as redeemed and sent via a

Period of four months from redemption saved in the VASS. After that

she archived.

Verification of the authenticity of a voucher (lossy)

If active or expired vouchers are returned, they must be genuine

the voucher will be checked. For this, the voucher ID and the voucher

Security number from an operator via the AdC command interface

entered. After the voucher security number has been entered in the VASS

immediate deactivation of the voucher (the voucher is automatically

VASS marked as deactivated). Are both inputs by the

VASS confirmed, it can be assumed that the voucher is currently

point of entry of the voucher data by the operator was valid. After

The opened voucher has to be destroyed. Requests from already one

Loosened or deactivated vouchers are rejected as errors. 46

Archiving

All vouchers that have been redeemed or deactivated for at least four months

marked, are archived and then deleted in the VASS.

Management involving credit card institutions

The VASS must be in addition to the data of the rechargeable phone card

(GC PIN, IMSI, MSISDN etc.) a clear assignment between MSISDN

and credit card number can be saved and guaranteed.

This data is initially provided by the customer with a rechargeable Tele¬

Phone card submitted to the SP. The SP transmits the data to EPM. There

this information can be very time-critical, the transmission of the credit must

card data to EPM xx times / week.

The credit card data are stored by the CSC (EPM) in the customer database

transferred to the GC AdC WA.

The GC AdC WA reports this data to the VASS. 47

Interface for reading credit card data into the VASS:

This data is after it in the customer database in the AdC-WA

saved automatically into the VASS via the AdC command interface

read. The introduction of the credit card number into the customer database

runs like that of the other GC customer data.

The charging actions in the VASS are clear according to the type of charging

(via a voucher or credit cards).

Phonecard application VASS

A customer's credit with a rechargeable phone card will be added

the valid tariff model in VASS updated in real time.

If the credit is used up, the ongoing call is canceled by the VASS

canceled. 48

The next time a call is attempted, the customer will receive a free announcement

connected.

The call control of outgoing calls from customers with recharge

A cash card is always with the VASS, even with free numbers

(Exception: emergency calls).

Time monitoring, the number of allowed input errors, etc. are in the

VASS implemented as a system parameter. The values given below

were adapted to the current marketing concept to maintain readability

declines.

VASS - data storage

Extract of the data to be stored in the VASS:

Participant data

- MSISDN entry when the card is preactivated

- IMSI entry when the card is preactivated 49

- Customer number (= the customer number from the customer database) - Entry when the card is deactivated

- Assignment to SP entry when the card is preactivated

- GC PIN (entered by the customer after purchasing the card)

- PUK of the SIM card - entry when the card is preactivated

- Posting account for booking the following data:

- Initial credit (for pre-activation)

- Top up by credit card (credit card number is in the booking record)

- Top-up by voucher (voucher ID is in the booking record)

- Remaining credit when deactivated

- Fee for services (such as EGN)

- and other retained fees

- Total phone time (airtime) charges

(this booking is made once a month and with every top-up)

- Cancellation of booking records

- Account for totaling the phone time (airtime) fees

- (Sum of the airtime charges incurred for one month. In the event of a top-up, the booking is booked and the account for accrued charges is reset to 0) 50

Current credit (balance of the booking account minus the balance of the telephone time (airtime) fee account - is used to calculate the remaining telephone time (airtime))

Total telephone time (airtime) per month (sum of telephone time telephoned (airtime), arranged according to months, target number classes and time zones. Saved for four months)

Annual phone time (Airtime) (The phone time (Airtime) counter is added up for each year.)

- Status of the rechargeable phone card

- Valid tariff model - entry when the card is deactivated

Expiry date of the rechargeable phone card (set with the first call or with the receipt of the sales date in the VASS)

CDRs (last 80 days)

Date of the first call

Date of sale 51

- Credit card number - entry when the card is deactivated

Voucher data

Voucher identification number

Specific security-relevant voucher data for the internal verification of the voucher (it is ensured that these security-relevant data make it very difficult for unauthorized persons to generate the voucher security number required for recharging)

value

- SP

- Voucher status

Import date

Redemption date

- expiry date 52

- Operator ID (should an operator deactivate the voucher)

- MSISDN (for which the voucher was redeemed)

SP data

Expiry period (value of the time monitoring when the rechargeable phone card is not used from the first call, entry of the sales date in the VASS, after every further outgoing call that is subject to charge, after each recharge)

- No credit period (value of time monitoring with zero credit)

Credit limit (upper credit limit of a rechargeable phone card)

High donor limit (to generate data for marketing reports -> mailing campaigns)

Lower credit limit for reminder announcement

Lower credit limit for warning tone 53

VASS application service flow

Ensure the application of the rechargeable phone card on the VASS

always an advantageous service flow from the customer's point of view.

The VASS has control over all outgoing calls

Phone card customers (exception: emergency calls).

The customer's current credit is managed in VASS and in real time

updated. If the customer has reached a certain lower credit limit,

a reminder at the beginning of the outgoing call

(Reminder announcement). Shortly before canceling a fee

A warning tone is activated when the call is outgoing. Is the credit

of the customer, the outgoing call is terminated. At the

the next outgoing call setup, the customer will correspond to a

de Announcement. If the customer loads the card within z.

B. six months not again, the card is deactivated. The customer uses

the card within z. B. two years neither for chargeable

outgoing calls, the card is also deactivated for top-ups

fourth. In this case, the remaining credit on the card expires. 54

State of the phone card

The following states of the “green card” referred to below

Rechargeable phone cards are provided in the VASS:

Preactive

Before first use: the card is preactive, GC PIN still unknown, incoming

Calls are activated, the voicemail box is activated, credit is the same

DM 50, - (parameter), expiry date has not yet been set.

SecNoMissing

The card was sold, the first outgoing call was or is being made

straight led. If the customer successfully enters his GC PIN, there is a transition

in the status active. If not, there may be one at this point

Transfer to the hotline (EPS). 55

Active

After first use: the card is active, GC PIN is known. Credit is sufficient

high enough, the customer is entitled to the full scope of services of the "Green Card"

available, expiry date = date of the last paid fee

outgoing call or the last recharge action + z. B. two

Years.

