Abstract: Methods and apparatus of reducing deleted messages in a transmitter that sends messages organized in frames, superframes, and logical channels are provided. At least one of the channels includes structure messages that describe the organization of the frames and logical channels and a number of frames to be read by a receiver, including a number of additional frames that should be read when at least one displaced message exists. One method includes the steps of finding messages to be displaced; placing found messages in a displacement queue, and assigning messages to a frame according to a predetermined order of logical channels, including any displaced messages that fit in the frame. A message is displaced if it will not be sent in a frame of at least one logical channel and will timeout before it can next be sent, and if a message is placed in the displacement queue, then an information element is set in a message, indicating that the number of additional frames is to be read.

Abstract: A digital radio communication system has a mobile station and a base station, the mobile station transmitting messages to the base station in a series of frames. Each frame has a header with a frame number and an optional polling indicator. A method of determining whether the base station is capable of receiving a message in automatic retransmission request (ARQ) format is provided. The method includes the step of transmitting from the mobile station to the base station a single frame in ARQ format with a polling indicator set such that the base station is prompted to send a status frame in ARQ format if the base station is capable of receiving messages in ARQ format. The method also has the step of determining if a status frame in ARQ format is sent from the base station to the mobile station in response to the single frame. A mobile station operating according to the method of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: An improved band scan method is claimed which allows a mobile unit to more quickly locate appropriate control channels in a wireless communications system operating on a communications spectrum having channel bands. The method includes storing a list of acceptable service providers in the mobile unit, receiving service provider information identifying the service provider for a particular control channel, receiving minimum acceptable signal strength information for the control channel, determining the acceptability of the service provider by comparing the received service provider information against the acceptable service provider list, and, if the service provider is acceptable, comparing the received signal strength for the control channel against the minimum acceptable level.

Abstract: A method for service acquisition after call release in a dual mode mobile telephone relies upon protocol versions data stored in the mobile telephone to determine whether a digital control channel is available. Each time the mobile telephone is assigned by the base station to a new traffic channel, whether during call establishment or during a hand-off, the mobile telephone stores protocol version data which is broadcast on the newly assigned channel. After a call release, the mobile telephone uses the stored protocol version data to determine whether a digital control channel is available in the channel band occupied by the last used communications channel. If no digital control channel is available, the mobile station will scan for a suitable analog control channel and acquire service immediately on the analog control channel without waiting for a pointer to a digital control channel.

Abstract: A method for providing a mobile station user notification of the delay of requested teleservice transaction is disclosed. Upon receipt of a request at a mobile station for origination of a teleservice transaction, the mobile station determines whether the transaction may be immediately carried out or will be delayed. If the transaction is delayed, the time period for this delay is determined. The mobile station user is notified of the delay and time period until completion of the requested teleservice transaction may be achieved.