Abstract: The System Select feature provides user selectable modes of operation in a mobile communication station, which allow certain fall-back options when a preferred system may not be available, but still steers the bulk of the system selection operations to preferred systems. In a first user selected mode, the mobile station scans for a broadcast system identifier or “SID” that matches an identifier of a preferred system stored in memory of the station. The second mode allows the user at least one option, which involves selection of a less than preferred system, but with this mode, the mobile station will still make a first attempt to register with a system having a SID matching one stored in memory of the station. A preferred implementation offers the user four system selection options. Options based on stored identifiers include an option to select only the home system, and an option to select from a preferred roaming list (PRL) if the home system is unavailable.

Abstract: A service is provided in which a landline telephone user can subscribe, for a fixed set fee, to billing coverage for any and all calls placed to a mobile CPP destination from the subscriber line, regardless of call duration. The fee, preferably, may be added to the subscriber's monthly bill. In response to placement of a telephone call to a CPP subscriber station, a land line network data base is accessed to obtain a call processing record for the called station to determine whether that the called station subscribes to CPP service. If so, a call processing record for the calling station is accessed to determine whether the calling station subscribes to the fixed fee billing for CPP calls. If so, call processing proceeds through a system tandem that formulates an IAM signaling message to be transmitted to a mobile system MSC.

Abstract: Landline facilities are linked to a wireless mobile network for calling party pays (CPP) calls to mobile stations. In response to placement of a telephone call to a CPP subscriber station, a land line network data base is accessed to obtain a call processing record for the called station that is indicative that the called station subscribes to CPP service. Based on the call processing record, a determination is made as to whether the call is be accorded exception status from CPP service. If the call is to receive such exception status, a signaling message is transmitted to the mobile switching center (MSC) for the called subscriber station. The signaling message includes the calling station telephone number in altered form. The MSC, upon detection of the altered telephone number, effectively recognizes the call as a normal call. The MSC will complete the call to the called party and establish in the called party subscriber's billing record assessment of air time charges for the call to the called party.

Abstract: The inventive network architecture and call processing logic enable Calling Party Pays billing for calls to wireless subscribers, including calls that would otherwise leak through the billing operations of the principle carriers. A landline network, such as a LEC network, routes incoming calls to a wireless network and recognizes each call subject to Calling Party Pays billing. If the LEC can bill charges to a party associated with the calling station, the LEC network routes the call to the mobile carrier's network and creates records for billing for the air-time. If the LEC can not bill a calling station subscriber, the LEC network hands the call off to another switch, to select an appropriate one of two or more alternate billing facilities. The alternate billing facilities preferably include a clearinghouse and a credit card billing system. A database indicates whether it is possible to bill for the air-time through the clearinghouse.

Abstract: Digital wireless telephone equipment is adapted to support existing data services for the hearing or speech impaired. The data devices use existing analog tone transmission protocols. The digital telephone equipment provides protocol conversions between the standard tone signals used by TDD/TTY devices or the like and data messages in the form of a standard data protocol utilized within the air-link of the digital wireless telephone system. In either direction, each tone generated by the data device is detected. Upon detection of one or more tones, a protocol converter generates a data message signifying the bit(s) represented by the tone signals in a format used by the air-link protocol. The converter supplies the data message to the appropriate digital radio transceiver. The transceiver inserts the message into the data stream with any other information for the pertinent subscriber, such as vocoded audio information. The transceiver sends the combined data stream over the air-link.

Abstract: An alignment tool and method of making and using an alignment tool including a transparent substrate having indicium thereon to aid in aligning the antenna with an azimuth. The tool includes a transparent substrate, a series of indicia, and a receiving portion adapted to receive a mounting structure of the antenna. The tool preferably includes a bearing indicium used during the making of the tool that represents an azimuth along which the antenna is to be aligned, a reference indicium used during the alignment of the antenna to align the tool with the antenna, and a landmark indicium used during the alignment of the antenna to align the tool with a distant landmark. The alignment tool is constructed using a topographical map that includes geographic markings for the antenna, the azimuth corresponding to the transmission direction of the antenna, and a distant landmark.

Abstract: Wireless telephone networks, such as cellular, PCS networks, and other mobile radio services networks provide 911 or similar emergency calling services between mobile stations and a public safety answering point (PSAP). In emergency situations, the caller often will not be satisfied with the quality of the link to the PSAP, for any of a variety of subjective reasons. In such a case, the caller ends the first emergency call and initiates another emergency call. In accord with the invention, if the caller initiates the second emergency call within a predetermined interval from the first call, the mobile station will select an alternate operating system of the network for the second call. For example, if the first call utilized the A-side cellular carrier, the handset will select a B-side or PCS carrier for the second call. The handset also may select a different technology, e.g. analog instead of the normally preferred digital, for the second emergency call.