WO2001052085A2

WO2001052085A2 - System and method for purchasing products or services utilizing a telecommunication system

Info

Publication number: WO2001052085A2
Application number: PCT/EP2001/000330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Goldscheider
Original assignee: Daniel Goldscheider
Priority date: 2000-01-12
Filing date: 2001-01-12
Publication date: 2001-07-19
Also published as: WO2001052085A8; AU2001237294A1

Abstract

A method for purchasing utilizing telecommunication systems, comprising receiving a predetermined signal from a telecommunication device, wherein the predetermined signal comprises a purchase request. The method also comprises determining the product or service to which the purchase request corresponds and determining a subscriber of the telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device from which the predetermined signal was received, and transmitting to a merchant that provides the product or service a purchase order to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PURCHASING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES UTILIZING A TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to purchasing utilizing telecommunication systems, and amongst other things a method and apparatus for purchasing and billing utilizing telecommunication systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION From the earliest freestanding electronic cash registers to today's sophisticated automatic scanners connected to central processing units, the use of technology by retailers and other merchants has been expanding rapidly. Intelligent retailing, also known as electronic commerce, involves not only complex cash registers but also personal computers, cable television networks, telephones, wireless communication devices and other electronic devices such as automated teller machines (ATMs).

More than 1 9,000,000 modem-equipped computer users daily enter "cyberspace. " Commercial online services, CD-ROMs, and the Internet provide information and links between buyers and sellers. Cable television networks are test-marketing new equipment that brings the sights and sounds of products into living rooms. Compared to the personal computer, fiber-optic television cables can transmit data much faster than telephone lines. In addition to toll-free and 900- number links, telephone companies are developing "movies-on-demand" and home shopping services to compete with cable television. Changes in the manner and mode of doing business affect retailers and merchants as well as consumers. The market place exchange involves both buyers and sellers. For traditional retailers and merchants, the changing complexion of the retail market requires flexibility, adaptability, and substantial risk as the fight for market share moves into individual homes. Many stores participate in online malls on the Internet, offer catalog shopping to users of the major online services such as Prodigy, and experiment with on-demand, dial-up services that permit customers to see products on their home television screens. Some companies are entering the television shopping business as a means of capturing part of that lucrative market. Competitive advantage is further created by increasing application areas for computer technology, e.g., tracking geographically-dispersed locations, monitoring changing consumer demands and trends, and rapidly processing electronic funds transfers. Wide variances exist in the acceptance and use of technology by consumers. Many home computers sit idle after the novelty wears off. Learning how to operate a television-top device for on-demand movies and online catalogs is too much work. Shopping is often a leisure activity, pursued not for the purchase of a particular item but rather for the social rewards and meeting others.

Consumers who adapt to changes in retailing will receive benefits. They will be able to search through multiple vendors' offerings to find exactly what they want in a market driven by consumers' needs rather than suppliers' offerings. Traditional advertising is not needed where the customer, not the seller, initiates contact. The drudgery of shopping can be removed for standard items like books, compact discs, and computer software. Leisure time can be used for other pursuits. Consumers can gather information about big-ticket items and be in a better bargaining position before entering a traditional site to make a purchase.

As different technological methods of shopping and purchasing grow in size and dollar volume, the profits made by "e-tailers", on-line retailers and companies that facilitate electronic transactions will greatly increase. However, most of the new technological methods for shopping do not give the telecommunication service providers a stake or revenue to compensate for the increased traffic, use of their networks and additional service costs that must be borne by the telecommunication service provider. Further, many current methods of electronic commerce are slow and require a great deal of time to perform on the part of the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the present invention is directed toward a method for purchasing utilizing telecommunication systems. The method comprises receiving a predetermined signal comprising a purchase request from a telecommunication device, determining the product or service to which the purchase request corresponds based upon the predetermined signal, determining a subscriber of the telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device, and transmitting to a merchant a purchase order to purchase the product or service to which the purchase request corresponds and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider. In another embodiment the present invention is directed toward an apparatus for utilizing a telecommunication system for making purchases comprising an interface capable of receiving a predetermined signal, from a telecommunication device, corresponding to a purchase request corresponding to a subscriber related to the telecommunication device and for transmitting a purchase order to a merchant that provides the product or service and a purchasing database comprising a plurality of products or services, the purchasing database determining which product or service of the plurality of products or services the purchase request corresponds based upon the predetermined signal.

