Abstract: A Hybrid Push-to-Talk (PTT) function for use in wireless communications networks, such as cellular mobile telephone networks. The cellular mobile telephone network includes at least one Real-Time Exchange (RTX) that interfaces to at least one Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the cellular mobile telephone network to provide advanced voice services therein, wherein the advanced voice services provide instant two-way half-duplex voice messaging within a group of users of the cellular mobile telephone network, which is known as the Hybrid PTT function. In the Hybrid PTT function, a first talkburst or volley is transmitted by the RTX from an originating mobile to one or more terminating mobiles on one or more pre-established Internet Protocol (IP) sessions between the RTX and the mobiles. In addition, one or more circuit channels are established by the RTX with the mobiles through the MSC in parallel with the first talkburst or volley.

Abstract: A system for providing advanced voice services (AVS) in wireless communications systems includes a Real-Time Exchange (RTX) that interfaces to a wireless communications network to provide the AVS therein, wherein the AVS comprise Closed User Groups and Limiting Mobility. The Closed User Groups allow a group of users to make and receive calls only to other members of a group, and calls outside of the group are disallowed. The Limiting Mobility uses location information to restrict a mobile unit to service within one or more specified systems, cells or location areas.

Abstract: A converged mobile-Web communications solution interfaces to both a mobile phone network and an Internet or Intranet network, so that services that are provided to mobile phones in the mobile phone network are also provided to Web clients in the Internet or Intranet network.

Abstract: Connected Portfolio Services for use in a mobile phone network include new mobile phone services: Scheduled Conference with Dial-Out and Dial-In modes of operation; Reservationless Conference; Instant Conferencing; Group Short Message Service with Reply All; Voice Short Message Service with Reply All; Family Connect; Buddy Connect; Quick Reach; and Email2Conference. Connected Portfolio Services also include a new handset client application, management of a limited pool of network routable numbers, and a prepaid billing solution.

Abstract: An advanced voice service known as “Press-to-Connect” for wireless communications systems. A real-time exchange interfaces to the wireless network to provide a Press-to-Connect (PTC) call between an initiator and one or more recipients, wherein the PTC call comprises a time-limited Press-to-Talk (P2T) call. The real-time exchange uses a Talk Timer to limit how long the user may press a button and talk (i.e., the Talk Timer limits the length of each continuous “Talk” session of the call), before a “Talk” session of the call in the wireless network is ended, and the real-time exchange uses a Call Timer to limit how long the call can last (i.e., the Call Timer limits the overall length of the call), before the call in the wireless network is ended.

Abstract: A roaming gateway for support of advanced voice services while roaming in wireless communications systems. The roaming gateway supports push-to-talk (P2T) calls, or other advanced voice services, when P2T subscribers roam from their home network (i.e., a network operated by their service provider where the subscriber's profile resides) into a foreign network (i.e., a network operated by another service provider). The roaming gateway is a specialized version of a real-time exchange that is located in the home network and is connected to mobile switching centers in foreign networks, so that the mobile switching centers in the foreign networks need not be programmed for the advanced voice services.