WO2011069551A1

WO2011069551A1 - Supporting collect calls

Info

Publication number: WO2011069551A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/066857
Authority: WO
Inventors: André DOLENC
Original assignee: Nokia Inc
Current assignee: Nokia Inc
Priority date: 2009-12-10
Filing date: 2009-12-10
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2012-06-10

Abstract

On the one hand, an apparatus detecting a message from another apparatus that is authorized to call collect may initiate a new call to the other apparatus. Stored information identifying other apparatuses that are authorized to call collect may be modified by an input via a user interface. On the other hand, an apparatus may cause a transmission of a message to another apparatus, which offers collect calls to the apparatus. After the transmission of the message, the apparatus may detect a call request from the other apparatus and accept the call request automatically without requesting a user confirmation. Stored information identifying other apparatuses that offer collect calls may be modified upon a received message requesting the modification. A network may cause a reverse charging for a connection upon detecting stored information on a collect call agreement between the involved devices, or upon recognizing a defined collect call signaling between the involved devices.

Description

Supporting collect calls

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention relates to the field of collect calls. BACKGROUND The total costs of ownership of a phone include the costs for the phone and in addition the running costs , that is, the phone bills. These total costs of ownership of a phone are too high for many people throughout the world. One option for enabling a person not able to afford the use of a phone is to have another person paying for exam le for a subscription with a network operator or for the costs of a prepaid mobile phone. Another option is a service provided by various

companies , and which is referred to as collect call or reverse charge call . With this service , the call is at the expense of the called party . Traditionally, the service was assisted by human operators. Nowadays, the service is usually computer-based . For a collect call , a caller calls a number that is free of charge , gives his/her name and a target number. The target number is then called to inquire with the answering person whether the call and the expense is to be accepted .

Another option is that a person not able to afford the use of a phone sends a short message of a short message service (SMS) to another person requesting a call . Another option is that a person not able to afford the use of phone calls another person and hangs up before the connection is established. In this case, the phone of the called party holds a missed call , which enables the called party to call back in an easy way.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

I .

For a first aspect of the invention, a method is

described, in which an apparatus detects a message from another apparatus . The apparatus further determines whether the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect . The apparatus further causes a notification of a user about a call request when the other apparatus is identified in the stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect . The

apparatus f rther initiates a new call to the other apparatus in case of a user input indicating acceptance of the call request .

For the first aspect , moreover a first apparatus is described, which comprises means for detecting a message from another apparatus . The apparatus further comprises means for determining whether the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect . The apparatus further comprises means for causing a notification of a user about a call request when the other apparatus is

identified in the stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect . The

apparatus further comprises means for initiating a new call to the other apparatus in case of a user input indicating acceptance o the call request .

For the first aspect , moreover a second apparatus is described, which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the actions of the method described for the first aspect .

For the first aspect , moreover a computer readable storage medium is described, in which computer program code is stored . The computer program code causes an apparatus to realize the actions of the method presented for the first aspect when executed by a processor.

It is to be understood that also the computer program code by itself has to be considered an embodiment of the invention .

Thus , certain embodiments of the first aspect provide that a collect call may be initiated automatically by an apparatus , in case the data of the calling party has previously been stored in the apparatus . This may have the effect that a collect call is very similar to a normal call for the user. Compared to operator based collect calls , such embodiments may also have the effect that the user does not have to decide spontaneously whether to accept a requested collect call, and that the user may see immediately who is calling if the phone number of the caller or a name associated to the phone number is presented . Compared to a personally agreed manual calling back, such embodiments may also have the effect that a user does not have to remember with each call whether such an agreement has been made and thus not to answer the call by mistake . In general , certain embodiments may be more convenient to a user than any known approach .

In one embodiment of the method described for the first aspect , the apparatus causes a notification of a user indicating that the call request is a collect call request and/or causes a generation of a ring tone indicating the initiated new call . In a corresponding embodiment of one of the described apparatuses , the program code with the processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function . In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed. The indication of a call collect may enable a user to decide on a call-by-call basis whether or not to accept the costs for the call. The generation of a ring tone may indicate to the user that an outgoing call is in

progress .

In one embodiment of the method, the apparatuses , the computer program code or the computer readable medium described for the first aspect , the message is a call request that is automatically rejected by the apparatus, or a short message having an at least partly

predetermined content . The use of a short message may have the effect that additional differentiation could be provided by defining different types of predetermined short messages . The use of a regular call request may have the effect that the implementation may be smoothly- integrated into the normal call procedures and that no costs will arise at the calling end, since the call request is not accepted in the first place . Further, unpredictable delays that may occur with short messages may be avoided .

In one embodiment of the method described for the first aspect , the apparatus detects an input via a user

interface requesting or consenting to a modification of the stored information . The apparatus further causes a modification of the stored information upon the detected input . In a corresponding embodiment of one of the described apparatuses , the program code with the

processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function . In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed . It is to be understood that the features of this embodiment by themselves could also be considered as an independent third aspect of the invention.

Thus , certain embodiments of the invention provide that a user of an apparatus determines beforehand which other apparatuses may request a collect call by causing an identification of these apparatuses to be stored. Such embodiments may have the effect that the user of an apparatus offering collect calls has the control over which apparatuses are eligible for collect calls, and that the user may decide at leisure the data of which other apparatuses are to be included or not . Such actions may be required at some point of time in order to identify another apparatus in the stored

information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect . It is to be understood, however, that the stored information may be obtained in some other way as well .

In one embodiment of the method described for the first aspect , the apparatus causes , in the case of at least one kind of modification, in addition a transmission of a message to another apparatus to which the modification relates , the message requesting a modification of

information stored in the other apparatus . In a

corresponding embodiment of one of the described

apparatuses , the program code with the processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function. In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed. The at least one modification at the apparatus could include for instance adding or deleting the other apparatus to/from stored information indicating the other apparatus to be another apparatus allowed to reques collect calls . The

modification requested in the message could then be for instance a request to add or delete stored information in the other apparatus that the apparatus offers collect calls . Such an embodiment may have the effect that the

information stored at one apparatus is harmonized

automatically with the information stored at the other apparatus . This may have the effect that a user of the other apparatus knows immediately when the user of an apparatus has configured the apparatus to accept collect calls , or that a user of another apparatus knows as well immediately when the user of an apparatus has configured the apparatus to stop accepting collect calls .

II .

For a second aspect of the invention, a method is

described, in which an apparatus causes a transmission of a message to another apparatus , wherein the other

apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus . The apparatus further detects after the transmission of the message a call request from the other apparatus . The apparatus further accepts the call request automatically without requesting a user confirmation .

For the second aspect , moreover a first apparatus is described, which comprises means for causing a

transmission of a message to another apparatus , wherein the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus . The apparatus further comprises means for detecting after the transmission of the message a call request from the other apparatus . The apparatus further comprises means for accepting the call request

automatically without requesting a user confirmation .

For the second aspect , moreover a second apparatus is described, which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the actions of the method presented for the second aspect .

For the second aspect , moreover a computer readable storage medium is described, in which compu er program code is stored. The computer program code causes an apparatus to realize the actions of the method presented for the second aspect when executed by a processor. It is to be understood that also the computer program code by itself has to be considered an embodiment of the invention .

Thus, certain embodiments of the second aspect provide that a call from another apparatus is accepted

automatically, if it is preceded by a predetermined message to an apparatus offering collect calls. Such embodiments may have the effect that there is essentially no difference to a user between initiating a regular call and requesting a collect call. It may be less burdensome than providing information to an operator of an operator based collect call system . It may also be less burdensome than sending a short message requesting a call back or calling a person, hanging up quickly and waiting for a previously agreed call back .

In one embodiment of the method described for the second aspect , the apparatus further causes a presentation of an indication of an outgoing call between the transmission of the message and the accepting of the call request .

Alternatively, the apparatus may cause a presentation of an indication of an outgoing collect call between the transmission of the message and the accepting of the call request . In a corresponding embodiment of one of the described apparatuses, the program code with the

processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function . In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed.

Such an embodiment may have the effect that the user experience is particularly similar to the user experience during a regular call .

In one embodiment of the method described for the second aspect , the apparatus further detects receipt of a message, the message comprising a request to modify the stored information. The apparatus further causes a modification of the stored information according to the received message. In a corresponding embodiment of one of the described apparatuses , the program code with the processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function. In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed. It is to be understood that the features of this embodiment by themselves could also be considered as an independent fourth aspect of the invention .

