Mobile to Mobile Database for MVNO Discount Rating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) cannot offer discounted or free mobile to mobile calling services due to limitations in existing mobile network infrastructure, which restricts subscriber incentives and market growth.
Innovation Solution
A communications system that utilizes a centralized or distributed mobile to mobile (M2M) data store to identify subscribed network operators for both calling and called parties, obtaining a rating key from a table to apply discounts for calls between subscribers of different network operators, enabling MVNOs to offer discounts for inter-MVNO, intra-MVNO, and MNO calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If MVNOs contract with MNOs for communications support, then MVNOs can enter the mobile market without significant initial investment, but MVNO subscribers cannot obtain discounted mobile to mobile calling service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an M2M database as an intermediary component that stores subscriber information and enables call rating. This database acts as a mediator between MVNOs and MNOs, allowing discounted calling services to be implemented without requiring MVNOs to build their own infrastructure. The database stores prefixes and rating keys that enable the network to identify M2M calls and apply appropriate discounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of call rating by introducing rating keys that represent discount levels. Instead of uniform pricing, the system uses variable rating parameters (discount percentages) that are stored in the M2M database and applied based on the calling and called party prefixes. This allows flexible service offerings including free or discounted calling between MVNO subscribers.
2Productivity
If MNO infrastructure is used for MVNO services, then resource utilization is enhanced, but selective discounting for M2M calls is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call rating process by introducing distinct components: the M2M database for storing prefix and rating key information, the network element for querying the database, and the rating application for applying discounts. This segmentation allows the existing MNO infrastructure to be used while adding specialized functionality for M2M call discounting through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The M2M database serves as an intermediary layer between the MNO infrastructure and the call rating system. It stores the necessary information (prefixes, rating keys) and provides it to the network elements that process calls, enabling selective discounting without modifying the core MNO infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized M2M data store is implemented, then discounted calling can be offered across multiple operators, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The M2M database is designed as a universal system that serves multiple operators (both MNOs and MVNOs) simultaneously. It stores information for multiple prefixes and provides a unified interface for call rating across different network operators. This multi-functional design enables discounted calling across operators without requiring separate systems for each operator.
Data Source
AI summary
Call rating systems and methods using a mobile to mobile database with operator prefixes and a rating key table in which network operators subscribed to by mobile to mobile calling and called parties are identified by database queries and a rating key is obtained according to the prefixes to rate the call according to the rating key value representing agreed discounts for calls between subscribers of mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators.