System and method for multiparty billing of network services

Abstract

A scalable, distributed system and method for communicating originating network information for multiparty billing of network services, with authentication of originating network attributes, having particular application when value added services are provided to subscribers of other networks, for which price is determined at the terminating end. An originating network attribute, e.g. an originating network identification, is associated with a private-public key pair of the originating network operator, a service request is generated comprising an network attribute pair containing a clear text attribute and an encrypted attribute, encrypted with the private-key of the originating network operator. Authorized parties having a billing relationship with the originating network operator have access to public keys for decryption and verification the originating network identification prior to forwarding of the service request for completion and billing. An attribute pair may be provided as an extension of known service request protocols, and the network attribute may optionally include originating network identification, subscriber information, and other information associated with the service request.