Thus , certain embodiments of the invention provide that information on apparatuses offering collect calls can be updated automatically at an apparatus that is willing to request collect calls . This may have the effect that the information has to be input only by the user of one of the apparatuses . This may have further the effect that a user of an apparatus knows immediately when a call collect may be placed and also when it should not be placed anymore because it may not be recognized as such at another apparatus . Such actions may be required at some point of time in order to identify another apparatus in the stored

information to be another apparatus that offers collect calls . It is to be understood, however, that the stored information may be obtained in some other way as well . It could be input for example by a user of the apparatus .

In one embodiment of the method described for the second aspect , the apparatus further prevents any input via a user interface of the apparatus or of a device comprising the apparatus from identifying an additional apparatus to offer collect calls in the stored information . In a corresponding embodiment of one of the described

apparatuses , the program code with the processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function. In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed . Such an embodiment may have the effect that it is prevented that erroneous information is stored at an apparatus and that thus costs may be avoided by calls to another apparatus that may not accept the call as a call collect but only as a regular call .

For a fifth aspect of the invention, a method is

described, in which an apparatus determines upon a call request of a first device to a second device whether stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device . The apparatus further causes a

charging of a connection to the second device , in case stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device and the connection is established upon acceptance of the call request by the second device .

For the fifth aspect , moreover a first apparatus is described, which comprises means for determining upon a call reques of a first device to a second device whether stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device . The apparatus further comprises means for causing a charging of a connection to the second device , in case stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device and the connection is established upon acceptance of the call request by the second device .

For the fifth aspect , moreover a second apparatus is described, which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the actions of the method presented for the fifth aspect .

For the fifth aspect, moreover a computer readable storage medium is described, in which computer program code is stored. The computer program code causes an apparatus to realize the actions of the method presented for the fif h aspect when executed by a processor .

It is to be understood that also the computer program code by itself has to be considered an embodiment of the invention.

Thus , certain embodiments of the invention provide that stored information is used for deciding automatically whether a reverse charging is used for a requested call . This may have the effect that a collect call may be established with little delay and with the same number of exchanged messages between the involved devices as a normal call.

In one embodiment of the method described for the fifth aspect, the apparatus further detects information in a message transmitted from the second device to the first device , the information authorizing the first device to request collect calls from the second device . The

apparatus may then further cause a storing of an

indication of the authorization . In a corresponding embodiment of one of the described apparatuses , the program code with the processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function . In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed .

Such an embodiment may have the effect that also in the approach of the fifth aspect the involved parties may agree among themselves whether collect calls are allowed. In one embodiment of the method described for the fifth aspect , the apparatus further generates a message

indicating a support of collect calls that are requested by the first device from the second device and causes a transmission of the message at least to the second device. In a corresponding embodiment of one of the described apparatuses , the program code with the

processor or some other means are configured to realize a corresponding function. In a corresponding embodiment of the described computer program code and the described computer readable storage medium, the code may be defined to cause a corresponding action when executed.

Such an embodiment may have the effect that a user of the second device can be notified about the storage of collect call information at an external device , for example at a server . Further , if the second device is implemented to support several approaches for offering collect calls , it may select an appropriate approach upon receipt of the message . Further, the message may be used for providing additional information to the second device or its user . For instance , collect calls may be supported only in certain situations , for instance while the second device is not roaming, while the first device is not roaming and/or while none of the devices is roaming.

A system according to the fifth aspect could comprise one of the described apparatuses and in addition the first device and/or the second device .

IV.

For a sixth aspect of the invention, a method is

described, in which an apparatus detects a message from a first device to a second device, the message corresponding to a signaling defined specifically for requesting a collect call . The apparatus further causes a charging of a connection to the second device, in case the connection is established upon acceptance of the requested collect call by the second device .

For the sixth aspect of the invention, moreover a first apparatus is described, which comprises means for

detecting a message from a first device to a second device , the message corresponding to a signaling defined specifically for requesting a collect call . The apparatus further comprises means for causing a charging of a connection to the second device, in case the connection is established upon acceptance of the requested collect call by the second device .

For the sixth aspect , moreover a second apparatus is described, which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the actions of the method presented for the. sixth aspect .

For the sixth aspect , moreover a computer readable storage medium is described, in which computer program code is stored . The computer program code causes an apparatus to realize the actions of the method presented for the sixth aspect when executed by a processor .

It is to be understood that also the computer program code by itself has to be considered an embodiment of the invention . Thus , certain embodiments of the invention provide that a special signaling is defined for requesting a collect call . When such a signaling is detected, the requested connection can be established as a normal connection, for which the charging is reversed . The special signaling could be defined for example in addition to a signaling for normal calls in an enhanced cellular protocol , or in any other enhanced communication protocol .

The use of a special signaling may have the effect that a collect call may be established with little delay and with the same number of exchanged messages between the involved devices as a normal call .

The use of a special signaling may further have the effect that a collect call can be realized in an ad-hoc manner between two devices without preceding agreement between the parties using the devices . This could be the case , for instance , if the device of the called party is able to recognize that the signaling is a special signaling and to inform the party accordingly . A further effect could be that updating and accessing a database is not needed. Alternatively, it could be ensured that only previously authorized parties may successfully use a signaling that has been specified for requesting a collect call . Corresponding information could be stored in a network or in an associated server, for instance in line with the fifth aspect . Corresponding information could also be stored at least at one of the involved devices . A system according to the sixth aspect could comprise one of the described apparatuses and in addition the first device and/or the second device . The first and/or second device could be or comprise an apparatus with means for generating and transmitting a dedicated signaling for requesting collect calls and/or with means for receiving and recognizing a dedicated signaling that is used by another device for requesting a collect call .

V.

A person may be willing to pay for calls received from another person, but not for the entire subscription of the other person .

Certain embodiments of all aspects may thus be used for supporting a peer-to-peer collect call agreed beforehand by the relevant parties. That is , a collect call can take place independently of an operator and in line with the current user experience of a normal call . The user experience may be considered much better, for example, than with sending or receiving a short message stating "Please call me back when you have time". The user experience may equally be considered better, for example , tha with calling and hanging up again at the callers end, and with receiving a call from a certain number, remembering a preceding agreement not to answer, waiting for the call to end and calling back at the called end.

Embodiments of the first and third aspect could be used at a sponsor' s apparatus, a sponsor being a person agreeing to take over the costs for calls by a sponsored party .

Embodiments of the second and fourth aspect could be used at the apparatus of a sponsored party .

Embodiments of the fifth and sixth aspect could be used in a network connecting the apparatuses of a sponsor and of a sponsored party, or at an apparatus that is

connected to such a network .

A sponsored party could be a very financially constrained consumer (VFCC) , who needs sponsors for his/her phone bills in order to be able to use a phone at all . A typical use case could be families, in which parents are willing to pay for collect calls requested by their children . Embodiments of the invention could also be used for reducing the total cost of ownership of other persons who have family members and/or friends who are willing to help . Such peer-to-peer collect calls could also be offered for various other reasons , though . It could be offered for instance as a service by some companies to their clients , when a general free of charge number is not desired. On the other hand, collect calls could be requested by some service provider, like a babysitter, for requested calls, in order to be able to keep the general service fee low .

An apparatus that offers collect calls or an apparatus that is allowed to request collect calls could be

identified in stored information by a phone number, but equally by any other piece of information that could be suited for identifying an apparatus . The described means of any of the presented apparatuses can be implemented in hardware and/or software. They may comprise for instance a processor for executing computer program code for realizing the required functions, a memory storing the program code , or both . Alternatively, they could comprise for instance a circuit that is designed to realize the required functions , for instance implemented in a chipset or a chip, like an integrated

Any of the described apparatuses may comprise only the components indicated for a particular embodiment or one or more additional components . Exemplary additional components for the first to fourth aspect comprise a memory configured to store information identifying an apparatus to be an apparatus that is authorized to call collect or other means for storing information

identifying an apparatus to be an apparatus that is authorized to call collect ; a memory configured to store information identifying another apparatus to be another apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus or other means for storing information identifying another apparatus to be another apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus a user interface configured to receive a user input or other means for receiving a user input ; a user interface configured to present a display or other means for presenting a display; a user interface configured to notify a user about a call request or other means for notifying a user about a call request ; a user interface configured to play a ring tone or other means for playing a ring tone ; a communication interface configured to receive a message from another device or other means for receiving a message from another device ; a communication interface configured to establish a new call or other means for establishing a new call ; a communication interface configured to transmit a message to another device or other means for transmitting a message to another device ; and/or a communication

interface configured to receive a call request from another device or other means for receiving a call request from another device . Exemplary additional

components for the fifth and sixth aspect may comprise a communication interface to network elements of a network, a memory configured to store information which indicates that a device authorizes another device to request collect calls , or other means for storing such

information . Any of the described apparatuses may be a module or component for a device , for example a chip or an

integrated circuit. Alternatively , any of the described apparatuses may be a device . Examples of devices for the first to fourth aspects_. are a mobile or stationary phone , another mobile communication device , or any other device enabling the establishment of a call to another device . Examples of devices for the fifth and sixth aspect are a server or another network element of a network enabling a connection between devices , like a mobile switching center, or a server that is connected to such a network .

