Billing for services in future broadband networks

This paper proposes a basic hybrid billing model for a future broadband network. Assuming that this network will be ATM technology based, the five service classes currently offered by ATM are examined to determine the appropriate billing model for each. We suggest that simple duration-based charging schemes are appropriate only for particular services, with usage-based charging being required for the more unpredictable services of available bit rate (ABR) and unspecified bit rate (UBR). As such a hybrid model incorporating both duration and usage based billing methods is proposed.