Method and apparatus to validate a subscriber line

Abstract

A method is described of providing validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network. The method includes obtaining line data of the subscriber line wherein the line data is suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB). The method interrogates the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data, and processes the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line. The invention extends to a subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network.

Description

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/314,604 entitled “METHOD OF VALIDATING A SUBSCRIBER LINE” filed Aug. 23, 2001.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] An increasing number of vendors are offering goods and/or services which may be purchased via a communication network such as a telecommunication network. For example, the customer may conduct a transaction via a subscriber line using a landline telephone or a personal computer. Conventionally, credit or debit card details are furnished by the customer to the vendor to effect payment for the goods and/or services. As many customers are hesitant to supply credit or debit card details over a communication network, an alternate method of payment would be advantageous. However, if an alternate method is used, verification of the payment method should preferably take place prior to concluding the transaction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method to provide validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the method including:

[0004] obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB);

[0005] interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and

[0006] processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

[0007] The LIDB may be a conventional LIDB used by a service provider, e.g. a local exchange carrier, to investigate a destination or termination line to which a carrier requests a connection.

[0008] The method may include analyzing the reference subscriber data to determine if the data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN) and, if so, generating an approval or a decline status. In one exemplary embodiment, the line data is automatic number identification (ANI) data and, the method includes interrogating the LIDB using the ANI data (herein also referred to as the ANI). The validation data may be processed to determine whether the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account to which goods or services can be billed.

[0009] The reference subscriber data received from the LIDB may be processed selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line. In one exemplary embodiment, the reference subscriber data is in the form of conventional LIDB codes and the operation to process the data may include generating a modified code from at least one LIDB code. In certain embodiments, a common modified code is generated from a plurality of LIDB codes. The modified codes may be arranged in a billable group and a non-billable group.

[0010] The method may include conducting fraud control checks on the account associated with the subscriber line number or ANI. The fraud control checks may include at least one of the operations selected from the group consisting of checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the ANI, verifying a user entered ZIP code with ZIP data from a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with address data from an address data source, checking if the area code associated with the ANI has changed, checking if the ANI and the BTN match, and checking if the BTN or ANI are missing from the record.

[0011] The method may include interrogating a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if not, generating a decline status. The method may include interrogating with the line data at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database and selectively generating one of a decline status and an approved status in response to the interrogation.

[0012] The method may include receiving the line data from a vendor of goods or services (e.g. an Internet Service Provider (ISP)); and communicating at least the decline status to the vendor.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the charges raised by the vendor are included in an account submitted by the exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.

[0014] Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium for storing a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to execute the method.

[0015] Still further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a subscriber line validation system for validating a subscriber line of a communication network, the system including:

[0016] a communication module for receiving line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB);

[0017] an interrogation module for interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and

[0018] a processor module for processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, the LIDB is a conventional LIDB. However, in other embodiments, a plurality of LIDBs may be provided that are used by one or more service providers, e.g. local exchange carriers, to investigate a destination or termination line to which a subscriber line requests a connection.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the processor module is configured to analyze the reference subscriber data to determine if the data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN) and, if so, the system generates a decline status. In one embodiment, the line data is automatic number identification (ANI) data and the processor module interrogates the LIDB using the ANI data.

[0021] The validation data may be processed to determine if the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account to which goods or services can be billed.

[0022] The reference subscriber data may be received from the LIDB and may be processed selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line.

[0023] The reference subscriber data is preferably in the form of conventional LIDB codes and the processor module may generate a modified code from at least one LIDB code. In certain embodiments, the processor module generates a common modified code from a plurality of different LIDB codes. In one embodiment, the modified codes are arranged in a billable group and a non-billable group.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the system may conduct fraud control checks on an account associated with the ANI. The processor module may be configured to conduct at least one fraud control check selected from the group consisting of checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the ANI, verifying a user entered ZIP code with a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with an address data source, checking if the area code associated with the ANI has changed, checking if the ANI and the BTN match, and checking if the BTN or ANI are missing from the record.

[0025] The processor module may interrogate a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if so, generate a decline status.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the system may interrogate at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database.

[0027] The system may include receiving the line data from a vendor of goods or services; and communicating at least the decline status to the vendor. Charges raised by the vendor may be included in an account submitted by the exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.

[0028] Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a system to provide validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the system including means for obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); means for interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and means for processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

[0030] In the drawings,

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a subscriber line validation system, in accordance with the invention, for validating a subscriber line of a communication network;

[0032] FIGS. 2 to 4 show a schematic flow chart of a method, in accordance with the invention, for validating the subscriber line;

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of how the system may be used in a conventional commercial environment; and

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a sample telephone bill platform which the system can automatically update.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exemplary form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Referring to the drawings, reference number 10 generally indicates an exemplary subscriber line validation system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, for validating a subscriber line 17 of a subscriber. In one exemplary embodiment, the subscriber line 17 is a telephone line or the like which a consumer or business 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) obtains from a telephone company (Telco) 13 or a local exchange carrier (LEC). As described in more detail below, the system 10 uses line data in the exemplary form of an automatic number identification (ANI) service to obtain the telephone line number of the subscriber line 17 thereby to validate the subscriber line 17 when the subscriber line 17 initiates a communication or connection. In one exemplary embodiment, the line number obtained from the ANI service is used to investigate various databases to obtain, for example, an indication of the credit worthiness of the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17. It is to be appreciated that any electronic apparatus, e.g. a personal computer, PDA, cellular telephone, or the like may be used to initiate the communication.

[0037] Referring in particular to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the system 10 includes an application program interface (API) 14 which is connected to a vendor 12 or service provider (see also FIG. 5) of goods and/or services which requires validation of a subscriber account. The vendor 12, which could for example be an Internet Service Provider, may request the validation of the subscriber line 17 prior to concluding an electronic transaction with a subscriber (e.g., a consumer or business 11) via the subscriber line 17. It is, however, to be appreciated that the API 14 may be connected to a variety of different hosts or clients which require validation of a subscriber line via which the vendor may carry out transactions for goods and/or services.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the system 10 is connected to a plurality of vendors which conduct transactions with users via line termination equipment such as a telephone, a personal computer or the like. Such vendors, when conducting transactions, may preferably charge a user for their services by adding such charges to a telephone account of the user rather than charging the goods and/or services to a credit card, debit card, or the like. Accordingly, the validation of the subscriber line 17, and the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17, may be of benefit to the vendor 12 prior to completing a transaction. The validation may include determining whether or not the subscriber line 17, via which the communication is made to the vendor, is a billable line and, accordingly, the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17 may thus be billed for the transaction.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the vendor 12 communicates a request to the system 10 and forwards the subscriber line number, determined by the ANI service, to the system 10 via its API 14. The system 10 then processes the information received from the vendor 12 and provides a validation status, e.g. a code indicating a valid billable number or a code indicating that the subscriber line number is not a valid billable number (e.g. unbillable or non-billable). In particular, a plurality of codes associated with various statuses of the subscriber line 17 may be communicated to the vendor 12 as described in more detail below.

[0040] The system 10 includes hardware and software to implement the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a comparator module 18, a threshold database 20, an OFFNET database 22, an ONNET database 24, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database 26, a 42 BLOCK database 28, a block and cancel database 30, an unbilled and/or unpaid bills database 32, line identification database (LIDB) short term cache 34, a validity check module 36, a regional account office (RAO) database 38, an operating company number (OCN) database 40, an ONNET database 42, an address verification database 44, a customer account record exchange (CARE) results database 46, an ANI watch database 48, and an NPA (Numbering Plan Area) exchange database 50. It is to be appreciated that, in less sophisticated embodiments of the invention, all of the above databases need not be included. However, for enhanced accuracy, all of the above databases are preferably included. Further databases may also be included to further enhance the reliability of the validation process.

[0041] In addition to any one or more of the above databases, the system 10 is in communication via a conventional communication channel with an off-site or, in some embodiments, on-site line identification database (LIDB) host 52. The LIDB host 52 may include a line number portability (LNP) database. In one exemplary embodiment, the LNP database may front end access to a plurality of industry standard LIDBs (e.g. 13 different LIDBs). The LNP database may however be a separate database. As described in more detail below, the system 10 communicates the subscriber line number to the LIDB host 52 which, in turn, communicates reference subscriber data in the form of industry standard LIDB codes back to the system 10 for processing. The system 10 then processes the LIDB codes to provide the vendor with validation data relating to the subscriber line 17. Unlike conventional LIDB applications which use LIDB to make decisions regarding destination subscriber lines or call completion decisions, e.g. decisions for calling cards, collect and third party toll services or the like, the system 10 may be used to identify telephone numbers being served by CLECs in order to ensure that calls are routed correctly on ported lines.

[0042] Broadly, the system 10 has a variety of different components, including a communication module defined by the API 14, and a processor module 54. The a processor module 54 includes the various databases 20 to 32 as well as the comparator module 18 and the validity check module 36, and an interrogation module 56 for interrogating the LIDB host 52. It is to be appreciated that the aforementioned modules may be defined by one or more servers with associated databases. Further, in the drawings, the LIDB host 52 is shown as a single database but may comprise many different LIDB databases maintained by various LECs and, accordingly, may be located at various different geographic locations.

[0043] Referring in particular to FIGS. 2 to 4 of the drawings, a flow chart describing the method of operation of the system 10 is shown. In one exemplary embodiment, a vendor 12 initiates a request to the system 10 to validate a subscriber line 17 via which the vendor 12 wishes to transact with a customer (consumer or business 11). As shown at operation 60, the system 10 first checks to see if the subscriber line number is present in the request from the vendor 12 and, if no line number is present, a return code 121 is generated and communicated to the vendor as shown at operation 62. The code 121 indicates to the vendor that the system 10 is unable to process the request. If, however, the subscriber line number is present in the request from the vendor 12, the system 10 then checks if the subscriber line number captured (hereinafter also referred to as the ANI) and a billing telephone number (BTN) match, as shown at operation 64 (see also the comparator module 18 in FIG. 1). In one exemplary embodiment, the BTN may be sourced from the consumer or customer 11 when a transaction is requested by the customer 11. If, however, the ANI and the BTN do not match, then the processor module 54 generates a code 120 (see operation 66) to indicate that the caller and the owner of the line number are not the same person (e.g. subscriber inputs a BTN and calls from a different ANI) and the relevant modified code is then returned to the vendor 12. If the ANI and the BTN do match, the processor module 54 interrogates the threshold database 20 (see operation 68) to ascertain whether or not the line number has reached its threshold (e.g., a predefined client threshold parameter such as an account threshold indicating a maximum dollar amount that may be charged to the account). If the line number has reached its threshold, the processor module 54 then generates a code 60, as shown at operation 70, which is then communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate that the line number should not be granted service. In other words, the subscriber account cannot be billed for the goods or services requested by the customer 11 from the vendor 12.

