FIELD TO THE INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates to telecommunication availability, more particularly, to a telecommunication system and a method of using same to improve telecommunication availability and access.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A common problem facing many telephone and/or mobile phone users, nowadays, is the difficulty experienced with airtime running out during a call. In such a situation, the call initiator is forced to inform the call receiver that he will soon need to put down because of depleted airtime. As a result, important information, that the call initiator wishes to convey to the call receiver, often does not reach the call receiver.

The abovementioned situation commonly occurs when so-called "pay as you go" or prepaid systems are used. These prepaid systems have accompanied the increased use of cellular telephones ("cellphones"). In a typical prepaid system, a user or subscriber purchases airtime to a selected value from a service provider in advance. The purchase of the airtime allows the subscriber to use a cellphone to communicate via the cellular network of the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) to a predetermined extent.

To initiate use of the cellular network, the user or subscriber typically purchases a voucher of value. The voucher provides an enabling or PIN code that is fed into the network via the cellphone thereby to enable use for the selected value. Once the cumulative use of the network by the user reaches the value of the purchased airtime and the voucher has been depleted, use of the network by the user is terminated and a further voucher must then be purchased before network usage can proceed. A solution to the above problem is nowadays available where a person who wishes to make conversation with a call receiver, sends a so called "please call me" text to the intended call receiver. Often, however, this text message takes long to reach the intended call receiver as the message alert notification may perhaps not be heard or attended to in good time thereby leaving the call initiator in a troublesome situation where he desperately needs to convey information to the call receiver, but doesn't have the airtime available to allow him/her to convey said information.

Inadvertent airtime depletion is believed to not only be a problem associated with prepaid MNO subscribers but also MNO subscribers who are signed up in a contract with the MNO, but without proper top-up airtime arrangements in place.

This specification aims to address, at least in part, the abovementioned shortcomings by providing an improved telecommunication system and method of enabling use of a communication network by a call initiator and a call receiver.

In this specification a selection of terms, commonly known in the art to which the invention relates, are used. The terms are named and have the meaning described in the table below.

WASP Wireless Application A company that provides services and Service Provider content via the MNO for other companies or individuals e.g. MWEB

ASP Application Service A company that provides services and

Provider content via the Network Operator for the other companies or individuals

SMSC Short Message Text Messages sent via the GSM Network

Service Center through the MNO's SMS centre

WWW World Wide Web Internet

GSM Global system for Mobile Networks

Mobile

GPS Global Positioning e.g. Garmin

Service

GPRS General Packet Radio Communication protocol to transfer data

Service across from the mobile phone

URL Uniform Resource Address used on the internet to find websites

Locator

HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol used to transfer data across the

Protocol internet

DIGINET Telkom Line Line used to transfer large amounts of data across WANs and LANs

X25 Telkom Line Line used to transfer large amounts of data across networks

WAN Wide Area Network Companies interface across networks of third parties

LAN Local Area Network Companies interface to their local network

TCP/IP Transmission Control Direct IP address connection to IP address

Protocol/Internet connection over the internet link

Protocol

SIM Subscriber Information Card inserted into the mobile phone for users

Module to use over the GSM network SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the broadest aspect of this invention there is provided a telecommunication system comprising means to establish via a WASP and during a live telephonic conversation between a telephone call initiator and a telephone call receiver, a real-time agreement that prevents premature ending of the telephonic conversation due to a lack of call funding by the telephone call initiator and aids continued telephonic communication between the telephone call initiator and the telephone call receiver. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the telephone call receiver to, whilst the call is live, take over, acquire and fund talk-time of the telephone call initiator, which debt cannot be funded from a primary telecommunication service airtime account of the call initiator. Alternatively, the invention provides for the telephone call initiator to, whilst the call is live, acquire access to and use a talk-time related savings account upon actuation of a prompt from said call initiator.