Credit Low

The full range of services of the "Green Card" is available to the customer.

The credit is lower than a set limit (system parameters). The

The customer receives a reminder message before each outgoing call

(Reminder Announcement).

No credit

The card has run out of credit. Incoming calls become normal

put through. Outgoing calls are only to the hotline (EPS) or the Ser¬

vice number allowed. Emergency calls are possible. 56

VASS Barred

The card is blocked in the VASS. Incoming calls are answered normally

provides. Outgoing calls are only allowed to the hotline (EPS). Emergency calls are always

possible.

HLR Barred (surpasses the VASSBarred state)

The card is blocked in the VASS and HLR. No more calls can be made

be made. Except for emergency calls, emergency calls are always possible.

Deactive

The card is deactivated in VASS, HLR and CASS. (-> Both incoming

Both incoming and outgoing calls are blocked.) The number can be followed by

be reassigned three months. 57

State transitions

Reaώve SadStMsang Acti \ e L ^ Gecit Gεcit VASSbared HPa-rad Efeaώve

Is IlHar-i-rg ► ^• SaNΛ \ Sc> ö

RarirgwäinCall

Rαh.rge (Vcu-h-r, Cüιd, efc.)

.3 = 3

SaSLtfcreTcB-tra- (cg -radiated iηput) 1 |

Σ

Operator inra-t-dCCHJ ∑mng (e.g. aftσireδαr lαεs αf card)

Op-ratcr int-ted -riarring

5 B

Cpe-tcr irπ-a__d CC-kx-∑ocn, σ

Credit erüy, ccπecDn

Njfew *. cφir date ex-sd-d '>

NjGεft op- 'daeβeada. " say.

Ö ΓΛ

$ .Yes C- = 3

Nte 1Y Aft-rda- -ticninihsVASS. so rtertiλgicn m fe HLR is iriti-ted

from preactive to SecNoMissing

Action first outgoing conversation 58

by SecNoMissing

after active

Action successful entry of the GC PIN

from active to CreditLow, NoCredit, active

Action outgoing fee-based calls or use of services to be charged

by NoCredit, CreditLow, active

after active

Action charging

by Credit Low

according to Credit Low, NoCredit

Action outgoing fee-based calls or use of services to be charged

59

by NoCredit

after active, CreditLow

by CreditLow

after active, CreditLow

Action correction rating, transfer of credit from another card

from active, CreditLow, NoCredit to VASS Bar red

Action multiple incorrect entries of critical data (blocking takes place automatically through VASS Service Handling)

by VASSBarred

after active, CreditLow, NoCredit

Action to unlock the card at the operator's request

by active, CreditLow, NoCredit, Preactive, SecNoMissing,

VASSBarred

according to HLRBarred

Block card action at the operator's request (e.g. after

Loss of the card) 60

by HLRBarred

after active, CreditLow, NoCredit, Preactive, SecNoMissing

Action to unlock the card at the operator's request

by active, CreditLow, NoCredit, Preactive, SecNoMissing,

VASSBarred, HLRBarred

after deactive

Action Deactivate the card at the operator's request (e.g. in

Connection with the activation in a normal participant relationship) or after the expiry of the time monitoring (not using the card) or after the expiry of the time monitoring at NoCredit

Timeguards

The timeguards listed below monitor that after x months

(configurable as a parameter) from a certain date

action is carried out.

Expiry date when card is not used (NoUsageExpDate)

For example two years after the date of the last chargeable ab¬

A "green card" is deactivated during an outgoing call or a recharge. 61

The first time will be the corresponding date after the first call

(regardless of whether it is subject to a fee or not). Will be the sale date

communicated to the VASS by the AdC prior to receipt of the first call, is instead

of the first call, the sales date as a trigger at the start of this time

watch used.

Expiry date for zero credit (NoCreditExpDate)

For example, six months after the date on which a

"Green Card" has been used up, this "Green Card" is deactivated. The

The date is reset by topping up the credit.

Expiry date of a voucher (VoucherExpDate)

X months (e.g. four months) after the expiry date of a voucher, the

This voucher is deactivated in order to feed it into the archiving process.

62

Daily reset

Every day at a certain time, the counter, the incorrect entries for

Security-relevant data (GC PIN, voucher security number, credit card

counted number), reset to zero.

Announcements

f / cn - fixed / configurable announcement

et / s - continuous / one-time announcements

i / n - interruptible / non-interruptible announcements

(e.g. interruptible by DTMF tones)

Phase 1: The announcements are traded by the IVR in the VASS.

Phase 2 or 3: The announcements are carried out by the VANG in the MSC

leads. The number of announcements and voice fragments to be saved in the

VANG is limited. 63

Procedure when changing the GC PIN

The customer has a free, separate call to change the GC PIN

number available. The change of the GC PIN is active in the states

CreditLow and NoCredit possible.

1. The customer dials the separate free number from his “Green

Card "and is routed to the VASS.

2. The caller is identified in the VASS via the CLI.

3. If the customer selects the "GC PIN change" option from the menu, he will

prompted by an announcement in the VASS, his old GC PIN or the

Enter PUK of the SIM card and confirm if necessary.

4. The customer has three attempts, his old GC PIN or the PUK of the SIM

Enter card correctly. If the customer z. B. three times a GCPIN or

PUK with the wrong format, the phone card is not blocked,

the conversation is ended with a corresponding message (e.g. announcement in 64

VASS) aborted by the system. If the format you entered is correct,

but the digits entered do not match the GCPIN or PUK,

the phone card is automatically ge after three incorrect entries

locks (- VASS Barred) and the conversation with a corresponding

Message (e.g. announcement in Vass) canceled by the system.

5. After correctly entering the old GC PIN or the PUK of the SIM card

the customer is asked to enter and confirm his new GC PIN

gene.

