A method, system and server for processing low balance data session requests are provided. The server includes a memory storing an account record including an account balance and a count of failed service requests; a network interface; and a processor interconnected with the memory and the network interface. The processor receives a request to access a data service for a mobile device corresponding to the account record; and to determine whether the account balance is sufficient to access the data service. When the account balance is not sufficient, the processor compares the count of failed service requests to a threshold. When the count exceeds the threshold, the processor sends a notification to the mobile device, and when the count does not exceed the threshold, the processor increments the count. The processor also returns a message denying access to the data service.

Embodiments enable a system operatively connected with a block chain distributed network to use a block chain distributed network for granting user access and/or data usage in a process data network. Embodiments receive a transaction record associated with a payment transaction initiated by a user, wherein the transaction record comprises transaction data indicating a payor account owned by a payor distinct from the user, a payee and an amount; access a distributed ledger stored in the memory device, wherein the distributed ledger is updated based on communications from a block chain distributed network; and determine, using the accessed distributed ledger, whether the user is authorized to conduct the payment transaction. In some cases, the system determines, using the accessed distributed ledger, that one or more payor restrictions have been placed on user use of the payor account; and applies the payor restrictions to processing of the payment transaction.

This application discloses a roaming charging method and apparatus. A blockchain network stores information related to roaming fee settlement, to reduce a possibility that the information related to roaming fee settlement is tampered with. In addition, a digital signature algorithm is used to sign roaming service statistics to generate an abstract, to further prevent the roaming service statistics from being tampered with. In this way, when a home carrier verifies a roaming account balance by using the roaming service statistics and a roaming charging rule, accuracy of a verification result can be ensured, and the home carrier can obtain an accurate roaming fee of a user.

A method for facilitating collection and display of information related to data usage by a plurality of mobile devices is disclosed. The method involves receiving first quantity information and sending a first identifier associated with the plurality of mobile devices and first activity-related information including the first quantity information to a server. The method also involves receiving group activity-related information associated with the plurality of mobile devices, the group activity-related information derived at least in part from second activity-related information including second quantity information, and producing signals for causing a display to display information derived from the group activity-related information. A method of associating a plurality of mobile devices in a group is also disclosed. Systems and computer-readable media for facilitating collection and display of information related to data usage by a plurality of mobile devices and for associating a plurality of mobile devices in a group are also disclosed.

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for managing a shared quota for a plurality of network subscribers in a consumer telecommunications network. In use, a first usage quota reservation out of a shared quota is allocated to at least one first subscriber among a plurality of network subscribers. Further, it is determined that at least a portion of the shared quota is available. Additionally, a progressively smaller at least one second usage quota reservation out of the at least a portion of the shared quota is recursively allocated to the at least one first subscriber among the plurality of network subscribers, the smaller at least one second usage quota reservation being smaller than the first usage quota reservation out of the shared quota.

Systems and methods described herein include receiving, at a network device, a message including an identifier associated with a subscriber and an identifier associated with a rating group associated with one or more data flows and determining a data quota and one or more usage monitoring thresholds associated with the subscriber. The data quota indicates a first amount of data associated with the rating group that the subscriber is authorized to use during a time period and the one or more usage monitoring thresholds indicate one or more second amounts of data associated with the rating group and one or more service flows that the subscriber is authorized to use during the time period. The network device transmits the data quota and the one or more usage monitoring thresholds, receives data usage information, and processes the data usage information.

The method comprises the steps of: the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) receiving (Step 1) user's subscription information, in order to determine an initial policy; the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) applying (Step 2) the initial rules; the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) triggering (Step 3) the Extended Online Charging System (EOCS) for the user's service/network resource usage; the Extended Online Charging System (EOCS) rating and charging (step 4) the user, in real time; the Extended Online Charging System (EOCS) triggering (Step 5) a change of policy in the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF); the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) determining (Step 6) new rules for the new policy; the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) receiving (Step 7) the new rules and applying them.

A charging trigger function (CTF 40) in a communication network (30) advantageously uses pre-allocated usage units to authorize the use of a communication service by a user, when a pre-allocated usage unit is available with respect to the involved communication service and user. A pre-allocation function (PAF 42) provides the one or more pre-allocated usage units directly to the CTF (40) or indirectly via an online charging function (OCF 44). The pre-allocated usage units are determined, for example, according to predicted usage information, user account information, and configured rules. A usage prediction function (UPF 52) in the network (30) uses user-related information, such as historical usage data or other activity by the user, to generate the predicted usage information. Among its other advantages, authorizing the use of the communication service based on pre-allocated usage units obviates or reduces the need for usage authorization signaling going between the CTF and OCF.

A system and method for providing community-based broadband access are disclosed. The system is configured to provide private LTE based broadband access at remote areas that are served by satellite backhaul. The system is also configured to provide a community-based Wi-Fi like broadband service where users can purchase hourly, weekly, or monthly data packs as and when desired. The LTE base station, LTE core network, and satellite terminal included in the system are all deployed at the remote location to efficiently connect users to the internet over satellite backhaul. The system architecture further expands broadband reach for users in remote areas as compared to coverage with current satellite-based Community Wi-Fi hot spots, and provides an integrated backend system for LTE and Wi-Fi based access.

A method for managing mobile payments in a mobile phone. The method includes receiving data associated with a plurality of issuer specific payment services at a mobile phone, selecting one of the issuer specific payment services, and conducting a transaction using the phone.