Any of the described computer readable storage mediums could be for example a disk or a memory or the like . The computer program code could be stored in the computer readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium . The computer readable storage medium may be intended for taking part in the operation of a device , like an

internal or external hard disk of a computer, or be intended for distribution of the program code, like an optical disc .

In one embodiment, any of the described methods may be an information providing method, and any of the described first apparatuses may be an information providing

apparatus . In one embodiment , the means of the described first apparatuses may be processing means . In certain embodiments of the described methods , the methods are methods for supporting a collect call . In certain embodiments of the described apparatuses , the apparatuses are apparatuses for supporting a collect call .

Finally, a system is described, which comprises on the one hand any apparatus presented for the first and/or third aspect and on the other hand any apparatus

presented for the second and/or fourth aspect .

It is to be understood that any feature presented for a particular exemplary embodiment may also be used in combination with any other described exemplary embodiment of any category .

Further, it is to be understood that the presentation of the invention in this section is merely exemplary and non- limiting. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description

considered in conj unction with the accompanying drawings . It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims . It should be further understood that the drawings are mere intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus supporting a configuration of a device for offering collect

C3._L1S _/

is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method supporting a configuration of a device for offering collect calls ; is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus supporting a configuration of a device for requesting collect calls ; and

is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method supporting a configuration of a device for requesting collect calls ; is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus supporting the handling of requested collect calls ;

is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method supporting the handling of requested collect calls ;

is a schematic block diagram of an exem lary embodiment of an apparatus supporting a requesting of collect calls

is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method supporting a requesting of collect calls; Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary- embodiment of a system supporting collect calls ;

Fig . 10 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary

embodiments of methods supporting a configuration of devices for handling collect calls in the system of Figure 9 ;

Fig . 11 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary

embodiments of methods handling collect calls at devices in the system of Figure 9;

Fig . 12 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary

server supporting collect calls ;

Fig . 13 comprises flow charts illustrating exemplary

embodiments of methods suppor ing collect calls in a network ;

Fig . 14 is a flow chart illustrating a further exemplary embodiment of a method supporting collect calls in a network;

Fig . 15 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary

embodiment of a system suppor ing collect calls; and

Fig . 16 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary

embodiment of a method in the system of Figure 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figures 1 to 8 present separate embodiments for the first to fourth aspect of the invention .

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for the mentioned third aspect . The apparatus allows configuring a device which offers collect calls. Apparatus and device may be identical or the apparatus may be component of the device .

In the embodiment, an apparatus 100 comprises a processor 101 and a memory 102. Memory 102 stores computer program code for configuring a device offering collect calls . In addition, memory 102 may store computer program code implemented to realize other functions, as well as any kind of other data . Processor 101 is configured to execute computer program code stored in memory 102 in order to cause the apparatus to perform desired actions . Processor 101 comprises an interface to a user interface . The user interface may be internal or external to

apparatus 100. In the latter case, apparatus 100 and user interface may be components of the same device. In addition, processor 101 may have various other

interfaces, for instance an interface to a further memory, an interface to a communication interface , an interface to another processor, etc.

An operation of apparatus 100 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 2. The operation is an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the mentioned third aspect . Processor 101 and the program code stored in memory 102 cause apparatus 100 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from, memory 102 and executed by processor 101.

A memory stores information identifying other apparatuses that are authorized to call collect. The memory may be any memory that can be accessed by processor 101 , for example memory 102 or another memory of apparatus 100 or a memory external to apparatus 100. Apparatus 10 0 monitors whether there is a user input via the user interface , which requests or consents to a modification of stored information identifying other apparatuses that are authorized to call collect (action 11 JL ) _*

Only in case the apparatus detects such a request or consent , the apparatus modifies the stored information (action 1 12 ) . Modification may mean adding an entry for another apparatus , deleting an entry for another

apparatus or changing an existing entry for another apparatus .

Requests to modify the stored information that are not received via the user interface may either not be enabled in the first place, or they may be presented to a user, who may then consent to the request or reject the

request . Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for the mentioned fourth aspect . The apparatus allows configuring a device , which may be used for requesting collect calls . Apparatus and device may be identical or the apparatus may be component of the device .

In the embodiment , an apparatus 2 0 0 comprises a processor 2 0 1 and a memory 2 0 2. Memory 2 02 stores computer program code for configuring a device requesting collect calls . In addition, memory 2 02 may store computer program code implemented to realize other functions , as well as any kind of other data . Processor 2 0 1 is configured to execute computer program code stored in memory 2 02 in order to cause the apparatus to perform desired actions . Processor 201 comprises interfaces to a communication interface and to a user interface . Communication

interface and user interface may be internal or external to apparatus 200. In the latter case, apparatus 200 , communication interface and user interface may be

components of the same device . In addition, processor 201 may have various other interfaces , for instance an interface to a further memory, an interface to another processor, etc .

An operation of apparatus 200 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 4. The operation is an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the mentioned fourth aspect . Processor 201 and the program code stored in memory 202 cause apparatus 200 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 202 and executed by processor 201.

A memory stores information identifying other apparatuses that have authorized collect calls . The memory may be any memory that can be accessed by processor 201 , for example memory 202 or another memory of apparatus 200 or a memory external to apparatus 200. Apparatus 200 detects a received message , which requests a modification of the stored information (action 211) . The message may originate from the other apparatus or from a trusted service and be received via the

communication interface .

Only in case apparatus 200 receives such a message , apparatus 200 modifies the stored information (action 212 ) . Modification may mean adding an entry for another apparatus , deleting an entry for another apparatus or modifying an existing entry for another apparatus that offers collect calls.

A request by a user of apparatus 200 to add an entry or to modify an existing entry may not be enabled in the first place or may be rej ected . A user may be enabled, though, to request via the user interface to delete an existing entry or to set the status of an entry for another device from sponsor to no sponsor .

Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for the mentioned first aspect. The apparatus supports the handling of requested collect calls .

In the embodiment , an apparatus 300 comprises a processor 301 and a memory 302. Memory 302 stores computer program code for handling requested collect calls . In addition, memory 302 may store computer program code implemented to realize other functions , as well as any kind of other data . Processor 301 is configured to execute computer program code stored in memory 302 in order to cause the apparatus to perform desired actions . Processor 301 comprises interfaces to a communication interface and to a user interface . Communication interface and user interface may be internal or external to apparatus 300. In the latter case , apparatus 300 , communication

interface and user interface may be components of the same device . In addition, the processor 301 may have various other interfaces , for instance an interface to a further memory , an interface to another processor, etc .

An operation of apparatus 300 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 6. The operation is an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the mentioned first aspect. Processor 301 and the program code stored in memory 302 cause apparatus 300 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 302 and executed by processor 301.

A memory stores information identifying other apparatuses that are authorized to call collect . The memory can be any memory that can be accessed by processor 301, for example memory 302 or another memory of apparatus 300 or a memory external to apparatus 300. The information in the memory could be added, deleted and modified by apparatus 100 of Figure 1 or by any other means . Apparatus 300 detects a message from another apparatus (action 311) .

Apparatus 300 then determines whether the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be an apparatus that is authorized to call collect (action 312) . If this is not the case , the detected message may be handled in a conventional manner.

In case the other apparatus is identified to be an apparatus that is authorized to call collect , in

contrast , the apparatus notifies a user about a call request via the user interface (action 313) .

The user may accept or rej ect the call request via the user interface .

In case the user accepts the call request (action 314 ) , apparatus 300 initiates a new call to the other apparatus (action 315 ) . Otherwise, some other handling is performed.

If the memory storing the collect call information is updated by apparatus 100 of Figure 1, apparatus 300 could be identical to apparatus 100 or be a separate apparatus . Furthermore, processor 301 could be identical to

processor 101 or a separate processor . Moreover, memory 302 could be identical to memory 102 or an additional memory.

Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for the mentioned second aspect . The apparatus supports requesting collect calls .

In the embodiment , an apparatus 400 comprises a processor 401 and a memory 402. Memory 402 stores computer program code for handling a requesting of collect calls . In addition, memory 402 may store computer program code implemented to realize other functions , as well as any kind of other data . Processor 401 is configured to execute computer program code stored in memory 402 in order to cause the apparatus to perform desired actions . Processor 401 comprises interfaces to a communication interface and to a user interface . Communication

interface and user interface may be internal or external to apparatus 400. In the latter case , apparatus 400 , communication interface and user interface may be

components of the same device . In addition, processor 401 may have various other interfaces , for instance an interface to a further memory, an interface to another processor, etc . An operation of apparatus 400 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 8. The operation is an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the mentioned second aspect . Processor 401 and the program code stored in memory 402 cause apparatus 400 to perform the opera ion when the program code is retrieved from memory 402 and executed by processor 401.

A memory stores information identifying other apparatuses that have authorized collect calls . The memory may be any memory that can be accessed by processor 401, for example memory 402 or another memory of apparatus 400 or a memory external to apparatus 400. The information in the memory could be added, deleted and modified by apparatus 200 of Figure 3 or by any other means .

Apparatus 400 transmits a message to another apparatus, which is identified by the stored information to offer collect calls to apparatus 400 (action 411) .

After the transmission of the message, apparatus 400 detects a call request from the other apparatus (action 412) . If such a call request is detected, apparatus 400 accepts the call request automatically without requesting a user confirmation (action 413 ) .

If the memory storing collect call information is updated by apparatus 200 of Figure 3, apparatus 400 could be identical to apparatus 200 or be a separate apparatus . Furthermore, processor 401 could be identical to

processor 201 or a separate processor . Moreover, memory 402 could be identical to memory 202 or an additional memory .

Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system combining the mentioned first , second, third and fourth aspect .

The system 700 comprises a first mobile phone 500 as a sponsor phone and a second mobile phone 600 as a

sponsored phone .

Sponsor phone 500 comprises a processor 501. Processor 501 is linked to a first memory 502 , to a second memory 503 , to a user interface 504 and to a communication interface 505.

Processor 501 is configured to execute computer program code, including computer program code stored in memory 502 , in order to cause mobile phone 500 to perform desired actions .

Memory 502 stores computer program code for handling collect calls by other de ices . The computer program code may comprise for example similar program code as memory 102 and memory 302. The program code could belong for instance to a special application for handling collect calls. In addition, memory 502 may store computer program code implemented to realize other functions , as well as any kind of other data . Processor 501 and memory 502 may optionally belong to a chip or an integrated circuit 509, which may comprise in addition various other components , for instance a further processor or memory or a part of communication interface 505 , etc . Memory 503 stores data which can be accessed by processor 501. The data comprises information identifying other mobile phones that are allowed to call collect . The information may be stored as a list of sponsored phones that is provided specifically for this purpose .

Alternatively, it may be stored as flags o tags to entries of an existing list of contact data, like entries of a phone book . Memory 503 may be for example a

subscriber identity module (SIM) card or an integrated memory of sponsor phone 500.

User interface 504 comprises components enabling a user input and components for providing an output to a user . User interface 504 may comprise for instance a keyboard, a display, a touchscreen, a microphone , speakers , etc .

Communication interface 505 is a component which enables sponsor phone 500 to communicate with other devices , like mobile phone 600 , via a network 701. Communication interface 505 could comprise for instance a transceiver enabling an access to a cellular communication network. Communication interface 505 could also comprise a TC/IP socket .

Component 509 or mobile phone 500 could correspond to an apparatus according to the mentioned first and third aspect . Mobile phone 600 may equally comprise a processor 601 that is linked to a memory 602 , a memory 603, a user interface 604 and a communication interface 605. Processor 601 is configured to execute computer program code , including computer program code stored in memory 602, in order to cause mobile phone 600 to perform

Memory 602 stores computer program code for supporting the request of collect calls by mobile phone 600. The computer program code may comprise for exam le similar program code as memory 202 and memory 402. The program code could belong for instance to a special application for handling collect calls . In addition, memory 602 may store computer program code implemented to realize other functions , as well as any kind of other data . Processor 601 and memory 602 may optionally belong to a chip or an integrated circuit 609, which may comprise in addition various other components , for instance a further processor or memory . Memory 603 stores data which can be accessed by processor 601. The data comprises information identifying other mobile phones that offer collect calls to mobile phone 600. The information may be stored as a list of sponsors that is provided specifically for this purpose .

Alternatively, it may be stored as flags or tags to entries of an existing list of contact data, like entries of a phone book. Memory 603 may be for example a SIM card or an integrated memory of mobile phone 600. User interface 604 comprises components enabling a user input and components for providing an output to a user . User interface 604 may comprise for instance a keyboard, a display, a touchscreen, a microphone , speakers , etc . Communication interface 605 is a component which enables sponsored phone 600 to communicate with other devices , like mobile phone 500 , via a network 701. Communication interface 605 could comprise for instance a transceiver enabling an access to a cellular communication network . Communication interface 605 could also comprise a TC/IP socket .

Component 609 or mobile phone 600 could correspond to an apparatus according to the mentioned second and fourth aspect .

Instead of a mobile phone , the devices 500 and 600 could also be any other kind of device supporting a call with other devices, for instance a stationary phone or a laptop .

An operation in system 700 for configuring mobile phones 500 and 600 such that mobile phone 500 may act as a sponsor for mobile phone 600 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 10.

Operations at sponsor phone 500 are presented on the left hand side of Figure 10. Processor 501 and the program code stored in memory 502 cause sponsor phone 500 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 502 and executed by processor 501. Operations at sponsored phone 600 are presented on the right hand side of Figure 10. Processor 601 and the program code stored in memory 602 cause sponsored phone 600 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 602 and executed by processor 601.

When a user of sponsor phone 500 requests via user interface 504 to add a contact to a list of sponsored contacts , sponsor phone 500 adds a phone number and an associated name to a special list of sponsored contacts stored in memory 503. If the name is already included in the special list with another phone number, the new phone number could be added as a secondary number to the same entry . Alternatively, sponsor phone 500 could add an entry with the phone number and an associated name to a regular contact data base and add a flag indicating that the contact is a sponsored contact . If the contact is already stored as an entry in the general contact data base , sponsor phone 500 could simply add a flag to the existing entry . (action 511) Thus , the list of sponsored phones is controlled by the sponsors .

In addition, mobile phone 500 automatically generates, encrypts and encodes a message that is transmitted by communication interface 505 via network 701 to sponsored phone 600. The message could be for instance a short message of a short message service or a WAP push message . The message authorizes sponsored phone 600 to add the phone number of sponsor phone 500 to a list of sponsors . A direct transmission between phones 500 and 600 could be used in particular , though not exclusively , in case both devices have a fixed IP address , and the data is

exchanged using a secure TC/IP socket to transfer the data from sponsor phone 500 to sponsored phone 600.

Alternatively, sponsor phone 500 could request a trusted service to provide the indicated message to sponsored phone 600. (action 512)

Sponsored phone 600 receives the message via

communication interface 605 and decodes and decrypts The phone number of sponsor phone 500 is associated the message either as the sender or included as separate information in the message . Sponsored phone 600 adds the phone number of sponsor phone 500 and an associated name to a special sponsor list . If the name is already

included in the sponsor list with another phone number, the new phone number could be added as a second number to the same entry . Alternatively, sponsored phone 600 could add an entry with the phone number and an associated name to a regular contact data base and add a flag indicating that the contact is a sponsor . If the contact is already stored as an entry in the general contact data base , sponsored phone 600 could simply add a flag to the existing entry . (action 611) The implementation of sponsored phone 600 does not enable any user input via user interface 604 for adding a phone number to the sponsor list or for adding a corresponding flag to a contact data base entry. Thus , the list of sponsors is controlled by the sponsors . However, the user of mobile phone 600 could be enabled to request the agreement on a sponsoring (not shown) . To this end, mobile phone 600 could provide a specific user interface enabling a user to request permission from a potential sponsor to make collect calls. When the message arrives for example at mobile phone 500 and the request is presented to a user of mobile phone 500 , the user of mobile phone 500 may then accept the request and thereby automatically initiate the process of actions 511 , 512 and 611 described above or rej ect the request . In the case of a rej ection, a message indicating rej ection could be generated automatically and caused to be transmitted to mobile phone 600 , where it may be presented to a user . It is to be understood that a user of mobile phone 600 could also send an individually generated request to the user of mobile phone 500, and the user of mobile phone 500 may then decide whether or not to initiate the process of actions 511, 512 and 611. Further, the adding of a phone number to the sponsor list or the adding of a corresponding flag to a contact data base entry could be blocked by the implementation of sponsored phone 600 and/or sponsor phone 500 in case sponsor phone 500 and sponsored phone 600 are subscribing to different network operators . Such a feature may be provided for instance when the operator desires to influence product specifica ions due to business reasons , and the implementation in given products is modified to satisfy such operator requirements.