In an additional embodiment the present invention is directed toward a purchasing method for use in a telecommunication system, comprising receiving at a telecommunication service provider a purchase request transmitted from a telecommunication device, determining a product or service corresponding to the purchase request, determining payment information corresponding to the purchase request, and transmitting a purchase order to a merchant for purchase of the product or service.

In a further embodiment the present invention is directed toward an apparatus for purchasing a product or service utilizing a telecommunication network. The apparatus comprises means for communicating with a telecommunication system, means for determining a product or service associated with a predetermined signal that is transmitted from a telecommunication device and comprises a purchase request, means for determining the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device; and means for transmitting to a merchant a purchase order to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

In yet another embodiment the present invention is directed toward a computer readable storage medium on which is stored instructions recognizable by a processor for purchasing utilizing a telecommunication system, by determining a product or service to which a purchase request received from a telecommunication device corresponds, determining a subscriber of a telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device from which the purchase request was received, and transmitting to a merchant a purchase order to purchase the product or service to which the purchase request corresponds and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider. It is an advantage of an aspect of the present invention to create purchasing methods and systems that allow telecommunication service providers to profit from electronic commerce.

It is another advantage of an aspect of the present invention to provide simple and efficient methods and systems for consumers to purchase products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of a telecommunication purchasing and billing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the operation of the presently preferred embodiment of the telecommunication purchasing and billing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of a telecommunication purchasing and billing system according the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a presently preferred purchase order tracking system according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1 , a telecommunication service subscriber 1 0 can decide to purchase a product or service. The telecommunication service subscriber 1 0 then inputs a predetermined code into a telecommunication device 20, which provides a predetermined signal to the telecommunication service provider 30. The term telecommunication service provider includes, but is not limited to, mobile phone operators, wireless data communication providers, personal communication service providers, wireline access providers or any other entity that provides services allowing for communication over a distance. The telecommunication service provider 30 has a subscriber database 40, or other computerized records of subscriber information, which maintains subscriber records, including billing addresses, credit cards, calling records, etc. The telecommunication service provider 30, based upon the predetermined signal, determines the product or service, by utilizing a purchasing database that can be part of or separate from the subscriber database 40, that is being purchased and then forwards a purchase order, product code, or the like to the merchant 50 along with shipping information for shipping or transmission to the telecommunication service subscriber 1 0. The merchant 50 selects the product or service from its product or service database 60. After completion of the order for the product or service by the merchant 50, an order confirmation 70 is sent from the merchant 50 to the telecommunication service provider 30. The telecommunication service provider 30 can then transmit a confirmation that the order has been placed to the telecommunication device 20, thereby notifying the subscriber of the placement of the order. The confirmation from the telecommunication service provider to the subscriber can be transmitted through the Short Message Service Channel, the Broadcast Channel, Voice Mail or any other available method. The content of the confirmation may include relevant information such as shipping carrier and tracking number, billing information, promotional points gained as a result of the purchase, whether the telecommunication service provider provides a bonus or award program, information required by law and/or any other information which is deemed necessary by the telecommunication service provider.

In the presently preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 , billing for purchase of the product or service by the telecommunication service provider is performed by the telecommunication service provider by adding the costs of the product or service, any shipping costs, any associated sales taxes or other government fees, any fees paid to the telecommunication service provider or other intermediary, and any other additional costs to the monthly or other periodic bill for services that is done by the telecommunication service provider. Alternatively, the telecommunication service provider can bill the telecommunication service subscribers credit card, bank account, smart card or other account, if agreed to by the subscriber and if the information is of record with the telecommunication service provider. It is also possible that billing is done by a third party intermediary, which creates the relationship between the merchant and the telecommunication service provider, e.g. if the subscriber transmits billing information as part of the predetermined signal or in a later separate transmission, or if the telecommunication service provider sends subscribers billing information to the third party. Further, additional and alternative billing procedures and methods are capable of being used with the presently preferred embodiment so long as information regarding the subscriber is provided from the telecommunication service provider. In addition the timing of the billing can be done at the time of each transaction or can be done on a periodic basis, e.g. the next business day, weekly or at the end of the month.

Payment of the merchant for the product or service can be done on a per transaction basis or on a monthly or other regular schedule depending on a prior agreement with the merchant 50. Additionally, payment of the merchant may be handled by a third party intermediary, which creates the relationship between the merchant and the telecommunication service provider.

