DE102005044937A1 - Broadband Internet access service e.g. digital subscriber line access service, establishing method for subscriber, involves sending message to subscriber if it is found that subscriber connection is only provided for service establishment - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves checking availability conditions, which specifies whether a subscriber connection (P3) for establishment of an Internet access service e.g. digital subscriber line (DSL) access service, is provided. Data comprising characteristics for the subscriber connection and details about a subscriber (U3) is detected if it is found that the connection for establishing service is not yet provided. The conditions are monitored in given time intervals. A message is sent to the subscriber if it is found that the subscriber connection is only provided for the service establishment. An independent claim is also included for a system for implementing a method for establishing a broadband Internet access service e.g. digital subscriber line (DSL) access service, for a subscriber over a telecommunication network.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for setting up a wideband Internet access service and a system created for it. In particular, it concerns the invention provides a DSL Internet connection or service over existing telecommunications networks.

Of the Access to the Internet is increasingly via broadband connections, such as the so-called DSL connections, in the existing telecommunications networks of the responsible network operators be set up. These are the exchanges with digital subscriber lines (English "Digital Subscriber Lines) so that over the conventional Copper wires of the telephone network, i. via the conventional subscriber lines, Transfer data at a high data transfer rate can be. This can be any data, including voice data and / or video data transmitted at high data rates of e.g. 2.048 Mbps and more can be. The DSL technology is in itself since the 1990s in different Variants, such as the ADSL (Asymmetric DSL), known and will always evolving. Here is u.a. the VDSL (Very High Speed DSL), in the downstream, ie towards the end user very high bit rates of 12.9 to 51.8 Mbit / s can be achieved can. General information about DSL technology can be found e.g. in the Online encyclopedia "Wikepedia" at the Internet address http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital Subscriber Line.

On the side of the subscriber or end user is required for a DSL connection, a DSL modem, the connected to the telephone line and directly to the personal computer of the subscriber or to a router. And as well must the local exchange for setting up or providing the DSL connection with appropriate devices, in particular equipped with DSL modems. This is the respective network operator (such as Deutsche Telekom) responsible. The network operators maintain databases over the exchanges managed by it and can be used by end users or service providers (such as e.g. WEB.DE) provide information about which exchanges or subscriber lines are already DSL-capable. But where there are still no DSL-capable Switches or subscriber connections, the end customer can just a simple narrowband access via dial-up modem or ISDN modem set up with which only low transmission rates of theoretically max. 128 kbit / s can be achieved. When broadband access would then possibly offer the so-called. Sky DSL, a DSL connection via satellite, but where a special satellite receiver with parabolic antenna is needed. Since this involves a certain amount of effort, many of the potential ones would like to DSL customers would rather have a terrestrial DSL connection provided have and hope that also their local network or their agency soon DSL-capable will be. If no DSL connection is provided yet can, is this situation for the end customer as well as for the service provider unsatisfactory.

task It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method and a system therefor to propose that overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

• – Prüfen eines Verfügbarkeits-Zustandes, der angibt, ob der Teilnehmer-Anschluss für das Einrichten des Internetzugangsdienstes vorbereitet ist;
• – Erfassen von Daten, die zumindest Kenndaten für den Teilnehmer-Anschluss und Angaben über den Teilnehmer umfassen, wenn festgestellt wird, dass der Teilnehmer-Anschluss für das Einrichten des Internetzugangsdienstes noch nicht vorbereitet ist;
• – Überwachen des Verfügbarkeits-Zustandes in vorgebaren Zeitabständen;
• – Senden einer Mitteilung an den Teilnehmer, wenn festgestellt wird, dass der Teilnehmer-Anschluss nun für das Einrichten des Internetzugangsdienstes vorbereitet ist.

The object is achieved by a method for setting up a broadband Internet access service for a subscriber via a subscriber connection of a telecommunications network assigned to him, with the following steps:

• Checking an availability condition indicating whether the subscriber terminal is prepared to set up the Internet access service;
• - acquiring data which comprises at least identification data for the subscriber connection and information about the subscriber, if it is determined that the subscriber connection for setting up the Internet access service is not yet prepared;
• - monitoring the availability state at predetermined intervals;
• Sending a message to the subscriber when it is determined that the subscriber line is now prepared to set up the Internet access service.