In an embodiment, the telecommunication system comprises means for initiating and completing a commercial transaction between a call receiver and a call initiator via a telecommunication network to allow said call receiver to acquire and own a talk-time related debt upon receipt of a prompt from said call initiator, during the telephonic conversation with the call initiator and via the telecommunication network, to take over, acquire and own the talk-time related debt of the call initiator, the system comprising: an identification module for identifying call receiver and call initiator information; an airtime monitoring module configured to monitor remaining airtime of the call initiator, during the call; in communication with the airtime monitoring module, a supplementary communication module apt to receive a trigger from the airtime monitoring module when a low-level airtime preset limit of the call initiator is reached so that the supplementary communication module can notify both the call initiator and the call receiver, via the telecommunication network and before the airtime is depleted, in a mutual-agreement-prompt about an option to transfer, from the call initiator to the call receiver, the talk-time related debt as accumulated during the duration of the call; an agreement implementation module in communication with the supplementary communication module and apt to firstly confirm continuation of the call between the call initiator and the call receiver, to secondly record talk time between commencement of receipt of input from the call receiver about acceptance of call-time related debt of the call initiator and the end of the call, and to thirdly communicate with the identification device so that the call receiver and call initiator are respectively appropriately billed.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the respective modules to be built into software comprising a set of instructions fixed or stored in any manner and which, when used directly or indirectly in a computer, directs its operation to bring about the results, as set out above in respect of the respective modules.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the input from the call receiver about acceptance of call-time related debt to be selected from any one or more of the following: a voice instruction in response to a voice prompt, a handset screen touch action in response to a voice prompt, or a handset button depression in response to a voice prompt. There is also provided for the respective modules to be controlled via a WASP.

In an example embodiment, the WASP may initiate the supplementary communication module to request input from the call receiver via USSD transmitted over a GSM, GPRS, SMS, WAP, HTTP, Diginet, ISDN or a X25 line.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the respective modules to be stored on the server means.

The invention also extends to a method of enabling use of a communication network by a call initiator and a call receiver, the method comprising: remotely identifying the call initiator and the call receiver; verifying call initiator and call receiver details with reference to subscriber details stored in a subscriber data base; and selectively providing the call receiver with a mutual-agreement-prompt thereby to permit said call receiver to either accept by active input; or decline transfer of call-time related debt of the call initiator as accumulated for the duration of the call with the call initiator; and which, active input when fed into the network, provides the call initiator with airtime which allows continued communication with the call receiver via the network to an extent as allowed by airtime available of the call receiver.

The method may include utilizing a computer-readable medium being a data storage device selected from the group consisting of a dedicated hard disk; hard drive, whether internal of external and connectable by firewire or USB; flash memory device; SD card; tape drive or microchip.

In an embodiment, the method may include utilizing a wireless communication interface for effecting communication between the server means, the respective modules of the telecommunication system, the call receiver and call initiator. In the alternative embodiment of the invention, the telecommunication system comprises means for initiating and completing a commercial transaction initiated by a call initiator via a telecommunication network to allow said call initiator to acquire access to and use a talk-time related savings account upon actuation of a prompt from said call initiator, during a telephonic conversation with a call receiver and via the telecommunication network, to take over, acquire and fund talk-time of the call initiator, which talk-time cannot be funded from a primary telecommunication service airtime account of the call initiator, the system comprising:

an identification module for identifying call initiator information; an airtime monitoring module configured to monitor remaining airtime of the call initiator, during the call; in communication with the airtime monitoring module, a supplementary communication module apt to receive a trigger from the airtime monitoring module when a low-level airtime preset limit of the primary telecommunication service airtime account of said call initiator is reached so that the supplementary communication module can notify the call initiator, via the telecommunication network and before the airtime is depleted on said primary telecommunication service airtime account, in an agreement-prompt about an option to fund further talk-time of the call initiator accumulated during the duration of the call, which talk time cannot be funded from said primary telecommunication service airtime account as a result of low level airtime in said primary telecommunication service airtime account; an agreement implementation module in communication with the supplementary communication module and apt to firstly confirm continuation of the call between the call initiator and the call receiver, to secondly record talk time between commencement of receipt of input from the call initiator, about acceptance of further funding of call-time of the call initiator from the talk-time related savings account, and the end of the call, and to thirdly communicate with the identification module so that the talk- time related accounts of the call initiator are appropriately billed. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the respective modules to be built into software comprising a set of instructions fixed or stored in any manner and which, when used directly or indirectly in a computer, directs its operation to bring about the results, as set out above in respect of the respective modules. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the input, from the call initiator about acceptance of further funding of call-time of the call initiator from the talk-time related savings account, to be selected from any one or more of the following: a voice instruction in response to a voice prompt, a handset screen touch action in response to a voice prompt, or a handset button depression in response to a voice prompt. There is also provided for the respective modules to be controlled via a WASP.

