Background to the Invention GSM network architecture generally consists of a mobile terminal, a base station and a mobile switching centre. The base station and mobile switching centre interface to a number of databases which store and maintain, amongst others, the mobile subscriber profile; the current location of the mobile terminal; and information about the mobile stations currently in the area of a base station.

Every mobile terminal carries a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) that stores essential subscriber information such as identification numbers and encryption keys used to authenticate the subscriber on the network. Each

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 SIM has a unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which is used to identify the subscriber on the network. A Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) is normally assigned by the base station to a subscriber and used by the mobile terminal and network infrastructure for call management and mobility management procedures to facilitate secure transmission and economise on transmission bandwidth resources due to its shorter length.

Though the use of a technology called Time Division Multiplexing (TDMA) the GSM bandwidth is organised into logical channels by assigning carrier frequencies and time slots. The channels are comprised of control (or signaling) channels and traffic channels. In turn, there are three categories of control channels : broadcast channels, which are used to transmit the same information to all mobile terminals in a cell ; common control channels, which carry information to and from specific terminals using channels that are available to all the mobile terminals; and dedicated control channels, which are used for sending information using channels that are assigned to specific mobile terminals.

The broadcast and control channels enable a mobile terminal that does not have a call in progress to synchronise its operation with a base station; gain essential information about system operation; and set up calls, for example.

An Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) server may be used in conjunction with a GSM network and a USSD switch to enable high-speed interactive communication between subscribers and applications across the control channels of a GSM network. This gateway analyses the initial USSD strings transmitted by the subscriber from their mobile terminals and routes them to the correct applications. Often the USSD gateway and USSD server are combined so there is no need to route the session externally. A user requests a service by dialling a three digit number prefixed by * or # and terminated by a #. This sequence is transmitted across the mobile network to the USSD switch which routes all subsequent'traffic'to the appropriate application, until the session is terminated. When a phase II USSD server is used, the initial code acts to open up the channel between the mobile terminal and the USSD server so that subsequent interaction can take place.

The USSD server application sends the response back to a user through the USSD gateway within the same signaling session so that there is a minimal delay between sending the query and receiving the response.

When a USSD gateway and server is used for communication between the mobile terminal and the application, a relationship, or'session', is created between these over a period; for a specific purpose; having characteristic data and states; and carried over an allocated channel which is held active for the duration of the session. All messages exchanged between the user and the application in the same interaction uses the same signaling dialogue effecting a minimal delay between messages because there is no intermediate storage and there is no time wasted in setting up signaling links.

When a subscriber transmits a USSD message, it arrives at the USSD gateway together with additional information relating to the sender's identity.

The USSD receives and validates this information; establishes a connection with an application hosted within the combined USSD server or on an independent server; and forwards the information to the application. A dialogue is maintained by the USSD server while the application processes the request and constructs its response, which is then returned via the same channel and appears on the display of the mobile terminal. The channel is held open and the session is maintained; until the session is explicitly terminated by the USSD gateway, mobile handset or USSD server.

The present use of USSD gateways and servers is to provide information, such as news, stock prices sports results, and weather, to a subscriber, on request. The use of a USSD server in this area is restricted to the provision of menus based on a pre-configured structure on the display of a user's mobile terminal, from which they can select the information class which they require. The requested information is normally transmitted to the user by way of an SMS containing the relevant information class.

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 Providing information in this manner often entails receiving the user's selection from the menu provided and then displaying a further auxiliary menu from which the user can again select the information that he/she requires. This process is time-consuming and tedious, particularly if the user regularly requires the same type of information and would ordinarily make the same menu selection each time the service is used.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for facilitating the provision of services, such as those mentioned above, over a GSM network which, at least partially, alleviates some of the abovementioned difficulties and to provide a novel alternative to the systems and methods that constitute the prior art.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention there is provided a method of facilitating the provision of services using a USSD protocol over a control channel of a GSM network comprising the steps of: - Receiving a request for a service from a mobile terminal, over a control channel of a GSM network; - Receiving a PIN code entered by a user on the mobile terminal, over the control channel of a GSM network;

- Receiving a unique User Identification Code (UIC) to identify the user; and - Comparing the PIN code received from the mobile terminal to a pre- assigned PIN code associated with the UIC in a database.

