System and method for blocking the use of a service in a telecommunication system

Abstract

A method and system for controlling the use of a short message service in a telecommunication system that includes a telecommunication network, a terminal device by which a subscriber is connected to the network, a mobile services switching center connected to the network, a gateway connected to the network, a short message service center connected to the gateway, and a database (DB) connected to or associated with the gateway. A short message sent by an originating subscriber is checked as to whether the short message is among those deemed non-allowed. Forwardable short messages are directed to the gateway, from which the database is queried to determine whether the originating subscriber is permitted the short message to the intended recipient or, alternatively, whether the message should been blocked based on predetermined criteria.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a second node configured to:
 receive a short message service (SMS) message from a first node, wherein the SMS message has been screened at the first node prior to receipt at the second node; 
 determine that the SMS message is allowed to be forwarded; and 
 forward the SMS message to a third node different from the second node based on the determination that the SMS message is allowed to be forwarded.