WO1999003256A1

WO1999003256A1 - Device for selecting a carrier according to tariff data supplied by the carrier

Info

Publication number: WO1999003256A1
Application number: PCT/IL1998/000326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amir Rosenheimer
Original assignee: Amir Rosenheimer
Priority date: 1997-07-13
Filing date: 1998-07-13
Publication date: 1999-01-21
Also published as: IL121294A0; AU8239498A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for selective connection of telephone-to-telephone communication carrier according to tariff data supplied by the carrier. The device includes an interconnected aggregation of hardware and software modules (e.g. a controller, an interface, a dialer). The controller is for accepting a number dialed by a service customer, extracting the addressee location from the number, reading the real time, finding the cheapest communications supplier for that location from a tariffs table, and generating a dialing sequence including the number dialed by the service customer, wherein the supplier designation was replaced with that corresponding to the supplier with the cheapest tariff. The interface, to a local telephone, is for emulating an external line for that telephone, for receiving the number dialed by a service customer, and for transferring the number to the controller. The dialer is connected to the external line for accepting the dialing sequence generated by the controller, and for sending dialing signals corresponding to that sequence over the external line. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tariff tables of a plurality of devices are updated in parallel. This is accomplished using the broadcast facility of a communications service provider. This communications service provider is using a radio frequency or microwave frequency transmission to broadcast the tariff table update. According to another embodiment, tariff table updates are broadcast using spare bandwidth capacity of the primary communications service provider (e.g. the local Telephone Company), or by broadcast using spare bandwidth capacity of cable TV provider, cellular telephone service provider, or the like.

Description

DEV ICE FOR SELECTING A CARRIER ACCORDING TO TARIFF DATA SUPPLIED BY THE CARR IER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to least cost router devices for subscriber telephone communication units. More particularly the present invention relates to such devices that include a computer processor for choosing the

5 cheapest supplier, and for automatically performing the connection using the chosen supplier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heretofore, a telephone service consumer has had to choose among various telecommunications carriers (suppliers of telephone communication 10 services).

A service consumer may connect to a desired destination using any one of a plurality of suppliers. Hereinafter, the term "user" refers to a subscriber set in a telephone network. The subscriber set may include a telephone set or a computer or other like equipment, which it is desired to

15 connect with; in the telephone network.

The cost of the call will vary according to the supplier, which was chosen. The reason is that each communication supplier has a different tariff scale. It would be desirable for the user (being equivalent in this case to the service consumer) to choose the supplier, which offers the service at the lowest cost. The problem is that choosing the best supplier requires a complex decision. Each supplier has different prices for different destinations. Prices may change with time of the day and possibly day of the week. Thus, for example, supplier A may be the best choice for destination X at 11 AM, however supplier B may be cheapest for the same destination at 9 PM. Also, supplier C may be cheapest at 9 PM, but for another destination Y.

It is a complex task to consistently choose the right supplier for each call. The problem is further aggravated with each communications supplier changing its price from time to time. It is thus more difficult to get an update of all of the prices (tariffs) and to make an intelligent decision for each call.

Choosing the right communication supplier is important for firms, since the costs of many calls accumulates and may make a difference in profits. For private consumers, as well, choosing the right supplier may make a significant cost difference. The problem is, however, that a difficult choice is to be made, and a lot of information is to be updated from time to time, if one is to choose the right supplier for each communication.

Many of the telephone service consumers are not technically oriented. A computer-based or complex device may be difficult to use and is not a practical solution.

Furthermore, not all service consumers receive written notice from communication suppliers for all the changes in tariffs. Furthermore, service consumers may receive a tariff notice, but not keep it or remember it when choosing a supplier for dialing. Even in the case of a service consumer using a least cost router (e.g. at the central switchboard of a business, hotel, or the like), maintaining the tariff tables of least cost router is a complex task. The complexity of maintaining updated tariff tables often results in temporary tariff inaccuracies for individual least cost routers, because the new tariffs are not distributed to individual least cost routers in a timely manner; especially in the situation when there are a very large number of least cost router units to update.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION -- It is an object of the present invention to provide a device, which automatically chooses the cheapest supplier for each telephone communication.