The UIC may be the unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which may be embedded on a SIM card of a mobile terminal. The IMSI can be used to identify the mobile terminal on the network. The UIC may also be the Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) identifier which may be assigned to a GSM network subscriber allocated and associated with a particular mobile subscriber by a network operator.

Alternatively, the UIC may be a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), which assigned by the network operator to a particular IMSI.

The method may further include any one or more of the following steps: - Causing information to be transmitted to the user; and - Receiving a selection entered by the user on the mobile terminal, over a control channel of the GSM network.

Preferably the information is transmitted to a user over a control channel of the GSM network and at least part of the information is displayed on the mobile terminal. Alternatively, the transmission may be via an alternative channel of the GSM network. The method may include the further step of causing for a prompt to be transmitted to the mobile terminal and displayed thereon, for a user to enter a pre-assigned PIN code.

Further according to the invention there is provided for the method to include one or more of the following steps to facilitate the provision of a voting, polling or registration services using a USSD protocol over a control channel of a GSM network: - Recording the selection received from the mobile terminal in a database; - Recording the UIC of the user in a database; - Associating the selection received with the UIC in the database; - Comparing the UIC of the user with the UIC of selections which have already been received, thereby to prevent multiple selections received from a single mobile terminal from being recorded, if desired; - Causing an error message to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile terminal if an invalid selection is received or if multiple selections are received from a user; - Causing a notification of receipt of the selection to be transmitted to a mobile terminal.

The selection may be in the form of a alpha or numeric or alphanumeric string entered by the user from the mobile terminal.

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 The notification of receipt of the selection may be in the form of an SMS message transmitted to the mobile terminal of the user. Alternatively, the notification of receipt may be transmitted to the mobile terminal over a control channel of the GSM network. Further alternatively, the notification of receipt is in the form of an email transmitted to the user via their email service.

The method of facilitating the provision of a voting, polling or registration service may include the following steps: - causing for information relating to the selections recorded in the database to be transmitted to a user; and - displaying the acknowledgement of receipt of selection on the mobile terminal.

Information relating to the selections recorded in the database may be transmitted to a mobile terminal and may be displayed thereon. An analysis, presentation or summary of the selections recorded in the database may be accessible on a network, via the USSD channel or any other means.

Further according to the invention there is provided for the method to include one or more of the following steps to facilitate the provision of a prepaid telephone recharge service using a USSD protocol over a control channel of a GSM network:

Causing for a prompt to be transmitted over a control channel of a GSM network to a mobile terminal and displayed thereon, for a user to enter a voucher number; Receiving a voucher number entered on the mobile terminal, over a control channel of the GSM network; Comparing the voucher number to a list of valid voucher numbers stored in a database; Causing for transmission of information received, such as any one or more of the UIC, voucher number, PIN code or verification of the voucher number or PIN code received, to a service provider; Instructing a service provider to effect the service; Causing for confirmation that the service has been effected to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile terminal ; Causing an error message to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile terminal if an invalid voucher number is received or the service is unable to be effected.

The notification of receipt of the voucher number and/or selection may be in the form of an SMS message transmitted to the mobile terminal of the user.

The notification of receipt of the voucher number and/or selection may contain a reference number which may be used by the user as a receipt of the prepaid services requested.

Still further according to the invention there is provided for the method to include one or more of the following steps to facilitate the provision of a pre- paid recharge, gaming/wagering, stockbroking, banking, purchasing or tendering service using a USSD protocol over a control channel of a GSM network: - Causing for a prompt to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile terminal, for a user to enter a monetary amount on the mobile terminal or select a monetary amount from a rendered menu displaying the available denominations; - Causing for transmission of the information received, such as any one or more of the UIC, monetary amount, PIN code or verification of the PIN code received, to a service provider; -Instructing a service provider to effect a service, such as recharging a pre-paid account, placing a bet, paying a bill, transferring money between accounts, transferring money to third parties, buying a quantity of stock on a stock exchange, tendering an amount for purchase of an item or service or tendering an amount in response to an auction or tender invitation; - Causing for confirmation that the service has been effected to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile terminal;

The notification of receipt of the monetary amount and/or selection and/or request for service may be in the form of an SMS message transmitted to the mobile terminal of the user. The notification of receipt may contain a reference number which may be used by the user as a receipt for the requested services.

