Lucent Technologies Inc.

At+t Corp.

Wanda Kay Cross

Michael Joseph Haller

Nasrin Hoque

Kathryn Ann Jurie

Dianne Green Russell

Brian John Higgins

A method for automatically billing multiple calling card accounts during a single call by an operator services system (OSS) is disclosed. Multiple calling card account numbers received in the OSS are validated and a maximum call duration is determined. Prior to balance depletion of all calling card accounts initially provided by the caller, the caller is notified of forthcoming balance depletion and subsequently given the option to bill the same call to other calling card accounts. While the caller is making alternate billing arrangements, network resources are held. After a predetermined amount of time, if no other billing arrangements have been made, the call is disconnected and the network resources are released.

Method for accommodating multiple calling cards during a single call in

A method for automatically converting a promotional calling card to a permanent calling card by an operator services system (OSS) is disclosed. A promotional calling card call received in the OSS is validated by obtaining card product-type data and card information data from a calling card validation database. Upon depletion of a non-billed promotional balance, the caller using a promotional calling card is presented with the option of being connected to a customer services representative by the OSS for arranging billing for future use of the card. User convenience is enhanced since the promotional calling card number is also used as the permanent calling card number after billing arrangements are made via the customer service representative.

Method for establishing customized billing arrangements for a calling

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Lynn Center, IL, United States of America

Wanda Kay Cross