Prepaid security cellular telecommunications system

Abstract

A cellular telecommunications system having a security feature which allows only pre-authorized users to complete cellular telephone calls. The system and method recognizes a cellular radiotelephone's pre-programmed and pre-selected telephone number and an automated number identification code (ANI). The pre-selected telephone number is reserved to the pre-paid cellular telecommunications system. The cellular radiotelephone transmits the ANI and a dialed number identification system code (DNIS) to a cellular switch, which contacts a host computer for call validation by the pre-paid service provider. This system also allows pre-authorized users to receive and pay for incoming calls as well as purchase additional airtime and monthly access fees with convenient pre-paid cards.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 860,640, filed on May 21, 2001, U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 118,378, filed on Jul. 17, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,851, and U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 559,283, filed on Nov. 15, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,975, and is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 364,479, filed on Dec. 23, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,067, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a cellular telecommunications system having a security feature which allows only pre-authorized users to complete cellular telephone calls. More particularly, the cellular telecommunications system of the present invention permits cellular telecommunications providers to obtain pre-paid subscribers and eliminate credit-risk problems. In addition, the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a cellular telecommunications system that allows pre-paid users to access the system without needing to modify their cellular phones. The system uses the ANI (automated number identification) of the phone to authenticate and account for the phone. This eliminates the need for users to carry cards or enter account information. The system also allows pre-paid users to make calls from landline phones and provides a unique interface between the system and the POS for specific transactions. Overall, the invention provides a more convenient and secure way for pre-paid users to access the cellular network."

Problems solved by technology

Improper entry of a speed dialing alias or destination for the pre-set number of attempts will cause the host computer to disconnect the user.

Moreover, the D'Urso system lacks direct interface with the remote database for real time account balance adjustment during a telecommunications event.

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