Communication systems

Abstract

The invention provides a method and system ( 10 ) for enabling use of a communication network by a subscriber. The system includes a database ( 12 ) including data on a plurality of subscribers and identification means for remotely identifying subscriber. The system further includes verification means for verifying subscriber details with reference to the database and a stock of enabling codes ( 20 ) which, when fed into the network allow communication via the network to a predetermined extent. In use, the subscriber is identified remotely, his details are verified and he is then provided with an enabling code permitting communications via the network.

1 . A method of enabling use of a communication network by a subscriber, the method including 
 remotely identifying the subscriber;    verifying subscriber details with reference to subscriber details stored in a subscriber database; and    selectively providing the subscriber with an enabling code which, when fed into the network, provides the subscriber with airtime credit which allows communication via the network to a predetermined extent.    
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , in which remotely identifying the subscriber includes receiving a telephone call from the subscriber on a receiving telephone.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , which includes identifying the subscriber by means of a caller line identification facility.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  or  claim 3 , which includes obtaining a password from the subscriber and verifying the password in the subscriber database.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 4 , which includes identifying the subscriber without answering the telephone call from the subscriber and calling the subscriber back to obtain the password.  
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 5 , which includes logging subscriber calls in an administration system and then sequentially calling back the subscribers logged in the administration system.  
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 4 , in which obtaining the password includes automatically answering the subscriber's telephone call by means of an interactive telephone system which obtains the password from the subscriber.  
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 6 , in which the subscriber provides his password via a keypad on the subscriber's telephone.  
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes, prior to providing the subscriber with an enabling code, obtaining from the subscriber the monetary value of the airtime credit the subscriber wishes to purchase and checking to ensure that the subscriber has sufficient funds available to purchase the airtime credit.  
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 9 , which includes obtaining the enabling code from a supply of enabling codes.  
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , in which obtaining the enabling code includes selecting a voucher from a stock of vouchers on which the enabling codes are provided.  
     
     
         12 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , which includes obtaining the enabling code from enabling code dispensing means which has a stock of enabling codes in electronic form.  
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which, providing the subscriber with an enabling code, includes sending the code to the subscriber by way of an SMS message.  
     
     
         14 . A method of dispensing an enabling or PIN code to a cellular telephone user which includes the steps of 
 remotely identifying the user;    verifying user details with reference to user details stored in a user database; and    selectively providing the user with an enabling or PIN code.    
     
     
         15 . A system for enabling use of a communication network by a subscriber, the system including 
 a database including data on a plurality of subscribers requiring use of the communication network;    identification means for remotely identifying the subscriber;    verification means for verifying subscriber details with reference to the database; and    a stock of enabling codes from which an enabling code is selectively dispensed to the subscriber, the enabling code being operatively fed into the network to allow communication via the network to a predetermined extent.    
     
     
         16 . A system as claimed in  claim 15 , in which the database includes financial data on each of the subscribers, the system being configured to update the data base to reflect each transaction with each subscriber.  
     
     
         17 . A system as claimed in  claim 15  or  claim 16 , which includes telephonic communication means for receiving a telephone call from a subscriber.  
     
     
         18 . A system as claimed in  claim 17 , in which the identification means includes a caller line identification facility.  
     
     
         19 . A system as claimed in  claim 17  or  claim 18 , which includes an administration module for logging calls received from subscribers.  
     
     
         20 . A system as claimed in any one of  claims 17  to  19 , inclusive, in which the telephonic communication means includes a receiving telephone, the system including an operator who obtains a password from the subscriber and uses the password to verify the subscriber's details.  
     
     
         21 . A system as claimed in any one of  claims 17  to  19 , inclusive, which includes an interactive telephone system configured to obtain a password from a subscriber to verify the subscriber's details.  
     
     
         22 . A system as claimed in  claim 20  or  claim 21 , which includes a computer with an administration system and a caller line identification module, a modem for receiving a telephone call from a subscriber who is identified by the caller line identification module, the modem being linked to the computer so that the subscriber's identification details are fed to the computer for recordal on the database.  
     
     
         23 . A system as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  22 , inclusive, in which the stock of enabling or PIN codes is in the form of paper vouchers.  
     
     
         24 . A system as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  22 , inclusive, which includes enabling code dispensing means which has a stock of enabling codes stored in electronic format.  
     
     
         25 . A system as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  24 , inclusive, which includes an SMS messaging system whereby an enabling code can be forwarded to a subscriber in the form of an SMS.  
     
     
         26 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 14 , substantially as described and illustrated herein.  
     
     
         27 . A system as claimed in  claim 15 , substantially as described and illustrated herein.  
     
     
         28 . A new method or system, substantially as described herein.