Once memories 503 and 603 have been updated, sponsored phone 600 can call sponsor phone 500 free of charge , unless there are roaming charges . The sponsoring agreement may or may not include

restrictions . If there are no restrictions , the agreement may be valid until it is terminated. If there is a restriction, the restriction could be stored along with the information on sponsored phone 600 at sponsor phone 500 and/or along with the information on sponsor phone 500 at sponsored phone 600 , respectively. A possible restriction could be that the agreement is only valid for a single call . Once this call has been carried out , the stored information could be deleted automatically, or its use for collect calls could be disabled. Another possible restriction could be that collect calls are allowed until a given date . Once this date has been reached, the stored information could be deleted automatically, or its use for collect calls could be disabled . Another possible restriction could be that collect calls are not accepted when roaming to avoid roaming fees . In this case , a possible roaming state of sponsor phone 500 and/or sponsored phone 600 is checked automa ically upon request of a collect call . Another possible restriction could be that collect calls are accepted for a particular type of call only, for instance for voice calls only or for video calls only, etc . A restriction to voice calls could limit for example the expenses of the sponsor . Any restriction could be requested by sponsor phone 500 in the message which authorizing sponsored phone 600 to add the phone number of sponsor phone 500 to the list of sponsors .

Restrictions could be selected and/or specified by a user of sponsor phone 500 via user interface 504.

The agreement can be terminated at any time by one of the involved parties.

When a user of sponsor phone 500 requests via user interface 504 to delete a contact from a list of

sponsored contacts , sponsor phone 500 deletes a phone number or the entire entry with a phone number and an associated name from the list of sponsored contacts stored in memory 503. Alternatively, sponsor phone 500 could remove a flag from a contact data base entry comprising the phone number . (action 521)

In addition, mobile phone 500 generates , encrypts and encodes automatically a message that is transmitted by communication interface 505 via network 701 to sponsored phone 600. The message could be again for instance a short message of a short message service or a WAP push message . The message requests sponsored phone 600 to remove the phone number of sponsor phone 500 from the list of sponsors . Alternatively, sponsor phone 500 could request a trusted service to provide such a message to sponsored phone 600. (action 522 ) Sponsored phone 600 receives the message via

communication interface 605 and decodes and decrypts it . Sponsored phone 600 removes the phone number of sponsor phone 500 or the entire entry with phone number and associated name from the sponsor list . Alternati ely, sponsored phone 600 could remove a flag from a contact data base entry that comprises the phone number of the sponsor phone . (action 621)

A user of sponsored phone 600 is only allowed to revoke its own privileges .

If a user of sponsored phone 600 requests via user interface 604 a removal of a contact from a sponsor list , sponsored phone 600 may remove the phone number of sponsor phone 500 or the entire entry with phone number and associated information from the sponsor list .

Alternati ely , sponsored phone 600 could remove a flag from a contact data base entry that comprises the phone number of the sponsor phone . In addition, sponsored phone 600 may automatically generate , encrypt and encode a message that is transmitted via communication interface 605 and network 701 to sponsor phone 500. The message could be for instance again a short message of a short message service or a WAP push message. The message requests sponsor phone 500 to remove the phone number of sponsored phone 600 from the list of sponsored phones. Alternatively, sponsored phone 600 could request a trusted service to provide such a message to sponsor phone 500. (action 631) Sponsor phone 500 receives the message via communication interface 505 and decodes and decrypts it . Sponsor phone 500 automatically removes the phone number of sponsored phone 600 or the entire entry with phone number and associated information from the list of sponsored phones . Alternatively, sponsor phone 500 could remove a flag from a contact data base entry that comprises the phone number of sponsored phone 500. (action 531)

Once the agreement between phones 500 and 600 is

terminated, the call handling in both phones reverts to a. standard call handling . An operation for carrying out a collect call in the system of Figure 9 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 11.

Operations at mobile phone 500 are presented on the left hand side of Figure 11. Processor 501 and the program code stored in memory 502 cause mobile phone 500 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 502 and executed by processor 501. Operations at mobile phone 600 are presented on the right hand side of Figure 11. Processor 601 and the program code stored in memory 602 cause mobile phone 600 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 602 and executed by processor 601. For requesting a collect call , a user of sponsored phone 600 may request a display of a list of sponsors . If sponsored phone 600 enables only collect calls , a list of sponsors is displayed . If sponsored phone 600 enables normal calls and collect calls, but maintains a separate list for sponsors, a list of sponsors is displayed. If the sponsored phone 600 enables normal calls and collect calls and marks the phone number and name of sponsors by flags in a normal contact data base , the entries of the normal contact data base may be displayed, with the sponsors marked in some way . They could be presented with a different background or with a preceding "S" for

"Sponsor" , etc . (action 631 ) The user selects thereupon the displayed sponsor of sponsor phone 500.

The sponsored phone 600 now displays options, including for instance call and cancel . (action 632 )

The user may now select the call option, and the

sponsored phone 600 initiates the collect call by sending a message to sponsor phone 500. (action 633) The message may be a conventional call request . Alternatively, it could be an automatically generated, predetermined short message .

Sponsor phone 600 then presents a usual display for an outgoing call to the user via user interface 604 , optionally with an indication that it is a collect call that has been requested. In addition, it plays a calling ring tone to the user via user interface 604. (action 634) In addition, sponsored phone 600 starts and monitors a t mer . (action 635)

Sponsor phone 500 detects the call request or the short message (action 531) and plays an incoming call ring tone to the user via user interface 504 (action 532) .

Moreover, sponsor phone 500 determines whether the sender of the message is listed in a stored list of sponsored phones in memory 503 (action 533 ) .

If the sender is not listed in the list of sponsored phones , a normal handling of call request or short message is carried out .

If the sender is listed in the list of sponsored phones and the message transmitted by sponsored phone 600 was a call request, the call request is rej ected automatically . (action 534 ) The automatic call rej ection does not cause an interruption of the incoming call ring tone played by sponsor phone 500. The automatic call rej ection is expected by sponsored phone 600, and its reception does not interrupt the outgoing call display or the calling ring tone presented by sponsored phone 600 either .

If the message transmitted by sponsored phone 600 was a short message , step 534 is omitted .

In addition, sponsor phone 500 presents to a user via user interface 504 a display specified for an incoming call , optionally with the additional indication that a collect call is being requested, together with the options to accept or rej ect the call . (action 535 ) If the user rejects the requested collect call (not shown) , the incoming call ring tone is stopped . In addition, sponsor phone 500 may send a message with corresponding information to sponsored phone 600. Such information may cause sponsored phone 600 to stop the presentation of calling ring tone and of the outgoing call display and to present instead an indication that the collect call reques has been rejected. If the user accepts the collect call , the incoming call ring tone is stopped and sponsor phone 500 initiates a new call by sending a normal call request to sponsored phone 600. (action 536 ) In addition, a display provided for an active connection is now presented to a user via user interface 504.

The sponsored phone 600 waits for the call request from the sponsor phone 500. If such a call request is not received before the started timer runs out (action 635) , for instance because the user of sponsor phone 500 does not react to the call , the operation is ended at

sponsored phone 600. The presentation of calling ring tone and of the outgoing call display are stopped. If a call request is received at sponsored phone 600 before the time runs out (action 635 ) , sponsored phone 600 automatically accepts the call without asking

confirmation from the user of sponsored phone 600.

(action 636 ) Also in this case, the presentation of calling ring tone and of the outgoing call display are stopped . Instead, a display provided for an active connection is now presented via user interface 604.

As a result , a connection is established between

sponsored phone 600 and sponsor phone 500.

