Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting messages between a communicator and a central monitoring station using a wireless control channel, bypassing voice channels comprising, receiving a message at a communicator the message comprising application specific data, encoding the message along with a call origination trigger in a call origination control message to invoke forwarding of the encoded message and the encoded call origination trigger by a serving system upon detecting the call origination trigger. Transmitting the call origination control message to the serving system over the wireless control channel. The serving system detects the call origination trigger, and forwards the call origination trigger and the encoded message over a communications channel to a central monitoring station in response to detecting the call origination trigger. The central station decodes the encoded message to retrieve the application specific data.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a particular service is provided by a cellular service provider comprising: listening for a page which includes a particular number plan area code (“NPA”) in a first frequency block; if the page is not heard in the first frequency block within a specified time period, listening for a page in a second frequency block which includes the particular NPA; and determining that the service is provided in the frequency block in which the page is sensed.

Abstract: A system and method for temporary or permanent disabling of a cellular control device is described. A cellular control module is responsive to either a temporary disable command or a factory disable command received over a cellular control channel. The cellular control module is responsive to an enable command received over the cellular control channel if the cellular control module was previously temporarily disabled by a temporary disable command. The cellular control module includes disable logic to respond to a temporary disable command, and disable logic to respond toga factory disable command.

Abstract: A command, such as an application specific command, is communicated from a central host to a remote station via a cellular mobile radio network. The station may be a fixed or roaming device. The central host sends the command a network switch, such as an SS7 SSP, wherein the command comprises a mobile identification number (MIN) and an electronic serial number (ESN). The network switch queries an associated HLR database to locate the remote station, the query specifying the MIN and the ESN. If the HLR does not recognize the MIN/ESN combination, it so informs the network switch, as well as the VLR associated with the MSC serving a remote station identified by the ESN. In response to the notification from the HLR, the VLR removes any entry in its database relating to the ESN and updates its database with the new MIN/ESN combination transmitted by the HLR to the VLR.