The term merchants as used herein shall encompass not only sellers of products, but shall also include any person or entity that provides products or services to specific consumers and/or the general public.

Referring to FIG. 2, a signal from a telecommunication device including a purchase request is received, step 1 00. The telecommunication device can be a cellular telephone, wire line telephone, personal communication device, or any other device capable of communicating over a distance by wire, fiber or wireless means. After receipt of the signal including a purchase request, the telecommunication service provider equipment determines the specific product or service to which the purchase request relates, step 1 10. In the presently preferred embodiment, the purchase request is toll-free telephone, e.g. a number such as an "800" or "888" number in the United States, which does not require a toll charged to be levied on the subscriber for completion of the communication or any time spent in communication with the owner(s) of the telephone number. However, the purchase request can also be an ordinary telephone number or any other predetermined signal that is previously determined by the telecommunication service provider. The use of a toll-free telephone number allows subscribers of other telecommunication services to be able to purchase the product, however, the telecommunication service provider can limit the ability to purchase the product or service to its own subscribers.

After the identity of the product or service is determined, the telecommunication service provider determines the subscriber with which the telecommunication device is associated, step 1 20. The association of the subscriber with the telecommunication device 20 is generally dependent on the type of telecommunication device being used. In the case of a wireline telephone, when the phone is picked up a circuit connection is made with a switching center, here the switching center software determines the subscriber by which line is active. In the case of a GSM protocol phone, association is made when the wireless communication device registers with a specific cell based upon a serial number located in the Subscriber Identity Module and further improved if a PIN code is used prior to placing the call. In the case of PCS devices, association can be made by use of an Electronic Serial Number (ESN) which is a 32-bit number assigned by the mobile station manufacturer which uniquely identifies the mobile station equipment and is the standard method of associating a telecommunication device with a subscriber for billing services in a PCS network. In addition the telecommunication service provider can, in alternate embodiment, require the use of PIN or other verification code be used prior to purchasing the product or service if further fraud or consumer protection is required. Once the product or service to be purchased is determined and the subscriber with the transmitted purchase request is determined, a purchase order can be transmitted to the Merchant, step 1 30. The purchase request is presently preferred to contain the product or service that is being purchased and the shipping information for the subscriber. The transmission of the purchase order can be over the internet, through an Extranet or Intranet, using Electronic Data Interchange Protocols, or any other method that is agreed upon in advance by the merchant and telecommunication service provider. After receipt of the purchase order from the telecommunication service provider the merchant can place the order and send a confirmation that the purchase order has been placed to the telecommunication service provider, step 1 40. The telecommunication service provider can then transmit confirmation that the purchase request has been placed by the merchant to the telecommunication subscriber, step 1 50.

Each step, its variations and additional parts as necessary can be embodied as instructions for a computer in a computer readable medium. For example, the step of determining after receipt of the signal including a purchase request, the specific product or service to which the purchase request relates by the telecommunication service provider, step 1 1 0, can be embodied as a program, subroutine or a number of functions. The previously described format can be adapted to all the additions and variations described with respect to step 1 10 or any of the other steps and functions described with respect to FIGS. 1 , 2 & 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, subscriber 200 utilizes telecommunication device 202 to transmit a predetermined signal that includes a purchase request to purchase a product or service, while subscriber 204 utilizes telecommunication device 206 to transmit a predetermined signal that includes a purchase request to purchase a product or service, and subscriber 208 utilizes telecommunication device 210 that includes a purchase request to transmit a predetermined signal to purchase a product or service. The product or service corresponding to the predetermined signal transmitted by the telecommunication devices 202, 206 and 21 0 can be the same or different. Further, even if the product or service corresponding to each predetermined signal is the same, the predetermined signals can be different or the same. As previously described with respect to FIG. 2, the presently preferred embodiment utilizes a toll-free telephone as the purchase request, e.g. a number such as an "800" or "888" number in the United States, which does not require a toll charged to be levied on the subscriber for completion of the communication or any time spent in communication with the owner(s) of the telephone number. However, the purchase request can also be an ordinary telephone number or any other predetermined signal that is previously determined by the telecommunication service provider. The use of a toll-free telephone number allows subscribers of other telecommunication services to be able to purchase the product, however, the telecommunication service provider can limit the ability to purchase the product or service to its own subscribers.