Either the sponsor or the sponsored party may terminate the call before it is completed. If the sponsored party terminates the call , then nothing needs to happen . Either the sponsor terminates the call as well , or he/she accepts the call, which results in a new call request. If the sponsor accepts the call , the initial problem is solved : both parties may talk to each other, the

sponsored party is only required in this case to accept the new call request . If the sponsor terminates the call by not reacting to the displayed options in step 534 or by choosing the rej ection option, it is up to the

implementation to decide what to do . There are no

resources being used by the operator which need to be freed . The implementation at the sponsored phone may use the monitoring of the timer in step 635 to terminate the sequence , and save power . The presented embodiments may thus enable a sponsored party to call a sponsor' s phone free of charge, unless there are roaming charges. If roaming charges are to be avoided, it is simply a matter of using phone numbers without country prefixes in either or both devices . This prevents that a call request is put through in at least one direction, when the calling phone is in an area requiring roaming charges .

With the presented embodiments , several persons may help another person to use a phone . Unlike operator contracts , the costs may be spread to a small community of friends and family. As a result , more people could own and use a phone . The sponsors may control the agreement , and the agreement can be terminated by anyone at any time. All that needs to be done is change the settings in the list of sponsored apparatuses or sponsor apparatuses ,

respectively .

The sponsoring agreement can be set up independently from the network operator . All parties could subscribe with different network operators unless this is specifically prevented, and the agreement could even remain in force if one of the parties decides to change the network operator . The parties could also have multiple SIM cards , as long as the list of sponsors is not stored in the SIM card . In certain embodiments , which ensure that the collect call may not even incur higher costs than a regular call from the sponsor device to the sponsored device .

In variations of the above described embodiments , a network connecting two devices could be configured to support collect calls in order to avoid a waste of network resources and to avoid delays in the setup of a connection .

Figures 12 to 16 present embodiments for the fifth and sixth aspect of the invention relating to a network .

Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a server 800. The server may be a network element of a network enabling the setup of a connection between two devices, or a device that is connected to such a network .

Server 800 comprises a processor 801 and a memory 802. Memory 802 stores computer program code for managing information on authorizations to request collect calls and for initiating a reversed charging . In addition, memory 802 may store computer program code im lemented to realize other functions, as well as any kind of other data . Processor 801 is configured to execute computer program code stored in memory 802 in order to cause server 800 to perform desired actions. Processor 801 moreover comprises an interface to a memory 803. Memory 803 may be internal to server 800 as depicted in Figure 12 , or external to server 800. It comprises a database that stores information on collect calls that are offered by certain devices to other devices , for example in the form of a table associating a phone numbe of a

respective first device offering collect calls to a phone number of a respective second device to which collect calls are offered . Memory 803 could also belong to a home location register, in which the conventional data for a particular phone number is supplemented by a respective list of phone numbers of devices to which collect calls are offered. Processor 801 further comprises a

communication interface 805 to other elements of the network. In addition, processor 801 may have various other interfaces , for instance an interface to a further memory, an interface to a user interface , an interface to another processor, etc .

Processor 801 and memory 802 may optionally belong to a chip or an integrated circuit 809, which may comprise in addition various other components , for instance a further processor, a further memory or a part of commu ication interface 805 , etc . Server 800 or component 809 could be for instance an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the fifth aspect .

An operation of server 800 will now be described with reference to the flow charts of Figures 13 and 14. The operation is an exem lary embodiment of a method

according to the mentioned fifth aspect . Processor 801 and the program code stored in memory 802 cause server 800 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 802 and executed by processor 801.

Figure 13 relates to establishment and termination of an agreement on collect calls between two devices . A first device may correspond for example to apparatus 200 of Figure 3 , and a second device may correspond for example to apparatus 100 of Figure 1. Server 800 detects information in a message transmitted from a. second device to a first device , which authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device . (action 811) The network may intercept to this end all messages between devices and forward those messages that have a format for authorizing collect calls - or included information - to server 800. In case server 800 is a part of the network, the interception may also be performed by server 800 itself .

The messages might comprise additional information as well , for instance an indication that collect calls may only be requested under certain conditions . For instance , they could be authorized only for the case that none of the devices is roaming or only during certain times of the day or on certain days of the week .

Server 800 then causes a storing of an indication of the authorization and associated information in memory 803. The stored indication may comp ise for example the phone number of sender and recipient of the message . (action 812) Server 800 may further generate a message indicating that the authorized collect call is supported by the network and cause a transmission of this message at least to the second device, (action 813 ) Such a message could comprise additional information, for example an indication that the support is valid for all use cases , or that it is valid only when the second device is not roaming, etc . Any provided information may be used at the second device simply for notifying a user . Alternatively, if the second device supports different modes of operation, it could be used for selecting one of these modes based on the received information in the case of an incoming call . For example , if the second device comprises an apparatus as described with reference to Figure 5 , it could act as described with reference to Figure 6 in case it did not receive a feedback message from a server upon an

authorization to request collect calls . This may be the case , for example , when subscribing to an operator which does not employ a server like server 800. In case the second device did receive a feedback message, it may treat all incoming calls like normal calls, optionally reminding the user via a user interface that an incoming call from a certain other device will be a collect call if accepted.

Server 800 equally detects information in a message transmitted between a second device and a first device , which requests a stop of a sponsoring agreement . (action 821)

In this case , server 800 causes a deletion of an

indication stored for this agreement in memory 803.

(action 822) Figure 14 relates to the establishment of a collect call between two devices .

A network detects a call request from a first device to a second device . The detection could be performed by server 800 , or information on sender and recipient of the call request could be indicated by a network element to server 800. (action 831) Server 800 determines upon any call request whether information stored in memory 803 indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device . (action 832 )

Alternatively, only call requests having a particular format could be considered. Server 800 could check in addition whether the call request meets further

conditions for a collect call, for example conditions set by the user of the second device and stored in memory 803 , or conditions generally required by server 800 or by the network .

If information indicating that the second device

authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device is determined to be stored in memory 803 and all further conditions , if any, are met , server 800 is informed or monitors in addition whether the second device accepts the call request . (action 834 )

In case stored information indicates that the second device has authorized the first device to request collect calls from the second device and a connection is

established upon acceptance of the call request by the second device , server 800 causes a charging of the connection to the second device . (action 836 ) Otherwise, a normal handling of the call request is carried out . (actions 833 , 835 ) Thus , the connection initiated by the first device by a call request is used for the collect call , if the second device accepts the call . It is not required that the second device rej ects the call request of the first device and requests a new call , as in the embodiment of Figure 11. Instead, the charging is reversed compared to a normal call , in which the calling party is charged at least in part . While this approach involves an additional operation at the network, it still allows two parties to agree among themselves that collect calls are allowed .

The approach of Figures 12 to 14 could also be considered to be a server-based approach.

Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system in which the sixth aspect is made use of .

System 1000 comprises a network element 900 , for example a network element of a cellular communication network. Network element 900 comprises a processor 901. Processor 901 is linked to a memory 902 , to a first communication interface 904 and to a second communication interface 905. Processor 901 is configured to execute computer program code , including computer program code stored in memory 902 , in order to cause network element 900 to perform desired actions . Memory 902 stores computer program code for supporting collect calls on the network side . Processor 901 and memory 902 may optionally belong to a chip or an integrated circuit 909 , which may comprise in addition various other components, for instance a further processor or a further memory. Network element 900 or component 909 could be an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the sixth aspect .

System 1000 moreover comprises a first mobile phone 1100 as a potential sponsor phone and a second mobile phone 1200 as a potential sponsored phone . Sponsor phone 1100 comprises a processor 1101. Processor 1101 is linked to a memory 1102 and to a communication interface 1104. Processor 1101 is configured to execute computer program code , including computer program code stored in memory 1102 , in order to cause mobile phone 1100 to perform desired actions. Memory 1102 stores computer program code for recognizing a dedicated collect call signaling and for handling collect calls requested by other devices . Sponsored phone 1200 comprises a processor 1201.

Processor 1201 is linked to a memory 1202 and to a communication interface 1204. Processor 1201 is

configured to execute compu er program code , including computer program code stored in memory 1202 , in order to cause mobile phone 1200 to perform desired actions.

Memory 1202 stores computer program code for requesting collect calls from other devices using a dedicated collect call signaling . An operation of network element 900 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 16. The operation is an exemplary embodiment of a method

according to the mentioned sixth aspect . Processor 901 and the program code stored in memory 902 cause network element 900 to perform the operation when the program code is retrieved from memory 902 and executed by

processor 901. When a user of sponsored phone 1200 wishes to call collect and carries out a corresponding user input , processor 1201 executing program code from memory 1202 causes a transmission of a special call request signaling to sponsor phone 1100. The special call request signaling is defined for the request of collect calls in an

enhanced communication protocol in addition to a

signaling for normal call requests .

