Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system (CMR) data. A data message system for communicating data sources includes sets reporting devices, at least one mobile switching center (MSC) of a CMR system, and a data collection system connected to said MSC via a first communications link. Each recording device monitors a remote data source to obtain selected data and thereafter transmits a data message containing the selected data. The MSC receives data messages via the cellular network control channel from reporting devices operating within coverage areas of the array of cells and forwards the data messages via the first communications link to the data collection system. In response, the data collection system stores the data messages and processes the selected data.

Abstract: A paging acknowledgement system is provided for communicating both (1) paging messages and (2) acknowledgement messages to confirm reception of the paging messages. The paging acknowledgement system includes at least one communications system, remote communications devices, and at least one MSC of a CMR system. In response to a paging message from a paging party, the communications system transmits data messages corresponding to the paging message via a communications link. The data message contains the type of data that is normally supplied with a conventional paging message and an acknowledgment code that uniquely identifies said data message. A remote communications device responds to a data message containing its particular address by transmitting an acknowledgment message containing the acknowledgment code to the MSC via a cellular network control channel of the CMR system. The MSC forwards the acknowledgment message to the communications system via a first communications link.