In addition, will solved the task through a system of execution the method, wherein the system at least one service computer contains, the the data is collected and the monitoring of the availability state controls, and contains at least one database into which the service computer enters the collected data.

These measures propose a method and system that allows automatic monitoring for subscribers who desire broadband digital Internet access, so that the participants themselves do not have to make any effort to check availability. Also, the subscriber is automatically informed as soon as his connection should be available for the establishment of a DSL service. In particular, surveillance may take the form of automatic monitoring and information services be realized that the participant can use. Not only does the participant have advantages, such as the advantage of quickly getting to the desired broadband Internet access. But also the service provider has advantages, in particular the advantage that he can offer the subscriber broadband Internet access services as the first among the competitors. Further advantages will be clarified later in the description. The invention is particularly applicable for effective marketing of new DSL lines and services. But even where to switch from analogue telephone connections to ISDN connections, the invention can be used. Likewise in all cases in which broadband access to Internet services or telecom services is generally desired by the participants and the technical prerequisites are not yet met. For example, the invention may also be used where local availability of and / or coverage with certain access services is not yet available, but may be expected in the near future, such as locations and areas used for WLAN services, in particular Local HotSpot services, or mobile services, such as UMTS to be expanded. The same applies to coverage areas with TV or TV services, in particular via cable and / or fiber optics. Likewise, it is also possible to monitor areas which are provided for the supply of telecommunications services via the power supply network, in particular via so-called power lines. The versatile use of the invention and the advantages associated therewith will also be clarified in more detail with reference to the description below.

Particular advantages result from the preferred embodiments of the invention according to the dependent claims:
Accordingly, it is advantageous if the monitoring of the availability state of the subscriber line is performed by the service provider of the telecommunications service in which the availability state of the subscriber line at the network operator of the telecommunications network at predetermined intervals, in particular at regular intervals, is queried for a first number of time stops, and in which the subscriber is informed, at least after reaching the first number of time intervals, about the current availability state of the subscriber line, in particular by email and / or newsletter is informed.

In order to is achieved that the ongoing monitoring in time cycles only temporary for one determinable number of cycles is performed and thus the system not overloaded comes with relatively old monitoring routines. It is e.g. The supervision in a weekly Cycle performed over initially 26 Cycles, that is about 6 months. If by then the subscriber connection always not yet DSL-capable should be, this is communicated to the participant and further monitoring is set unless the participant is monitoring for further Extended 6 months would like to have.

Also it is advantageous if the data is transmitted by the service provider by means of an online query of the subscriber, in particular via a Web frontend, to be captured, where the data is at least the area code of the subscriber connection and the email address of the subscriber and in a database stored by the service provider. In this context but also for yourself taken it is advantageous if monitoring for several subscriber connections of the respective availability state checked in particular by means of an observation list containing the data to these multiple subscriber terminals or being recorded to the assigned participants, each subscriber connection and / or subscriber is assigned a unique identifier, in particular an identifier that is a coded identifier with at least 10 digits includes, is assigned.

Therefore the relevant data, such as subscriber line number or Telephone number or area code and e-mail address of the subscriber via a Web-based Input captured and stored in a database under a unique identifier filed, so for every subscriber connection just a surveillance carried out becomes. It can thus several monitors carried out in parallel become. Dublicated entries into the database or manipulating the system prevents, in particular by coding the identifier. Thus, e.g. Third-party intervention via script difficult or even impossible made. The database or structuring of the monitoring can be made effective, in which e.g. the participants accordingly their area code numbers (area codes) in groups together be their connections or availability monitored together becomes. Alternative or supplementary You can do this grouping on the basis of other information and / or Make parameters, e.g. the bandwidth desired by the participants and / or tariffs.