Each of the telecommunication service providers 220, 224 and 228 receives the predetermined signal from its corresponding telecommunication device 202, 206 or 21 0. The telecommunication service providers 220, 224 and 228 then associate the subscriber 200, 204 or 208 with the purchase request received by utilizing its respective subscriber database 222, 226 or 230. The different methods of association are described with respect to FIG. 2. At this point, the telecommunication service providers 220, 224 and 228 can transmit the subscriber information along with a purchase request to the intermediary 240, which determines what product or service corresponds to each purchase request. Alternatively, each of the telecommunication providers 220, 224 and 228 can determine to which product or service the predetermined signal that corresponds and then transmit the desired product or service to be purchased along with the subscriber information to the intermediary 240. In either case, the intermediary 240 utilizes its purchasing database 250 to match the product or service to which the purchase order corresponds to the merchant that provides the product or service. The intermediary 240 can then provide a purchase order including the product or service, and shipping or transmission information to the appropriate merchant 260, 264, or 268. Each merchant 260, 264, or 268 then can utilize its appropriate purchasing system 262, 266, or 270 to place the order. After the order is placed, a confirmation can be transmitted from the merchants 260, 264, or 268 to the intermediary 240 which then transmits it to the appropriate telecommunication service provider 220, 224, or 228 for transmission to the corresponding telecommunication device 202, 206, or 21 0, as described with respect to FIG. 2.

Communication between the telecommunication service providers 220, 224, and 228 and the intermediary 240 can be performed through standard interfaces that allow each party to communicate over a telecommunications network, whether it be wireless, internet, satellite, or any other network that allows communication between multiple party. Billing in the arrangement of FIG . 3 can be performed by transmitting billing information from the intermediary 240 to the appropriate telecommunication service provider 220, 224 or 228, for inclusion on their telecommunication bill, or can be performed by the intermediary 240 if subscriber information such as credit card, bank account, smart card or similar payment information is provided to the intermediary 240. Other billing arrangement are possible depending on a prior agreement between the intermediary 240 and telecommunication service providers 220, 224 and 228.

Payment of the merchants can be handled by the intermediary 240 depending on a prior arrangement. The system of FIG. 3 allows for an intermediary 240 to handle all of the relationships between the merchants 260, 264, 268 or 272 and the telecommunication service providers 220, 224 and 228, thereby allowing the maximum number of telecommunication service providers, and subscribers, to be available to each merchant and the maximum amount of merchants, and products or services, to be available to each telecommunication service provider. Further, the system of FIG. 3 allows more of the administrative tasks, such as product tracking, aggregation, data mining and the like to be outsourced to the intermediary 240, thereby decreasing expertise and processing power required by the telecommunication service providers and merchants. Referring to FIG. 4, another aspect of the present invention allows the subscribers to track the status of their individual purchase orders as well as any reward points earned through a web site of an intermediary 31 0 located on intermediary web server 31 5. If the purchase order transmission is performed by the telecommunication service provider 320, as depicted with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, then information 340 needs to be transmitted from the databases 330 of the telecommunication service provider to the web server 31 5. If the purchase order transmission is performed by the intermediary 31 0, as depicted with respect to FIG. 3, then no such information 340 needs to be provided by the telecommunication service provider 320. Alternatively, tracking information and any reward points with respect to individual purchase order or reward points can be handled by the telecommunication service providers either through a web site or dial up services, e.g. using a separate toll free telephone number and inputting the tracking number for determination of the status of the order.

It should be noted that the present invention allows the telecommunication service provider to receive compensation for each product purchase or any other basis, thus allowing the telecommunication service providers to receive monies for purchases made utilizing their networks. Additionally, in the case of an intermediary as depicted in FIG. 3, the intermediary and telecommunication service provider can both receive a fee in addition to the price charged by the merchant.

While the embodiments, applications and advantages of the present inventions have been depicted and described, there are many more embodiments, applications and advantages possible without deviating from the spirit of the inventive concepts described and depicted herein. The invention should only be restricted in accordance with the spirit of the claims appended hereto and is not restricted by the preferred embodiments, specification or drawings.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A method for purchasing utilizing telecommunication systems, comprising the steps of: receiving a predetermined signal from a telecommunication device, the predetermined signal comprising a purchase request corresponding to a product or service; determining the product or service to which the purchase request corresponds based upon the predetermined signal; determining a subscriber of the telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device from which the predetermined signal comprising the purchase request was received; and transmitting to a merchant that provides the product or service a purchase order to purchase the product or service to which the purchase request corresponds and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein the purchase request comprises a telecommunication number.