In an example embodiment, the WASP may initiate the supplementary communication module to request input from the call initiator via USSD transmitted over a GSM, GPRS, SMS, WAP, HTTP, Diginet, ISDN or a X25 line.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the respective modules to be stored on the server means. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided for the server means to host a web- portal apt to permit the call initiator to access, load currency onto, and manage the talk- time related savings account. Alternatively, the server means may be accessed via an automated telephony system able to: interact with call initiator, gather information about the call initiator and/or route calls to an appropriate account manager of the WASP, who is managing the call initiator's accounts.

The invention also extends to a method of enabling use of a communication network by a call initiator during a call with a call receiver, the method comprising: remotely identifying the call initiator; verifying call initiator with reference to subscriber details stored in a subscriber data base; and selectively providing the call initiator with an agreement-prompt thereby to permit said call initiator to either accept by active input further funding of call-time of the call initiator from a talk-time related savings account; or decline, further funding of talk-time of the call initiator as accumulated for the duration of the call with the call initiator; and which, active input when fed into the network, provides the call initiator with airtime which allows continued communication with the call receiver via the network to an extent as allowed by airtime available in the talk-time related savings account. The method may include utilizing a computer-readable medium being a data storage device selected from the group consisting of a dedicated hard disk; hard drive, whether internal of external and connectable by firewire or USB; flash memory device; SD card; tape drive or microchip.

In an embodiment, the method may include utilizing a wireless communication interface for effecting communication between the server means, the respective modules of the telecommunication system, the call receiver and call initiator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying non-limiting diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a diagram layout of a telecommunication system according to one embodiment of the invention; shows a flow diagram illustrating a method, in accordance with the invention, of enabling use of the telecommunication system of Figure 1 via a communication network; shows a diagram layout of a telecommunication system according to a further embodiment of the invention; and shows a flow diagram illustrating a method, in accordance with the invention, of enabling use of the telecommunication system of Figure 3 via a communication network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This description is presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the Figures making apparent to those skilled in the art how at least some of the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, a computer implemented telecommunication system (10.1 ),(10.2) is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system (10.1 ), (10.2) comprises means to establish a real-time agreement between a telephone call initiator and a WASP during a live telephone conversation between a call initiator and a call receiver.

The system (10.1 ) comprises means to establish a real-time agreement between a telephone call initiator and a telephone call receiver during their telephone conversation.

Referring to Figure 2, a method (100.1 ) of enabling use of a communication network by a call initiator and a call receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, is depicted.

While the invention is shown and described by way of a cellular call initiator and a cellular call receiver, it is envisaged that the system (10.1 ) and method (100.1 ), in alternative embodiments falling within the ambit of the invention, may also include non-cellular telephone communication.

Cellular and non-cellular communication may be effected and controlled by a Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) or an Application Service Provider (ASP) to which dedicated modules are linked. A server means may be utilized for storing the respective modules. These modules typically include an identification module (12.1 ), airtime monitoring module (14.1 ), a supplementary communication module (16.1 ) and an agreement implementation module (18.1 ). The respective modules may be built into software comprising a set of instructions fixed or stored in any manner and which, when used directly or indirectly in a computer, directs its operation to bring about the results, as set out above in respect of the respective modules. It is also envisaged that some of these modules may even be combined, in alternative embodiments of the invention, with some of the other mentioned modules in order to achieve the same result as set out in the method of the invention. The identification module (12.1 ) is configured to identify call receiver and call initiator information by interrogating a subscriber database during duration of the call between the call initiator and call receiver. It will be appreciated that the airtime monitoring module (14.1 ) is configured to monitor remaining airtime of the call initiator, during the call.

A supplementary communication module (16.1 ) is in communication with the airtime monitoring module and is configured to receive a trigger or signal from the airtime monitoring module when a low-level airtime preset limit of the call initiator is reached. In such an event, the supplementary communication module (16.1 ) notifies both the call initiator and the call receiver or only the call receiver, via the telecommunication network and before the airtime is depleted, in an agreement-prompt about an option to transfer, from the call initiator to the call receiver, the talk-time related debt as accumulated during the duration of the call.

Finally, an agreement implementation module (18.1 ) is in communication with the supplementary communication module (16.1 ). This module (18.1 ) is operable to: · firstly, confirm continuation of the call between the call initiator and the call receiver;

• secondly, record talk time between commencement of receipt of input from the call receiver about acceptance of call-time related debt of the call initiator and the end of the call; and

· thirdly communicate with the identification device so that the call receiver and call initiator are respectively appropriately billed.

