Methods, systems, a computer program and a computer program product for providing service authorization to a Charging Client function which comprises associating one or more charging modifier actions with a user account, each charging modifier actions having an action start time and defining a charging modifier parameter and receiving a service authorization request indicating a request for service reservation from a charging client. A validity time period for the service reservation is determined; one or more of the associated charging modifier actions having the action start time within the determined validity time period is identified; the identified one or more associated charging modifier actions are executed to activate the charging modifiers for the user account and a service authorization response indicating a service reservation to the charging client is sent, the service reservation based on at least one of the activated charging modifiers.

A method and apparatus advantageously consider historic usage data in determining the credit reservations made against subscriber accounts during online charging operations. In particular, with respect to a communication between first and second parties that is subject to online charging, the method and apparatus use historic usage data associated with at least one of the first and second parties, to determine credit reservations against an involved subscriber account. This approach makes the credit reservation better reflect the usage pattern or history of one or both parties. In some embodiments, the historic usage data is generalized with respect to the called or contacted party. In other embodiments, the historic usage data is generalized with respect to the calling or contacting party. In still other embodiments, the historic usage data is particularized to reflect a historic usage pattern of communication between the first and second parties.

A method and apparatus advantageously consider historic usage data in determining the credit reservations made against subscriber accounts during online charging operations. In particular, with respect to a communication between first and second parties that is subject to online charging, the method and apparatus use historic usage data associated with at least one of the first and second parties, to determine credit reservations against an involved subscriber account. This approach makes the credit reservation better reflect the usage pattern or history of one or both parties. In some embodiments, the historic usage data is generalized with respect to the called or contacted party. In other embodiments, the historic usage data is generalized with respect to the calling or contacting party. In still other embodiments, the historic usage data is particularized to reflect a historic usage pattern of communication between the first and second parties.