Telecommunications Charging System for Offline Prepaid Account Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prepaid accounts in telecommunications networks are cumbersome to manage and recharge, especially when users cannot access online recharging interfaces, leading to difficulties in updating or replenishing credits.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that allow postpaid account subscribers to recharge prepaid accounts using USSD or SMS messages, leveraging network components like Mobile Switching Servers and Telephony Application Servers to identify and credit prepaid accounts, and bill postpaid accounts accordingly, enabling timely and efficient recharging even when users are abroad or unable to access online services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prepaid accounts are managed through traditional online recharging interfaces, then recharging can be performed when users have internet access, but users cannot recharge when they are abroad or unable to access online services
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables multiple recharging methods (online interfaces, USSD codes, SMS messages) to serve different user needs and conditions. The telephony network components (MSS, TAS) provide alternative pathways for account recharging that work both online and offline, making the recharging system universal across different access conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (MSS, TAS, charging systems) that mediate between the user's mobile device and the prepaid account database. These intermediaries enable recharging through telephony networks even when direct online access is unavailable, acting as bridges between different recharging scenarios.
2Device complexity
If prepaid accounts offer basic services with limited access, then account management remains simple, but the accounts become cumbersome to manage and utilize
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to autonomously recharge their prepaid accounts through self-service mechanisms (USSD codes, SMS messages) without requiring assistance from customer service representatives or complex online procedures. Users can independently manage and replenish their accounts using familiar telephony interfaces.
3Reliability
If users rely on online recharging interfaces, then recharging can be performed with full functionality, but service interruption occurs when users are unable to access online services
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to prepare and execute recharging actions through telephony networks before complete service interruption occurs. By enabling recharging via USSD and SMS that work on basic telephony connectivity, users can proactively replenish accounts before losing all network access, ensuring service continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for recharging prepaid accounts within a telecommunications provider, such as a network carrier, using information provided by postpaid account subscribers. For example, the systems and methods facilitate the receipt of instructions from mobile devices associated with postpaid accounts. Upon receipt of the messages, the systems and methods (such as systems within a charging system of the network carrier or provider) identify intended or recipient mobile devices associated with prepaid accounts. Once identified, the systems and methods recharge the prepaid accounts, based on the instructions received from the postpaid account mobile devices.