Host-sponsored data transmission billing system and method

Abstract

A host-sponsored data transmission billing system and method is provided to permit reduced costs to a mobile user for internet access through an internet gateway. An operator billing system is provided (either in the internet gateway itself or coupled to the internet gateway) to generate billing data for payment by the mobile user for connection requests by the mobile user through the internet gateway to private sites on the internet. However, to reduce the costs to the mobile user to encourage access to host-sponsored commercial sites, the operator billing system bills data for payment by host-sponsors for connection requests by the mobile user to the host-sponsored sites. A General Packet Radio System (GPRS) can be utilized in this arrangement as the internet gateway.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09 / 455,250, filed Dec. 6, 1999 which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications / mobile phones, and more specifically to an improved system and method for mobile internet access and billing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Recently, substantial development has occurred in systems and methods for mobile internet access. In particular, increased data transmission rates have been brought about by the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) evolution with systems such as General Packet Radio System (GPRS) and Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE). The GPRS and EDGE systems allow for higher bit rates in wireless access enabling mobile internet. In short, the technology has now been developed to make mobile internet access readily available. [0004] Unfortunately, an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved billing system and method for mobile internet access. It involves a host-sponsored data transmission billing system where the internet gateway generates billing data for payment by both the mobile user and the host-sponsor for connection requests by the mobile user to private or host-sponsored sites on the internet. This means that some or all of the data traffic billing that is incurred in accessing a host-sponsored site is incurred by the host that operates the site in question. Overall, this system allows for more efficient billing and reduces the cost of mobile internet access for users."

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, an emerging problem has developed with regard to the question of who will pay for the wireless data traffic in a telecom operator's cellular network for such mobile internet access.

Therefore, it has become a serious concern that users will view mobile internet access as too expensive for casual web browsing.

This could seriously stunt the development of mobile internet access.

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