6. The customer has three attempts to enter the new GC PIN.

7. If the customer has not entered a valid GC PIN (e.g. wrong format),

if he is informed of an announcement that the old GC PIN still applies,

the call is terminated by the VASS.

8. If the customer has entered and confirmed a new GC PIN, this will be in the

VASS saved (the old GC PIN is overwritten with the new one). 65

Credit information

The customer can find out about his current credit at any time by

he dials a separate free number. The customer only has his

"Green Card" (SIM card) access to the credit information.

The customer dials the free separate number from his “Green

Card "and is switched to the VASS.

Through a menu structure in the VASS, the customer is informed by announcement

between the credit information in the form of an announcement or in the form

a short message.

If the customer chooses the announcement, he receives an announcement in VASS Aus¬

reports on his current balance and information on the last one

outgoing fee-based conversation (date, duration, cost)

most). 66

If the customer selects the notification by short message, he receives through

a short message about his current credit and an information

coming in about the last outgoing call that was subject to a fee

(Date, duration, cost).

A query of the MSISDN, the GC PIN and possibly a blocking of the card

does not take place at this point.

Tariff model maintenance / changes

All tables that are required for the fee calculation are included

have a validity date.

With one program you can model all tables at one rate

Download the validity date for processing. With another program

may change after the changes made (such as new tariffs, other

Peak times) then the entire set of (tariff model relevant) tables

be reloaded. Here is a new one at the start of the loading program

determine future validity date. 67

With the program for downloading the tables you can create an image of a

Create tariff models for a validity date and then in print

Use the form for checking.

The maintenance of the destination number classes can be done separately for the maintenance of the Mo¬ tariff

dells. For this purpose, two programs are created analogous to the nursing care model

made available.

Since the loading programs are only allowed to authorized users

and this is also shown in reports, is in this way a Zu¬

Handle protection for the tariff data guaranteed.

Archiving of VASS data

1. CDRs

CDRs are deleted 80 days after the call ends. 68

2. Other data

All data movements that lead to postings, e.g. B. charges,

are booked in the posting account.

Data movements that do not lead to postings are not

archived.

The following tables are archived:

1. Subscriber data

2. Posting account

3. Voucher data

Subscriber data

After deactivating the participant, the status of the participant will open

"Deactivated" is set. The record remains in this status for at least four

Months in the active database. 69

Posting account

All entries in a subscriber's posting account remain for at least

four months in the active database.

Voucher data

After using or deactivating a voucher, the status of the voucher

chers set to "used" or "deactivated". The voucher remains in this status

for at least four months in the active database.

3. Archiving

An archiving run is started every month in which

Subscriber data that has been deactivated for more than four months

Posting account data that is older than four months

Voucher data that has been "used" for more than four months or

"Deactivated" are stored by the VASS on a DAT tape and from the

active database are deleted.

The DAT tapes with the archived data are stored for ten years. 70

Charging processes

The card can be charged in the following states (if the

Credit through the top-up z. B. DM 200, -):

active

Low credit (CreditLow)

No credit (NoCredit)

Top-up by voucher (Phase I - Fall Back Version)

Prerequisite: purchase of a voucher at the PoS

1. The customer acquires a voucher with a permanently assigned credit at the PoS

ben (e.g. DM 50, - or DM 100, -).

2. The customer dials a separate, free number to top up

from his own SIM card, is switched to the VASS and from

VASS identified as a "green card" customer using the CLI 71

Customer selects the via DTMF in the top service menu level

Menu item "Top up via voucher".

3. The customer is informed of his current status by a free VASS announcement

Credit communicated.

4. The customer is asked by another VASS announcement to enter the voucher

Enter security number by key selection (DTMF). He has to

Do not confirm voucher security number.

5. The customer has three attempts, a valid voucher security number

to enter. If the customer does not succeed the third time, one

If you enter a valid voucher security number, the card will automatically

locked in the VASS and the conversation with a corresponding ko¬

free announcement canceled by VASS.

6. After successfully entering the voucher security number, the

Customers increase the Gutha¬ by a free VASS announcement

bens communicated and announced the new credit. 72

7. After redeeming the voucher, the voucher will be redeemed in the VASS

characterized.

8. If the current top-up exceeds the credit limit

(DM 200, -), the charging does not take place. The customer gets through

a free VASS announcement announced that the charge due to over¬

the limit has not been exceeded and the voucher continues

remains valid. In addition, he is informed that his balance is changing

has not changed the charge.

Procedure for terminating a call while charging:

Cancels the call before the voucher security entry has been made

number, the voucher in the VASS is still considered as not yet redeemed.

Cancels the conversation after successfully entering the voucher security

number, the voucher applies (if you enter a valid security number

mer) as redeemed and is assigned to the corresponding MSISDN in the VASS

arranges. The voucher security number was incorrect for the third time

entered (ie the complete number of digits was entered 73

entered, but an invalid voucher security number)

the card is automatically blocked in the VASS.

The conversation was ended before the customer made the complete announcement

has heard this announcement before the next outgoing Ge¬

repeated (outgoing call).

Top up by credit card transfer (phase I)

Requirement:

Cooperation with one or more credit card institutions. The customer has

via a corresponding credit card account. The data are available in the VASS

(in addition to the MSISDN the credit card number).

1. To load the "Green Card", the customer chooses from an end device

his "Green Card" from a separate, free service number and

is switched to the VASS. 74

2. The CLI identifies the customer in the VASS. The customer

selects the menu item via DTMF in the top service menu level

"Top up with a credit card".

3. As long as only a fixed amount, e.g. B. DM 100, - can be charged,

it is immediately checked whether the max. Upper limit of e.g.

B. DM 200, - credit would be exceeded. In this case

the customer is informed of this and he returns to the top level

the service menu.

4. If recharging is permitted, the customer is informed that

he subsequently charged by credit card via z. B. DM 100, - aus¬

leads. The customer can at any time before the last entry (expiry date of the

Credit card) end the process by terminating the call.