According to one aspect of the invention, the device includes a memory media for storing the tariffs for a plurality of communication services suppliers. For each supplier, the stored information includes tariff computation (comparison) factors including by destination, time of day, day of week, etc.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the device includes a processor for accepting the desired destination information as well as information relating to time (local clock time, date, day of week, etc.), and for choosing the cheapest supplier based on that information. The preferred embodiment of the device, according to the present invention, includes a processor for performing in real time the above activities.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the device includes a dialer (pulse, tone, or other telephone service supplier compatible) for dialing the desired destination using the chosen supplier.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the device includes protocol structuring for maintaining service consumer transparency such that automatically accepting the desired destination information and dialing is without the need for service consumer intervention or control. This achieves an easy-to-use (service consumer friendly) device embodiment.

Furthermore, the device includes operations mode selection means (menu, switch, or the like) for allowing either automatic or manual designation of the desired supplier. Automatic designation is based on the above method. Manual designation may be made by the service consumer, regardless of cost information and decisions.

Another feature of the invention includes a service consumer transparent protocol to acknowledge receipt of tariff updates. A service

^"provider sends the updates and may guarantee lower cost based on those tariffs. The invention allows the provider to ensure the "user" (unit) received the tariff updates so as to be able to respond accordingly.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tariff tables of a plurality of devices are updated in parallel. This is accomplished using the broadcast facility of a communications service provider. This communications service provider is, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, using a radio frequency or microwave frequency transmission to broadcast the tariff table update. According to another embodiment of the present invention, tariff table updates are broadcast using spare bandwidth capacity of the primary communications service provider (e.g. the local Telephone Company).

According to anther embodiment of the present invention, tariff table updates are broadcast using spare bandwidth capacity of cable TV provider, cellular telephone service provider, or the like.

Further objectives of the present invention will become apparent to people skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and drawings. DET AILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for selective connection of telephone-to-telephone communication carrier according to tariff data supplied by the carrier comprising an interconnected aggregation of hardware and software modules:

(a) a controller for accepting a number dialed by a service customer, extracting the addressee location from the number, reading the real time, finding the cheapest communication supplier for that location from a tariffs table, and generating a dialing sequence including the number dialed by the service customer, wherein the supplier designation was replaced with that corresponding to the supplier with the cheapest tariff;

(b) an interface to a local telephone, for emulating an external line for that telephone, for receiving the number dialed by a service customer and for transferring the number to the controller; and

(c) a dialer connected to the external line for accepting the dialing sequence generated by the controller and for sending dialing signals corresponding to that sequence over the external line.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device has a switching module for connecting the local telephone either to the interface or to the external line according to a signal from the controller, and wherein the local telephone is connected to the interface during a first time interval including the dialing at the local telephone and the subsequent dialing over the external line, whereas the local telephone is connected to the external line during a second time interval corresponding to the actual communication with the desired addressee.

According to another embodiment of the previous embodiment of the device of the present invention, the controller includes processing for decrypting a received tariffs update message, and wherein the controller, ^■ b -

after receiving a message, includes processing for connecting a message distribution center for receiving a decryption key, for using the key to decrypt the message and to update the tariffs table accordingly.

According to another embodiment of the previous embodiment of the device of the present invention, has a timer module for indicating the day of the week; and also the controller takes the information relating to the day of the week into account for looking in the tariffs table for the cheapest communication provider.

According to a further sophistication of the device of the present invention, the device has write-able digital memory media for storing the tariffs table with said media allowing the controller to read the tariff information.

It is preferred, in this embodiment, that the memory media is of a nonvolatile type, to preserve the information therein also while the electrical power is down.

Furthermore, it is preferred according to the aforementioned embodiments that the device has an input channel for receiving tariff update messages connected to the controller, and wherein the controller includes memory media wherein the tariffs table is updated according to the received messages.