[0044] If the threshold for the particular subscriber line 17 has not been reached, the system 10 may then interrogate its OFFNET database (see operation 71) to check if the industry standard NPA/NXX and operating company number (OCN) of the subscriber line 17 is present in the OFFNET database 22. The OFFNET database 22 includes NPA/NXX and OCN combinations of operating companies with which the proprietor or user of the system 10 does not have billing and collection agreements to bill into the telephone company's or Telco's bill page associated with the subscriber line 17. Accordingly, the proprietor or user of the system 10 is unable to include a charge in the account associated with the subscriber line 17 on behalf of the vendor 12 for the transaction carried out with the vendor 12 via the subscriber line 17.

[0045] If the line number is in the OFFNET database 22, then the processor module 54 generates codes 130 to 133 (see operation 72) and communicates these codes to the vendor 12. The codes 130 to 133 indicate that the NPA/NXX and OCN for the particular line number 17 are not billable and, accordingly, charges for goods and/or services requested by a customer 11 via the subscriber line 17 cannot be included in a monthly account or the like by the system 10. As shown in Table 2 below, the codes 130 to 133 provide an indication to the vendor 12 why the subscriber line 17 is not billable or deliverable. If the subscriber line number is not included in the OFFNET database 22, a check is conducted to see whether or not the subscriber line number is included in the ONNET database 24. This check is however optional in the embodiment depicted in the drawings, but in certain embodiments, may be mandatory if the system 10 does not include the OFFNET database 22.

[0046] Thereafter, as shown in operation 78, the processor module 54 checks to see if the line number 17 is found in a known CLEC table in the CLEC database 26. CLEC numbers are those line numbers that are known to have ported to a CLEC and, accordingly, the proprietor of the system 10 is thus unable to route these line numbers to the correct billing entities. If the line number is found in the CLEC database 26, then the processor module 54 generates a code 140 (see operation 76), which is communicated to the vendor 12. The code 140 indicates that the line number is not billable for the CLEC and the system 10 can thus not charge the transaction to the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line 17.

[0047] If the line number is not found in the CLEC database 26, then the system 10 may check to see if the subscriber of the line number has requested a 4250 billing block as shown at operation 78. In particular, the processor module 54 interrogates the 42 BLOCK database 28 and, if the number is located in the database 28, which indicates that monthly recurring charges (4250 charges) are prevented from being billed to that line number, the processor module 54 generates a code 150 (see operation 80) which is communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate that billing to the particular subscriber line 17 has been blocked.

[0048] If, however, the subscriber line 17 has not been blocked, the system 10 may then check at operation 82 if the line number is located in the block and cancel database 30 and, if so, the processor module 54 generates codes 160 and 161 which are then communicated to the vendor 12 as shown at operation 84. The block and cancel database 30 includes requests from owners of subscriber lines, agencies, businesses, or the like that a service be canceled or blocked from further billing. Thereafter, the system 10 may interrogate the unbilled and/or unpaid bills database 32, as shown at operation 86, to check if there is a history of any unpaid bills and/or unbillable bills associated with the subscriber line 17. Unbillable bills relate to those subscriber line numbers where previous attempts have been made to bill charges to the subscriber account associated with the subscriber line number 17, and which have been returned as unbillable. If the processor module 54 locates the subscriber line number in the unbillable and/or unpaid bills database 32 then, as shown at operation 88, a code 170 is generated and communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate that the subscriber line number was previously found to be unbillable and is still considered to be unbillable.

[0049] The processing described in the abovementioned operations may conduct a preliminary investigation into the subscriber line number or ANI to provide an initial indication of whether or not the ANI corresponds with a billable subscriber line. Once the initial investigation has been conducted in certain embodiments, the system 10 then uses the ANI to obtain reference subscriber line data in the form of LIDB codes from one or more industry standard databases, e.g. the LIDB host or database 52. Examples of the LIDB codes used in the system 10 are shown in Table 3 below.

[0050] As shown at operation 90, if the ANI is not found in the LIDB database 52, then the system 10 cannot provide any validation data to the vendor 12 on this subscriber line and an appropriate code is then communicated to the vendor as shown at block 92.

[0051] Once the LIDB database or host 52 has been interrogated, it returns industry standard LIDB codes and line number portability (LNP) data to the system 10 as shown in operation 94. The LIDB codes may then be mapped or translated by the processor module 54 into modified validation codes (see Table 3) which provide relevant validation information to the vendor 12. As can be seen from Table 3, the same modified validation code can be generated from a plurality of different LIDB codes. Once the LIDB information codes have been returned to the processor module 54, the LIDB codes, including an OCN and RAO response codes, are fed into the validity check module 36 as shown at operation 96.

[0052] As mentioned above, the LIDB host 52 may also provide LNP data to the system 10. The LNP data is used to identify subscriber line numbers that have ported to a CLEC. If a subscriber line has been ported to a CLEC, the billing ONNET status of the CLEC may be verified in the CLEC database 26. The LNP identifies the facilities based CLECs which are CLECs that have been assigned all the line numbers for an NPA/NXX in a specific geographic territory. This type of CLEC may be in control of the cable, dial tone and billing envelope for that number. In one exemplary embodiment, the LNP cannot be used to identify CLEC sellers, which have resold the subscriber line under their brand, but still lease the cable and tone from an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC). Accordingly, a third-party billing facility, e.g. a proprietor or user of the system 10, may be unable to process transaction data onto a bill page of the CLEC reseller bill page. In order to identify reseller CLECs, the system 10 may compare RAO and OCN information, returned from the LIDB host 52, to data in the ONNET database 24. The OCN is the local Telco that owns the subscriber line number and the RAO is the office of the Telco that is responsible from a billing standpoint for the subscriber line number.

[0053] If the validity check module 36 determines that the response codes are invalid, the system 10 generates modified codes 180 to 999 (see operation 98 and Table 2) which are communicated to the requester or vendor to indicate that the mapping of the LIDB codes to the modified codes concluded that the line is an unbillable subscriber line.

[0054] If the validity check module 36 confirms the validity of the LIDB codes and, in the event of the line number being a billable line number, the processor module 54 then may check the RAO database 38 to ascertain whether or not the RAO is billable, as shown at operation 100. If the RAO is not billable, then the processor module 54 generates and communicates a return code 143 (see operation 102) to indicate to the vendor 12 that the line number belongs to a CLEC which is not billable by the system 10.

[0055] In a similar fashion, at operation 104 the processor module 54 checks to see if the OCN returned from the LIDB host 52 corresponds with a known CLEC or if the OCN corresponds with an OFFNET OCN and is therefore also unbillable by the system 10. If the line number corresponds to an OCN that is not billable, a return code 142 is generated by the processor module 54 and communicated to the vendor (see operation 106).

[0056] If the subscriber line number has passed the RAO and OCN checks and, accordingly, it appears that the number is billable, the processor module 54 may then check to see if a new NPA/NXX and OCN combination for this line number is guidable to the correct local Telco for billing (see operation 108). If the line number is not guidable, then the system 10 generates a code 141 at operation 110 which is communicated to the vendor to indicate that, even though the line number is billable, the proprietor of the system 10 is unable to guide the billing information to the new Telco for billing. Accordingly, the telephone number is in fact non-billable insofar as the system 10 is concerned and a decline status is therefore communicated to the vendor 12.

[0057] The abovementioned operations are carried out to ascertain whether or not the subscriber line can be billed for the goods and/or services requested. However, to enhance the accuracy or reliability of the system 10, further checks or verification may be conducted as described below.

[0058] In the event that the subscriber line number has passed or complied with the abovementioned checks, and has thus not yet been rejected, the system 10 may perform address verification procedures at operation 112. In particular, when the ANI is communicated to the API 14, location data is also provided which has been fed in by the user, e.g. via a computer terminal, orally over a telephone, or the like. The system 10 then interrogates an address verification database 44 to compare the address or location data (e.g. a ZIP code) supplied by the customer 11 with a reference address data as shown at operation 112. If, however, the address supplied by the customer 11 does not match with the address in the verification database 44 or, the addresses are not within a predefined range or area, the processor module 54, as shown at operation 114, generates codes 10 to 39 which are then communicated to the vendor 12 to indicate the level of likelihood that the caller (ANI) and the account owner are the same person.

[0059] During the address verification operation 112, the system 10 may interrogate a customer account record exchange (CARE) database 46 (which can be an on-site database which is regularly updated), to provide enhanced reliability. In particular, in one exemplary embodiment, the CARE database 46 or information site is one or more industry standard off-site databases which allow consumers to select or change their long distance service provider. Local Telcos forward specific customer information to the LEC associated with the subscriber. In one exemplary embodiment, the information communicated includes a new telephone number, a billing address, an installation date, a person or organization responsible for the account, or the like.

[0060] As shown at operation 116, the system 10 may interrogate the CARE database or information site and CARE data is then loaded into CLEC and new line databases to perform certain fraud and/or billing checks. The CARE information investigation may occur after a successful validation event. In one embodiment, once the system 10 has validated the subscriber line 17, the subscriber line number data is sent to a CARE database provider hosting the CARE database 46 to obtain the BNA (Billing Name and Address) and age of the account. In one exemplary embodiment, the information is returned within 48 hours and then processed. CARE records that are returned without BNA and NO ACCOUNT codes may be inserted into the CLEC database 26 for future reference. Accordingly, if the BTN is presented again at a later date, it will fail the CLEC check operation 74 (see FIG. 2).

[0061] The ANI watch database 48, which may include historical and adjusted information, may be used by the system 10 to determine if the account has previously been adjusted (see operation 116). In one exemplary embodiment, this operation includes ascertaining previous requests by the subscriber for credit, obtaining data on any written off amounts for charges that were billed to a bill page, or the like.

[0062] If adjustments have previously been made to the account associated with the subscriber line 17, the processor module 54 generates codes 1 to 5 (see operation 118) to indicate to the vendor 12 that the adjustments have previously been made. If no adjustments have been made, the processor module 54 checks to see whether or not the subscriber line number has a business line indicator as shown at operation 120. If the business line indicator is active, the system 10 generates a code 70 (see operation 122), which is communicated to the vendor 12 to advise that the line is a business line. Thereafter, as shown in operation 124, the processor module 54 may check to see if the subscriber line number has been in service for less than about 90 days and, if so, a return code 80 (see operation 126) is generated to advise the vendor 12 who may then selectively decide whether or not to conclude the transaction. A database of new numbers may be updated with the new number.

