There are relatively few references in this volume. This occurs for two reasons. In the first place, the Federal government has sponsored most of the communication experiments in health care and many of the results are buried in government reports. Some of these have been included. Secondly, although very large projects have been initiated and some may set a pattern for future health care, they have not attracted merited attention.

This book provides a complete and comprehensive overview of 3G UMTS charging services Evolving from offline billing of traditional telecommunications, charging for IP services in mobile networks is challenging; charging convergence is one of the major trends in the telecom industry. Advanced mobile telecommunications incorporates data applications with real-time control and management, and requires a convergent and flexible online charging system. Such convergence is essential to mitigate fraud and credit risks in order to provide more personalized information to users about charges and credit limit controls. Charging for Mobile All-IP Telecommunications provides comprehensive and practical coverage of online and offline charging based on mobile operator experiences, and the latest efforts undertaken by the UMTS specifications. Key features: Presents a complete overview of the telecommunications charging system, including the evolution from 2G to 3G and all-IP network charging frameworks Discusses all management aspects related to charging and billing processes, with a focus on the major trends and developments within the telecoms industry Provides an overview of the telecom networks such as PSTN, GSM, UMTS and IMS Covers the concepts of the telecom charging on mobile services and the new technologies for implementing online charging system, such as GTP’ and Diameter protocol Contains coverage on network nodes and data flows in relation to charging of mobile applications, such as IMS call and content downloading Explains the IP-based online charging system, protocol details and recent trends in charging for mobile telecom industry This book is an invaluable resource for graduate students, telecoms and IP engineers, network service providers and system architects. Information technologists and networking equipment manufacturers will also find this book insightful.

This definitive legal guide to the new world of telecommunications provides you with thorough, authoritative analysis you need to understand and comply with the complex regulatory landscape in the industry. You'll find timely review of key legislation, FCC rules, regulations and orders, and court decisions with extensive citations and cross-references for such essential topics as the economics of interconnection and detailed discussions of pricing methodologies of offering services for resale; interconnection rules for wire line networks, including the specific rules imposed on incumbent LECs; antitrust litigation in the wake of the 1996 Act, with comprehensive analysis of the cases brought against incumbent local telephone companies; significant changes to universal services requirements; regulations and policies involving horizontal and vertical mergers and acquisitions; the FCC's rule-making and other powers; rights and duties arising from the laws of privacy, intellectual property and free speech; and much more. Federal Telecommunications Law, Second Edition provides all the laws and rules -- including those for price regulation, common carriage, universal service, regulations and court decisions -- are analyzed in detail to provide you with a thorough understanding of the environment within which you must work. Trends in competition, industry structures and technology are explored -- offering you a total picture of the telecommunications industry, in areas such as telecommunications equipment; long distance services; wireless services; the Internet and data services; information services; video services; and more.

The first of January 1998 was the deadline for market liberalisation within the European Union, which together with the passing of the USA Telecommunications Act, has served to open up major markets in the Telecommunications Industry. This book examines the changes that have been occuring in the industry in recent years, seeking to impose a coherent structure upon a rapidly changing environment. It includes case studies of the UK, Germany and the USA.