Method and system for selling communication lines with donation support

Abstract

The present invention aims to enable users to continuously use communication lines, thereby utilizing the revenue generated to facilitate the effective use of communication resources by various organizations such as residents, schools, and businesses in the surrounding area. This will allow the increased communication usage to enable the entire community to collaborate and contribute to society. [Solution] A sales system with donation support, which includes a server that manages information on communication service agreements between a communication service provider and a user and charges based on that information, is characterized by having a donation support device that stores the recipient of donations from the user and makes donations to the recipient based on the user's ongoing line contract.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication line sales method with donation support and a system thereof.

Background Art

[0002] As a background of the communication industry, the mobile communication system has been evolving every 10 years. Along with this, the needs of terminals such as mobile phones have been continuously expanding from communication means to the basis of life and then to the basis of all industries and social activities. For example, the use of digital resident certificates, telework, SNS (Social Networking Service), and home appliances has been expanding. Thus, by providing various services and contents, not only call charges but also increases in revenues such as service provision fees and data communication fees are expected. It is considered that the communication line will shift from the "life" basis to the "society" basis in the future, and promoting the expansion of the communication line is also a national policy.

[0003] For example, in order for a user to use communication and calls via a mobile phone line, a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module Card) is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A SIM card is a small IC card in which contract information such as the communication carrier of the connection destination, the mobile phone number, and the communication plan is recorded. By inserting a SIM card issued by a communication carrier into a terminal such as a smartphone, it becomes possible to connect to the communication network and use Internet connection by voice calls, SMS transmission / reception, etc.

[0004] When a user uses a SIM card, a contract with a mobile communication carrier that provides communication services is required. Mobile communication carriers are roughly classified into MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) that install and operate their own wireless communication facilities and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that borrow communication infrastructure from MNOs.

[0005] Entering into a mobile network service plan with a mobile carrier involves managing communication usage fees (charging for usage). Data charges and other communication fees are billed to the user monthly by the mobile carrier, generating consistent revenue for the carrier at a predetermined time. SIM card contracts are typically made through stores operated by the mobile carrier itself, or online through the websites of sales agents (MVNO operators).

[0006] On the other hand, recently, it has become a trend for local residents, elementary and junior high schools, and support groups for sports teams to collaborate in activities aimed at revitalizing the community and contributing to society. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-80174 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The system described in Patent Document 1 can generate continuous revenue based on the communication charges used by users, but it does not provide specific details on how that revenue will be used. Furthermore, it is not optimal for enhancing collaboration with consumers and local communities through the use of communication lines, and therefore cannot be expected to contribute to society, such as regional revitalization.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to enable various organizations and individuals, such as residents, schools, and businesses in the surrounding area, to make effective use of communication resources by utilizing the revenue generated from the continuous use of communication lines by users, and to contribute to society by coordinating with the entire community through increased communication usage. Let's assume that. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a sales method involving donation support in which a provider of communication services and a user enter into a communication service agreement, and the user receives the communication service by paying a communication fee to the provider, characterized in that the provider sets a recipient for donations from the user and continuously makes donations to the recipient for the period during which the user is receiving the communication service.

[0011] The aforementioned provider prefers to sell IC cards for receiving mobile communication services.

[0012] The present invention relates to a sales system with donation support, which includes a server that manages information on the conclusion of a communication service agreement between a communication service provider and a user, and charges based on that information, and is characterized by comprising a donation support device that stores the recipient of donations from the user and makes donations to the recipient based on the user's ongoing line contract.

[0013] The provider sells IC cards for receiving mobile communication services, and it is preferable that the user purchases the IC card using a device such as a smartphone.

[0014] The donation support device preferably comprises a storage unit that stores a plurality of donation recipients and a donation execution unit configured to allow the user to make a donation to the recipient of their choice.

[0015] When the user selects a recipient for their donation, it is preferable to display multiple recipients on the monitor of the terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this invention, users can easily turn their meaningful activities into a sustainable form by using communication services. Recipients of donations can secure continuous funding for their activities, and by transforming one-time support into a continuous source of income, they can expand many activities and stabilize their funding.

[0017] Through the use of ordinary communication lines, it can serve as a motivation to contribute to local revitalization and cooperation throughout the region for social contribution, etc., and can enhance incentives.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a communication line sales system with donation support according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a donation support device. [Figure 3] It shows the display screen of the monitor unit. (a) is a diagram showing the supported organization, and (b) is a diagram showing the line contract plan. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart when purchasing a SIM card. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the relationship among the user, the provider side, and the supported organization. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart when purchasing a SIM card. [Figure 7] It shows the display screen of the monitor unit. (a) is a diagram showing the recruitment of the supported organization and the users who wish to donate, and (b) is a diagram showing the search for and additional wishes of the supported organization.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, based on the embodiments of the present invention, it will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment will describe, for example, the case where a user purchases a SIM card as a communication means.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication line sales system 1 with donation support in this embodiment is configured such that a business support device 2, a donation support device 3, and a terminal 5 for a user to purchase a SIM card are connected via a network (the Internet as a communication line) 6.