According to a still further feature of the invention there is provided for the method to include one or more of the following steps to facilitate the provision of a competition using a USSD protocol over a control channel of a GSM network: - Causing for a question and a variety of answers to the question to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile terminal; - Receiving a selection entered by a user on the mobile terminal, over a control channel of a GSM network; - Comparing the selection received with an answer to the question stored in a database

- Causing for a response to the selection to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile terminal to indicate to a user whether their selection is the correct or incorrect answer to the question.

- Recording the selection of the user in a database; - Associating the selection of the user with the IMSI of the mobile terminal in the database.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for use in the method described above, for facilitating the provision of a service over a control channel of a GSM network comprising a database for storing subscriber PIN codes and U) C's ; management means for managing information and effecting selections received from a mobile terminal ; and a comparator for comparing information received from a mobile terminal with information stored in the database.

The management means may have an input interface connected to a gateway for receiving information transmitted over a control channel of a GSM network from a mobile terminal ; and an output interface connected to a gateway through which information to be transmitted over a control channel of a GSM network and displayed on a mobile terminal, is output. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the gateway is a Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) gateway connected to a USSD server.

Further, the management means may have transmission means for transmitting information to a service provider to effect a service. The transmission means may be a modem for transmitting information over the Internet, for example.

Information stored in the database may include any one or more of customised menu configurations; news updates; stock related information, such as prices and availability ; answers to quiz questions; voting and poll tallies ; prepaid telephone voucher numbers; and the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the system a customised menu configuration is stored in the database and associated with the UIC's of a mobile terminal.

Further, an association may be created between the UIC's and PIN codes in the database.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided for a method of facilitating the provision of services on a GSM network comprising the steps of: - Causing for a menu to be transmitted across a control channel of a GSM network and displayed on a mobile terminal ; - Identifying the mobile terminal by its User Identification Code (UIC) ;

- Associating the configuration of the menu and the UIC of the user in a database; - Receiving a selection from the menu entered on a mobile terminal, over a control channel of a GSM network ; - Comparing the selection received from the mobile terminal with the menu configuration stored against the UIC in the database; - Causing for the selection to be effected thereby to display the information requested or provide some other service, as set out above.

The method may include the further step of causing information pertinent to a particular menu configuration to be transmitted to and displayed on the mobile terminal.

Where the selection or information received is specific to a UIC, such as in the case of portfolio information, user points or user credit, the Identification of the mobile terminal user may be based on the users selection or information entered by the user.

The method may further include the step of determining if the UIC associated with the mobile terminal has permission to use the service by comparing the UIC with a list of approved UIC's in a database.

The method may further include the step of receiving extended USSD codes from a user, which are typically processed at the server level/application

level, to emulate the key-stroke sequence that is associated with a particular sequence of menu interactions.

The USSD codes may be stored at the mobile terminal to enable one touch or voice activated access to regularly requested services/information that would normally be accessed via multiple menu interactions The USSD codes may be downloaded to a mobile terminal to automate the process described above.

These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the method for facilitating a service over a GSM network according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the method for facilitating a voting service according to the invention using the system of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the method for facilitating a prepaid telephone recharge service according to the invention using the system of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the method for facilitating a betting service according to the invention using the system of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the method for facilitating a" competition service according to the invention using the system of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Drawings With reference to the drawings, a system for facilitating the provision of a service over a GSM network is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The system 10 consists of a database 12 for storing subscriber PIN codes and UIC associated with a user or mobile device 14; management means 16 for effecting selections received from a mobile telephone 14; and a comparator 18 for comparing information received from a mobile telephone 14 with information stored in the database 12.