Preferably, the monitoring is carried out in the form of a monitoring and information service for which the subscriber can register, wherein the monitoring service is first carried out for a predeterminable period and the subscriber at the end of this period a reminder message, in particular a Reminder email is sent to request him to extend the monitoring service, to continue running it automatically and / or to terminate it. The participants are therefore offered only by registering an automatic monitoring, possibly even as a paid additional service. This makes abuse of the system difficult or even avoided. In addition, the monitoring service can be limited in time.

Also can the data preferably contains information about technical performance parameters of the desired by the participant Internet access service, in particular information about one desired by the participant Minimum bandwidth. In this context, however, taken alone it is beneficial if the data is over a Webfrontend be detected, with a session ID and / or a the subscriber assignable IP address is used to multiple Capture the same data to avoid. It is the same in this context but also for taken advantage of when monitoring the availability state is performed periodically with a predetermined period and / or for a predefinable maximum number of repetitions is performed and / or for a definite finite total duration is performed. These measures too complicate or prevent misuse, in particular misleading multiple registration or manipulation of the data, etc. In addition, the service provider change the parameters and optimize.

The The present invention will now be explained with reference to FIGS described in more detail become. Show it:

1 a telecommunications network with subscriber lines that are already set up for a broadband Internet access service, namely a DSL access service, and with an exemplary subscriber line that is not yet set up for it;

2 a flowchart for a method for establishing the DSL access service for the various subscriber ports;

3a a web front end with query mask for collecting data that the subscriber enters there;

3b an information window for confirming that the availability status monitor can be started;

4 an information window indicating that the availability status has already been monitored for a certain period of time;

5 a message to the subscriber that the subscriber line is now prepared for the establishment of the DSL access service.

In 1 a telecommunications network PSTN is shown with subscriber connections, for each of which a broadband Internet access service, namely a DSL access service, is already set up. Exemplary for a multiplicity of broadband subscriber connections shows the 1 two such connections D1 and D2, which are also called DSL connections below. In order to connect the terminals of the DSL subscribers U1 and U2 broadband with the Internet IP, modern telecommunications exchanges are provided in the telecommunications network PSTN, of which an exchange DSL is shown here by way of example, which has appropriate devices. These include, inter alia, a so-called DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer), are integrated in the splitter and modems. On the part of subscribers U1 and U2, a DSL modem is provided in each case, which is generally called CPE (Customer Premise Equipment).

In contrast to these broadband DSL connections D1 and D2 is in the 1 also exemplified a simple subscriber port P3 shown, which allows only a conventional telephone connection to the PSTN. This is due to the fact that the subscriber U3 lives in an area that is still supplied by a switching center POTS, which provides only analog telephone lines or ISDN connections. Subscriber U3 can thus obtain a narrowband access to the Internet IP only via dial-up modem. He achieves max. Data rates of 58 kbit / s (analog connection) and 128 kbit / s (ISDN connection). However, if the subscriber U3 also wants to have a DSL connection, he is dependent on the network operator NP of the telecommunications network PSTN upgrading the simple switching center POTS and upgrading it to a modern switching center, such as the DSL shown.

The establishment of a DSL connection is now based on the in the 2 represented inventive method 100 , which will be described below, with the remainder as well 1 such as 3a / b to 5 Reference is made to:
If the subscriber U3 now asks a DSL service provider SP for a DSL access, it is first in step 101 checked whether this subscriber line P3 is already DSL-capable. Thus, the current availability state of the connection P3 is checked. This check, ie the so-called "DSL check", takes place on the basis of the parts number that the subscriber enters, for example via a web frontend, in a query form. The service provider SP can then determine the current availability condition based on a query at the network operator NP or by its own database query.