3. The method of Claim 2 wherein the telecommunication number comprises a toll free telephone number.

4. The method of Claim 2 wherein the predetermined signal received further comprises payment information provided by the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

5. The method of Claim 1 wherein the telecommunication service provider to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider maintains computerized billing information for each subscriber of the telecommunication service provider, the method further comprising adding all costs associated with purchase request to the billing information of the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

6. The method of Claim 1 further comprising transmitting to the telecommunication device a confirmation that the purchase order has been placed by the merchant after receiving a signal from the merchant indicative that the merchant has placed the purchase order.

7. The method of Claim 1 further comprising transmitting from the telecommunication device an access code that enables transmitting to the merchant that provides the product or service the purchase order.

8. The method of Claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting to the merchant comprises the steps of: transmitting to an intermediary server a request to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber corresponding to the telecommunication device; and transmitting from the intermediary server the merchant that provides the product or service the purchase order and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

9. The method of Claim 8 wherein the purchase order transmitted to the intermediary server comprises the predetermined signal.

1 0. The method of Claim 1 further comprising the steps of: maintaining a database of all purchase orders transmitted during a given time period to each merchant; and providing a payment to each merchant for all purchase orders during the given time period based upon information in the database.

1 3 SUBSTTTUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

1 1 . The method of Claim 1 further comprising providing the subscriber of the telecommunication service access to the status of each purchase request associated with the subscriber of the telecommunication service.

1 2. An apparatus for utilizing a telecommunication system for making purchases comprising: an interface capable of receiving a predetermined signal, from a telecommunication device, corresponding to a purchase request corresponding to a subscriber related to the telecommunication device and for transmitting a purchase order to a merchant that provides the product or service; and a purchasing database comprising information related to a plurality of products or services, the purchasing database determining which product or service of the plurality of products or services the purchase request corresponds based upon the predetermined signal and transmitting to the interface a request to transmit a purchase order to purchase the product or service to the merchant that is determined to provide the product or service.

1 3. The apparatus of Claim 1 1 wherein the predetermined signal corresponding to the purchase request comprises a telecommunication number.

1 4. The apparatus of Claim 1 2 wherein the telecommunication number comprises a toll free telephone number.

1 5. The apparatus of Claim 1 1 further comprising a billing database in communication with the purchasing database, the billing database containing billing information for each subscriber of the telecommunication service, the billing database adding all costs associated with the purchase request to the billing information of the subscriber related to the telecommunication device.

1 6. The apparatus of Claim 1 1 further comprising a tracking database in communication with the interface and purchasing database, the tracking database providing the subscriber related to the telecommunication device information regarding the status of the product or service purchased by the subscriber in response to a tracking request.

1 7. The apparatus of Claim 1 5 wherein the tracking database is stored at a computer system different than the purchasing database.

1 8. The apparatus of Claim 1 1 wherein the purchasing database transmits a request to the interface to transmit to the telecommunication device a confirmation that the purchase order for the product or service has been placed by the merchant.

1 9. A purchasing method for use in a telecommunication system, comprising the steps of: receiving at a telecommunication service provider a purchase request transmitted from a telecommunication device; determining a product or service corresponding to the purchase request received from the telecommunication device; determining payment information corresponding to the purchase request from the telecommunication device; and transmitting a purchase order to purchase the product or service to a merchant for purchase of the product or service and to provide the product or service to a subscriber associated with the telecommunication device.

20. The purchasing method of Claim 1 9 wherein the purchase request comprises a telecommunication number and the step of determining a product or service comprises the step of associating the telecommunication number with a predetermined product or service.

21 . The purchasing method of Claim 20 wherein the telecommunication number comprises a toll free telephone number.

22. The purchasing method of Claim 1 9 wherein the telecommunication service provider maintains computerized billing information for each subscriber of the telecommunication service provider, the step of determining payment information further comprises adding all costs associated with the purchase request to the computerized billing information of the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

23. The purchasing method of Claim 1 9 further comprising transmitting to the telecommunication device a confirmation that the purchase order has been placed by the merchant after receiving information from the merchant indicative that the merchant has placed the purchase order.