Furthermore, it is preferred according to the aforementioned embodiments that the controller operate in either a manual or automatic dialing mode settable by a user; and during a manual mode the switching module connects the local telephone all the time to the external line, whereas in the automatic mode the switching module connects the local telephone to the interface during a first time interval including the dialing at the local telephone and the subsequent dialing over the external line, and, connects the local telephone to the external line during a second time interval corresponding to the actual communication with the desired addressee.

According to the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, there is included at least one of the following (a) The input channel for receiving tariff update messages includes a RF receiver for receiving messages transmitted as radio waves.

(b) The tariff update message is transmitted over a wireless network of a pager system.

(c) The tariff update message is transmitted over a sub-carrier of radio transmitter.

^"(d) The tariff update message is transmitted over a sub-carrier of a television transmitter, (e) A display for indicating the reception of a tariff update message and/or the status of tariffs update. (f) The controller has messaging means for sending an acknowledgment message to indicate receipt of a tariff update message, (g) Wide-band communication receiver for receiving the tariff update messages and narrow-band communication transmitter for transmitting the acknowledgment messages. (h) The tariff update messages are received^" over a RF channel receiver, and the acknowledgment messages are transmitted with messaging means for transmitting over telephone lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: - o -

Fig. 1 illustrates the functional structure of the communication supplier selection and connection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Fig. 1, the communication supplier selection and connection device is connected between external telephone line 1, leading to a (not shown) telephone central or PBX, and local telephone line 5, leading to a (not shown) local telephone or computer or PBX. A relay 10 connects a local telephone either directly to external telephone line 1 or to the device for supplier selection.

A central controller 3, including a nonvolatile storage memory media 12 is connected to interface to external line 2 and telephone line emulator 4 (SLIC) for the local telephone. Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the communication supplier selection and connection device. The device has a first port which is connected to an external telephone line 1, leading to a (not shown) telephone central or PBX, and a second port which is connected to a local telephone line 5, leading to a (not shown) local telephone or computer or PBX. In the embodiment as shown, lines 1 and ^'5 are each of 2-wires.

Prior to the installation of the device, line 1 is connected directly to line 5. The supplier selection device as shown is easy to install, by simply disconnecting line 5 from line 1 and connecting both lines to the device. Thus, the device is installed between the external line 1 and the local telephone line 5. It is easy to install and remove anytime.

A switching module 10 connects a local telephone (not shown) on line 5 either directly to external telephone line 1 or to the device for supplier selection. ^■ y -

A controller 3 activates relay 10 in either one of its two states, through control line 33. In a preferred embodiment, switching module 10 is implemented with a double pole double throw relay as shown.

The device may operate in one of several modes. The mode of operation is set by controller 3, according to the state of lines 1 and 5 and the RF receiver 9 and in response to service consumer's commands

(selection), as detailed below. Controller 3 continuously watches the state of the various inputs and sets the mode of operation as required, in real time.

Throughout the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiment of the present device operates in real time, that is it responds to the service consumer's actions and the telephone line status in real time(with a time delay which is unnoticeable by the service consumer).

Mode 1 - Direct connection mode Fig. 1 illustrates relay 10 in Mode 1, the state in which line 5 is directly connected to line 1. The service customer may set the device for manual dialing, wherein the selection device will not assist in supplier selection and dialing, but the communication supplier will thus be selected directly. In manual dialing, line 5 is connected all the time to line 1 as shown in Fig. 1; and controller 3 will not take ^"part in dialing. An electrical switch (not shown) connected to controller 3 may be used to set controller 3 for either manual or automatic dialing, as desired.