It will be appreciated that the input from the call receiver about acceptance of call-time related debt is typically selected from any one or more of the following: a voice instruction in response to a voice prompt, a handset screen touch action in response to a voice prompt, or a handset button depression in response to a voice prompt. It is envisaged that no action taken by the call initiator when confronted with the agreement-prompt or mutual-agreement prompt received from the WASP, is confirmation of acceptance of call- related debt take over or transfer to the call receiver for the duration of the call. However, it is envisaged in another embodiment of the invention that once the call receiver and call initiator are prompted by the WASP about the possibility of accepting the agreement, any one of the call receiver or the call initiator may reject the agreement by effecting a voice instruction in response to such voice prompt, a handset screen touch action in response to a voice or screen prompt, or a handset button depression in response to a voice or screen prompt with the result that the call will end as soon as the call initiator's airtime runs out and no call-related debt will be transferred to the call receiver.

In non-cellular communication, for example, the ASP may initiate the supplementary communication module (16) to request input from the call receiver via WAP, HTTP, Diginet, ISDN or a X25 line. However, in a preferred embodiment the input is typically requested via USSD transmitted over a GSM, GPRS, voice prompt, or SMS.

In use, a call initiator utilizing a telephone network, cellular pocket network, or data to make a call to a call receiver, which call initiator is desirous of obtaining a call-time extension during his conversation with the call receiver because of imminent depletion of the call initiator's airtime or data is assisted by an ASP or WASP offering the call receiver the option, during the call, to allow extension of the call and conversation at the cost of the call receiver, in real time.

Accordingly, as depicted in Figure 2, a method (100.1 ) of enabling use of a communication network by a call initiator and a call receiver, is shown.

The method (100.1 ) consists of the following steps. Firstly, the call initiator and the call receiver are remotely identified (1 12.1 ). In step two, the details of the call initiator and call receiver details are verified (1 14.1 ) against subscriber details stored in a subscriber data base, typically a cellphone subscriber database.

During step three, an ASP or WASP provides the call receiver and call initiator with a mutual-agreement prompt (1 16.1 ) thereby to permit said call receiver to either accept by active input; or decline transfer of call-time related debt of the call initiator as accumulated for the duration of the call with the call initiator. Finally, the active input is fed into the network (1 18.1 ) to provide the call initiator with airtime which allows continued communication with the call receiver via the network to an extent as allowed by airtime available of the call receiver.

We now turn and refer to Figure 3, which depicts, and alternative computer implemented telecommunication system (10.2) also falling within the ambit of the present invention.

The system (10.2) comprises means to establish a real-time agreement between a telephone call initiator and a WASP during a live telephone conversation between a call initiator and a call receiver.

Referring to Figure 4, a method (100.2) is depicted of enabling use of a communication network by a call initiator to allow him or her access to, and use of, funds stored in a dedicated and so-called 'talk-time related savings account' of the call initiator, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

While the invention is shown and described by way of a cellular call initiator and a cellular call receiver, it is envisaged that the system (10.2) and method (100.2), in alternative embodiments falling within the ambit of the invention, may also include non-cellular telephone communication.

Cellular and non-cellular communication may be effected and controlled by a Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) or an Application Service Provider (ASP) to which dedicated modules are linked. A server means may be utilized for storing the respective modules. These modules typically include an identification module (12.2), airtime monitoring module (14.2), a supplementary communication module (16.2) and an agreement implementation module (18.2). The respective modules may be built into software comprising a set of instructions fixed or stored in any manner and which, when used directly or indirectly in a computer, directs its operation to bring about the results, as set out above in respect of the respective modules. It is also envisaged that some of these modules may even be combined, in alternative embodiments of the invention, with some of the other mentioned modules to achieve the same result as set out in the method of the invention. The server means will typically be configured to host a web-portal apt to permit the call initiator to access, load currency onto, and manage the talk-time related savings account. It will be appreciated that instead of usual currencies such as Rand and Dollars, any suitable cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin may also be loaded onto the talk-time related savings account and used to fund further call duration of the call initiator upon agreement thereto.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the server means may be accessed via an automated telephony system or IVR system adapted to: interact with the call initiator, gather and save information about the call initiator and/or route calls to an appropriate account manager of the WASP, who is managing the call initiator's accounts.

The identification module (12.2) is configured to identify call receiver information by interrogating a subscriber database during duration of the call between the call initiator and call receiver.

