Abstract: A system including a handheld mobile computing device and an external storage medium in communication with the mobile computing device, the storage medium having stored thereon preconfigured user information and security information.

Abstract: A method of facilitating telecommunication functionality on a mobile device. The method includes receiving a request for a telecommunications transaction from the mobile device and retrieving a callback identifier for a user of the mobile device. The method also includes executing the telecommunications transaction, wherein executing the transaction includes establishing a communications session that includes a callback telephony endpoint represented by the callback identifier and at least one target telephony endpoint, wherein a portion of the communications session that includes the callback telephony endpoint is established at least in part by making an outbound call from a telephony switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a client in a communication network accessed by the client through a service provider independent of a client controller. A hardware capable Internet Service Provider (ISP) functions as the communications network service provider. A virtual ISP operates the client controller, leases Internet access time from the hardware capable ISP, and resells Internet services to users. A client accesses the network through a two stage authentication process. First, the hardware capable ISP authenticates the client using a user-provided ID and password. After successfully logging on to the hardware capable ISP, the client automatically sends a start session message containing user identity information to the client controller. In response, the client controller sends a control message to the client authorizing use of the network for a predetermined time period. When the client stops accessing the network, the client informs the client controller using an end session message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a client in a communications network accessed by the client through a service provider independent of a client controller, such as an Internet service provider. When the client starts the session, a start session message containing user identity information is sent from the client to the client controller using the network in accordance with a client control protocol. The client controller can then determine whether the client is authorized to use the network based on the user identity information and, for example, a user database. If the client is authorized, a session authorization message is sent to the client authorizing the client to use the network for a predetermined period of time. When the client stops accessing the network, the client informs the client controller by sending an end session message. If the client wants to access the network beyond the predetermined period of time, the client sends a continue session message to the client controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a client in a communication network accessed by the client through a service provider independent of a client controller. In one embodiment, a hardware capable Internet Service Provider (ISP) functions as the communications network service provider. A virtual ISP operates the client controller, leases Internet access time from the hardware capable ISP, and resells Internet services to users. A client accesses the network through a two stage authentication process. First, the hardware capable ISP authenticates the client using a user-provided ID and password. After successfully logging on to the hardware capable ISP, the client automatically sends a start session message containing user identity information to the client controller. In response, the client controller sends a control message to the client authorizing use of the network for a predetermined time period.