Will be in a next step 102 determined that there is no DSL availability for this subscriber port P3, then the subscriber U3 receives another pop-up query (see 3a ), in which the subscriber is offered an automatic monitoring and information service "DSL Watch" for his connection identifier (telephone number) The subscriber U3, ie the potential DSL customer, only needs to specify his e-mail address, which is then the service provider SP entered together with the telephone number of the potential DSL customer as a data record DAT in a database DB In the example shown here, the customer has the phone number "030/552299" and the email address "user3@email.de." The service provider (here " WEB.DE ") records this data DAT and sets up anonymous and automatic monitoring of the availability status for this user. In this case, the subscriber is preferably assigned a unique identifier, so-called "watch ID", which comprises 10 or more digits or digits, preferably has about 20 digits., In one step 104 the participant U3 is confirmed by pop-up that he wishes this service.

In addition, even in one step 105 a plausibility check of the specified telephone numbers, for example, to ensure that for each of these telephone numbers only one monitoring routine or service is running. Because the participants could by repeatedly triggering the query steps 101 to 103 cause the service operator SP to execute the same monitoring several times in parallel, thus unnecessarily burdening the corresponding system. It can also be checked whether the data DAT are genuine, in particular whether the phone number is genuine and just not a fancy number, to which there is no telephone line.

In a next step 110 the user U3 is now using an email addressed to his address "user3@email.de" (see 3b ) informing that the monitoring can be started with the subscriber U3 being asked to confirm this (step 111 ). The system then starts a regular monitoring of the telephone line "030/552299" by asking the network operator NP at regular intervals of eg 1 week whether this connection has now been made available for a DSL connection.After several weekly queries, the Participants will be informed via email or text message that their phone number is still being checked and the availability status has not changed yet, so the connection is unfortunately not yet DSL-capable. This message (reminder email) will follow Expiration of a first period of eg 6 weeks or 6 week cycles ( 4 ). The participant can then decide whether he wants to continue the monitoring service or terminate. He will be offered a link that he can click on. The system or the service computer (server) SRV then checks in step 121 whether a cancellation is desired or not. If YES, the logout is confirmed (step 122 ). If NO, then monitoring continues (steps 123 - 131 ).

The telephone number will then continue to be monitored, with the time intervals possibly being able to be changed by the service provider or also by the subscriber. Preferably, then only every 2 weeks the DSL availability checked (step 130 ). As long as the DSL capability is not given, the test is repeated. Preferably for a second number of intervals, eg for the next 8 weeks.

If in the meantime the DSL-Ability of the connection has occurred, then takes place in the step 131 an information message to the e-mail address of the participant ( 5 ). The participant is then invited to order the DSL service of the service provider (here WEB.DE) and register for it as a new DSL customer. Thus, new DSL customers are very effectively won.

To further illustrate the many possible embodiments and advantages of the invention in comparison with the prior art, reference should be made to the following:
Previous investigations of the service provider WEB.DE have shown that about 30% of the orders for the WEB.DE DSL service do not pass into a contract, because at the time of ordering no DSL connection can still be provided to the ordering party by the network operator. In addition, more than 30% of the optional DSL availability checks on the sales platform are negative. Due to the permanent expansion of the DSL access, however, it is quite possible that the connection is available at a later date, about which the interested party is usually not informed by the network operator and not by the service provider or can be informed.

The aim of the invention "DSL Watch" is that interested parties can leave their connection number with the service provider (here WEB.DE) .The service provider then checks periodically the availability of DSL for this connection and informs the customer by e-mail in case of availability. This feature, which is placed as a special and new service to the interested party, means that the service provider can build up a data collection with specific DSL prospects, who definitely do not yet have a DSL connection and can advertise accordingly.

• – Der Interessent kann über ein Webfrontend seine Anschlussrufnummer in die Beobachtungsliste (DSL Watch) eintragen;
• – Für jeden DSL Watch Auftrag wird einmal pro Monat eine DSL Verfügbarkeitsprüfung durchgeführt;
• – Im Erfolgsfall wird der Interessent per E-Mail über die sofortige Verfügbarkeit von DSL informiert;
• – Jeweils nach 6 Monaten wird der Interessent per E-Mail darüber informiert, dass sein Auftrag (Stichwort: Datenschutz) noch läuft. Diese Info E-Mail kann inhaltlich wie ein Newsletter gestaltet werden. Mit der Mail hat der Interessent die Möglichkeit, seinen DSL Watch Auftrag zu stoppen.

The preferred solution comprises the following items:

• - The interested party can enter via a Webfrontend his connection number in the watch list (DSL Watch);
• - For each DSL Watch order, a DSL availability check is performed once a month;
• - If successful, the interested party will be informed by e-mail about the immediate availability of DSL;
• - After 6 months, the interested party is informed by e-mail that his order (keyword: Privacy) is still running. This info e-mail can be designed in terms of content like a newsletter. With the mail, the interested party has the opportunity to stop his DSL Watch order.

• – Registrierbestätigungs-Mail: Aufruf des Versands einer entsprechenden Mailvorlage mit Übergabe von Variablen/Parametern • E-Mail Adresse, Anschlussrufnummer, DSL Watch ID
• – Erfolgs-Mail: Aufruf des Versands einer entsprechenden Mailvorlage mit Übergabe von Variablen • E-Mail Adresse, Anschlussrufnummer, max. DSL-Bandbreite, DSL Watch ID
• – Reminder Mail: Aufruf des Versands einer entsprechenden Mailvorlage mit Übergabe von Variablen • E-Mail Adresse, Anschlussrufnummer, DSL Watch ID

The following e-mail templates are used in particular: registration confirmation, successful e-mail and reminder e-mail, whereby the following points should be taken into special consideration when sending e-mails:

• - Registration confirmation mail: Calling for the sending of a corresponding mail template with transfer of variables / parameters • E-mail address, connection number, DSL Watch ID
• - Success mail: Calling the sending of a corresponding mail template with transfer of variables • E-mail address, connection number, max. DSL Bandwidth, DSL Watch ID
• - Reminder Mail: Call of the sending of a corresponding mail template with transfer of variables • E-Mail address, connection number, DSL Watch ID

• – erfolgreiche DSL Online Käufe auf DSL Watch zurückführen zu können
• – bei Löschaufrufen den entsprechenden Datensatz wiederfinden und in der Website direkt anzeigen zu können

The DSL Watch ID should be adopted as a parameter in the links contained in the mails in order to:

• - Successful DSL online purchases on DSL Watch back
• - retrieve the corresponding data record in the case of delete calls and display it directly on the website

The DSL Watch ID should not be assigned consecutively and should of a length be that makes a unregister by script "uneconomical" (for example 20 digits)

• – ein User mehrere Rufnummern unberechtigt nacheinander einträgt • z.B. durch Bindung an eine Session • und/oder Prüfung der IP-Adresse
• – ein User z.B. per Script eine grosse Anzahl von Unsubscribes durchführt. Dies könnte sonst die Datenbank bzw. die Datenbasis beim Diensteanbieter binnen kürzester Zeit zerstören • z.B. durch eine grosse Länge der DSL Watch ID • und/oder eine Regel, dass pro IP-Adresse nur ein Eintrag pro Kalendertag gelöscht werden kann

To prevent abuse, it should be prevented that:

• - a user enters several numbers unauthorized successively • eg by binding to a session • and / or checking the IP address
• - A user, for example, by script a large number of unsubscribes performs. Otherwise, this could destroy the database or the database at the service provider within a very short time • eg by a large length of the DSL Watch ID • and / or a rule that only one entry per calendar day can be deleted per IP address

• – Dauer der Wiederhol-Periode
• – Maximale Anzahl der Wiederholungen
• – Gesamtdauer in der DSL Watch für einen Auftrag läuft

To optimize the processes, a readjustment of the parameters is possible (if required, in particular a change of the following parameters):

• - Duration of the repeat period
• - Maximum number of repetitions
• - Total duration in the DSL Watch for a job is running

Two or more requests for the same connection number should not even from DSL Watch not be accepted. Then, for example, the message to the potential Customers: "For this Subscriber number already has an order in the system. Please contact Customer Service for questions. "

• – Eine individuelle Verringerung der Wiederhol-Intervalle für bestimmte Vorwahlbereiche, für welche der Netzbetreiber einen DSL-Ausbau in der nächsten Zeit angekündigt hat.
• – Entgegennahme von DSL Watch Aufträgen über Offline Vertriebskanäle (z.B. Telefon-Support) mit entsprechenden Informationswegen für den Erfolgsfall (z.B. proaktiver Anruf, Info-Brief)
• – Automatische Übernahme von abgelehnten DSL-Bestellungen („DSL nicht verfügbar") in das DSL Watch Verfahren.