When automatic dialing is desired (for example when the above switch is set in the "automatic dialing" position), then controller 3 continuously watches the state of lines 1 and 5 and the RF receiver 9, to take steps (a), (b) or (c) accordingly. a) If an incoming call is detected, then controller 3 leaves relay 10 in Mode 1, so the call is channeled directly to the local "user" (e.g. a telephone, PBX, computer, or a like "unit" which is adapted for interconnection to a telephone based telecommunications network system). An incoming call is detected from the ringing signals on line 1, which are detected in line interface unit 2. A signal indicative of the ringing signal detection is transferred to controller 3, to initiate the appropriate response as detailed above, that is line 1 being connected to line 5. Controller 3 will not intervene during an incoming call. b) For an outgoing call, controller 3 activates switching relay (or equivalent) 10 to channel the call en line 5 to the telephone line emulator 4. An outgoing call may be indicated from the "telephone off hook state" , which may be detected either in interface unit 2 or in line emulator unit 4, according to the state of relay 10. In either case, a signal indicative of the "off hook" state is transferred to controller 3, which switches the device to Mode 2 - automatic dialing. Mode 2 is detailed below. c) If a message is received in RF receiver 9, then controller 3 switches to Node 3 - RF message reception, see details below.

In another embodiment of step (b) above, the device reads the first digit dialed by the service customer. If that digit corresponds to a local call or to a call for which no tariff evaluation is necessary, then the device performs the following operations: The device dials that first digit on the telephone line 1; the user (unit) is connected to line 1, so that all the subsequent dialing digits are sent manually, without the intervention of the device.

It is also possible for the device to read several first digits, and to decide that there is no need for its intervention in the call. In that case, the device automatically dials on line 1 the first digits received from the user (unit), then connects the user (unit) directly to line 1 to dial directly the rest of the telephone number. Mode 2 - Automatic dialing to cheapest supplier mode The device enters this mode when automatic selection of a communication supplier is desired, and controller 3 detects an "off hook" state of the local telephone on line 5. When entering Mode 2, controller 3 ensures that relay 10 connects line 5 to line emulator 4. The telephone line emulator 4 allows the selection device to emulate an external telephone line for the local telephone on line 5, while the local telephone actually is not connected to the external line 1. Thus, when the local user (unit) dials a desired destination, the dial signals will not reach the external line 1, but will be transferred to controller 3 through emulator 4 and DTMF receiver 6 as shown.

The telephone line emulator 4 may be implemented with a SLIC device, SLIC = subscriber line interface circuit. The SLIC device usually serves as an interface between 2-wire subscriber line and 4-wire side of a telephone central office. In the present embodiment, a SLIC device may be used between a local telephone (not shown) and controller 3, to emulate the external line for the telephone and to provide an interface between telephone and controller 3.

A DTNF receiver 6 is used to convert the tone dialing signals to digital signals indicative of the dialed number. These digital signals are transferred to controller 3 for further processing, as detailed below.

The dialed number usually includes an indication of the number of the desired addressee together with an indication of the country and/or region thereof, with an indication of a communication supplier for that call. For example, in Israel for international calls, a prefix "00" indicates an international call with a specific communication supplier, whereas "013" indicates international calls with another supplier. In the United States, a three digits prefix indicates the location, and a prefix "011" indicates an international call. The number or numbers after the prefix indicate the country, for example " 1" for the United States, "33" for France, "350" for Gibraltar.

Thus, the location of the desired addressee can be extracted from the number as dialed by user (unit), without the service customer's explicit intervention to instruct the device.

Receiver 6 may be also made receptive of pulse dialing signals, in case the telephone uses pulses instead. Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to D'YE' (dual tone) dialing, either for the local phone or the external line, is to be interpreted as an example only. The same also applies to pulse dialing, with specific changes as required and as known in the art.

Controller 3 includes a nonvolatile memory media 12 which stores information relating to communication tariffs for a plurality of communication services suppliers. The information may include, for each supplier, tables with prices for various locations or destinations, for each hour of the day. Optionally, the tables may include information relating to price variations according to the day of the week, holidays or other variables, which may affect prices.

Controller 3 is also connected to a timer module 11, which indicates real time. Timer module 11 may also include a calendar module, to indicate day of the week or day of the year.