It will be appreciated that the airtime monitoring module (14.2) is configured to monitor remaining airtime of the call initiator, during the call. A supplementary communication module (16.2) is in communication with the airtime monitoring module and is configured to receive a trigger or signal from the airtime monitoring module when a low-level airtime preset limit of the call initiator is reached. In such an event, the supplementary communication module (16.2) notifies the call initiator, via the telecommunication network and before the airtime on a primary telecommunication service airtime account of the call initiator is depleted, in an agreement-prompt about an option to fund further talk-time of the call initiator accumulated during the duration of the call, which talk-time cannot be funded from said primary telecommunication service airtime account as a result of low level airtime in said primary telecommunication service airtime account;

Finally, an agreement implementation module (18.2) is provided in communication with the supplementary communication module (16.2). This module (18.2) is operable to:

• firstly, confirm continuation of the call between the call initiator and the call receiver;

• secondly, record talk time between commencement of receipt of input from the call initiator, about acceptance of further funding of call-time of the call initiator from the talk-time related savings account, and the end of the call; and

· thirdly communicate with the identification module so that the talk-time related accounts of the call initiator are appropriately billed.

It will be appreciated that the input from the call initiator about acceptance of further funding of call-time related is typically selected from any one or more of the following: a voice instruction in response to a voice prompt, a handset screen touch action in response to a voice prompt, or a handset button depression in response to a voice prompt. It is envisaged that active input or action taken by the call initiator when confronted with the agreement-prompt received from the WASP, is confirmation of acceptance of further call- related funding from the dedicated talk-time related savings account instead of from his/her primary telecommunication service airtime account for the duration of the call.

However, it is envisaged in another embodiment of the invention that once the call initiator is prompted by the WASP about the possibility of accepting the agreement, the call initiator may reject the agreement by effecting a voice instruction in response to such voice prompt, a handset screen touch action in response to a voice or screen prompt, or a handset button depression in response to a voice or screen prompt with the result that the call will end as soon as the call initiator's airtime on his/her primary telecommunication service airtime account runs out and no call-related funding from the dedicated talk-time related savings account will occur.

In non-cellular communication, for example, the ASP may initiate the supplementary communication module (16.2) to request input from the call receiver via WAP, HTTP, Diginet, ISDN or a X25 line. However, in a preferred embodiment the input is typically requested via USSD transmitted over a GSM, GPRS, voice prompt, or SMS.

In use, a call initiator utilizing a telephone network, cellular pocket network, or data to make a call to a call receiver, which call initiator is desirous of obtaining a call-time extension during his conversation with the call receiver because of imminent depletion of the call initiator's primary telecommunication service airtime or data account is assisted by an ASP or WASP offering the call initiator the option, during the call, to allow extension of the call and conversation at the cost of the extended call to the talk-time related savings account of the call initiator, in real time.

Accordingly, as depicted in Figure 2, a method (100.2) is shown of enabling use of a communication network by a call initiator to allow him or her access to, and use of, funds stored in a dedicated and so-called 'talk-time related savings account' of the call initiator.

The method (100.2) consists of the following steps. Firstly, the call initiator is remotely identified (1 12.2). In step two, the details of the call initiator is verified (1 14.2) against subscriber details stored in a subscriber data base, typically a cellphone subscriber database.

During step three, an ASP or WASP (which may be programmed to do so) provides the call initiator with an agreement prompt (1 16.2) thereby to permit said call initiator to either accept by active input; or decline further funding of call-time of the call initiator as accumulated for the duration of the call with the call initiator, from a dedicated talk-time related savings account or so-called 'e-wallet'.

Finally, the active input is fed into the network (1 18.2) to provide the call initiator with airtime funded from the dedicated talk-time related savings account which allows continued communication with the call receiver via the network to an extent as allowed by airtime available in proportion of funds available in the dedicated talk-time related savings account. While preferred embodiments of the invention are shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the extent of the invention, but rather it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate methods, including: methods, for manufacturing and putting together the system (10.1 ), (10.2), as well as methods (100.1 ), (100.2) of using same falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The applicant believes that the method (100.1 ), (100.2) and telecommunication system (10.1 ), (10.2) of the present invention, at least in part, addresses shortcomings in existing telecommunication network and talk-time availability, system adaptability and comfort of use by telephone and mobile phone users. The invention for which patent protection is sought is now defined by way of the appended set of claims.