75

5. The following procedure applies to all of the following entries:

a) Each entry can be ended with " ^* " or "#". This is done

not, the input is automatically after a timeout or if

the max. Number of possible digits was entered as been¬

rated. The input is then checked and processed.

b) An entry is only counted as an attempt if the number

of the entered digits the minimum possible number of each

corresponding input. If this is not the case, the input

rejected as a format error and the customer requested that

Repeat entry. After three successive Format¬

If an error occurs, the attempt to recharge is terminated with an announcement. The

"Green Card" is not blocked in this case.

6. The customer is prompted by a free VASS announcement

Enter "Green Card" GC PIN. He has three attempts. 76

7. If the customer enters the wrong format of the GC PIN three times, the

Card not blocked, but the conversation with an appropriate one

Announcement canceled. If the GC PIN is entered incorrectly three times

(in the correct format), the card is automatically blocked in the VASS and

the conversation was terminated with a free announcement. The card can

only via a call to the CSC with correct specification of the GC PIN manually

unlocked in the VASS.

8. After successfully entering the GC PIN during the charging process

the customer is further prompted by a VASS announcement, his credit card

Enter the card number and the expiry date via DTMF. Therefore

he has three tries each. A confirmation of the credit card number

on the part of the customer does not take place at this point. There is a Ver¬

equal to the number entered with that in the VASS to the MSISDN

stored number. The expiry date is only checked for plausibility

(since not stored in the VASS).

77

9. If the credit card number has not been entered after three attempts

rich, the card is automatically blocked in the VASS and the call

canceled. The customer hears a corresponding announcement, the card can

only via a call to the CSC with correct specification of the GC PIN manually

unlocked in the VASS.

10. After entering the expiry date, the VASS initiates the transfer

(Authorization). The credit card number, expiry date

the credit card and the value to be debited to the credit card system (e.g.

B. GZS) reported. The VASS receives from the credit card system (e.g. GZS)

a positive or negative answer.

11. The customer receives an announcement from VASS immediately after charging

informs whether the debit has taken place. He will also be over

informed of his current credit. If the conversation is interrupted, be¬

Before the customer has heard the announcement in full, this announcement is made before

repeated on the next call. 78

Top up with Premium Rate Call

A customer can top up a phone card with a norma¬

len E-Plus subscriber ratio (hereinafter referred to as "normal E-Plus customer"

called). The normal E-Plus customer chooses a special one

Phone number. An announcement informs him that he is aware of this

Call number can recharge a rechargeable phone card.

If necessary, he is also informed that he can only top up fixed amounts

(e.g. DM 100, -). Then he is asked to enter the MSISDN

to insert a rechargeable card. If necessary, the normal E-Plus

Customer asked for confirmation of this MSISDN. After that the

Charging initiated as final. The rechargeable card is z. B. DM

100, - charged, this amount is on the monthly bill of the

normal E-Plus customers.

PC17DE98 / 00962

79

Realization variant 1

Involvement of the ACD

1) Route to VASS based on dialied digits

2) Evaluation of the CLI of the A participant in the VASS, entry of the GC MSISDN, check of the GC MSISDN in the VASS

3) Set up a new call with the normal party's CLI from VASS to ACD

4) Play an announcement, create an ACD internal call ticket

5) Credit to GC participants

6) Evaluation of the call ticket in the CASS

7) Identification of the top-up on the invoice of the normal participant

For a possible implementation of this variant, provided that

The following alternatives are currently not available for customer service representatives ("fully automatic solution"): 80

(1.1) The VASS sets up a call with the CLI of the customer to be charged

a special service number, which can only be accessed in this way (via

VASS) can be reached.

The call runs in the ACD on a special service number, which is so

it is configured that only a dummy announcement is played

(Overflow or night transfer announcement).

(1.2) The VASS sets up a call with the CLI of the customer to be charged

a special service number, which can only be accessed in this way (via

VASS) can be reached.

The call runs in the ACD on a special service number, which is so

is configured to route the call to a dummy queue

is (Queuing).

81

Realization variant 2

Generation of CDRs for normal E-Plus customers in VASS, connection of VASS to NIM, transfer of VASS CDRs to CASS:

CASS

Rating NO

1) Route to VASS based on dialied digits

2) Evaluation of the CLI of the A participant in the VASS, if it is a normal E-Plus customer, then request for the GC MSISDN,

Check the GC MSISDN in the VASS

3) Create a CDR for the normal E-Pius subscriber and transfer this CDR to the NIM

5) Appropriate credit to the account of the specified GC participant in the VASS 82

CSC hotline

Safety requirements:

An online connection between the CSC workstation and VASS is shown below

for security reasons only possible via an intermediate server:

The VASS is installed in the OMC-LAN and therefore enjoys the same high level

Worthy of protection such as B. Nokia OMC and HLR. An access to this

LAN endangers all systems installed and accessible from there.

Due to the complexity of a permanently secure configuration, the

Security is not based solely on VASS settings.

The direct access from the CSC would be a broad target for interak¬

cause active attacks from outside the OMC LAN.

Solution: Use of a server (e.g. HP 01) that only has the specified com

can execute mandos on the VASS and not about the possibility of interactive

Attempts to break in at the VASS. 83

In phase 1, no online connection VASS-CSC is implemented.

Realization phase 1:

The CSC has access to the "Green Card" WA on the HP01.

The CSC can:

1. Entries in the customer database on the HP01 (read and write access)

2. Transfer of credit from one "green card" to another (both

GC PINSs or PUKs required).

3. Manual blocking of the card (GC PIN or PUK required).

4. Manual unlocking of the card (GC PIN or PUK required).

5. Manual deactivation of the card (GC PIN required if set -

or PUK). 84

6. Manual interrogate with deactivation of the card (with simultaneous acti¬

vation in a normal participant relationship) (GC PIN necessary?).

7. Request for information about a voucher

8. Requesting an EGN (CDRs + top-ups and all other accounts)

movements).