24. The purchasing method of Claim 1 9 further comprising transmitting from the telecommunication device an access code that enables transmission of the purchase order to the merchant for purchase of the product or service.

25. The purchasing method of Claim 1 9 further comprising the steps of: maintaining computerized records of all purchase orders placed during a given time period for each merchant; and providing a payment to each merchant for all purchase orders during the given time period based upon the computerized records.

26. The purchasing method of Claim 1 9 further comprising providing the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider access to the status of the purchase order.

27. The purchasing method of Claim 1 9 wherein the purchase request is received at a telecommunication service provider and the step of transmitting the purchase order comprises the steps of: transmitting to an intermediary server a request to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device; and transmitting from the intermediary server to the merchant that provides the product or service the purchase order to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

28. An apparatus for purchasing a product or service utilizing a telecommunication network comprising: means for communicating with a telecommunication system; means, in communication with the means for communicating with a telecommunication system, for determining a product or service associated with a predetermined signal transmitted from a telecommunication device, the predetermined signal comprising a purchase request received at the means for communicating with a telecommunication system; means for determining the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device; and means for transmitting to a merchant that provides the product or service a purchase order to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

29. The apparatus of Claim 28 wherein the purchase request comprises a telecommunication number.

30. The apparatus of Claim 29 wherein the telecommunication number comprises a toll free telephone number.

31 . The apparatus of Claim 28 further comprising means, in communication with the means for determining the product or service associated with the predetermined signal, for maintaining computerized billing information for each subscriber of the telecommunication service provider and for adding all costs associated with the purchase request to the billing information of the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

32. The apparatus of Claim 28 further comprising means, in communication with the means for determining the product or service associated with a predetermined signal and the means for communicating with a telecommunication system, for transmitting a confirmation that the purchase order has been placed by the merchant after receiving a signal from the merchant indicative that the merchant has placed the purchase order.

33. The apparatus of Claim 28 further comprising means for transmitting from the telecommunication device an access code that enables transmission to the merchant that provides the product or service the purchase order.

34. The apparatus of Claim 28 further comprising means for receiving at an intermediary server the predetermined signal corresponding to the purchase request and information regarding the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device and means for transmitting from the intermediary server to the merchant that provides the product or service a request to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

35. The apparatus of Claim 28 further comprising means for maintaining records of all purchase requests placed during a given time period for each merchant and means for providing a payment to each merchant for all purchase orders during the given time period based upon the records.

36. The apparatus of Claim 28 further comprising means for providing the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider access to the status of the purchase request.

37. A computer readable storage medium on which is stored instructions recognizable by a processor for purchasing utilizing a telecommunication system, by: determining a product or service to which a purchase request received from a telecommunication device corresponds; determining a subscriber of a telecommunication service provider corresponding to the telecommunication device from which the purchase request was received; and transmitting to a merchant that provides the product or service a purchase order to purchase the product or service to which the purchase request corresponds and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

38. The computer readable storage medium of Claim 37 wherein the purchase request comprises a telecommunication number.

39. The computer readable storage medium of Claim 38 wherein the telecommunication number comprises a toll free telephone number.

40. The computer readable storage medium of Claim 37 wherein the purchase request further comprises payment information provided by the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

41 . The computer readable storage medium of Claim 37 further comprising an instruction to transmit to the telecommunication device a confirmation that the purchase order has been placed by the merchant.

42. The computer readable storage medium of Claim 37 further comprising an instruction to determine whether an access code that enables transmission to the merchant that provides the product or service the purchase order has been received from the telecommunication device.

43. The computer readable storage medium of claim 37 wherein the instruction of transmitting to the merchant comprises the instructions of: transmitting to an intermediary server a request to purchase the product or service and to provide the product or service to the subscriber corresponding to the telecommunication device; and transmitting from the intermediary server the merchant that provides the product or service the purchase order and to provide the product or service to the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.

44. The computer readable storage medium of Claim 37 further comprising the instructions of: maintaining a database of all purchase orders transmitted during a given time period to each merchant; and providing a payment to each merchant for all purchase orders during the given time period based upon information in the database.

45. The computer readable storage medium of Claim 37 further comprising an instruction to provide the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider access to the status of each purchase request associated with the subscriber of the telecommunication service provider.