Telecommunications access cost management system

Abstract

A Telecom Access Cost Management System provides the capability for a communication carrier service provider to substantially automate the payment to other communication carrier service providers for the use of their services and equipment. Billed charges are received in a variety of forms from the communication carrier service providers. The cost processor receives this information, checks its integrity, and converts it to a format in which it can be further processed. Once this information has been uploaded and converted, a validation process is performed in which the individual items of the bill are checked as to whether the rate information charged by the communication carrier service providers matches the rates which have been either negotiated or established by a third party. Any discrepancies noted in this comparison process are included in a report that is included with the item in the billed charges. The user of the system can then review the billed charges in conjunction with any discrepancy amounts that have been noted. An automated payment module then provides for the generation of an electronic file for transmittal to Accounts Payable for payment to the communication carrier service provider who has provided the service and also provides any dispute reports that may then be later negotiated between the parties.