9. Request an account history (only top-ups and account movements

gen, without CDRs).

10. If necessary, create an invoice when loading with a credit card (still in

Exam).

The "Green Card" PIN and the respective status of the "Green Card" are in the

Customer database saved. Both fields will be sent to the GC AdC WA by

VASS reported. This can lead to a technical delay of

Come 15 - 30 minutes. 85

The following actions of the CSC are possible with a fee

invoice implemented:

1. Requesting an EGN (CDRs + top-ups and all other accounts)

movements).

2. Request an account history (only top-ups and account movements

gen, without CDRs).

3. If necessary, create an invoice when loading with a credit card.

A parameter can be used to set whether a service is billed. Thus

other services may also be billed.

These individual actions must be carried out with or without fees

calculation may be possible.

The fee calculation takes place in the VASS. In the VASS there is a sepa¬

rates tariff model held for services. 86

To the actions

1. Request of an EGN (CDRs + top-up and all other account accounts

movements) and

2. Request an account history (only top-ups and account movements

gen, without CDRs):

The VASS receives the An¬ via the AdC WA with a 15 - 30 minute delay

advancement. At night (i.e. at times of low load) these requirements become

VASS processed and sent by email to the CSC. The operator

has the EGN or the account history after 24 hours. Must the

Service will be charged because the customer is not using a

telephone information is sufficient and sent the EGN or account history

wants to get, the operator can subsequently charge the service

invoice.

87

Voucher information:

After entering the voucher identification number, the operator receives a

technical delay of 15-30 minutes information to a

Voucher status.

Important: For security reasons, the operator may only use the identification

Enter the voucher number (and if possible also see it). This has to be done through

the corresponding CSC mask can be intercepted. When entering a Vou¬

The security code would deactivate the voucher immediately

gene.

For all security-relevant actions of the CSC (except for read access to

the customer database) the operator identification is noted in the

VASS.

Service numbers

The customer will be provided with the following free numbers: 88

1. EPM hotline 1111 (another number if necessary) (also this free number

Conversations are routed to the VASS).

2. "Green Card" service number for system-controlled services.

The customer is guided through the menu. He has the option of two

the following actions:

Credit announcement or short message

Change of the GC PIN

Charging:

a) via voucher

b) by credit card

c) or others (electronic direct debit, etc.)

The functions (key assignment etc.) were as much as possible those of the

VMB based. 89

Realization: The "Green Card" service number is used in the VASS as a free number

entered, the call setup ends in the VASS. In the VASS, under Ein¬

IVR implemented the menu function.

Reports to be created within a parameterizable period

1. Report to control the loading of certain sales forms (in

Phase 1 only GZS), separated by sales form and SP

2. Report for checking the individual charges separately by institute and

after SP - this report serves as a delivery note for the individual editions

for GZS or other forms of distribution - corresponds with

of the accounting period with report 1.

Monthly reports to be created:

1. Report on top-ups and consumption per calendar month

deferred sales, is separated according to the "Green Card"

(First sales), create vouchers and institutes per tariff model per SP. 90

2. Report for comparing tariff models per tariff model (is also on

Create request).

3. Participant report for the logical check of the accounting through education

of key figures (e.g. average usage) - per tariff model and each

SP.

Daily reports to be created:

1. Daily sales report for daily sales determination, separated by SP

and tariff model

2. Daily report of the top-ups separated by sales form, SP and

Tariff model.

Reports to be created on request of the auditor:

1. Rating control report for parameterisable MSISDN ^'s - Realization:

Use of cards already deactivated in the system, request ei¬

nes EGN ^' s with display of the last three digits of the phone number. 91

Change logs (daily and automatically when changes occur

gene):

1. Documentation of all tariff-relevant changes - content: ongoing 6-

digit number, who made the change, when, what

che change (new value).

realization

The VASS must have the functions Call Control and Service Handling in real time

(Charging processes) and hot rating. To these functionalities

The VASS cannot affect all functionalities

a billing system.

For this reason the following solution is examined:

Provision of all necessary raw data from the VASS.

Further processing of this raw data by another application. 92

The raw data are available in the form of three daily reports (files)

posed.

Report 1: Daily customer report

The data records have the following content:

Date of survey

Customer number

Service provider

Tariff model

Posting record number

Booking date u. hour

Type of booking (top up by credit card,

Top up by voucher,

Initial credit,

Telephone time fee (airtime)

Remaining credit fee

Service X fee, Service Y fee ...) 93

Credit card number (when booking a top-up by credit card)

Voucher ID (when booking a top-up by voucher)

amount

Assigned booking record number (for cancellation bookings)

Report 2: Daily usage report

The data records have the following content:

Date of survey

Service provider

Tariff model

Total amount of charges for telephone time (airtime)

Report 3: Daily service provider report

Date of survey

Service provider

Number of participants with actual call on the day of the survey

Number of new cards deactivated on the day of the survey 94

Number of deactivations carried out on the day of the survey

Total number of active participants

Total number of pre-activated cards

Number of active vouchers added on the day of the survey

Total number of active vouchers in the VASS

Physical interface

Possible solution:

File transfer via ftp with electronic sealing

Solution of the problem regarding the device

This is ge by the features reproduced in claim 12

solves. 95

When applying the invention to the previous fixed telephone network and

known cellular network, additionally equipped with BSC and BTS, one

Interface from VASS to a credit card system and AdC with GC WA,

be resorted to. With known cell phones, the customer can do it himself

recharge a phone card issued to him on the mobile radio network side.

As a result, the device is also high against unauthorized manipulation

Hem protected, since manipulations on the phone card in the cell phone none

reusable phone card result because the top up or the Spei¬

The credit is saved and managed only in the mobile network itself.

In the drawing, the invention is - partly schematically - on a network overview

illustrated.

