A method is implemented in a network (110) that provides a service to an
end user, the network including a first
client (115-1), a second
client (115 -M) and a charging
system (130). The method includes the first
client (115-1) receiving (900) a service event (120) that is destined for an
end user (105) and retrieving (915) a first
logical clock value from memory, where the first
logical clock value specifies a number of service events received at the second client (115- M). The method further includes the first client (115-1) incrementing (920) a second
logical clock value based on
receipt of the service event (120) and constructing (920) a first time stamp parameter based on the first logical
clock value and the second logical
clock value. The method also includes the first client (115-1) sending (925) a charging request to a charging
system, where the charging request includes the first time stamp parameter and where the charging request requests credit
authorization associated with providing the service event (120) to the
end user (105). The service event may be associated with one of
Multimedia messaging service (MMS) data, a
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling message, or a
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) message received at the first client. In one exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a Gateway
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN) and the second client includes a
MultiMedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC). In a second exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a GGSN and the second client comprises a Serving Call
Session Control Function (S-CSCF). In a third exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a
router and the second client includes a S-CSCF.