[0063] Thereafter, the system 10 may interrogate the ANI watch database 48 (see operation 128) to ascertain whether or not the area code of the line number has been changed or is scheduled to change. In one embodiment, this interrogation is for billing purposes only and is not used to decide upon the validity of the request. In this operation, the vendor 12 requesting the validation updates the billing file with the new area code number, and the processor module 54 generates a code 110 (see operation 130) to advise the vendor 12 of the scheduled change to the area code.

[0064] Once the line number has passed all the aforementioned checks, the system 10 may conclude that the subscriber line 17 is in fact a billable subscriber line based on the data obtained using ANI techniques and, accordingly, the transaction may be charged directly to the account of the subscriber. Accordingly, the system 10 then generates a code 000 (see operation 134) which is communicated to the vendor 12. The code 000 may define an approved status following both a billable line number inquiry as well as several fraud checks which are carried out by the fraud control module 132 (see FIG. 1). If the subscriber line number of the subscriber line 17 has passed the abovementioned checks and a return code 000 is generated, the procedure shown in FIG. 4 is carried out whereafter the process terminates at operation 136. Thus, operation 136 may define the end of the process during which the various checks have been conducted on the subscriber line 17 to assess whether or not it is a billable subscriber line that charges may be billed to. Operation 138 defines, in one embodiment, the last operation to which the process jumps when, at any point during the abovementioned process, the line number is found not to be billable (or a creditworthiness decision is requested) and the inquiry is accordingly terminated and the relevant code is communicated to the vendor 12.

[0065] In one exemplary embodiment, the abovementioned operations are executed in real-time. However, information sources that do not allow checks on the line number in real time may be carried out subsequently on the subscriber line number. In one embodiment, once the real-time evaluation is carried out and the return code 000 is communicated to the vendor 12, and should the vendor 12 decide to proceed with the transaction, transaction data is then returned to the system 10 by the vendor 12 for a pre-billing validation check or actual billing. During the actual billing, the system 10 may access an account folder of the subscriber line at the Telco and insert the charges due to the vendor 12 for its goods or services. As shown at operation 140, subscriber line numbers may be sent to the CARE database 46 to determine if the BNA is available at the local Telco. If the folder is not available, the local Telco sends the BNA and codes as to why the number is unavailable. If the BNA is found in the CARE database 46, the processor module 54 may then check to see whether or not the account was created within the last 90 days as shown at operation 142. If the account was not created within the last 90 days, then the business indicator is checked as shown at operation 144 and the process ends as previously shown at operation 146. If, however, the number was found in the CARE database 46, the account was created within the last 90 days, or has an active business indicator, then the system 10 may generate the appropriate codes, which are communicated to vendor 12, and the process terminates as shown at operation 148.

[0066] The above process has been described in terms of modified codes set out in Table 2 but, it is to be appreciated, that any other defined set of corresponding codes may be provided so long as the codes are mapped onto, or generated in response to, any one or more of the industry standard LIDB codes.

[0067] A summary of the codes generated by one exemplary embodiment of the system 10 during execution of the validation process is provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1
Modified codes generated during the BTN Validation Process.
Code Generated and
ref to flow charts       Description of code
Return Code 121          Indicates inability to proceed with validation; returned to requestor
See operation 64         Checks if ANI captured and BTN provided match (not required in all
                         scenarios)
Return Code 120          Indicates caller and # (line number) owner are not the same person;
                         returned to requestor
See operation 68         A defined Threshold limits the number of attempts on that # within
                         a certain timeframe
Return Code 60           Indicates # may not begranted service; returned to requestor.
See operation 71         Checks the NPA/NXX and OCN to those in the OFFNET. OFFNET =
                         NPA/NXX and OCN combinations where proprietor of the system
                         10 does not have a Billing and Collections agreement to bill into the
                         Telco's' bill page.
Return Code 130-133      Indicates that NPA/NXX & OCN for that Number are not billable;
                         returned to requestor
See operation 74         Checks the line number to see if found in known CLEC table. These
                         are numbers that are known to have ported to a CLEC. Proprietor is
                         unable to route these # to the correct billing entities.
Return code 140          Indicates # not billable for CLEC; returned to requestor.
See operation 78         Checks line # to see if owner has requested a 4250 Billing block. This
                         block prevents monthly recurring (4250) charges from being billed to
                         that line #.
Return Code 150          Indicates that billing to a particular subscriber line has been blocked;
                         returned to requestor.
See operation 82         Checks line number for inclusion in the Block and Cancel database.
                         This database includes requests from line # owners, agencies,
                         businesses etc that have requested that service be cancelled and or
                         blocked from further billing.
Return Code 160-161      Indicates number found in Block and Cancel and is not billable;
                         returned to requestor.
See operation 86         Checks line # for unbillable history. Unbillables are #s where tried
                         to bill charges previously and have been returned as unbillable.
Return Code 170          Indicates # has unbilled before and is still considered unbillable;
                         returned to requestor.
See operation 90         If # not found in Unbillable, then routed to LIDB for info.
ITEM                     Description
See operation 94         Identifies info returned from LIDB re. that line #; Response Code = status
                         about that # as a call termination point. OCN = Operating Company # =
                         the local Telco that owns that #. RAO = Regional Accounting Office = the
                         office of the Telco that is responsible from a $ flow standpoint for that #.
See operation 96         Checks the validity of the LIDB code returned for the number as a Billable
                         #. This is where the mapping of the LIDB codes to the proprietor
                         validation codes happens.
Return Code 18O-         Indicates the mappings of the LIDB codes to the proprietor Val reply
999                      codes. Each of these indicate a non-billable #; returned to requestor.
See operation            Checks if RAO returned is an RAO that is not billable.
100
Return Code 143          Indicates that the # belongs to a CLEC and is unbillable; returned to
                         requestor.
See operation            Checks if OCN returned from LIDB is a known CLEC or OFFNET OCN
104                      and therefore unbillable.
Return code 142          Indicates that the new OCN is not billable; returned to requestor.
See operation            Checks to see if new NPA/NXX & OCN combination for # is guidable to
108                      the correct local Telco for billing.
Return code 141          Indicates that even though the # is billable, the system is unable to guide to
                         the new Telco for billing; unguidable = unbillable; # returned to requestor.
The operations to indicate if # is billable have been completed.
The next operations provide additional information about the # for the requestor e.g. to decide if
and how much credit to extend for services. They also provide additional billing information.
See operation            Provides address verification (if required). Matches # to address to
112                      determine likelihood of person dialing to the person that owns the account
                         at local Telco.
Return Code 10-          Indicates the level likelihood that the caller (ANI) and acct owner are the
39                       same. Returned to requestor.
See operation            Checks to see if # has had adjustment activity previously. This includes
116                      request for credit, written off for charges that billed to a bill page.
                         Requestor makes credit decision based on #s history of credits,
                         adjustments, write offs.
Return Code 1-5          Indicates the type and source of adjustment to charges to that #. Returned
                         to requestor.
See operation            Checks to see if the # has a business line indicator. Requestor decides if
120                      would like to extend service or not.
Return Code 70           Indicates that the # is identified as a business.
See operation            Checks to see if the # has been in service less than 90 days. Requestor
124                      makes a decision about how much service to offer # without much
                         payment history.
Return Code 80           Indicates that the # has been in service less than 90 days.
See operation            Checks if the Area Code of the # has been scheduled to change. This is for
128                      billing information purposes only. Requestor updates billing filed with
                         new number.
Return Code 110          Indicates Area Code has been scheduled to change. New number is
                         appended to end of record.
See operation            If the number passes all the previous checks, then 000 code is returned to
134                      requestor. The Validation is complete for this request.
See operation            End of validation for numbers that did not pass or were found in other
138                      checks.
END OF REAL TIME VALIDATION EVENT
Information sources that do not allow checks on the # in Real-time (r-t), happen on # that was
returned as 000 after the r-t validation event has completed. The #s are loaded into the
appropriate databases. This information will be provided once the # is returned for billing.
Operations 140, 142, 144 Indicates path for those #s returned with a 000
                         code.
See operation 140        #s are sent to CARE source to determine if BNA
                         (billing Name and Address) available at local Telco.
                         Telco sends BNA and codes as to why unavailable.
CLEC                     #s that are returned with codes that indicate the #
                         has moved to a CLEC from the local Telco are
                         loaded into the CLEC table.
See operation 142        #s are sent to the CARE source to determine if the
                         account has been crested within the last 90 days.
                         The response codes indicate this condition.
New within 90            #s that are returned with codes that indicate this
                         condition are loaded into the NEW table.
See operation 144        #s are sent to a Business source. This source
                         identifies which numbers belong to businesses.
Biz table                Numbers that are indicated as being line #s that
                         belong to businesses are loaded in this table.

[0068] Table 2 (see below) provides the various actions, which are executed in response to a modified validity code. The table provides an exemplary description and explanation of each code. Return codes 001 to 179 relate to failure codes, which are generated by the system 10 prior to investigation of the LIDB host 52. Return codes 180 to 451 are generated during the LIDB code checks. In the event of the subscriber line 17 failing the checks carried out on it, the system 10 provides optional use of a credit card and, accordingly, Table 2 sets out codes which the system 10 generates in response to executing a standard credit card enquiry for a particular transaction. If the system 10, which may be defined by a server and associated databases, is down, codes 994 to 999 are generated and communicated to the vendor.