Later extension options can be:

• - An individual reduction in repeat intervals for certain area codes for which the network operator has announced a DSL expansion in the near future.
• - Acceptance of DSL Watch orders via offline distribution channels (eg telephone support) with appropriate information paths for success (eg proactive call, info letter)
• - Automatic acceptance of rejected DSL orders ("DSL not available") in the DSL Watch process.

Claims (10)

Procedure ( 100 ) for setting up a broadband Internet access service (DSL) for a subscriber (U3) via an associated subscriber line (P3) of a telecommunications network (PSTN), comprising the following steps: - checking an availability state, indicating whether the subscriber line ( P3) is prepared for setting up the Internet access service (DSL) (step 101 ); - Acquisition of data (DAT) comprising at least identification data for the subscriber line (P3) and information about the subscriber (U3) (step 103 ), if it is determined that the subscriber port (P3) for setting up Internet access service (DSL) is not yet prepared (step 104 ); - Monitoring the availability state at predetermined intervals (step 123 ); Sending a message to the subscriber (U3) if it is determined that the subscriber line (U3) is now prepared for setting up the Internet access service (DSL) (step 131 ). The method of claim 1, wherein the broadband Internet access service (DSL) set up by a service provider (SP) will, taking the availability state of the subscriber line (P3) is checked and monitored by the service provider (SP) to determine whether the subscriber line (P3) is provided by a network operator (NP) of the Telecommunications Network (PSTN) for the establishment of broadband Internet access service (DSL) has been prepared. Method according to Claim 2, in which the monitoring of the availability state of the subscriber line (P3) is carried out by the telecommunications service provider (SP) (SP) (step 123 ), in which the availability state of the subscriber line (U3) at the network operator (NP) of the telecommunications network (PSTN) at predetermined intervals, in particular at regular intervals, for a first number of time intervals queried, and in which the subscriber (U3) is informed, at least after reaching the first number of time intervals, about the current availability state of the subscriber line (P3), in particular by email and / or newsletter is informed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the data (DAT) by the service provider (SP) by means of a Online query of the participant (U3), especially about a Webfrontend be detected, the data (DAT) at least the area code of the subscriber line (P3) and the e-mail address of the subscriber (U3) and in a database (DB) of the service provider (SP) are stored. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in for several subscriber connections The supervision of the respective availability state checked in particular by means of an observation list containing the data to these multiple subscriber terminals or being recorded to the assigned participants, each subscriber connection and / or participants is assigned a unique identifier, in particular a Identifier, which is a coded identifier with at least 10 digits includes, is assigned. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the monitoring is carried out in the form of a monitoring and information service for which the subscriber (U3) can register, the monitoring service being carried out initially for a predeterminable period and the subscriber at the end of this period a reminder message, in particular a reminder email, is sent (step 112 ) to urge him to extend the surveillance service, to continue running it automatically and / or to terminate it. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the data (DAT) also gives information about technical performance parameters of the subscriber (U3) desired Internet access service (DSL) include, in particular, information about one of Participant (U3) desired Minimum bandwidth. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the data (DAT) are detected via a web front end, wherein a session ID and / or an IP address which can be assigned to the subscriber is used in order to avoid multiple acquisition of the same data (step 103 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the monitoring of the availability state is performed periodically with a predetermined period and / or for a predefinable maximum number of repetitions is performed and / or for a definite finite total duration is performed. System for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one service computer (SRV), which records the data (DAT) and the surveillance of the availability state controls, and with at least one database (DB), in which the service computer (SRV) enters the collected data (DAT).