A process for selecting an optimal individual user solution including an optimal rate allocation and associated price for a predetermined bandwidth of cellular network resources includes application of an iterative process and selection from multiple proposed user solutions. The inputs to the iterative process include at least an initial user bid, an initial network rate allocation, a generated user utility function and the cost data. The user utility function includes multiple application user functions. Optimal solution selection includes comparing each multiple proposed user rate allocation with the initial network rate allocation for the user and selecting the closest multiple proposed user rate allocation to the initial network rate allocation. The process may be applied to aggregated cellular carrier scenarios.

A computer system that provides clients access to pooled resources in order to provide computing or data storage services may receive service requests (which explicitly or implicitly include requests for pooled resources), may service at least some of those requests, and may determine pricing for the serviced requests. The pricing for each request may be dependent on whether it was serviced using a portion of a resource pool that was reserved for the use of the client on whose behalf it was received or using burst capacity (e.g., unreserved or otherwise idle capacity within the resource pool). Pricing for the use of reserved capacity may be fixed, regardless of the amount of reserved capacity used. Pricing for burst capacity may depend on actual use, and may be demand-based (e.g., using a spot-market-based dynamic pricing model). Clients with reserved capacity may optionally request access to burst capacity.

The present disclosure provides details on an intermediary service bureau (ISB) system which includes an ISB center that acts as an intermediary communication center between communication devices used by correctional facilities and contract providers. The ISB records communications, stores security data, and provides front end processing to facilitate an inmate to communicate with an outside party by way of a contract provider. Further, the ISB provides accounting services for inmates and friends and family that use services provided the contract provider. The contract provider provides security and routing services for the ISB by obtaining data from the ISB and updating data at the ISB according to the communications.

A method for allocating and pricing access to alternative access networks may include: inputting, by one or more parties, needs for alternative network access and representative values for satisfying the needs; setting, by providers of alternative network access, reserve prices for access to each of access point in the alternative network; generating a solution based on a mixed integer program to maximize value created by allocation of alternative network access; and allocating alternative network access to the one or more parties based on the mixed integer program solution.

The present disclosure provides details on an intermediary service bureau (ISB) system which includes an ISB center that acts as an intermediary communication center between communication devices used by correctional facilities and contract providers. The ISB records communications, stores security data, and provides front end processing to facilitate an inmate to communicate with an outside party by way of a contract provider. Further, the ISB provides accounting services for inmates and friends and family that use services provided the contract provider. The contract provider provides security and routing services for the ISB by obtaining data from the ISB and updating data at the ISB according to the communications.

A platform, apparatus and method for Internet of Things Implementations for selecting a cellular carrier. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) hub comprising a network interface to couple the IoT hub to an IoT service through a cellular (cell) carrier, the IoT hub further comprising a local communication interface to communicatively couple the IoT hub to a plurality of IoT devices over local communication channels; cell carrier selection logic on the IoT hub to implement a set of rules to select between two or more cell carriers through which to connect the IoT hub to the IoT service, the rules being based, at least in part, on a cost associated with connecting to each of the two or more cell carriers and connectivity data associated with cell connections between the IoT hub and each of the two or more cell carriers.

A method for allocating and pricing access to alternative access networks may include: inputting, by one or more parties, needs for alternative network access and representative values for satisfying the needs; setting, by providers of alternative network access, reserve prices for access to each of access point in the alternative network; generating a solution based on a mixed integer program to maximize value created by allocation of alternative network access; and allocating alternative network access to the one or more parties based on the mixed integer program solution.

A method for allocating and pricing access to alternative access networks may include: inputting, by one or more parties, needs for alternative network access and representative values for satisfying the needs; setting, by providers of alternative network access, reserve prices for access to each of access point in the alternative network; generating a solution based on a mixed integer program to maximize value created by allocation of alternative network access; and allocating alternative network access to the one or more parties based on the mixed integer program solution.

Mobile device application usage history is collected across a plurality of mobile device applications. A mobile device application usage trigger event is received. For each of a plurality of candidate push notifications, a quality score adjustment is determined as a function of the collected mobile device application usage history and the trigger event. An opportunity to push a notification to the first mobile device is auctioned based on the adjusted quality scores. The notification of the auction winner is pushed to the first mobile device.

A radio communication control device accepts a call-up from a radio communication terminal and includes a unit configured to detect the degree of jamming in a cell, a unit configured to confirm the intention of a user of a terminal concerned as to whether the call-up is continued regardless of addition of an extra to the user's telephone call charge when the call-up has been made from a radio communication terminal in the cell concerned in a specific jammed state, a unit configured to block the call-up concerned in accordance with the confirmed intention of the user of the terminal concerned and a unit configured to change charge setting so as to add an extra to the user's telephone call charge when the call-up has not been blocked in the specific jammed state.