TABLE 2
Validation & BNA Reply Codes
Code	Action	DESCRIPTION	EXPLANATION
BILLABLE CODES
000	Approved	Billable; was not found during	Passed all billing and fraud control checks
		fraud control checks
FRAUD CONTROL CODES (performed after billable check)
ANI WATCH (adjustments to bill)
001	Verify	Billable; found in ANI WATCH -	Passed all billable checks; but ANI had
		CLIENT source all	been adjusted previously at vendor's,
			Client's or Telco's request for your Client #
002	Verify	Billable; ANI WATCH - CLIENT	Passed all billable checks; but ANI had
		source Client	been adjusted previously at Client's
			request for your Client #
003	Verify	Billable; ANI WATCH - CLIENT	Passed all billable checks; but ANI had
		source Telco or Vendor	been adjusted previously at vendor's or
			Telco's request for your Client #
004	Verify	Billable; found in ANI WATCH -	Passed all billable checks; ANI had been
		GLOBAL	adjusted previously at vendor's, Client's or
			Telco's request for all Client ids
005	Verify	Billable; found in ANI WATCH -	Passed all billable checks; ANI had been
		PRODUCT	adjusted previously at vendor's, Client's or
			Telco's request for same product type
ZIP VERIFICATION
010	Verify	Billable; Unable to match ZIP	Passed all billable checks; unable to find
		invalid	this Zip code for this NPA/NXX -
011	Verify	Billable; ZIP does not match	Passed all billable checks; Zip code does
			not match this NPA/NXX
012	Verify	Billable; ZIP matches to same	Passed all billable checks; Zip code
		Metropolitan area	matches to same Metropolitan area as NPA NXX.
ADDRESS VERIFICATION
Note: The result of an AVS check does not mean that the transaction is declined. This information may be
advice only. The system may compare the AVS data with billing information for the buyer and pass the
results of the comparison to the merchant.
020	Verify	Billable; BNA match not found	Passed all billable checks; no BNA match
			found for ANI
021	Verify	Billable; Unable to verify BNA	Passed all billable checks; unable to verify
		invalid	BNA to ANI info sent
022	Verify	Billable; with zip-Match, plus4-	Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code +
		match, locale-Match	4 & locale (street address) matches info
			sent for ANI, Name does not match
023	Verify	Billable; with zip-Match, plus4-	Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code +
		Match, NoMatch-locale	4 matches info sent for ANI but locale
			(street address) does not match
024	Verify	Billable; zip-Match, NoMatch-	Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code &
		plus4, locale-Match	locale (street address) matches info sent for
			ANI but + 4 does not match
025	Verify	Billable; zip-Match, NoMatch-	Passed all billable checks; BNA Zip code
		plus4, NoMatch-locale	matches info sent for ANI but locale (street
			address) & + 4 does not match
026	Verify	Billable; NoMatch-zip, plus4-	Passed all billable checks; BNA +4 and
		Match, locale-Match	locale (street address) matches info sent for
			ANI but Zip does not match
027	Verify	Billable; NoMatch-zip, plus4-	Passed all billable checks; BNA +4 matches
		Match, NoMatch-locale	info sent for ANI but locale (street address)
			and Zip does not match
028	Verify	Billable; NoMatch-zip, NoMatch-	Passed all billable checks; BNA locale
		plus4, locale-Match	(street address) matches info sent for ANI
			but ZIP and +4 does not match
029	Verify	Billable; NoMatch-zip, NoMatch-	Passed all billable checks; BNA does not
		plus4, NoMatch-locale	match zip, + 4 or locale (street address)
			sent for ANI
030	Good	Address & Zip Match
031	Verify	Address Match, Zip No Match
032	Verify	Address Match, Zip Service
		Unavailable
033	Verify	Address No Match, Zip Match
034	Verify	Address No Match, Zip No Match
035	Verify	Address No Match, Zip Service
		Unavailable
036	Verify	Address Service Unavailable, Zip
		Match
037	Verify	Address Service Unavailable, Zip
		No Match
038	Verify	Address Service Unavailable, Zip
		Service Unavailable
AREA CODE CHANGE INDICATOR
110	Update	Indicates there has been an area	Code is sent in addition to the validation
		code change for this NPA/NXX	response codes. New phone number is
			appended to record. Provided to update
			the account with the correct BTN.
MISCELLANEOUS
120	Verify	BTN and ANI do not match	For use where BTN and ANI are passed
			and do not match.
121	Verify	BTN or ANI are missing from	For use where BTN and ANI is missing
		record	from record
UNBILLABLE CODES
OFFNET
130	Unbillable	NPA/NXX found in OFFNET -	Area code/exchange (NPA/NXX)
		GLOBAL	combination resides in OFFNET DB.
			OFFNET is a territory where the LEC
			(Local Exchange Carrier) is unable to
			provide 3rd party presentation in to its
			envelope.
131	Unbillable	NPA/NXX found in OFFNET -	Area code/exchange (NPA/NXX)
		CLIENT SPECIFIC	combination resides in OFFNET DB
			specific for this Client id.
132	Unbillable	NPA/NXX found in OFFNET -	Area code/exchange (NPA/NXX)
		PRODUCT	combination resides in OFFNET DB
			specific for this product type.
133	Unbillable	NPA/NXX NOT VALID	Area code/exchange is not a valid area
			code exchange
CLEC (CLECs are unable to provide 3rd party bill presentation in their envelopes.)
140	Unbillable	Line number (NPA/NXX-XXX) in	BTN has been ported to a CLEC
		CLEC Territory	(competitive local exchange carrier).
141	Unbillable	NPA/NXX not ON NET	BTN has been ported to a CLEC
			(competitive local exchange carrier) and is
			not billable.
142	Unbillable	Line number OCN in CLEC OCN	Operating Company number for this BTN
		table	was found on CLEC OCN table. The
			number is not billable.
143	Unbillable	Line number RAO in CLEC RAO	Regional Accounting Office number for
		table	this BTN was found on CLEC RAO table.
			This BTN is not billable.
42 BLOCK (4250s Only)
150	Unbillable	Line Number has a block for 4250	Consumer has requested a block for all
		records	MRCs (monthly recurring charges) from
			being billed to this phone number.
BLOCK & CANCEL
160	Unbillable	GLOBAL - Line number has been	Consumer requested block to stop all
		blocked to stop all charges.	charges from being billed to this number.
161	Unbillable	CLIENT - Line number has a	Consumer requested a block to stop
		block to stop all charges from this	charges from being billed or to cancel
		Client id.	service for this phone number from this
			Client id.
UNBILLS
170	Unbillable	Line number is Unbillable.	Line number has been returned from the
			Local Telephone companies within the last
			6 months as unable to be billed.
LIDB FAILURE
180	Unbillable	Line number failed LIDB check -	Line Number has been returned from
		GENERAL	LIDB as unbillable.
181	Unbillable	Vacant NPA NXX	No working line #s in NPA NXX
182	Unbillable	No Incoming Calls	Line # cannot accept incoming calls
183	Unbillable	Denied ANI	Auto decline of all attempts from this ANI
184	Unbillable	Calling Card block	Auto decline of Calling Card number
185	Unbillable	Collect Call Block	Auto decline of Collect calls to this number
186	Unbillable	Third Party Call Block	Auto decline all Third Party billed calls to
			this number
187	Unbillable	Credit Card Block	Auto decline of charges billed to Credit
			Card
188	Unbillable	Group Number Block	Auto decline of attempts from this group.
189	Unbillable	Audiotext Bock	Number does not allow audiotext calls.
190	Unbillable	Excessive Calling Card PIN hits	Threshold for calling card attempts has
			been exceeded.
191	Unbillable	Line Number Block	Auto decline of all charges to this number
200	Unbillable	Excessive Use - BTN	BTN has exceeded threshold
201	Unbillable	Excessive Use DN	DN has exceeded threshold
202	Unbillable	Excessive Use - ANI	ANI has exceeded threshold
203	Unbillable	Excessive USE - Calling Card Pin	Calling Card Pin has exceeded threshold
220	Unbillable	Feature Group A	Local telephone switch is Feature Group A
221	Unbillable	PBX line	Line # is a PBX line
222	Unbillable	WATS line	Line # is a WATS line
223	Unbillable	Hotel/Motel Auto Quote w/ tax	Hotel/Motel Auto Quote w/ tax
224	Unbillable	Hotel/Motel Auto quote w/o tax	Hotel/Motel Auto quote w/o tax
225	Unbillable	Dormitory line	Line # belongs to a dorm
226	Unbillable	Hospital line	Line number belongs to a hospital
227	Unbillable	Centrex line	Line number belongs to CENTREX
228	Unbillable	Alternate Service Provider	Line # belongs to an alternate service
			provider
229	Unbillable	POTS line (collect or third party	Line # is plain old telephone service lines
		calls)	for business or residential
230	Unbillable	Pager #	Line number belongs to pager
231	Unbillable	PCS/Mobile/Cellular #	Line number belongs to a wireless
			provider
240	Unbillable	Line was disconnected w/o	Line # was disconnected w/o a referral
		referral	number
241	Unbillable	Line Number changing	Line is not connected yet.
242	Unbillable	not used
243	Unbillable	DISCO w/o referral	Line number has been removed from
			service w/o referral
244	Unbillable	Temp DISCO	Line number has been removed from
			service temporarily
245	Unbillable	DISCO with referral	Line number has been disconnected w/
			referral or Operator takes calls
246	Unbillable	Temp DISCO w/ referral	Line number has been removed from
			service temporarily w/ referral
250	Unbillable	POTS line rating on rate plan	POTS line is on a rate plan for business or
			residential message rate 1 or 2 or flat rate
300	Unbillable	Public - Incompatible interface	Public phone with incompatible interface
301	Unbillable	LEC Public Standard PreP OT	LEC Public phone standard interface;
			prepay overtime
302	Unbillable	LEC Public Alternate	LEC Public phone alternate interface;
			functions controlled by set
303	Unbillable	LEC Public Standard PP OT	LEC Public phone standard interface;
			postpay overtime
304	Unbillable	IC Public	IC Public Phone - Alternate Interface
305	Unbillable	IC Public Standard	IC Public Phone - Standard Interface
306	Unbillable	LEC Public Special - PP OT	LEC Public Phone- Special billing post
			paid OT
307	Unbillable	LEC Public Special - PreP OT	LEC Public Phone - Special Billing; Pre pay
			OT
308	Unbillable	LEC Semi Public	LEC Semi Public Phone
309	Unbillable	LEC Semi Public Phone (no	LEC Semi Public Phone does not allow
		collect or 3rd Party calls)	collect or 3rd party calls to this number
310	Unbillable	LEC Prepaid Card	LEC Prepaid Card Telecommunications
			station
311	Unbillable	IPP (fka COCOT) Standard	Payphone Standard
		interface
312	Unbillable	IPP (fka COCOT) Alternate	Payphone - Alternate
		interface
313	Unbillable	Coinless (non IPP fka COCOT)	Coinless Pay phone
314	Unbillable	Coinless (IPP fka COCOT)	Coinless payphone
315	Unbillable	Prison (non IPP fka COCOT)	Prison payphone
316	Unbillable	Prison (IPP fka COCOT)	Prison Payphone
450	Unbillable	BNS: Voice Quote - without tax	Charge quotes without tax
451	Unbillable	BNS: Voice Quote - with tax	Charge quotes with tax
CREDIT CARD RESPONSE CODES
000	Approved	Credit card approved
501	Decline/Error	User authentication Failed
502	Decline/Error	Invalid tender	Your merchant bank account does not
			support the following credit card type that
			was submitted
503	Decline/Error	Invalid transaction type	Transaction type is not appropriate for this
			transaction. For example, you cannot
			credit an authorization-only transaction.
504	Decline/Error	Invalid amount
505	Decline/Error	Invalid merchant information	Processor does not recognize your
			merchant account information. Contact
			your bank account acquirer to resolve this
			problem.
512	Decline/Error	Declined	Please check the credit card number and
			transaction information to make sure they
			were entered correctly. If this does not
			resolve the problem, have the customer
			call the credit card issuer to resolve.
513	Decline/Error	Referral	Transaction was declined but could be
			approved with a verbal authorization from
			the bank that issued the card. Submit a
			manual Voice Authorization transaction
			and enter the verbal auth code
519	Decline/Error	Original transaction ID not found	The transaction ID you entered for this
			transaction is not valid.
520	Decline/Error	Cannot find the customer
		reference number
522	Decline/Error	Invalid ABA number
523	Decline/Error	Invalid account number	Please check credit card number and re-
			submit.
530	Decline/Error	Account Lookup information	Account provided found in system,
		Mismatch	however, unique key provided does not
			match unique key in system.
531	Decline/Error	Account does not exist	Account provided not found in system
542	Decline/Error	Invalid expiration date	Please check and re-submit
525	Decline/Error	Transaction type not mapped to
		this host
526	Decline/Error	Invalid vendor account
527	Decline/Error	Insufficient partner permissions
528	Decline/Error	Insufficient user permissions
550	Decline/Error	Insufficient funds available
551	Decline/Error	Invalid transaction returned from
		host
552	Decline/Error	Processor not available
553	Decline/Error	Credit error	Please make sure you have not already
			credited this transaction, or that this
			transaction ID is for a creditable
			transaction. (For example, you cannot
			credit an authorization.)
554	Decline/Error	Void error	Please make sure the transaction ID
			entered has not already been voided. If
			not, then look at the Transaction Detail
			screen for this transaction to see if it has
			settled. (The Batch field will be set to a
			number greater than zero if the transaction
			has been settled). If the transaction has
			already settled, your only recourse is a
			reversal (credit a payment or submit a
			payment for a credit).
555	Decline/Error	Capture error	Only authorization transactions can be
			captured
556	Decline/Error	Failed AVS check	Address and Zip code do not match
557	Decline/Error	Cannot exceed sales cap	For ACH transactions only
558	Decline/Error	CVV2 Mismatch
800	Unbillable	LNP Only Look-Up, number was	LNP Only Look-Up, number was found in the
		found	LNP GTT database as ported.
801	Unbillable	LNP Only Look-Up, number was not	LNP Only Look-Up, number was not found in
		found	the LNP GTT database, not ported.
802	Unbillable	LNP Only Look-Up, the NPA/NXX is	LNP Only Look-Up, the NPNXX is not a
		not a portable range	portable range.
SYSTEM DOWN
994	Resubmit	Message Format Error	Message received in invalid or
			unrecognized format.
995	Resubmit	Time out	Session timed out.
996	Resubmit	Connection Failure	Unable to connect.
997	Resubmit	Subsystem Failure	Subsystem, such as LIDB, Credit Card, etc,
			not available.
998	Resubmit	Network Failure	Network Not Available
999	Resubmit	System Down	System Unavailable