Network element 900 detects a message from sponsored phone 1200 to sponsor phone 1100 , which corresponds to the special signaling defined for the request of collect calls . (action 911)

Network element 900 forwards the message to sponsor phone 1100. (action 912 )

In sponsor phone 1100 , processor 1101 executing program code from memory 1102 may recognize that the incoming call request signaling is a special call request

signaling as defined in the enhanced protocol for the request of collect calls . Processor 1101 may inform the user about the requested collect call via a user

interface and request an input . If the user accepts the call , processor 1101 causes transmission of a normal call acceptance message.

Network element 900 detects acceptance of the call request by sponsor phone 1100. (action 913 ) Network element 900 establishes thereupon a connection between sponsored phone 1200 and sponsor phone 1100 and causes a charging of the connection to the sponsor phone 1100. (action .914)

The approach of Figures 15 and 16 could also be

considered to be a serverless -based approach .

Like the server-based approach, also the serverless -based approach allows limiting the number of messages that have to be exchanged between the sponsored phone and the sponsor phone to the number of messages required for a regular call , since the charging for the call is simply reversed if a special signaling is detected . While the serverless -based approach requires that the network supports a special signaling and reverse charging, the parties can arrange a collect call agreement among themselves , wi hout any involvement of an operator . Figures 2 , 4, 6, 8 , 10 , 11 , 13 , 14 and 16 may also be understood to represent exemplary functional blocks of a computer program code for supporting collect calls or exemplary functional blocks of a circuitry for supporting collect calls .

The functions illustrated by processor 101 or 501 in combination with memory 102 or 502 , respectively, can also be viewed as means for detecting an input via a user interface requesting or consenting to a modification of stored information, the stored information identifying other apparatuses that are authorized to call collect; and means for causing a modification of the stored information upon the detected input. The program code in memory 102 or 502 can also be viewed as comprising such means in the form of functional modules . The functions illustrated by processor 201 or 601 in combination with memory 202 or 602 , respectively, can also be viewed as means for detecting receipt of a message, the message comprising a request to modify stored information, the stored information identifying other apparatuses that offer collect calls ; and means for causing a modification of the stored information

according to the received message.

The program code in memory 202 or 602 can also be viewed as comprising such means in the form of functional modules .

The functions illustrated by processor 301 or 501 in combination with memory 302 or 502 , respectively, can also be viewed as means for detecting a message from another apparatus ; means for determining whether the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ; means for causing a notification of a user about a call request when the other apparatus is identified in the stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ; and means for initiating a new call to the other apparatus in case of a user input indicating acceptance of the call request .

The program code in memory 302 or 502 can also be viewed as comprising such means in the form of functional modules . The functions illustrated by processor 401 or 601 in combination with memory 402 or 602 , respectively, can also be viewed as means for causing a transmission of a message to another apparatus , wherein the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another

apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus ; means for detecting after the transmission of the message a call request from the other apparatus ; and means for accepting the call request automatically without

requesting a user confirmation .

The program code in memory 402 or 602 can also be viewed as comprising such means in the form of functional modules .

The functions illustrated by processor 801 in combination with memory 802 , respectively, can also be viewed as means for determining upon a call request of a first device to a second device whether stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device ; and as means for causing a charging of a connection to the second device , in case stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device and the connection is established upon acceptance of the call request by the second device .

The program code in memory 802 can also be iewed as comprising such means in the form of functional modules .

The functions illustrated by processor 901 in combination with memory 902, respectively, can also be viewed as means for detecting a message from a first device to a second device, the message corresponding to a dedicated signaling defined for requesting a collect call ; and as means for causing a charging of a connection to the second device, in case the connection is established upon acceptance of the requested collect call by the second device .

The program code in memory 902 can also be viewed as comprising such means in the form of functional modules .

Any presented connection in the described embodiments is to be understood in a way that the involved components are operationally coupled . Thus , the connections can be direct or indirect with any number or combination of intervening elements , and there may be merely a

functional relationship between the components .

Further, as used in this text , the term 'circuitry' refers to any of the following :

(a) hardware -only circuit implementations ( such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry)

(b) combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware) , such as : (i) to a combination of processor (s) or (ii) to portions of processor (s) / software ( including digital signal processor (s) ) , software , and memory ( ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone , to perform various functions ) and

(c) to circuits , such as a microprocessor (s) or a portion of a microprocessor (s) , that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present .

This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this text, including in any claims . As a further example, as used in this text, the term

'circuitry' also covers an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware . The term ^λ circuitry' also covers, for example , a baseband integrated circuit or ap lications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone .

Any of the processors mentioned in this text could be a processor of any suitable type. Any processor may

comprise but is not limited to one or more

microprocessors , one or more processor (s) with

accompanying digital signal processor (s) , one or more processor (s) without accompanying digital signal

processor (s) , one or more special -purpose computer chips , one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAS) , one or more controllers , one or more application- specif ic integrated circuits (ASICS) , or one or more computer (s) . The relevant structure/hardware has been programmed in such a way to carry out the described function.

Any of the memories mentioned in this text could be implemented as a single memory or as a combination of a plurality of distinct memories , and may comprise for example a read-only memory, a random access memory, a flash memory or a hard disc drive memory etc .

Moreover, any of the actions described or illustrated herein may be implemented using executable instructions in a general -purpose or special -purpose processor and stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g. , disk, memory, or the like) to be executed by such a processor . References to 'computer-readable storage medium' should be understood to encompass specialized circuits such as FPGAs , ASICs, signal processing devices , and other devices .

It will be understood that all presented embodiments are only exemplary, that features of these embodiments may be omitted or replaced and that other features may be added. Any mentioned element and any mentioned method step can be used in any combination with all other mentioned elements and all other mentioned method ste ,

respectively. It is the intention, therefore , to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto .

Claims

- 51

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising :

an apparatus detecting a message from another apparatus ;

the apparatus determining whether the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ; the apparatus causing a notification of a user about a call request when the other apparatus is identified in the stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect; and

the apparatus initiating a new call to the other apparatus in case of a user input indicating

acceptance of the call request .

2. The method according to claim 1 , comprising the

apparatus presenting to a user at least one of:

an indication that a collect call is requested; and

a ring tone indicating the initiation of the new

C9.1X .

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 comprising :

the apparatus detecting an input via a user interface requesting or consenting to a modification of the stored information; and

the apparatus causing a modification of the stored information upon the detected input .

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein in the case of at least one kind of modification, the apparatus causing in addition a transmission of a message to another apparatus to which the modification relates, the message requesting a modification of information stored in the other apparatus .

5. An apparatus comprising:

means for detecting a message from another apparatus ;

means for determining whether the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ;

means for causing a notification of a user about a call request when the other apparatus is identified in the stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ; and

means for initiating a new call to the other apparatus in case of a user input indicating

acceptance of the call request .

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, comprising at

least one of :

means for causing a notification of a user indicating that the call request is a collect call request; and

means for causing a generation of a ring tone indicating the initiated new call .

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the message from the other apparatus is one of :

a call request that is automatically rejected by the apparatus ; and

a short message having an at least partly predetermined content . The apparatus according to one of claims 5 to 7 comprising :

means for detecting an input via a user interface requesting or consenting to a modification of the stored information ; and

means for causing a modification of the stored information upon the detected input .

The apparatus according to claim 8, further

comprising means for causing in addition, in the case of at least one kind of modification, a transmission of a message to another apparatus to which the modification relates , the message requesting a modification of information stored in the other apparatus .

The apparatus according to one of claims 5 to 9 , wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of :

means for storing information identifying an apparatus to be an apparatus that is authorized to call collect ;

means for receiving a user input ;

means for notifying a user about a call request ; means for playing a ring tone ; and

means for receiving a message from another device and for establishing a new call ;

means for transmitting a message to another device .

11. The apparatus according to one of claims 5 to 10 , wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chi ;

an integrated circuit ; a phone ; and

a mobile communication device .

An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform:

detect a message from another apparatus ;

determine whether the other apparatus is

identified in stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ;

cause a notification of a user about a call request when the other apparatus is identified in the stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ; and

initiate a new call to the other apparatus in case of a user input indicating acceptance of the call request .

The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, with the at least one processor, are further configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform :

cause a notification of a user indicating that the call request is a collect call request; and

cause a generation of a ring tone indicating the initiated new call .