The management means 16 has an input interface 20 connected to a phase II USSD gateway 24, for receiving information transmitted over a control channel of a GSM network from a mobile telephone 14. The management

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 means 16 also has an output interface 22, connected to the USSD gateway 24, through which information to be transmitted over a control channel of a GSM network and displayed on a mobile telephone 14, as output.

The USSD gateway 24 is typically housed at the cellular service provider and is connected to the Home Location Register (HLR) 25 of the cellular network.

Further, the management means 16 has transmission means in the form of a modem 28 for transmitting and receiving information to a variety of service providers 26, over the Internet 30. In this example, the service providers are media companies 26a; a third party payments house or financial institution 26b; a gambling or wagering house such as a casino 26c; a stock broking service 26d; and a telephone service provider 26e.

The database 12 stores content information that is relevant to the services provided including general information such as news and sports updates; stock related information, such as prices and availability of stock; answers to quiz questions; voting and poll tallies ; prepaid telephone voucher numbers; and the like.

The database further contains a list of the UIC's of the subscribers and the associated menu configurations for display on the subscriber's mobile telephone 14. The prescribed PIN code which corresponds to each

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 subscriber, who is identified by the UIC of his/her mobile telephone 14, and any associated access restrictions is also stored in the database 12.

The system 10 described above can be used in a variety different applications according to the method of the invention. Each individual application is described in more detail below.

Polling and Voting: A method of facilitating the provision of a polling or voting service over a control channel of a GSM network is provided. To initiate the service, the user dials a prescribed number into the keypad of his/her mobile telephone 14. The signal is transmitted over a control channel of a GSM network. The management means 16 receives the request for the service through the USSD server 24 at the cellular services provider.

The management means 16 causes for a prompt to be transmitted back over the control channel and displayed on the mobile telephone 14, for the user to enter a PIN code on the mobile telephone. The PIN code would previously have been assigned to or selected by the user on subscription for the service.

The PIN code entered by the user is transmitted over the control channel of the network and is received by the management means 16. When a

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 subscriber transmits a USSD message, it arrives at the USSD gateway together with additional information relating to the mobile telephone's identity, in the form of a IUC. The management means 16 obtains the IUC from the information contained within the USSD message specification routed to it from the USSD gateway 24 thereby identifying the mobile telephone or user 14.

The comparator 18 receives instructions from the management means 16 to compare the PIN code received from the mobile telephone 14 against the UIC of the mobile telephone stored on the database 12. If the PIN code received corresponds to the IMSI in the database 12, the management means 16 causes for a menu or specific information to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile telephone 14. The menu may, for example, contain a list of reality television shows which encourage the pubic to vote for a particular participant of give their opinion on a specific issue. The user makes a selection by entering the number corresponding to the choice on the keypad of the mobile telephone 14 and dialling in. The user's selection is transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and is received by the management means 16 via the USSD gateway 24.

In response to the selection, the management means 16 causes for another auxiliary menu to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and to be displayed on the mobile telephone 14.

The auxiliary menu may list, for example, the names of the participants in the reality television show. The user again enters their selection onto the keypad of their mobile telephone and dials it in. The selection is transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and received by the management means either directly or via the USSD gateway. The management means 16 records the selection of the user against the UIC of the mobile telephone in the database 12.

The management means 16 will compare the selection with a list of valid selections stored in the database 12 to establish the validity or invalidity thereof. If the selection is invalid the management means 16 will cause for an error message to be transmitted to the mobile telephone 14 of the sender.

In some applications, where it is desirous to limit the voting/polling to only one vote per mobile telephone 14 or user, the management means 16 compares the UIC of the mobile telephone 14 or user from which the selection is received, with the UIC's already stored in the database 12. If the UIC is already listed in the database 12 as having made a selection, the management means 16 will cause for an error message to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile telephone 14 of the sender.

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 If the selection is a valid selection, the management means will cause for a notification receipt to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network or via the short messaging service and displayed on the mobile telephone 14 of the sender.

Further the user has the opportunity to view the latest results if they wish by continuing the interaction.