[0069] As mentioned above, the system 10 may translate the LIDB codes into modified verification codes as shown in Table 2. These modified validity codes are then mapped or translated. Table 3 below provides a list of the modified validity codes which are generated following the mapping carried out by the processor module 54 to translate LIDB codes to the modified verification codes set out in Table 1.

TABLE 3
LIDB/LNP SOURCE TRANSLATIONS for ISP:
Resp.	Resp.
Type	Code		LIDB		rtfc
In	In	ACTION	ADMIN?	Description	type	Code Out
APP	000	Approved		Calling card has an Unrestricted PIN.	G1	000
APP	001	Approved		Calling card has a Restricted PIN. The	g1	000
				switch must verify that the DNI matches the
				first 10 digits of the calling card before
				placing the call.
APP	004	Approved		Collect call - No verification is required.	G1	000
APP	005	Approved		Third-party call - No verification is	G1	000
				required.
APP	006	Approved		There is a system error.	S	999
APP	008	Approved		Communications Link Tests “Good.”	S	999
APP	010	Approved		Commercial credit card is approved and the	G1	000
				zip code matches, if the zip code was sent.
APP	011	Approved	Y	Bill-to number has an Admin. Override to	G1	000
				automatically approve the transaction.
				(Admin. Reply)
APP	012	Approved		Originating number (ANI) has an Admin	G1	000
				Override to automatically approve the
				transaction. (Admin. Reply)
APP	013	Approved		Dialed number (DNI) has an Admin	G1	000
				Override to automatically approve the
				transaction. (Admin. Reply)
APP	014	Approved		Group number has an Admin. Override to	G1	000
				automatically approve the transaction.
				(Admin. Reply)
APP	015	Approved		Commercial credit card is approved but the	CC	500
				zip code check is unavailable.
APP	016	Approved		Commercial credit card is approved but the	CC	501
				zip code check is unavailable. Retry later.
APP	017	Approved		Commercial credit card is approved but the	CC	502
				zip code check is not supported.
APP	018	Approved		Commercial credit card is approved and the	CC	503
				address matches but the zip code does not
				match.
APP	019	Approved		Commercial credit card is approved and the	CC	504
				address and the zip code match.
APP	020	Success		LNP Only Look-Up, number was found in	LNP	800
				the LNP GTT database as ported.
APP	021	Success		LNP Only Look-Up, number was not found	LNP	801
				in the LNP GTT database, not ported.
CON	050	Verify		Collect call number has no block. Verify	o1	000
				acceptance of the charge.
CON	051	Verify		Third-party call number has no block.	O1	000
				Verify acceptance of the charge.
CON	053	Denied		Unable to authorize, Automatic Code	S	999
				Gapping is in effect at the LIDB. Every
				third query is dropped by the LIDB.
CON	054	Denied	Y	Excessive Use - The bill-to number exceeded	G3	000
				the high limit threshold in the Admin. fraud
				control system. (Admin. Reply)
CON	055	Denied	Y	Excessive Bad PIN Attempts -The threshold	O2	000
				for bad PIN attempts for the calling card
				was exceeded in the Admin. fraud control
				system. (Admin. Reply) This is the same as
				reply code 309.
CON	060	Conditional	Y	Low Limit Warning - The bill-to number	G3	000
				exceeded the low limit threshold in the
				Admin. fraud control system. (Admin.
				Reply)
CON	061	Conditional	Y	Low Limit Warning - The dialed number	G3	000
				exceeded the low limit threshold in the
				Admin. fraud control system. (Admin.
				Reply)
CON	062	Denied	Y	Excessive Use Dialed - The dialed number	G3	000
				exceeded the high limit threshold in the
				Admin. fraud control system. (Admin
				Reply)
CON	063	Conditional	Y	No Host Still Billable - There is no LIDB	G2	180
				check available, but the Customer has a
				billing agreement with this LEC. (Admin.
				Reply)
CON	064	Approved	Y	Commercial credit card is approved but the	CC	505
				zip code and the address do not match.
CON	065	Conditional	Y	Low Limit Warning - The ANI exceeded the	G3	000
				low limit threshold in the Admin. fraud
				control system. (Admin. Reply)
CON	066	Denied	Y	Excessive Use ANI - The ANI exceeded the	G3	000
				high threshold in the Admin. fraud control
				system. (Admin. Reply)
CON	070	Approved		Calling card has no service denial in the	G1	000
				Card Service Denial Indicator field. Calling
				card calls may be billed to this card number.
CON	071	Approved		Calling card has no service denial in the Pin	G1	000
				Service Denial Indicator field. Calling card
				calls may be billed to this card number.
CON	080	Verify		Collect calls - Accept intralata, Reject	O1	000
				interlata collect calls. Recommend verify
				acceptance of the charge.
CON	081	Verify		Third-party calls - Accept intralata, reject	O1	000
				interlata third-party calls. Recommend
				verify acceptance of the charge.
CON	082	Verify		Collect calls - Accept intralata, verify	O1	000
				interlata collect calls. Recommend verify
				acceptance of the charge.
CON	083	Verify		Third-party calls - Verify intralata, reject	O1	000
				interlata third-party calls. Recommend
				Verify acceptance of the charge.
CON	084	Verify		Collect call - Verify acceptance of the charge	O1	000
				by an Operator.
CON	085	Verify		Third-party call - Verify acceptance	O1	000
				of the charge by an Operator.
CON	086	Verify		Collect call - Accept intralata charge, verify	O1	000
				interlata charge with Operator.
CON	087	Verify		Third-party calls - Verify intralata charge	O1	000
				with operator, reject interlata charge with
				Operator.
CON	088	Verify		Collect Calls: POTS Line	G5	000
				(Business/Residential)
CON	089	Verify		Third-Party Calls: POTS Line	G5	000
				(Business/Residential)
CON	090	Verify		BNS: Centrex Line, Collect calls - Some	G4	000
				LECs allow billing to this type of line,
				others do not. Verify Acceptance.
CON	091	Verify		BNS: POTS Line - Residential - Message rate	G9	000
				1
CON	092	Verify		BNS: POTS Line - Residential - Message rate	G9	000
				2
CON	093	Verify		BNS: POTS Line - Business - flat rate	G9	000
CON	094	Verify		BNS: POTs Line - Business - message rate 1	G9	000
CON	095	Verify		BNS: POTS Line - Business - message rate 2	G9	000
CON	096	Verify		BNS: POTS Line - Residential - flat rate	G9	000
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error Message	S	994
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Date format	S	994
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Header Message	S	994
				Error
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Merchant ID Error	S	994
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-No End of Header	S	994
				Indicator
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Header Data	S	994
				Indicator, did not contain data in each field
				of the message That was represented by the
				message text map field
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-PIN not numeric	S	994
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Terminating Error	S	994
				(commercial credit card only
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Terminating	S	994
				Number not numeric
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Originating Number	S	994
				not Numeric
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-Charge Number not	S	994
				Numeric
DENY	100	Denied		Message Format Error-No End Header	S	994
				Indicator
DENY	101	Denied		Message Format Error Invalid	S	994
				Customer/Terminal ID Number
DENY	102	Denied		Message Format Error Invalid Message	S	994
				Type
DENY	103	Denied		Message Format Error Invalid Transaction	S	994
				Type
DENY	104	Denied		Message Format Error Invalid Sequence	S	994
				Number
DENY	105	Denied		Message Format Error Invalid Data	S	994
				Indicator
DENY	105	Denied		Message Format Error-Header Data	S	994
				Indicator
DENY	107	Denied		Bad PIN format. PINs must be equal to or	S	994
				higher than 2000.
DENY	200	Denied		Calling card blocked, missing customer	S	994
				record - There is no record of that calling
				card number in the database.
DENY	201	Denied		BNS, missing customer record - There is no	S	994
				record of that line number in the database.
DENY	202	Denied		Missing BNG - There is no record of that	S	994
				NPANXX in the database.
DENY	203	Denied		Non-billable NXX - DPC table failure. The	G2	180
				NPANXX does not have routing or allow
				billing, e.g. cellular. (LIDB or Admin.
				Reply)
DENY	204	Denied		Calling card blocked, screened data - A	O2	000
				screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB
				that does not allow charges to this calling
				card.
DENY	205	Denied		Protocol converter problem - There is a	S	999
				problem with the SS7 protocol converter.
DENY	206	Denied		BNS & No Calling Card Calls - No Host,	o2	180
				Nonparticipating Group. This NPANXX
				exists but there is no LIDB host. (LIDB or
				Admin. Reply)
DENY	207	Denied		LIDB Access Denied because no queries	S	999
				should be sent to this LIDB destination.
				(Admin. Reply)
DENY	208	Denied		Calling card blocked, Screened Data on PIN	O2	000
				(Pin Service Denial Indicator) - A screening
				mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does
				not allow charges to this PIN.
DENY	209	Denied		External SS7 Problem - There is a format	S	999
				problem in the SS7 network
DENY	210	Denied		Calling card blocked, screened data - A	O2	000
				screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB
				that does not allow charges to this calling
				card.
DENY	211	Denied		Calling card is blocked because it has	O2	000
				a bad PIN or the PIN does not match database
				information.
DENY	211	Denied		Unexpected Data Value, Calling card blocked,	O2	000
				Bad PIN - This means a bad PIN was used or there is
				no PIN on file.
DENY	212	Denied		Calling card blocked, PIN Excessive Use at	G3	000
				LIDB Owner. - The PIN exceeded the high
				threshold in the LIDB fraud control system
DENY	213	Denied		Vacant BNG - There are no working lines in	G2	181
				the NPANXX.
DENY	214	Denied		No Collect calls - Collect calls are not	O2	000
				allowed to this line number.
DENY	215	Denied		No Third-party calls - Third-party calls are	O2	000
				not allowed to this line number
DENY	216	Denied		BNS: LEC Public - Standard Interface	G10	303
				(functions controlled by the network) -
				Postpay Overtime
DENY	217	Denied		BNS: Coinless (non IPP fka COCOT)	G10	313
DENY	218	Denied		BNS: semi-public phone - No Collect or	G10	309
				Third-party calls are allowed to this line
				number.
DENY	219	Denied		Spare - This LIDB response is not in use at	AV	180
				this time.
DENY	220	Denied		Time-out, No response from Host - A	S	180
				response was not received from the host
				database within 4 seconds for a Telco query
				or 12 seconds for a Bank card query. (LIDB
				or Admin. Reply)
DENY	221	Denied		BNS Data unavailable, Error Message, No	S	180
				Host - No collect or third-party calls should
				be allowed to this line number.
DENY	222	Denied		Calling card Data unavailable, Error	S	180
				Message, No Host - No calling card calls
				should be allowed to this line number.
DENY	223	Denied		BNS & Calling card, screened response	O2	000
				LIDB - A screening mechanism is in place at
				the LIDB that does not allow charges to this
				account number.
DENY	224	Denied		LIDB Misroute - The query was routed to	S	999
