Combination pre-paid and calling card

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Subscribers (12l-12n) may receive combined pre-paid and calling card service offered via a telecommunications network (20) by dialing a telephone number (32) of a platform (26) within the network. The platform stores account information for each subscriber including a pre-paid balance amount and overflow treatment indicator. Upon receipt of a call the platform verifies the subscriber's eligibility for service and provides the service while decrementing the subscriber's pre-paid balance. When the subscriber's pre-paid balance falls below a prescribed value the platform determines whether the subscriber is entitled to automatic billing of continuing service costs or whether the subscriber …