Method and systems for toll-free internet protocol communication services

Abstract

This document describes Toll Free IP (TIP), a business model and its enabling methods to provide no-charge-to-user ('toll-free') connectivity through IP-based access networks (e.g., public wireless hotspot networks based on IEEE 802.11), which may be operated by different network operators. With TIP, the use of networks to communicate with a toll-free IP destination will be paid by the owner of the toll-free IP destination. A toll-free IP destination can be identified in many ways, e.g., by a toll-free IP address, toll-free Internet Domain Name, a toll-free Universal Resource Identifier or Universal Resource Locator. TIP enables a user to use networks without prior service subscriptions with network or service providers and without any special terminal software or hardware for gaining permission to use a network. It allows users to use more access networks, i.e., larger 'footprints', than any individual network operator or aggregator can provide. With TIP, a service provider can provide services over IP-based access networks without the need to have business arrangements with each individual network operator or aggregator. TIP can also be used to enable other value-added services such as Prepaid IP, Collect IP, Selective Charging, and a single prepaid account across access networks of multiple operators or aggregators and even across wireless LANs (e.g., public hotspots and enterprise wireless LANs) and cellular networks.