Prepaid Telephone Recharge: The method has further application in prepaid telephone recharge. As in the polling/voting application, the PIN code entered by the user on the keypad of his/her mobile telephone 14 is verified against the UIC of the mobile telephone 14 in the database 12 and a menu is transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile telephone 14.

Once the user selects the prepaid telephone recharge application and the selection is received by the management means 16, it causes for a prompt to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile telephone 14 for a user to enter a voucher number of a prepaid telephone voucher on the mobile telephone 14.

The voucher number is transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network in the same dialogue or session which is set up by the USSD

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 gateway 24., and received via the USSD server 24 by the management means 16.

The management means 16 instructs the comparator 18 to compare the voucher number to a list of valid voucher numbers stored in the database 12.

If the voucher number entered by the user is a valid voucher number according to the database 12, the management means will cause for the service to be effected. This may involve causing for the transmission of information received, such as any one or more of the UIC, voucher number, PIN code or verification of the voucher number or PIN code received or payment information, to a third party payment house or financial institution to effect the transfer of funds required.

In the same way as in the polling/voting application, the management means 16 may cause for a confirmation that the service has been effected or error message to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile telephone 14.

Gaming, Wagering, Stock Broking, Purchasing, Banking or Tendering Service: This application is similar in methodology to the voting/polling service and prepaid recharge services described above.

Specific to this application is the further step of causing for a prompt to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile telephone 14, for a user to enter a monetary amount on the mobile telephone or select that amount form an item selected from a menu 14.

On receipt of the monetary amount or menu selection which is transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and received via the USSD gateway 24, the management means 16 causes for transmission of the information received, such as any one or more of the UIC, monetary amount, PIN code or verification of the PIN code received and menu selection, to a service provider, such as a financial institution 26b, stock broker 26d, casino 26c, auction house 26f or the like.

The management means 16 will instruct the relevant service provider 26 to effect a service, such as placing a bet, buying a quantity of stock on a stock exchange, tendering an amount for purchase in an auction or tendering an amount in response to a tender invitation.

Competition : In the context of a competition, the basic methodology described in the context of polling/voting further includes the following steps.

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 The management means 16 causes for a question and a variety of answers to the question to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile device 14. In answer to the question, the user will make a selection from the menu, which is transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network in the same session as the transmission of the question.

The selection is received by the management means 16 via the USSD gateway24. The comparator 18 will compare the selection to the answer to the question stored in the database 12. The management means will cause for a response to the selection to be transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network and displayed on the mobile telephone 14, to indicate to the sender whether their selection is the correct or incorrect answer to the question.

The selection may be recorded against the UIC of the mobile telephone 14 in the database 12 so that a service provider, such as a competition organiser (not shown) can identify the mobile telephone users who submitted correct answers to the question and award prizes or conduct a lucky draw accordingly.

Customised Menu Configurations and restricted access to certain services:

WO 2004/014090 PCT/ZA2003/000105 A second method of facilitating the provision of services over a control channel of a GSM network is provided as described below.

To initiate the service, the user dials a prescribed number into the keypad of his/her mobile telephone 14. The signal is transmitted over a control channel of a GSM network and is received by the management means 16 either directly or through the USSD gateway 24 at the cellular service provider.

The UIC of the mobile telephone 14 is transmitted with the USSD message enabling the management means to identify the mobile telephone 14. The management means 16 accesses the database 12 and looks up the menu configuration associated with the particular UIC, the so-called"customised menu configuration". If the UIC has the appropriate permission to access the service and or information the management means 16 causes for the customised menu configuration to be transmitted across a control channel of a GSM network in the same session as the request and displayed on the mobile telephone 14.

The user makes a selection from the menu, enters it on the keypad of the mobile telephone 14 and dials it in whereon the selection is transmitted over a control channel of the GSM network to be received by the management means 16.

The comparator compares the selection received from the mobile telephone 14 with the menu configuration stored against the UIC in the database to establish what service is being requested.

As with the methodology described in more detail above, the management means 16 causes for the requested service to be effected, thereby to display the information requested or provide some other service such as prepaid cellular recharge, banking, competition line, quiz, voting, polling or the like.