Abstract: A remote control unit includes stored user profiles to facilitate and possibly limit access to media content. In some embodiments, a biometric sensor or smart card reader provides user authentication to access stored user profiles. User profiles are associated with content sets that include content selected for potential viewing by the user. The remote control unit is enabled for bidirectional communication with a set-top box or modem that permits access to media content from a bidirectional service provider network.

Abstract: A fixed broadband wireless data access service providing shared wide-band packet-switched data transport for high speed data access in areas where conventional ADSL service and fiber optic service are unavailable. The wireless data access service is a point-to-multipoint cellular-type network that connects customers to data service providers through the ATM backbone of an existing network. Customers connect to the ATM backbone and data service provider through a cellular grid in which a wireless base station in each cell communicates with the individual customer wireless equipment within its cell site coverage area. The base stations are connected to an ATM backbone switch through wireless and wireline backhaul links. The upstream and downstream bandwidths of the wireless broadband network are engineered in various symmetric and asymmetric configurations to provide a shared packet-switched connection that emulates an uninterrupted, direct wireline ADSL connection.