				the wrong LIDB.
DENY	225	Denied		Reject, Reroute - The LIDB could not read	S	994
				the format of the query.
DENY	226	Denied		Unexpected Component - The LIDB cannot	S	994
				interpret the format of the query.
DENY	227	Denied		UDTS, SS7 Network problem - There is an	S	999
				SS7 network problem.
DENY	228	Denied		BNS: Personal Communication Service	G8	231
				(PCS)
DENY	229	Denied		BNS: Mobile	G8	231
DENY	230	Denied		Not Billable - The Customer does not have a	G2	180
				billing arrangement with the LEC for this
				NPANXX (OCN On-Net Screening).
DENY	231	Denied		BNS: LEC Prepaid Telecommunications	G10	310
				Card Station
DENY	232	Denied		Feature Group A (FGA)	G4	000
DENY	233	Denied		BNS: LEC Public - Alternate Interface	G10	302
				(functions controlled by set)
DENY	234	Denied		BNS: LEC Public - Special Billing - Postpay	G10	306
				Overtime (functions controlled by the
				network)
DENY	235	Denied		BNS: LEC Public - Special Billing - Prepay	G10	307
				Overtime (functions controlled by the
				network)
DENY	236	Denied		BNS: Public - Incompatible Network	G10	300
				Interface (interface other than standard or
				alternate)
DENY	237	Denied		BNS: IC Public - Alternate Interface	G10	304
DENY	238	Denied		BNS: IPP (fka COCOT) - Standard Interface		311
DENY	239	Denied		BNS: Pager	G8	230
DENY	241	Denied		General, Reject - The LIDB could not read	S	994
				the format of the query.
DENY	242	Denied		Invoke, Reject - The LIDB could not read the	S	994
				format of the query.
DENY	243	Denied		Return Result, Reject - The LIDB could not	S	994
				read the format of the query.
DENY	244	Denied		Return Error, Reject - The LIDB could not	S	994
				read the format of the query.
DENY	245	Denied		Transaction Portion, Reject - The LIDB	S	994
				could not read the format of the query.
DENY	246	Denied		BNS: Vacant Number - There is no line	G2	180
				number assigned.
DENY	247	Denied		BNS: Disconnected without referral - The	G6	240
				line number was disconnected with no
				referral to a new line number.
DENY	248	Denied		BNS: Changed to non-published number -	o5	000
				The line number was changed to a non-
				published number.
DENY	250	Denied		No Collect Calls, Screened Data - A	O2	000
				screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB
				that does not allow charges to this line
				number.
DENY	251	Denied		No Third-party calls, Screened Data - A	O2	000
				screening mechanism is in place at the LIDB
				that does not allow charges to this line
				number.
DENY	252	Denied		BNS: Screened Data - A screening	G7	191
				mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does
				not allow charges to this line number.
DENY	253	Denied		BNS: Screened Data - A screening	G7	191
				mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does
				not allow charges to this line number.
DENY	254	Denied		BNS & No Calling Card, Unavailable	O2	411
				network resource - This line or card number
				is not in the database.
DENY	255	Denied		BNS: Screened Data - A screening	G7	191
				mechanism is in place at the LIDB that does
				not allow charges to this line number.
DENY	256	Denied		BNS: Being changed - The line number is	G6	241
				being changed; it may not yet be connected.
DENY	257	Denied		BNS: May not yet be connected - The line	G6	243
				number may be new; it may not yet be
				connected.
DENY	258	Denied		BNS: Temporarily disconnected - The line	G6	244
				number is temporarily disconnected.
DENY	259	Denied		BNS: Disconnected, calls being taken by	G6	245
				operator - The line number is temporarily
				disconnected, the operator is taking calls.
DENY	260	Denied		BNS: Temporarily removed from service -	G6	244
				The line number is temporally removed
				from service.
DENY	261	Denied		BNS: Not in service for incoming calls - This	G2	182
				line number cannot accept incoming calls.
DENY	262	Denied		BNS: Temporarily disconnected at customer	G6	245
				request without referral - The line number
				is temporarily disconnected at the request of
				the customer without referral.
DENY	263	Denied		BNS: Temporarily disconnected at customer	G6	246
				request with referral - The line number is
				temporarily disconnected at the request of
				the customer with referral.
DENY	264	Denied		BNS: Changed with referral to new number -	o5	000
				The line number was changed. A referral
				to another line number is in place.
DENY	265	Denied		Calling card blocked, PIN Nonpayment -	O2	000
				The calling card is blocked because of
				nonpayment.
DENY	266	Denied		Calling card blocked, Service Restriction	O2	000
				on PIN - There is a service restriction
				on this PIN.
DENY	267	Denied		Calling card blocked, no PINs assigned.	O2	000
				There is no PIN assigned to this calling
				card line number.
DENY	268	Denied		Calling card blocked, service denial - There	O2	000
				is a service restriction on this calling card.
DENY	269	Denied		Calling Card - The calling card is a CIID	O2	000
				(proprietary card) for which there is no
				host.
DENY	270	Denied		BNS: Unexpected Data Value - No Collect	S	994
				or Third-Party Calls are allowed.
DENY	272	Denied		LIDB/CCC Response Time-out - A response	s	180
				was not received from the host database
				within 4 seconds for a Telco query and 12
				seconds for a Bank query.
DENY	273	Denied		No Collect Calls at Customer Request - The	O2	000
				end user customer requested the block for
				collect calls to this line number.
DENY	274	Denied		BNS & No Calling Card Calls: Screened	O2	000
				data.
DENY	275	Denied		BNS: Hotel/Motel Auto Quote - with tax	G4	000
DENY	276	Denied		BNS: Dormitory Line	G4	225
DENY	277	Denied		BNS: Hotel/Motel Auto Quote - without tax	G4	000
DENY	278	Denied		BNS: PBX Line	G4	221
DENY	279	Denied		BNS: Prison (IPP fka COCOT)	G10	316
DENY	280	Denied		BNS: WATS Line	G4	222
DENY	281	Denied		No Third-party calls at Customer Request -	O2	000
				The end user customer requested the block
				for third-party calls to this line number.
DENY	282	Denied		BNS: LEC Public - Standard interface -	G10	301
				Prepay Overtime
DENY	283	Denied		BNS: Coinless (IPP fka COCOT)	G10	314
DENY	284	Denied		BNS: IC Public - Standard Interface	G10	305
DENY	285	Denied		BNS: Voice Quote - without tax	o6	450
DENY	286	Denied		BNS: Voice Quote - with tax	o6	451
DENY	287	Denied		BNS: IPP (fka COCOT) - Alternate Interface	G10	312
DENY	288	Denied		BNS: Hospital	G4	226
DENY	289	Denied		BNS: Prison (non-IPP fka COCOT)	G10	315
DENY	290	Denied		BNS: LEC Semi-Public	G10	308
DENY	291	Denied		BNS: Subsystem Congestion	S	180
DENY	292	Denied		BNS: Subsystem Failure	S	180
DENY	293	Denied		BNS: No translation for address of such	S	180
				nature
DENY	294	Denied		BNS: Unequipped User	S	999
DENY	295	Denied		BNS: Network Failure	S	180
DENY	296	Denied		BNS: Network congestion	S	999
DENY	297	Denied		BNS: Cellular (cellular is distinct from	G8	231
				mobile)
DENY	298	Denied		BNS and Calling Card - Although the	G4	228
				NPANXX belongs to SWBT the end-user
				account number is no longer is a SWBT
				customer. The line number now belongs to
				another local service provider.
DENY	299	Failure		LNP Only Look-Up, the NPANXX is not a	LNP	000
				portable range.
DENY	301	Denied	Y	Denied Originating Number (ANI) - The	G2	183
				ANI has an Admin. block to automatically
				decline all attempts from this line number.
				(Admin. Reply)
DENY	302	Denied	Y	Terminating Number (DNI) has an Admin.	G2	182
				block to automatically decline all attempts
				to this line number. (Admin. Reply)
DENY	303	Denied	Y	Calling card has an Admin, block to	G2	000
				automatically decline all attempts to this
				line number. (Admin. Reply)
DENY	304	Denied	Y	Collect Number has an Admin. block to	G2	000
				automatically decline all attempts to this
				line number. (Admin. Reply)
DENY	305	Denied	Y	Third Party Number has an Admin. block to	G2	000
				automatically decline all attempts to this
				line number. (Admin. Reply)
DENY	306	Denied	Y	Commercial credit card has an Admin.	G2	000
				block to automatically decline all attempts
				to this line number. (Admin. Reply)
DENY	307	Denied	Y	Group Number has an Admin. block to	G2	000
				automatically decline all attempts from this
				group. (Admin. Reply)
DENY	308	Denied	Y	Global Negative Database Block - There is	G2	000
				an Admin. block in the Global Negative
				Database to this line number for the
				Audiotext Industry. (Admin. Reply)
DENY	309	Denied	Y	Excessive calling card PIN hits - The	G2	000
				threshold for bad PIN attempts for a calling
				card was exceeded in the Admin. fraud
				control system (Admin. Reply). This is the
				same as reply code 055.
DENY	400	Denied		Commercial credit card, Invalid		506
				Commercial credit card - This is not a valid
				commercial credit card account number. It
				failed the MOD 10 check. Also an invalid
				amount, invalid date or a format error may
				cause this response. (Host or Admin.
				Reply)
DENY	401	Denied		Commercial credit card, Call issuer - The		507
				authorization attempt triggered a flag in the
				fraud control system of the issuing bank,
				Banknet or VISAnet.
DENY	402	Denied		Commercial credit card, Confiscate card -		508
				No billing is allowed to this account
				number. If possible confiscate this card.
DENY	403	Denied		Commercial credit card, Authorization		509
				Declined - No billing is allowed to this
				account number.
DENY	404	Denied		Commercial credit card, Unable to Validate		510
				Account Number - There is problem in
				authorizing this account number.
DENY	405	Denied		Commercial credit card, Card expired - No		511
				billing is allowed to this account number
				because the card has expired
DENY	406	Denied		Commercial credit card - Invalid Merchant		512
				ID
DENY	408	Denied		Commercial credit card, Invalid card and		513
				Address (zip code) - Both the account
				number and the address or zip code are
				invalid. Do not allow billing to this account
				number.
DENY	409	Denied		Commercial credit card, System Problem -		514
				There is a technical problem with the
				authorization system of the issuing bank,
				Banknet or VISAnet.
DENY	420	Denied		Commercial credit card, Over withdrawal		515
				limit - This account has exceeded the
				withdrawal threshold in the authorization
				system of the issuing bank
DENY	421	Denied		Commercial credit card, Over credit limit -		516
				This account has exceeded the credit
				threshold in the authorization system of the
				issuing bank
DENY	422	Denied		Commercial credit card, Lost card,		517
				Confiscate - - This account number was
				reported lost. No billing is allowed to this
				account number. If possible confiscate this
				card.
DENY	423	Denied		Commercial credit card, Stolen card,		518
				Confiscate card - This card was reported
				stolen. No billing is allowed to this account
				number. If possible confiscate this card.
DENY	424	Denied		Commercial credit card, Invalid Pin - This		519
				means a bad PIN was used.
DENY	425	Denied		Commercial credit card, Allowable Number		520
				of PIN Tries Exceeded - The threshold for
				bad PIN attempts for a calling card was
				exceeded in the authorization system of the
				issuing bank, Banknet or VISAnet.
DENY	426	Denied		Duplicate transaction. The Authorization		521
				host considers this a duplicate transaction.