In other embodiments, the timer and/or calendar modules may be an integral part of the controller 3, or may be implemented in software therein.

Optionally, memory media 12 may also include information on membership of the service customer with various communication providers. For example, a specific provider may offer better tariffs for that service customer, for specific destinations. If a call to that destination is desired, then it is to the service customers advantage to connect using that specific supplier. Controller 3 processes the above detailed information (the location of the desired addressee according to the dialed number, the prices table in memory and the present time and date) to choose the lowest cost supplier for the present call. Controller 3 then dials the desired destination by sending dial signals through dialing transmitter 7 and line interface unit 2, to external line 1. The dialing signals include the desired addressee number as well as a signal indicative of the chosen supplier, for lowest cost.

The controller includes information on the code used to activate each of the communication service suppliers. The code for the cheapest supplier, which was found, is activated accordingly.

Thus, the number actually dialed by controller 3 includes a communication supplier number, which may be different from that dialed by the user (unit). The rest of the dialed number is identical to that entered by user (unit).

The indication of the chosen supplier may include for example a prefix "00" or "013" or "014" to indicate the supplier. In other telephone systems, other types of indication of the chosen supplier may be used, for example other numbers, used as prefix or in combination with other codes. The dialing signal may be either DISAP or pulses, according to the system being used.

Mode 2 is activated only for dialing through the cheapest supplier. After dialing is completed, controller 3 exits Mode 2 and returns to Mode 1, wherein relay 10 connects line 5 to the external line 1. This enables the local service customer to directly communicate with the desired addressee.

In another embodiment, the device reads the first digit dialed by the user (unit). If that digit corresponds to a local call or to a call for which no tariff evaluation is necessary, then the device performs the following operations: The device dials that first digit on the telephone line 1 ; the user (unit) is connected to line 1, so that all the subsequent dialing digits are sent manually, without the intervention of the device.

It is also possible for the device to read several first digits, and to decide that there is no need for its intervention in the call. In that case, the device automatically dials on line 1 the first digits received from the user

(unit), then connects the user (unit) directly to line 1 to dial directly the rest of the telephone number.

Mode 3 - RP message reception The device enters this mode when a message is received through receiver 9. Messages including updates to the tariffs of communication services suppliers are transmitted from a center (not shown) to a plurality of devices for choosing the cheapest supplier. In a preferred embodiment, radio frequency RF waves are used to transmit the messages. A message may be received in receiver 9, including a radio antenna 91. The message is decoded in modem 8, to be transformed into a digital message, which is transferred to controller 3. Controller 3 uses the information in the message to update the tariff tables in memory 12.

The message may include a complete list of updated tariff tables or only a partial update of the tables. Accordingly, controller 3 will perform a complete or partial update of the information in memory 12.

Optionally, controller 3 is programmed to acknowledge receipt of messages. In this case, controller 3 dials the message transmitting center over line 1, by activating dialer unit 7 with the telephone number of the center. The cheapest supplier may also be used in this case. Controller 3 then sends an acknowledgment of receipt through dialer unit 7. The acknowledgment itself may be encoded as a DTMF or pulse signal. Optionally, the messages with tariff updates are encoded or encrypted. This allows to provide a selective dissemination of tariff update, that is only to paying customers for example. In this case, when controller 3 connects to the center and identifies itself, if it belongs to a participating customer then the center will send a decryption key. The key will be used by controller 3 to decrypt the tariff update message and to update memory 12 accordingly.

Unauthorized persons may be able to receive the messages, but will not be able to use them if encrypted. During a message reception, an optional display (not shown) may indicate to a service customer the reception of an update, as well as the stages in center update, message decryption and tariffs update.

The date of last update may be displayed as well, to allow the service customer to verify that only up-to-date tariff information is used. After the reception of the message with tariffs update and the optional communication with the center, controller 3 returns the system to Mode 1.

