System and method to provide real time transaction validation and billing via a communications network

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A system and method for providing real-time validation to a content provider of a customer's request transmitted via a communications system for delivery of content by the content provider to the customer via the communications system. A request for validation of the customer from the content provider the request including data identifying the customer is dealt with by determining from the identifying data whether the customer is a subscriber and then immediately requesting acknowledgment by the customer of the customer's request for the delivery of the content. Upon receipt of an acknowledgment from the customer a validation of the customer's request is sent to the content provider.