[0070] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings, regardless of the type of service provider or the type of validation request, clients or vendors may need a profile so that the process or method carried out by the system 10 knows how to treat the request. The client or vendor profile may be set up in a database, which includes the indicators that are set for the type and tests for each request, which will be subsequently received from the vendor.

[0071] The first table shows the operations in the BTN test descriptions process. In one exemplary embodiment, a set of core tests is run for each client. Additionally, clients may have some configuration options to identify the tests that best fit their program.

BILLABLE BTN TESTs
PROCESS	TESTS	PURPOSE
VAL Pre-bill	Client profile	Client profile for each id for BTN validation process test flags.
VAL only	ANI = BTN	Determines if originating number = BTN input by caller.
VAL/Pre-bill	Invalid # OFFNET	Ids Invalid NPAs & NXXs
VAL/Pre-bill	Global OFFNET	Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where there is not a B&C
		agreement
VAL/Pre-bill	Product OFFNET	Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where the traffic type is not
		approved to bill (Jul. 24, 2001: MRC only for NECA and Illuminet Only)
VAL/Pre-bill	Client OFFNET	Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where there the Client id
		(7###) is not approved to bill
VAL/Pre-bill	Special Calling Card	Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations of special calling card #s for
	OFFNET	non-calling card traffic that are unable to be billed
VAL/Pre-bill	Plan OFFNET	Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where a Client Plan is not
		approved to bill
VAL/Pre-bill	ONNET	Ids (NPA)NXX & OCN combinations where there are B&C
		agreements
VAL/Pre-bill	CLEC	Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's are not billable due to CLEC for all Clients.
VAL/Pre-bill	4250 BLOCK	Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that have a 4250 billing block
		(for MRC only)
VAL/Pre-bill	UNBILL	Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that have unbilled previously for all Clients
VAL/Pre-bill	Block & Cancel -	Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that requested a Block and/or Cancel; usually
	GLOBAL	institutional
VAL/Pre-bill	Block & Cancel -	Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx's that requested a Block and/or Cancel for a
	Client Specific	particular Client id
VAL/1st + n	Val Code Cache	Ids (NPA)NXX-xxxx & Return Code combinations for previous
Pre-bill		request
VAL/1st Pre-	LIDB Validity Test	To determine the billable status of the return code from the LIDB
bill		dip
VAL/1st Pre-	LIDB CLEC RAO	Ids RAOs that belong to CLECs
bill
VAL/1st Pre-	LIDB CLEC OCN	Ids known CLEC OCNs
bill
VAL/1st Pre-	LIDB State Specific	To determine if the returned LIDB code is a state specific code and
bill	Conversion	then a conversion to the billable OCN for the ONNET check
VAL/1st Pre-	LIDB ONNET	Ids billable (NPA)NXX & returned OCN combinations
bill
ALL	VAL Trans Log	Log of each validation request and response by Client ID

[0072]

BTN CREDIT SCORING
PROCESS	TESTs	PURPOSE
VAL/Pre-bill	AREA CODE Change	Provides the new area code for the line number while in
	indicator	permissive dialing period.
Val	ZIP MATCH	ZIP matches zip codes for (NPA) NXX (not in production
		as of 6/01)
VAL/Pre-bill	ANI WATCH -	(NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund/chargeback has
	CLIENT	been issued previously for this Client ID
	(SOURCE: all)
VAL/Pre-bill	ANI WATCH -	(NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund has been issued
	CLIENT	previously for this Client ID
	(SOURCE: client)
VAL/Pre-bill	ANI WATCH -	(NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a chargeback/bad debt has been
	CLIENT	issued previously for this Client ID
	(SOURCE:
	ebi/telco)
VAL/Pre-bill	ANI WATCH -	(NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund/chargeback/bad debt
	GLOBAL	has been issued previously from CLIENT, ebi or telco
	(SOURCE: all)
VAL/Pre-bill	ANI WATCH -	(NPA)NXX-xxxx's where there a refund/chargeback/bad debt
	PRODUCT	has been issued previously for the same product
	(SOURCE: all)
VAL	Address	Not Available
	Verification

[0073]

PROCESS	TESTs	PURPOSE
TEST BEFORE FIRST BTN BILLING
VAL/Pre-bill	LEC CARE FEED	Determines if the ILEC owns the Acct. for billing
VAL/Pre-bill	Biz vs Res	Determines the commercial or consumer status for credit score
Example TESTs
PROCESS	TESTS	PURPOSE
VAL/Pre-bill	Threshold by Client	Determines whether the BTN has met a Client specific threshold
VAL/Pre-bill	LEC PROV feed	To determine if LEC owns Acct
VAL/Pre-bill	Credit Check	Credit header files check from Credit source
VAL/Pre-bill	New within 90 days	Determines if BTN is less than 90 days old; affects credit score

[0074] ON/OFFNET Family Tables (Billing Coverage)

[0075] The OFFNET table family contains OCN & NPA_NXX combinations where billing is not approved. If found, the BTN does not continue on the validation path.

[0076] The ONNET table determines if an NPA_NXX & OCN combination can be found among the billable combinations. In this case a match allows the BTN to move further on the validation path. A no match will return a failure.

[0077] The CLEC table consists of CLECs that the proprietor, or user of the system 10, does not have billing contracts with. This table is specific to the line number. Sources dictate the fields that will be present for the record. A match here is considered a fail and does not continue.

[0078] The 4250 Block table consists of specific line numbers that cannot be billed for 4250-01 record types. A match in this table stops the validation movement.

[0079] Bill Control Family Tables

[0080] The Unbills or unbillable table holds all the BTNs that have been sent to a subscribers' bill page but could not be placed on the bill page for various reasons. A match here halts the validation sequence for the subject BTN.

[0081] Block and cancel tables identify BTNs that have requested a permanent or a Client specific block for billing. A match sends a failed response.

[0082] Validation Cache is a table that holds responses in order not to process duplicates (e.g. Submit pressed 10 times). A match here will return the code stored from a previous request.

[0083] LIDB Family Tables

[0084] LIDB is a third party that supplies information to the phone line number level. The goal is to test and store as many relevant fields as can be requested in a transaction.

[0085] The LIDB Validity Table translates the LIDB code into a billable or non-billable response according to predefined business rules. A fail here will halt the validation for the request.

[0086] The State specific table is a conversion from a true OCN to a known State Specific OCN that is billable. A match here will trigger the conversion, the BTN continues in the validation process.

[0087] The transaction log is the history of each transaction request and response that is processed through the validation system.

[0088] The TPM indicates that an NPA is in the permissive dialing period. A match here appends the record with the updated number for a record update.

[0089] The ANI Watch has BTNs that have been given an adjustment for charges by the Client, proprietor or user of the system 10 or the Telco. This is to help the client determine the credit score for the BTN.

[0090] Unlike the conventional use of the LIDB database that uses the LIDB data to obtain information on a destination/termination or recipient location or subscriber unit, the system 10, in one exemplary embodiment, uses the industry standard LIDB database to obtain relevant information on the initiating subscriber line. The subscriber line reference data obtained from the LIDB database is then processed to generate modified validity codes, which provide a vendor with data to facilitate deciding whether or not a transaction should be processed. The LIDB/LNP database may be queried as if a collect call event is occurring and a call is thus mimicked. The processing of the transaction, in one exemplary embodiment, involves communicating the relevant transaction data to a folder of the subscriber with a relevant Telco. The method of, and system 10 for, validating the billing account associated with the subscriber line allows, for example, a subscriber line to be used to validate and conclude a transaction instead of using a conventional payment techniques such as a credit card, debit card, bank account details or the like.

[0091] A current industry-wide problem is the lack of ability of a service provider to identify when a line subscriber has switched his service to a CLEC since the service provider may not have an existing billing arrangement with such a CLEC and may also not have a source for the BNA to allow for a direct billing solution. LNP databases were originally established for the purpose of directing call routing activities among facilities-based carriers and most telephone numbers ported to a CLEC do not involve a facility change (i.e. the CLEC is simply reselling the incumbent LEC's facilities). This means that, for billing decision purposes, LNP queries may provide an incorrect response.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the LNP queries have been enhanced by analyzing and interpreting other field elements included within the query response. Specifically, certain values or, in some cases, the absence of certain values, in the Operating Company Number (“OCN”) and/or the Regional Accounting Office (“RAO”) fields, allows further accuracy in the validation response. While the definitions of the OCN and RAO field elements can be obtained from industry sources, their interpreted use in the validation process is unique to the present invention. Use of these additional data elements can improve the reliability of the validation event.

[0093] In addition, the present invention may include supplementing LNP results with CARE queries in LEC regions where LNP results are inadequate and CARE costs are not otherwise prohibitive based on the retail price of the underlying service. CARE may provide a reliable result on CLEC-ported numbers since its basic purpose is to provide subscriber account information (such as billing name and address). Once a number is ported to a CLEC, the incumbent LEC no longer has subscriber responsibility and will, therefore, return an “unavailable” response, even if the LEC's dial-tone facility is still being utilized. This negative response is then used to generate a “deny” status on the subscriber based on the current lack of CLEC billing support.

[0094] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention may supplement the validation process through the use of internal databases built from information gathered throughout the billing and collection process and process logic gleaned from previous billing experience.

[0095] It is important to appreciate that all of the operations in the method executed by the system 10 need not be executed in real-time. In one exemplary embodiment, after the approval code 000 has been generated by the system 10 at operation 134, the system 10 terminates its pre-validation check routine as shown at operation 136. At this point the system 10 may merely provide pre-validation data or verification data to indicate to the vendor 12 whether or not the subscriber line is billable. Thus the system 10 may, in a first interaction with the vendor 12 provide pre-validation data, and in a second interaction process billing information. During the processing of billing information the validation process may once again be executed. In certain embodiments, the first interaction may be in the form of a registration process during which the validation procedure is carried out to register a subscriber line. The vendor may then conduct numerous transactions with subscriber and subsequent validation checks on the subscriber line may then only be carried out on a periodic basis.

[0096] After the validation code has been sent to the vendor 12, and the pre-validation procedure has been completed, the system 10 then carries out the fraud checks on a non real-time basis (usually during the next 48 to 72 hours) as shown in operations 140 to 144. The information obtained during the fraud control check, if necessary, is used to update the various databases. In particular, after a BTN has been successfully validated but before a billing event takes place, the CARE investigation operations 140 to 144 may be executed. In the exemplary embodiment, the system 10 is arranged to interrogate off-site CARE databases and the results of the enquiry are stored in the CARE database 46. Checks on the data received from the CARE databases are then performed; whereafter one or more of the other databases may be updated with the results. For example, the CARE database may be updated with new within 90 days information, business indicator information, or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, CARE codes 2618 and 2619 indicate that the BNA is not available and that the LEC no longer owns the account.

[0097] The updating of the databases following the CARE investigation may allow enhanced future checks by the system 10 in a subsequent pre-validation procedure or subsequent registration validation event. The updated information may be provided to the vendor 12. However, if the BTN information returned from the CARE database does not meet predefined criteria, the other databases of the system 10 may not be updated.

[0098] In the embodiment described above, information on the subscriber line 17 is forwarded by the service provider or vendor 12 to the system 10 for validation. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the consumer or customer 11 may call the system 10 directly, as shown by line 150 in FIG. 5, and the ANI may then be obtained by the system 10 directly from the customer 11 and not indirectly from the vendor 12. Further subscriber line data, e.g. BTN, address of the customer 11 and so on, may then also be obtained directly from the customer 11. For example, the customer 11 may have appropriate software installed on his/her PC which allows the customer 11 to dial into the system 10 in an automated fashion should he/she wish to charge any requested goods or services to his/her subscriber account. The system 10 would then validate the subscriber line number 17 using the method described above. The system 10 then typically communicates a validation code (e.g. corresponding to approval or non-approval) to the vendor 12 as shown by line 152. The vendor 12 would then conclude the transaction with the customer 11 if the subscriber line has been validated.

[0099] The proprietor or user of the system 10 may function as a type of clearing house. In particular, the proprietor or user of the system 10 may be responsible or accountable for payment for the goods or services for each transaction to the service provider or vendor 12 and, in turn, receive payment from the Telco 13. As mentioned above, the system 10 may update the telephone bill or account of the subscriber in an automated fashion (see line 154) and the account that the subscriber or customer 11 receives (see FIG. 6 and line 156 in FIG. 5) includes the charges for the goods and/or services provided by the vendor 12. The customer 11 may pay the Telco 13 (see line 155), the Telco 13 may pay the system 10 (see line 156), and the system 10 may pay the vendor 12 (see line 160). It is important to appreciate that these payments need not take place at the same time. In one exemplary embodiment, the payments between the Telco and the system 10, and the system 10 and vendor 12, take place periodically in a batch fashion.

[0100] FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exemplary form of a computer system 600 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed above, may be executed.

[0101] The computer system 600 includes a processor 602, a main memory 604 and a static memory 606, which communicate with each other via a bus 608. The computer system 600 may further include a video display unit 610 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 600 also includes an alpha-numeric input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 614 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 616, a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device 620.

[0102] The disk drive unit 616 includes a machine-readable medium 622 on which is stored a set of instructions (software) 624 embodying any one, or all, of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software 624 is also shown to reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 604 and/or within the processor 602. The software 624 may further be transmitted or received via the network interface device 620. For the purposes of this specification, the term “machine-readable medium” shall be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a sequence of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to included, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic disks, and carrier wave signals.

[0103] Thus, a method and system to validate data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network have been described. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A method of providing validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the method including: obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the LIDB is a conventional LIDB used by a service provider.

3. The method of claim 2, which includes: analyzing the reference subscriber data to determine if the line data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN); and generating one of an approval and a decline status in response to the analysis.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the line data is an automatic number identification (ANI).

5. The method of claim 4, which includes interrogating the LIDB with the ANI to obtain the reference subscriber data associated with the line data.

6. The method of claim 5, which includes processing the validation data to determine whether the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account to which goods or services can be billed.

7. The method of claim 5, which includes processing the reference subscriber data received from the LIDB selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the reference subscriber data is in the form of LIDB codes.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the processing of the reference subscriber data includes generating a modified code from at least one LIDB code from a plurality of LIDB codes.

10. The method of claim 9, which includes generating a common modified code from the plurality of LIDB codes.

11. The method of claim 10, which includes arranging the modified codes into a billable group and a non-billable group.

12. The method of claim 4, which includes conducting fraud control checks on the account associated with the subscriber line.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fraud control checks include at least one of the operations selected from the group consisting of checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the line data, verifying a user entered ZIP code with ZIP data from a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with address data from an address data source, checking if an area code associated with the line data has changed, checking if the line data and a BTN match, and checking if one of the BTN and ANI are missing from the record.

14. The method of claim 1, which includes interrogating a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if so, generating one of a decline status and an approved status in response to the interrogation.

15. The method of claim 14, which includes interrogating with the line data at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database.

16. The method of claim 1, which includes: receiving the line data from a vendor of goods or services; and communicating one of a decline status and an approval status to the vendor in response to receiving the line data from the vendor.

17. The method of claim 16, which includes billing charges raised by the vendor to an account submitted by an exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.

18. A machine-readable medium for storing a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to: obtain line data of a subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); interrogate the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and process the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

19. A subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network, the system including a communication module to receive line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); an interrogation module for interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and a processor module for processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the LIDB is at least one conventional LIDB used by at least one service provider to investigate a destination line to which the subscriber line requests a connection.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the processor module is configured to analyze the reference subscriber data to determine if the data is associated with a billing telephone number (BTN) and to generate one of an approval and a decline status in response to the analysis.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the line data is an automatic number identification (ANI).

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the interrogation module is configured to interrogate the LIDB with the ANI to obtain the reference subscriber data associated with the line data.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the validation data is processed to determine whether the subscriber line is a billable line having an associated account to which goods or services can be billed.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the reference subscriber data is received from the LIDB and is processed selectively to approve a transaction requested via the subscriber line.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the reference subscriber data is in the form of conventional LIDB codes and the processor module generates a modified code from at least one LIDB code.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein a common modified code is generated from a plurality of different LIDB codes.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein a plurality of modified codes are generated and arranged in a billable group and a non-billable group.

29. The system of claim 22, wherein the processor module is configured to conduct at least one fraud control check selected from the group consisting of checking if adjustments have been made to the account associated with the line data, verifying a user entered ZIP code with a ZIP data source, verifying user entered address data with an address data source, checking if the area code associated with the ANI has changed, checking if the ANI and the BTN match, and checking if at least one of the BTN and ANI is missing from the record.

30. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor module is configured to interrogate a network database with the ANI to determine if the subscriber line is a billable subscriber line and, if so, generate one of a decline status and an approved status in response to the interrogation.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the network database includes at least one of a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) database, a 42 BLOCK database, a Block and Cancel database, an unpaid bills database, an off network database, an on network database, an address verification database, a regional account office (RAO) database, an operating company number (OCN) database, and a customer account record exchange (CARE) database.

32. The system of claim 19, wherein the communication module receives the line data from a vendor of goods or services and communicates at least a decline status to the vendor.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein charges raised by the vendor are included in an account submitted by an exchange carrier to a subscriber for use of the subscriber line.

34. A system to provide validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network, the system including means for obtaining line data of the subscriber line, the line data being suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB); means for interrogating the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data; and means for processing the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line.