96

List of abbreviations

AB answering machine

ACD Automatic Call Distribution

A-CLI

AdC Administration Center

AdC-Command

AdC command interface av average

BH busy hour

BHCA Busy Hour Call Attemps

BSC Base Station Controller

BTS Base Transceiver Station

Call record type

Call ticket

CASS Customer Administration and Services System

CC Credit Card

CCard Credit Card

Central Memory Tree Selection Analysis 97

CF call forwarding

CF Leg

CF case

CDR Call Data Record

CLI Calling Line Identity

CLIP Calling Line Identification Presantation

CLIR Calling Line Identification Restriction cpc calling party category cpc ordinary

Credit Card System credit card system

CSC Customer Service Center

DAT tape digital audio tape

DTMF Dual Tone Multi Frequency dummy announcement

EGN one-on-one call evidence

EoY End of Year

E-Plus subscription

EPM E-Plus mobile radio

EPS E-Plus service

Erl Erlang

ExpDate Expiry Date

Forwarding indicators

Forwarding leg BC 98

Fraud ftam file transfer access and management ftp file transfer protocol

GC Green Card = rechargeable calling card proper name

GC-WA Green Card - workaround

GICC German ISO-8583 Credit Card

GSM Group Special Mobile

GZS Society for Payment Systems

HLR Home Location Register

HLR barred

Hotline

HP01 calculator for application workaround

ID identification

IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity

IN Intelligent Network

IP Intelligent Peripheral

ISDN

IVR Interactive Voice Response

LAN Local Area Network

MAIS marketing information system

MAP Mobile Application Part

MO Mobile Originated

MOC Mobile Originated Call 99

MSC Mobile Switching Center

MSC-CDR

MSISDN Mobile Subscriber ISDN

MTC

NIM Network Interface Manager

NO network operator

OCCF Operator Controlled Call Forwarding

Offset

OMC Operation and Maintenance Center

OMC-LAN

Ordinary subscriber

overflow or night transfer announcement

Payphone

pcs pieces

PIN Personal Identification Number

ZIP code ZIP code

PoS Point of Halls

Posting date

Premium Rate Number

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Nel 100

PUK Personal Unblocking Key (associated to the SIM card)

Queuing

SAP standard application program sec second

SecNo Security Number

SIM Subscriber Identity Module

SMS

SMSC Short Message Service Center

SMT Short Message Terminated

SP service provider

SS7 Signaling System No. 7

Spec. Specification

Subscriber data

SubState Subscription State tbd

TC Tariff Ciass

TC = 62

TCP / IP Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

Timeguard

TM Tariff Model TN, subscriber 101

VANG Verbal Announcement Generator

VASS Value Added Services System

VASS barred

WA Workaround (of the AdC)

VMB Voicemail Box

VMS voicemail system

VMSC Voicemail Service Center

Voucher

Voucher data

VU sales support (department)

WA workaround

17799 + GC number

102

bibliography

EP 0 698 987 A

GB 2 215 897 A

WO 93 03571 A.

DE 43 12 362 A

DE 44 12 727 A

DE 44 19 651 A

Claims

103 patent claims

1. Method for recharging or making a telephone card reusable for at least one cell phone that can be used in a mobile phone network, possibly in conjunction with a landline telephone network, in which the telephone card is not recharged itself, but indirectly only in the network with a predetermined amount of value.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the telephone card is topped up in a service platform, e.g. B. a service platform for intelligent networks (IN), service node such as VASS (Value Added Services System) or the mobile switching station (MSC).

3. The method according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the telephone card is topped up by the customer himself via a special telephone number.

4. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the following procedure is carried out to top up the telephone card: 104

a) The customer dials a special, free service number from his cell phone or other telecommunications device equipped with the rechargeable telephone card;

b) The customer selects the item “Top-up via credit card” via the menu;

c) The system informs the customer that a top-up is possible at a certain value, which can be flexible;

d) The caller is identified via the MSISDN and the customer must enter his PIN for the rechargeable telephone card;

e) The customer makes the following entries via his display:

aa) credit card number bb) expiry date of the credit card cc) if applicable, the value of the top-up, whereby the top-up will be rejected if the current top-up causes the maximum credit limit to be exceeded;

f) The system checks the MSISDN and credit card number assignment; 105

g) If the check is successful, the system issues an authorization request, e.g. B. offline via a lock file or online, where the lock file is updated daily, for example;

h) If the authorization was successful, the system - the service platform - receives approval to top up the phone card;

i) The system allocates the top-up amount to the reloadable phone card or transfers this amount to the reloadable phone card account;

j) As soon as the last digit has been entered completely, the top-up is considered to have been finally initiated by the customer;

k) The customer may also receive the following information:

aa) The charging was successful; Your credit is xy DM. bb) Your top-up was not successful; Your credit is xy DM.

5. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that a security check is carried out one after the other in four following test steps: 106

a) Identification of the customer via the MSISDN and/or the CLI;

b) Entering a PIN for the rechargeable phone card;

c) Checking the assignment via MSISDN and credit card number;

d) Credit cards - authorization;

e) After successful top-up, the customer (owner of the reloadable phone card) will receive a corresponding message with information about his new credit.

6. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that an “EP-Plus” credit card is used, which is issued in cooperation with a third party who acts as an issuer.

7. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the telephone card is topped up using a voucher that can be purchased via a PoS as follows:

a) The voucher has a specific value; 107

b) The voucher contains two numbers viz

aa) Inside the security number for charging; bb) The identification number on the outside for checking/legitimizing in the event of problems;

The customer selects the item “Top-up via voucher” via the menu. The system asks the customer to enter the voucher security number;

c) When reloading or making a call, the customer enters the security number via DTMF from his own cell phone or with his own SIM card so that the system can identify him as a customer with a reloadable phone card. When topping up from another device, the customer also enters the MSISDN of the top-up card for identification before entering the security number.

If the current top-up exceeds the maximum credit limit, the top-up will be rejected;

d) After successful identification, the transaction is triggered and the corresponding amount is loaded into the customer's "account" or assigned to the telephone card; 108

e) The customer receives a confirmation, for example via the menu on his mobile phone;

f) The customer may also receive the following information:

aa) The charging was successful; Your credit is xy DM.

bb) Your top-up was not successful; Your credit is xy DM.

8. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the following procedure is used to top up the telephone card:

a) The customer dials a special, free service number from his mobile phone equipped with the rechargeable telephone card or from another telephone/device;

b) The customer selects the item “Top-up via an electronic direct debit” via the menu;

c) The system informs the customer that a top-up is possible at a certain value, which can be flexible; 109

d) The caller is identified via the MSISDN and/or the CLI, and the customer must also enter or disclose his PIN number for the reloadable telephone card;

e) If the current top-up exceeds the maximum credit limit, the top-up may be rejected;

f) The customer makes the following entries via his display or provides the following data:

aa) Bank sort code bb) Account number cc) If necessary, the value of the top-up;

g) The system checks the MSISDN and bank code + account number assignment;

h) If the check is successful, the system initiates the electronic direct debit procedure;

j) As soon as the last digit has been entered completely, the top-up is considered to have been finally initiated by the customer; 110

k) The system allocates the top-up amount to the reloadable phone card or transfers this amount to the reloadable phone card account;

I) The customer always receives the following information:

and, if necessary, other announcements.

9. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the following procedure is taken to top up the telephone card:

a) The customer makes a cash deposit or a transfer to a special "E-Plus" account, indicating the MSISDN of the reloadable phone card in the "Subject field";

b) After a maximum period of xx days, the transferred amount will be read into the system electronically or transmitted to the system; c) The system checks whether the specified MSISDN belongs to a rechargeable phone card. If so, the transferred amount will be assigned to the card in the system. If the current top-up exceeds the maximum credit limit, the top-up may be rejected;

d) After successful top-up, the customer (owner of the reloadable phone card) will receive a corresponding message with information about his new credit.

10. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the following procedure is used to top up the telephone card:

a) A customer with a normal “E-Plus” subscriber relationship dials a special, free service number from a cell phone equipped with his SIM card and is thus transferred to the system;

b) The system checks via the MSISDN and/or the CLI whether the caller is an “E-Plus” customer with a normal subscriber relationship; 112

c) The customer receives a message from the system that he can use this number to top up a rechargeable telephone ^card . He is also informed that he can top up with fixed amounts;

d) The customer will be asked to enter the MSISDN of the reloadable card and, if applicable, the amount to be reloaded. If necessary, the normal “E-Plus” customer will be asked to confirm this data;

e) The top-up is then considered to have been finally initiated.

f) The system assigns the top-up amount to the specified reloadable phone card or transfers this amount to the account of the specified reloadable phone card. This amount is shown on the monthly bill of the normal "E-Plus" customer;

g) If the current top-up exceeds the maximum credit limit of the specified telephone card to be topped up, the top-up will be rejected during the top-up (while the normal customer is calling); 113

h) If the top-up was successful, the owner of the reloadable phone card will later (e.g. during his next outgoing call) receive a message about the top-up received and information about his new credit balance.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the recharging takes place using a bank as follows:

a) To top up the telephone card, the customer carries out his "reload" from the bank's transfer terminal;

b) The caller is identified in the bank system by entering a secret number known to the bank system and/or by specifying the MSISDN of the reloadable telephone card;

c) The customer enters the amount to be transferred for the reloading, for example DM 100, into the mask and enters the account and/or the MSISDN of the telephone card to be reloaded;

d) The bank system repeats the amount to be transferred and the account or MSISDN to which the amount is to be transferred;

e) If the customer confirms this data, the bank system initiates the transfer; 114

f) As soon as the customer confirms, the top-up is considered to have been finally initiated;

g) If the current top-up exceeds a specified credit limit, the transfer will be rejected;

h) The customer will later (e.g. during his next outgoing call) receive a message as to whether the top-up was successful and information about his new credit balance.

12. Device for carrying out the method according to claim 1 or one of the following, with a mobile telephone network, which optionally works together with a landline telephone network, essentially containing NIM, MSC, HLR, VMSC, SMSC, a service platform, e.g. B. VASS, AdC with Gc-WA, CSC, BSC, BTS, credit card system and at least one cell phone with a calling card that can be recharged or reused, if necessary including a landline telephone. 115

CHANGED REQUIREMENTS

[received by the International Bureau on January 25, 1999 (01/25/99); original claims 1-5 replaced by new claims 1-5;

All other claims unchanged (12 pages)]

Patent claims

1. Method for recharging or reusability of a telephone card for

a terminal (mobile radio device) in a mobile network, in which the telephone

card itself, but indirectly only online with a flexible value amount

is charged, with a menu navigation provided on the network from the end device

can be dialed by dialing a free service number and

the menu navigation between the actions credit announcement/short message,

Change the PIN of the rechargeable phone card, top up via

Voucher, or credit card, or an electronic direct debit

Choice allows, whereby

a) in the case of selecting “recharge via voucher”, the identification of the

caller via MSISDN (CLI); 116

b) if the credit limit is exceeded by the current top-up

Top-up is blocked, but the voucher remains valid;

c) the voucher has a security number and an identification number

points;

d) after entering the voucher security number and successfully verifying it, the credit is increased;

e) a security algorithm ensures that the security number entered on the terminal is checked by the service platform, with specific security-relevant data being stored in the service platform for each voucher

are stored to ensure that only these safety-relevant items are used

Data: the voucher security number required for top-up cannot be generated or can only be generated with difficulty by unauthorized persons;

f) after entering the voucher security number in the services platform

The voucher is deactivated immediately;

MODIFIED SHEET (ARTDXEL 19) 1 17

g) after entering the last digit, the top-up is finally initiated

ed applies and at the end of a conversation an announcement is made as to whether the top-up has been completed

was successful or not, and the new balance of the rechargeable

Telephone card or other announcement, whereby in the event of an interruption,

or if the call is ended or the device does not have coverage

has more, the announcement in question will be made on the next outgoing telephone

call made;

h) the voucher is managed in the services platform

stores all relevant data about the vouchers and makes it available to the parties involved;

i) the following data is collected when the voucher is recorded in the services platform

be caught:

- Voucher identification number

- Security-relevant data to identify the voucher security number

- Date of first entry in the services platform

- Value

MODIFIED SHEET (ARTDXEL 19) 1 18

- Associated service provider

- Redemption date

- MSISDN for which the top-up (redemption) took place

- Expiration date

- Deactivation date

- Operator ID that caused deactivation;

j) all recorded data is clearly marked as active in the service platform

net and redeemed vouchers are marked accordingly and for

be stored in the services platform for a certain period of time;

k) after the data has been recorded, a confirmation is received from the service platform

which contains the following data:

- Name of the data file

- Number of vouchers read

- First and last voucher identification number

- Reading date and time

- Login name of the person who entered the data.

MODIFIED SHEET (ARTDXEL 19) 119

Method for recharging or reusability of a telephone card for

a terminal (mobile radio device) in a mobile network, in which the telephone

card itself, but indirectly only online with a flexible value amount

is charged, with a menu navigation provided on the network from the end device

can be dialed by dialing a free service number and

the menu navigation between the actions credit announcement/short message,

Change the PIN of the rechargeable phone card, top up via

Voucher, or credit card, or an electronic direct debit

Choice allows, whereby

a) if “recharge via credit card” is selected, the caller

MSISDN (CLI) identified and the secret number to be entered for the

rechargeable phone card is authorized;

b) the recharge takes place via an amount that can be flexibly determined

can;

MODIFIED SHEET (ARTDXEL 19) 120

c) the following entries are made via the display:

aa) Credit card number

bb) Expiry date of the credit card

cc) value of charging;

d) the top-up is rejected if the current top-up causes a

the maximum credit limit is exceeded;

e) the service platform assigns MSISDN and credit card number

checked;

f) if the check is successful, the service platform sends an authorization request

Credit card switches, e.g. B. offline via a lock file or online via the

corresponding credit card processor, the lock file for example

updated daily;

g) after successful authorization of the credit card, the top-up amount of the wie¬

assigned to the reloadable telephone card;

AMENDED SHEET (ARTDKEL 19) 121

h) after entering the last digit, the top-up is finally initiated

was successful or not, and the new balance of the rechargeable

Telephone card or other announcement, whereby in the event of an interruption,

or if the call is ended or the device does not have coverage

call is made.

3. Method for recharging or making a telephone card reusable for a terminal device (mobile radio device) in a mobile radio network, in which the telephone card is not recharged itself, but only indirectly in the network with a flexible amount of value, with a menu navigation provided in the network from the terminal device by choice a free service number can be dialed and

the menu navigation between the actions credit announcement/short message, changing the PIN of the rechargeable phone card, topping up via

Voucher, or credit card, or an electronic direct debit

Choice allows, whereby

AMENDED SHEET (ARTBXEL 19) 122

a) in the case of selecting “recharging via an electronic direct debit”.

drive" the caller is identified via MSISDN (CLI) and via the entered

the PIN number is authorized for the rechargeable phone card;

b) the recharge takes place via an amount that can be flexibly determined

can;

c) the following entries must be made via the display on the device:

aa) Bank sort code

bb) Account number cc) Value of the top-up;

d) the top-up is rejected if the current top-up results in the maximum credit being exceeded;

e) the service platform assigns MSISDN and bank sort code and account

number verified;

AMENDED SHEET (ARTDKEL 19) 123

f) if the test is successful, the service platform receives the electronic load

written procedure initiated;

g) the service platform assigns the amount to the reloadable telephone card

net or transfers this amount to the telephone card account in the network;

h) after the last digit has been completely entered, the top-up can no longer be reversed;

i) after entering the last digit, the top-up is considered to have been finally initiated and at the end of a conversation an announcement is made as to whether the top-up was successful or not and the new account balance of the rechargeable card

Telephone card or other announcement, in the event of an interruption, or when the call is ended or the terminal has no coverage

call is made.

4. Method for recharging or reusability of a telephone card for

a terminal (mobile radio device) in a mobile network, where

AMENDED SHEET (ARTDKEL 19) 124

a) a free _service number is dialed from a mobile device with a standard telephone card in order to top up a rechargeable telephone card;

b) the service platform identifies the caller via the MSISDN (CLI);

c) a request is made by the service platform to enter the MSISDN of the reloadable phone card and the amount for the reload;

d) the procedure is as follows:

1) Redirect to the service platform (VASS) based on the dialed digits 2) Evaluate the CLI of the A subscriber in the VASS, enter the MSISDN of the rechargeable phone card, check the MSISDN of the rechargeable one

Telephone card in VASS

3) Establishing a new call with the normal subscriber's CLI from VASS to ACD

4) Playing an announcement, creating an ACD internal call ticket 5) Crediting the rechargeable telephone card 6) Evaluating the call ticket in the CASS 7) Marking the top-up on the normal subscriber's bill 125

Method for recharging or reusability of a telephone card for

a terminal (mobile radio device) in a mobile network, where

a) a free service from a mobile phone device with a standard telephone card

number is dialed to top up a rechargeable phone card;

b) the service platform identifies the caller via the MSISDN (CLI);

c) a request from the service platform is made to restart the MSISDN

to enter the reloadable phone card and the amount to be recharged;

d) the procedure is as follows:

AMENDED SHEET (ARTDÜIX 19) 126

1 ) Redirect to the service platform (VASS) based on the Dialied Digits

2) Evaluate the CLI of the A subscriber in the VASS, if it is a normal customer, then request to enter the MSISDN of the rechargeable phone card, check the MSISDN of the rechargeable phone card in the VASS

3) Obtain a CDR for the normal subscriber and transfer this CDR to the NIM

4) corresponding credit to the account of the specified GC participant in VASS

MODIFIED SHEET (ARTDXEL 19)