The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the message from the other apparatus is one of:

a call request that is automatically rej ected by the apparatus ; and a short message having an at least partly

predetermined content .

The apparatus according to one of claims 12 to 14 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor , are further configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform :

detect an input via a user interface requesting or consenting to a modification of the stored

information; and

cause a modification of the stored information upon the detected input . 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, are further configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform :

cause , in the case of at least one kind of modification, a transmission of a message to another apparatus to which the modification relates , the message requesting a modification of information stored in the other apparatus .

The apparatus according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of:

a memory configured to store information

identifying an apparatus to be an apparatus that is authorized to call collect ;

a user interface configured to receive a user input ;

a user interface configured to provide a

notification to a user about a call request ; a user interface configured to play a ring tone ; a communication interface configured to receive . message from another device and to establish a new call ,* and

a communication interface configured to transmit message to anothe device .

18. The apparatus according to one of claims 12 to 17 , wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chip ;

an integrated circuit ;

a phone ; and

a mobile communication device . 19. A computer program code causing an apparatus to

perform the actions of the method according to of one of claims 1 to 4 when executed by a processor .

A computer readable storage medium in which computer program code is stored, the computer program code causing an apparatus to perform the following when executed by a processor :

detecting a message from another apparatus ;

determining whether the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ;

causing a notification of a user about a call request when the other apparatus is identified in the stored information to be another apparatus that is authorized to call collect ; and

initiating a new call to the other apparatus in case of a user input indicating acceptance of the call request .

21. A method comprising :

an apparatus causing a transmission of a message to another apparatus, wherein the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another

apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus ; the apparatus detecting after the transmission of the message a call request from the other apparatus ; and

the apparatus accepting the call request

automatically without requesting a user confirmation.

22. The method according to claim 21 , the apparatus

causing a presentation of one of :

an indication of an outgoing call between the transmission of the message and the accepting of the call request ; and

an indication of an outgoing collect call between the transmission of the message and the accepting of the call request .

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22 comprising :

the apparatus detecting receipt of a message, the message comprising a request to modify the stored information; and

the apparatus causing a modification of the stored information according to the received message .

24. The method according to one of claims 21 to 23 ,

further comprising : the apparatus preventing any input via a user interface of the apparatus or of a device comprising the apparatus from identifying an additional apparatus to offer collect calls in the stored information. An apparatus comprising :

means for causing a transmission of a message to another apparatus , wherein the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus ; means for detecting after the transmission of the message a call request from the other apparatus ; and means for accepting the call request automatically without requesting a user confirmation .

The apparatus according to claim 25 , further

comprising means for causing a presentation of one of:

The apparatus according to claim 25 or 26 comprising : means for detecting receipt of a message , the message comprising a request to modify the stored information; and

means for causing a modification of the stored information according to the received message.

The apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 27 , further comprising means for preventing any input via a user interface of the apparatus or of a device comprising the apparatus from identifying an

additional apparatus to offer collect calls in the stored information .

29. The apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 28 , wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of :

means for storing information identifying another apparatus to be an apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus ;

means for receiving a user input ;

means for presenting a display;

means for transmitting a message to another device and for receiving a call request from another device ; and

means for receiving a message from another device .

30. The apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chip ;

an integrated circuit ;

a phone ; and

a mobile communication device .

31. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform :

cause a transmission of a message to another apparatus , wherein the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus;

detect after the transmission of the message a call request from the other apparatus ; and

accept the call request automatically without requesting a user confirmation . The apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, with the at least one processor, are further configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform :

cause a presentation of a display provided for outgoing calls between the transmission of the message and the accepting of the call request .

33 The apparatus according to claim 31 or 32 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, are further con igured to cause the apparatus at least to

perform :

detect receipt of a message , the message comprising a request to modify the stored

information; and

cause a modification of the stored information according to the received message .

The apparatus according to one of claims 31 to 33 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, are further configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform :

preventing any input via a user interface of the apparatus or of a device comprising the apparatus from identifying an additional apparatus to offer collect calls in the stored information . 35. The apparatus according to one of claims 31 to 34 , wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one a memory configured to store information

identifying another apparatus to be an apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus;

a user interface configured to receive a user input ;

a user interface configured to present information on a display;

a communication interface configured to transmit a message to another device and to receive a call request from another device ; and

a communication interface configured to receive a message from another devic .

The apparatus according to one of claims 31 to 35 , wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chip;

an integrated circuit ;

a phone ; and

a mobile communication device .

A computer program code causing an apparatus to perform the actions of the method according to of one of claims 21 to 24 when executed by a processor.

causing a transmission of a message to another apparatus , wherein the other apparatus is identified in stored information to be another apparatus that offers collect calls to the apparatus ;

detecting after the transmission of the message a call request from the other apparatus ; and accepting the call request automatically without requesting a user confirmation .

39. A system comprising an apparatus according to one of claims 5 to 18 and an apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 36.

40. A method comprising :

an apparatus determining upon a call request of a first device to a second device whether stored information indicates that the second device

authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device ; and

the apparatus causing a charging of a connection to the second device , in case stored informa ion indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device and the connection is established upon

acceptance of the call request by the second device.

41. The method according to claim 40 , further comprising:

the apparatus detecting information in a message transmitted from the second device to the first device, the information authorizing the first device to request collect calls from the second device ; and the apparatus causing a storage of an indication of the authorization .

42. An apparatus comprising :

means for determining upon a call request of a first device to a second device whether stored information indicates that the second device

authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device ; and means for causing a charging of a connection to the second device , in case stored information

indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device and the connection is established upon

acceptance of the call request by the second device .

The apparatus according to claim 42 , further

comprising

means for detecting information in a message transmitted from a first device to a second device, the information authorizing the first device to request collect calls from the second device ; and

means for causing a storage of an indication of the authorization .

The apparatus according to claim 43, further

comprising :

means for generating a message indicating a support of collect calls requested by the first device from the second device and for causing a transmission of the message at least to the second device .

The apparatus according to one of claims 42 to 44, further comprising means for storing the information.

The apparatus according to one of claims 42 to 45 , wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chip ;

an integrated circuit;

a network element of a network enabling the establishment of the connection; and

a server . An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform:

determining upon a call request of a first device to a second device whether stored information

indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device ; and

causing a charging of a connection to the second device , in case stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device and the

connection is established upon acceptance of the call request by the second device .

The apparatus according to claim 47 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code , with the at least one processor, are further configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform:

detecting information in a message transmitted from a first device to a second device, the

information authorizing the first device to request collect calls from the second device ; and

causing a storage of an indication of the

authorization .

The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, with the at least one processor, are further configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform : generating a message indicating a support of collect calls requested by the first device from the second device and for causing a transmission of the message at least to the first device .

The apparatus according to one of claims 47 to 49, further comprising a memory configured to store the information .

The apparatus according to one of claims 47 to 50 , wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chip ;

an integrated circuit ;

a network element of a network enabling the establishment of the connection ; and

a server .

A computer program code causing an apparatus to perform the actions of the method according to claim 40 or 41 when executed by a processor.

causing a charg ng of a connection to the second device , in case stored information indicates that the second device authorizes the first device to request collect calls from the second device and the connection is established upon acceptance of the call request by the second device .

A method comprising :

an apparatus detecting a message from a first device to a second device , the message corresponding to a signaling defined specifically for requesting a collect call ;

the apparatus causing a charging of a connection to the second device , in case the connection is established upon acceptance of the requested collect call by the second device .

An apparatus comprising :

means for detecting a message from a first device to a second device , the message corresponding to a signaling defined specifically for requesting a collect call;

means for causing a charging of a connection to the second device, in case the connection is

established upon acceptance of the requested collect call by the second device .

The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chip ;

an integrated circuit ; and

a network element of a network enabling the establishment of the connection.

An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code, with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform :

detecting a message from a first device to a second device , the message corresponding to a signaling defined specifically for requesting a collect call ; and

causing a charging of a connection to the second device , in case the connection is established upon acceptance of the requested collect call by the second device .

The apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the apparatus is one of :

a chip ;

an integrated circuit

a network element of a network enabling the establishment of the connection .

A computer program code causing an apparatus to perform the actions of the method according to claim 54 when executed by a processor .

detecting a message from a first device to a second device, the message corresponding to a signaling defined specifically for requesting a collect call ; and

c using a charging of a connection to the second device , in case the connection is established upon acceptance of the requested collect call by the second device.