Techniques for distributed charging in digital telecommunications networks are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method that includes provisioning a data path that carries a plurality of network flows, receiving a shared usage quota associated with the plurality of network flows, and allocating the shared usage quota among the plurality of network flows. For each network flow among the plurality of network flows, the method includes providing the data path with data indicative of an amount of the shared usage quota allocated to the network flow, configuring the data path to collect metering data associated with the network flow, and configuring the data path to enforce the shared usage quota based on the metering data associated with the network flow and the amount of the shared usage quota allocated to the network flow.

Access to a communications network may be provided via a data provider that may charge for access. In some cases, the access fee may be related to the amount of network resources consumed (e.g., amount of data downloaded or bandwidth used). In some cases, a user may have access to a particular amount of data provider resources and be required to pay an additional fee for using resources in excess of the particular amount. To assist the user in managing his data resource consumption, a resource utilization component may provide different alerts and notices informing the user of current consumption, expected future consumption, and recommendations for reducing data provider resources consumed (e.g., stopping particular processes or data provider requests, such as downloading media). If several electronic devices in a network are connected to the same data provider resources, a network component may manage the data provider resource use among the several electronic devices (e.g., allow only particular users or devices access).

The present system relates to a server for providing data connectivity in a packet mode communication network. The server has a processor arranged to receive, via a first brokerage control unit, a charging rule request to allow one or more communication devices in the communication network to exchange with an application server data charged under operator specific billing. The server determines availability of the operator specific billing based on network parameters and the charging rule request, and updates the database of a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) entity in the communication network based on available operator specific billing and an identifier for the application server, for subsequent charging of data exchanged with the application server at said available operator specific billing.

Access to a communications network may be provided via a data provider that may charge for access. In some cases, the access fee may be related to the amount of network resources consumed (e.g., amount of data downloaded or bandwidth used). In some cases, a user may have access to a particular amount of data provider resources and be required to pay an additional fee for using resources in excess of the particular amount. To assist the user in managing his data resource consumption, a resource utilization component may provide different alerts and notices informing the user of current consumption, expected future consumption, and recommendations for reducing data provider resources consumed (e.g., stopping particular processes or data provider requests, such as downloading media). If several electronic devices in a network are connected to the same data provider resources, a network component may manage the data provider resource use among the several electronic devices (e.g., allow only particular users or devices access).

Aspects of the present invention are directed towards a system and method for facilitating local data service via communication exchange system where, within an ecosystem of one or more operators, a gateway is deployed by an operator for facilitating local data services for users that either the operator's local subscriber and inbound roamer. The gateway connects to the operators via VPN tunnel to facilitate local data services. The communication exchange also includes an interface that maintains a bi-directional connection with the gateway to exchange information related to roaming data services, and a bi-directional connection with users via their mobile devices' user interfaces.

Techniques for distributed charging in digital telecommunications networks are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method that includes provisioning a data path that carries a plurality of network flows, receiving a shared usage quota associated with the plurality of network flows, and allocating the shared usage quota among the plurality of network flows. For each network flow among the plurality of network flows, the method includes providing the data path with data indicative of an amount of the shared usage quota allocated to the network flow, configuring the data path to collect metering data associated with the network flow, and configuring the data path to enforce the shared usage quota based on the metering data associated with the network flow and the amount of the shared usage quota allocated to the network flow.

Receiving Internet Protocol (IP) data content having an associated file type and service port number is disclosed. Determining a level of service for a portable wireless transceiver is further disclosed. The level of service may be associated with the file type, the service port number and a saturation of users in a cell of the wireless transceiver. On a condition the level of service is determined to be a partial service level, data content may be delivered to the portable wireless transceiver at a limited data rate. On a condition the level of service is determined to be a full service level, the data content may be delivered to the portable wireless transceiver at a data rate higher than the limited data rate.

Aspects of the present invention are directed towards a system and method for facilitating local data service via communication exchange system where, within an ecosystem of one or more operators, a gateway is deployed by an operator for facilitating local data services for users that either the operator's local subscriber and inbound roamer. The gateway connects to the operators via VPN tunnel to facilitate local data services. The communication exchange also includes an interface that maintains a bi-directional connection with the gateway to exchange information related to roaming data services, and a bi-directional connection with users via their mobile devices' user interfaces.

Provided is a technology that makes it possible for billing and balance management in the form of units that are difficult to understand for a user, to be expressed and managed in the form of units that are easy to understand from the viewpoint of the actual purpose of use. The network connection communication system is provided with means for expressing the unit price of network usage in terms of units that a user can understand more intuitively in the light of the purpose for which the network is used. For instance, the number of connection minutes (time), the number of books purchased and downloaded over the network, or the number of connections to a communicating partner can be used depending on the purpose of use of a service.