Claims
- 1. An integrated prepaid cellular service and telephone unit, comprising:
a cellular transceiver; a storage unit; a processor; and a debit card interface.
- 2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said cellular transceiver is a GSM transceiver.
- 3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the cellular transceiver is a CDMA transceiver.
- 4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the cellular transceiver is a TDMA device.
- 5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the storage unit is a credit card-sized smart card.
- 6. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the storage unit is a SIM-type smart card.
- 7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the storage unit is integrated into the telephone unit.
- 8. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the debit/credit card interface is a magnetic card reader.
- 9. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the debit card interface is a smart card interface.
- 10. An integrated prepaid cellular service and telephone unit, comprising:
a cellular transceiver; a storage unit; a processor; and code for contacting a cellular provider, transmitting user debit/credit information, receiving a quantity of pre-paid cellular service units, storing the units, and allowing use of the cellular transceiver as long as said units does not equal zero.
- 11. The unit of claim 10, further including a debit/credit card interface.
- 12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the debit/credit card interface is a magnetic card reader.
- 13. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the debit card interface is a smart card interface.
- 14. A system for providing a communication service, comprising:
a communication transceiver, including a user debit storage apparatus, a memory and a processor; and a transaction system, communicating with the processor, providing a signal denoting authorization to access the communication service to the processor for a period of time responsive to the user debit storage apparatus, said period of time being stored in said memory.
- 15. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein said communication transceiver is a GSM transceiver.
- 16. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein the communication transceiver is a CDMA transceiver.
- 17. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein the communication transceiver is a TDMA device.
- 18. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein memory and processor are provided in a SIM-type smart card.
- 19. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein memory and processor are integrated into the transceiver.
- 20. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein the transceiver includes a magnetic card reader.
- 21. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein the transceiver includes a smart card interface.
- 22. A method for distributing pre-paid wireless service;
(A) receiving debit card information from a communication transceiver; (B) verifying user debit card information and authorizing a transaction; and (C) outputting a signal enabling operation of the communication transceiver for a period of time.
Parent Case Info
[0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/502,866, filed Feb. 11, 2000, now abandoned.
Continuations (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09502866 |
Feb 2000 |
US |
Child |
10313803 |
Dec 2002 |
US |