[0021] Business support device 2 is installed at the mobile network operator (MVNO) as the provider. Business support device 2 is equipped with a server 7 for managing the mobile network operator's operations (for example, management information such as subscriber users and billing information).

[0022] Server 7 stores information such as the user's name, address, and ID, and includes a billing unit that aggregates and charges administrative fees and usage fees incurred by the user over a certain period (e.g., monthly communication usage fees). Server 7 is connected to the user's terminal 5 and the donation support device 3 via the internet 6, and is configured to send and receive information from the user's terminal 5 and the donation support device 3. It performs predetermined functions by incorporating predetermined program software.

[0023] Terminal 5 is, for example, a mobile device (mobile communication terminal) such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. Terminal 5 is a communication device that can perform various types of communication with the server 7 and the donation support device 3.

[0024] The donation support device 3 is installed at a sales agent that sells SIM cards used for mobile lines, stores the recipients of donations from the user, and makes donations (transfers) to the designated recipients based on the user's ongoing line contract. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the donation support device 3 comprises a determination unit 30 that determines the donation amount based on the line contract details, a storage unit 31 that stores information on the recipients (supported organizations that receive donations), and a donation execution unit 32 that donates the determined donation amount to the designated recipient.

[0025] Recipients of donations include support groups for sports teams such as soccer teams, NPOs and other organizations engaged in community activities and regional revitalization such as children's cafeterias, local elementary and junior high schools, and voluntary recipient organizations and individuals such as neighborhood associations, children's clubs, and local governments. Recipients of donations (supported organizations) can be voluntarily registered in the memory unit 31, provided they meet the prescribed conditions. The registration of supported organizations can be set and performed by the provider as appropriate.

[0026] Next, the operation of System 1, which has the above configuration, will be described. This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, in the case where a user purchases a line contract plan using terminal 5 and concludes a communication service. Figure 3 shows the display screen of the monitor unit, where (a) shows the supported organization and (b) shows the line contract plan. Figure 4 is a flowchart for purchasing a SIM card.

[0027] When a user accesses the sales agent's website via terminal 5, a menu screen is displayed on the monitor unit 8 of terminal 5 (S1). Operating the menu screen displays a screen allowing the user to choose whether or not to make a donation (S2). If the user selects to make a donation, the supported organizations 10 are displayed (see Figure 3(a)). For example, if multiple supported organizations 10 are set, multiple buttons are provided to display organizations that provide children's cafeterias, support groups that cheer on sports teams such as soccer teams, etc. The user selects the supported organization 10 by operating the processing button on the menu screen displayed on the monitor unit 8.

[0028] Furthermore, the menu screen for the line contract plan is displayed on the monitor unit 8 of terminal 5 (see Figure 3(b)). If there are multiple line plans 11, the contract fee will differ depending on the conditions for telephone usage time and the amount of data that can be used. In addition, the donation amount will differ for each line plan 11, and the donation amount will be pre-set in the determination unit 30 of the donation support device 3. The user will see the menu displayed on the monitor unit 8. Operate the displayed menu screen to select the desired line plan 11 (S3). Alternatively, the line contract plan menu screen may be displayed first, followed by the selection screen.

[0029] Once the required information has been entered, the monitor unit 8 displays the message "Notification of Line Contract Completion" along with the message "We will donate to the XX organization that supported us." (S4). This allows the user to confirm the completion of the line contract and the recipient of the donation. Note that it is also possible to choose not to display such notifications.

[0030] Server 7 manages the billing status based on the line contract information, and after a predetermined period has elapsed (S5), it notifies (invoices) the user for the predetermined communication usage fee. Once the user's payment is confirmed (S6), the donation execution unit 32 of the donation support device 3 donates the predetermined donation amount to the designated beneficiary organization 10, for example, through a financial institution, based on the contract details (S7), and also notifies the user. This notification may be made electronically or on paper.

[0031] Revenue from data communication charges, etc.: The provider (mobile communication carrier or sales agent) bills the user monthly (after a predetermined period has elapsed), and this revenue is the provider's revenue for that predetermined period. Communication charges are received at regular intervals, and a portion of this revenue (a set amount) is continuously allocated to support. If payment cannot be confirmed (if the user abandons payment), the donation support device 20 stops donating to the supported organization 10, and resumes donations once payment is confirmed. In this way, steps (S5) to (S8) are repeated as long as the line contract is deemed valid and to continue (S8). If the line contract expires or the user abandons the line contract, the line contract ends, and donations also stop (S9). Note that the first donation can be set at the time of the line contract, not just from the month in which the predetermined amount for one month is paid, and the line contract date may be in the middle of the month, even if it is less than one month, and can be set arbitrarily.

[0032] On the other hand, if a user does not wish to make a donation, they can select "No donation required," resulting in a contract for only the same line plan as before (S10).

