Abstract: An emergency call originates from a cellular radiotelephone (20) and communicates through one of A-side and B-side cellular systems. Upon receipt of the call, the cellular radiotelephone (20) is assigned a temporary substitute Mobile Identification Number (MIN) (100) by the receiving A-side or B-side cellular system MTSO (33). Upon termination of the emergency call, a call-back to the cellular radiotelephone (20) is routed to both of the A-side and B-side MTSOs (100), using the substitute MIN (100), by the Public Switched Telecommunications Network (36). Both A-side and B-side MTSOs (100) issue a page order message to cellular radiotelephone (20) by transmitting to the MIN (74). Paging order confirmation messages (78), conveying the MIN (74), are evaluated for a match with a unique Electronic Serial Number (76).

Abstract: A method and computerized apparatus for assigning frequencies to a plurality of cells in a cellular network. Each cell requires a predetermined number of frequencies. The method includes generating a difficulty factor for each cell, wherein each cell's difficulty factor is based on an adjustment factor for that cell, and wherein, following a first unsuccessful assignment attempt, each cell's adjustment factor is indicative of a relative level of difficulty in selecting frequencies for that cell during the first unsuccessful assignment attempt.

Abstract: Telecommunication services are provided to subscriber-provided radiotelephones (50) residing inside an aircraft (20). Telecommunication services are provided while the aircraft (20) is flying and utilize the aircraft's air-to-ground communication system (48) to access a radiocommunication link (34). Base stations (40) residing in aircraft (20) are configured to transmit at least two independent overhead control data pilot signals (54, 58) in response to instructions from a single controller (44). The control data pilot signals (54, 58) capture and control the subscriber-provided radiotelephones (50). Controlling methods are employed to force autonomous registration of radiotelephones (50) and to instruct radiotelephones (50) to transmit at minimum power levels.