Tariff management apparatus and methods for multiple-mode communications terminals

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved systems and methods for controlling expenses incurred by a multiple mode communications terminal.
It is another object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for controlling a multiple-mode communications terminal which prevent incurring of excess charges by an unauthorized user.
These and other objects, features and advantages are provided according to the present invention, by multiple-mode communications terminals and methods of operation therefor in which cumulative usage of communications units in multiple modes is measured for comparison to stored critical values of tariffs for each of the modes, and in which measures to control usage are initiated based on an economic efficiency of the multiple modes.
More specifically, expenses incurred by a communications terminal that communicates with a first mobile radiotelephone system and a second mobile radiotelephone system are controlled by storing first and second critical values which characterize a tariff structure of the respective first and second mobile radiotelephone communication systems.
Communications units used by the communications terminal are measured.
An economic efficiency associated with use of the terminal to communicate with the first and second mobile radiotelephone communications systems is determined from the measured communications units and the first and second stored critical values.
Measures are initiated to control communications usage with the first and second radiotelephone communications systems by the terminal based on the determined economic efficiency.
The measures to control communications usage may initiate a communications session with one of the first and second mobile radiotelephone communications systems based on the determined economic efficiency.
A communications session with one of the first and second mobile radiotelephone communications systems may be automatically initiated in response to user initiation of a radiotelephone communications session