Mode 4 - Power down mode During a power outage, if there is no local backup battery or if the battery (not shown) is empty, then relay 10 connects line 5 directly to line 1, so that the local telephone may still be used. Relay 10 in the deactivated state (without control input) is preferably in the state as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, during a power outage relay 10 automatically connects line 1 to line 5. If a backup battery is used, then during a power outage the device will operate normally, as detailed above for Nodes 1 - 3. Method of operation of the device

For one embodiment of the device for supplier selection, the method of operation is as follows, wherein all activities are performed in real time:

1. If manual selection of the communication supplier is desired, then the local telephone is continuously and unconditionally connected to the external telephone line.

2. During incoming calls, the local telephone is continuously and unconditionally connected to the external telephone line.

3. During a power outage state where no backup electrical power is available, the local telephone is continuously and unconditionally connected to the external telephone line.

4. If automatic selection of the communication supplier is desired, then the method of operation comprises the following steps:

A. The local telephone is disconnected from the external line and is connected to a local controller instead;

B. While the service customer dials the desired number, that number is transferred to the controller;

C. The controller extracts the location of the desired addressee from the dialed number; D. The controller looks up a tariffs table to find the cheapest supplier for the desired location. Optional parameters for the search may include the actual time and date of the call;

E. The controller forms a modified dialing number, wherein the initial indication of a communication supplier is replaced with an indication of the cheapest supplier as found in step (D) above;

F. The controller initiates dialing over the external telephone line using the modified dialing number assembled in step (E) above; and G. After dialing, the local telephone is disconnected from the local controller and is connected to the external line instead.

5. When a message including an update to the tariffs table is received, the tariffs table is updated accordingly. If the message is encrypted, then the device uses a decryption key from a tariffs update center to decrypt the message and to subsequently update the tariffs table accordingly.

An outer case 14 may be used to contain all the supplier selection device therein, except possibly the antenna 91.

The above detailed device may be used with a plurality of suppliers of telephone communication services, each with various tariffs.

The tariffs vary by destination, time of day and maybe day of week. The device chooses the cheapest supplier for any situation, as indicated for instance by the destination and time of the call.

The new device automatically reads the destination desired, computes cheapest supplier and connects with it, all in real time.

The device is installed between a service customer's telephone (line 5) and the telephone line 1.

The device accepts from a user (unit) the desired destination. It emulates a phone line for user (unit), so the service customer dials however dialing signals are not transferred to line, but only to the device. Device finds the cheapest supplier for the specific destination and time, and automatically dials using the prefix for that supplier. Thus the communication is channeled through the cheapest supplier.

This is done automatically, the service customer will not feel the channeling action during the channel establishment phase.

The result- the overall telephone bill will be reduced relative to a telephone without the device. - lo -

The device addresses the problem of frequent price changes. The device has to continuously update prices in its storage, to keep updated tables of tariffs - for each supplier, for each destination, for any time. This is implemented with the device being capable of receiving updates in real time from a service center.

In a preferred embodiment, a wireless link receiver is used for price updates. The reception of updates is conditional on payment of service fees, for example monthly fees. Thus, a service supplier center will send updates to all receivers. In another embodiment, tariff updates may be sent over telephone lines. Controller 3 may initiate a connection to a tariffs update center, or the center may connect to subscribers and send the tariffs update.

The RF link for tariffs update may be implemented with a pager wireless network, or a sub-carrier of a radio or television station.

Advantages of the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention:

a. It achieves a savings in overall telephone communication costs. b. The device is easy to install and remove. Easy to activate and deactivate by service customer. c. The device is operated like a regular telephone/computer/PBX. It is transparent to service customer, no need to operate it or know at all about it. d. The prices are updated automatically by an external service center. No need to worry or work about it. Device will use updated information for deciding what supplier to use. e. Service customer can ensure that the tariffs were updated. f. A user (unit) can work with several suppliers, without requiring the service customer to keep track of all suppliers and their costs. g. The new device will increase competition between communication service suppliers, to lower prices.

