Abstract: A technique is for receiving variable length messages in a selective call receiver (68) having a processor (110) coupled to a memory element (86). The selective call receiver (68) is configured to receive a signal transmitted in a standard protocol format comprising an address portion (14) and a message portion (16). First, second, third, and fourth configuration values are stored within the selective call receiver (68) from which determinations are made, respectively, whether the selective call receiver (68) is permitted to process sub-address information (22, 24) included within the message portion, whether said selective call receiver (68) is permitted to receive a particular sub-address included in the message portion, whether said selective call receive (68) is permitted to process a processor command (26) included in the message portion, and whether said selective call receiver (68) is permitted to receive and process a particular processor command included in the message portion.

Abstract: A messaging system, having a transmitter (202) for transmitting information service messages to selective call units (SCU's) (122), receives displayable information from a service provider, and creates a message having an address field (504) and data field (508). The address field (504) includes an address assigned to at least one SCU (122), and the data field (508) includes the displayable information. A portion of the displayable information is defined as at least one subaddress field (510, 514). The at least one subaddress field (510, 514) is used by the at least one SCU (122), when receiving the message from the messaging system, for determining whether a portion of the displayable information is to be processed.

Abstract: A messaging device (100) for generating alerts indicative of message reception includes a receiver (105) for receiving a message, a memory (125, 130, 140) in which information unrelated to the alerts is stored, and an alert device (155) for generating, to announce message reception, an alert that is a function of bits of the information.