[0033] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the three-party relationship between the user, the provider (sales agent acting as a supporting organization), and the recipient (supported organization) 10 based on this embodiment. The supported organization 10 can continuously use the donations received from the provider for any activity of its choice. If the supported organization 10 is a support group that supports sports, it can contribute to raising supporter funds, increasing support power, and supporting athletes, thereby boosting the team's morale and securing continuous funding. Furthermore, it can increase the organization's gratitude towards users and provide fan services.

[0034] Users (local residents, businesses, etc.) can continuously support their preferred donation recipients by paying for their communication fees, fostering collaboration with local communities, enabling urban development, and contributing to social causes such as regional revitalization. Users can recognize that a portion of their monthly communication fees is continuously donated to their chosen support organizations, giving them a sense of contributing to regional revitalization and social good. Therefore, it can motivate users to contribute to regional revitalization and social good, increasing incentives. Furthermore, it also has the effect of expanding sales channels for providers.

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates the case of individuals associated with a supported organization (such as staff or employees) or users who wish to support a specific supported organization. Since the recipient of the donation is already determined, the step of selecting a supported organization (S2) as shown in Figure 4 is omitted. Therefore, the user operates the menu screen (S1) to select the desired line plan 11 (S3). Subsequent steps (S4) to (S9) are the same as in Figure 4. Multiple employees of a supported organization can easily contribute to their own organization. It is possible to make a donation.

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a case where both organizations needing support and users wishing to donate are recruited. Specifically, the provider sets up a portal site (support site) on the internet to recruit both organizations needing support and users wishing to donate. The screen of this site displays a display 12 for recruiting organizations that need support (donations) and a display 13 for recruiting users who wish to donate (support) (see Figure 7(a)). Organizations needing support select the Recruitment of Organizations Needing Support display 12 and enter the required information. The provider (sales agent) examines whether the organization meets the required conditions based on the entered information, and if it is deemed appropriate, it registers the organization in addition to the existing organizations registered in the memory unit 31.

[0037] On the other hand, if a user wishes to participate in supporting an organization, they select the support participation recruitment display 13. This displays a search display 14 for organizations to support and a display 15 for adding a new organization to support (see Figure 7(b)). If the user selects the search display 14 for organizations to support and decides on an organization to support, they can proceed to the plan contract shown in Figure 6.

[0038] If a user wishes to add a new organization they want to support, they select the "Request to Add New Organization" option 15 and enter the required information, which is then sent to the provider (sales agent). The provider (sales agent) reviews whether the requested organization meets the specified conditions, and if deemed appropriate, registers it in addition to the existing organizations registered in the memory unit 31. After registration, the user can view the newly added organization on this site and select it to enter into a communication plan contract and make a donation.

[0039] In this way, by recruiting both organizations seeking support and users wishing to donate via the internet, the number of organizations receiving donations can be effectively increased, and users can choose to support the organizations they wish to support. Furthermore, when recruiting both organizations seeking support and users wishing to donate, they may do so verbally or in writing, regardless of the method used; any method is acceptable as appropriate.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described above based on one embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Users can enter into a donation request contract even after completing a regular communication plan contract. The above embodiment describes a case where a sales agent is equipped with the donation support device 3, but it is also possible for a mobile communication carrier, or both, to be equipped with it, and the provider is not particularly limited and may be one or more.

[0041] In addition to using a physical SIM card, a digital SIM built into the device itself, known as an eSIM, may also be used. Furthermore, the sale of a mobile communication terminal (such as a smartphone) with a line contract may be combined with the sale of the two as a set. Moreover, the donation is not limited to monetary donations, but may also include electronic money, points, or other forms of monetary value. It should be noted that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments within the same and equivalent scope as the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 1. Telecommunications line sales system with donation support 2 Business support equipment 3. Donation support device 5 devices 6. Internet 7 Servers 8. Monitor section 10. Recipient Organizations (Donation Recipients) 11-line plan 12. Recruitment of organizations to receive support 13. Call for Participation in Support 14. Search and display of organizations you want to support. 15. Request to add a new organization you would like to support. 30 Decision Section 31 Storage section 32 Donation Execution Department

Claims

1. A sales method involving donation support in which a provider of communication services and a user enter into a communication service agreement, and the user receives the communication service by paying a communication fee to the provider, characterized in that the provider sets a recipient for donations from the user and continuously makes donations to the recipient for the period during which the user is receiving the communication service.

2. The sales method with donation support according to claim 1, characterized in that the provider sells IC cards for receiving mobile communication services.

3. A sales system with donation support, comprising a server that manages information on the conclusion of a communication service agreement between a communication service provider and a user, and charges based on that information, characterized in that it also comprises a donation support device that stores the recipient of donations from the user and makes donations to the recipient based on the user's ongoing line contract.

4. The sales system with donation support according to claim 3, characterized in that the provider sells IC cards for receiving mobile communication services, and the user purchases the IC card using a terminal such as a smartphone.

5. The donation support device comprises a storage unit that stores a plurality of donation recipients, and a donation execution unit configured to allow the user to make a donation to a donation recipient of their choice, as described in claim 3 or 4.

6. The donation support sales system according to claim 5, characterized in that when the user selects a donation recipient, multiple donation recipients are displayed on the monitor of the terminal.

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