The present invention also includes a service customer transparent protocol to acknowledge receipt of tariff updates. A service provider sends the updates and may guarantee lower cost based on those tariffs. The invention allows the provider to ensure the users (units) received the tariff updates so as to be able to respond accordingly. This allows for reliable use of up-to-date tariff information. A service provider may ensure 100% reception and use of the updated tariffs.

The device includes asymmetrical communication receiver, with fast communication in one direction (to receive a large block of tariff information through an RF link) and slow communication in the other direction (to transmit an acknowledgment message from user (unit) to center over a telephone line).

Thus, the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention includes wide-band communication in one direction (reception through a RF channel) and narrow-band communication in the other direction (transmission over a telephone line). It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of an apparatus and method within the scope of the present invention and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for selective connection of telephone-to-telephone communication carrier according to tariff data supplied by the carrier, comprising an interconnected aggregation of hardware and software modules:

(a) a controller for accepting a number dialed by a service customer, extracting the addressee location from the number, reading the real time, finding the cheapest communication supplier for that location from a tariffs table, and generating a dialing sequence including the number ^~ dialed by the service customer, wherein the supplier designation was replaced with that corresponding to the supplier with the cheapest tariff;

(b) an interface to a local telephone, for emulating an external line for that telephone, for receiving the number dialed by a service customer and for transferring the number to the controller; and (c) a dialer connected to the external line for accepting the dialing sequence generated by the controller and for sending dialing signals corresponding to that sequence over the external line.

2. The device according to claim 1, having a switching module for connecting the local telephone either to the interface or to the external line according to a signal from the controller, and wherein the local telephone is connected to the interface during a first time interval including the dialing at the local telephone and the subsequent dialing over the external line, whereas the local telephone is connected to the external line during a second time interval corresponding to the actual communication with the desired addressee.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, having write-able digital memory " ╧Äl "

media for storing the tariffs table with said media allowing the controller to read the tariff information.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the memory media is of a nonvolatile type, to preserve the information therein also while the electrical power is down.

5. The device according to claim 1, 3 or 4, having an input channel for receiving tariff update messages connected to the controller, and wherein the controller includes memory media wherein the tariffs table is updated according to the received messages.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller includes processing for decrypting a received tariffs update message, and wherein the controller, after receiving a message, includes processing for connecting a message distribution center for receiving a decryption key, for using the key to decrypt the message and to update the tariffs table accordingly.

7. The device according to claim 2,^"3 or 4, wherein the controller operate in either a manual or automatic dialing mode settable by a user, and wherein during a manual mode the switching module connects the local telephone all the time to the external line, whereas in the automatic mode the switching module connects the local telephone to the interface during a first time interval including the dialing at the local telephone and the subsequent dialing over the external line, and, connects the local telephone to the external line during a second time interval corresponding to the actual communication with the desired addressee.

8. The device according to claim 1 or 2, having a timer module for indicating the day of the week, and wherein the controller takes the information relating to the day of the week into account for looking in the tariffs table for the cheapest communication provider.

9. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the input channel for receiving tariff update messages includes a RF receiver for receiving messages transmitted as radio waves.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the tariff update message is transmitted over a wireless network of a pager system.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the tariff update message is transmitted over a sub-carrier of radio transmitter.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the tariff update message is transmitted over a sub-carrier of a television transmitter.

13. The device according to claim 5, 6 or 9, having a display for indicating the reception of a tariff update message and/or the status of tariffs update.

14. The device according to claim 5, 6 or 9, wherein the controller has messaging means for sending an acknowledgment message to indicate receipt of a tariff update message.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the device includes wide-band communication receiver for receiving the tariff update messages and narrow-band communication transmitter for transmitting the acknowledgment messages.

16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the tariff update messages are received over a RF channel receiver, and the acknowledgment messages are transmitted with messaging means for transmitting over telephone lines.

17. A device for selective connection of telephone-to-telephone communication carrier according to tariff data supplied by the carrier, substantially as herein before described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing.