Abstract: A system and method of transmitting multimedia data related to an event to the wireless communication units of the event attendees. The multimedia data may be broadcasted on a plurality of channels. For example, multimedia data generated from different cameras across the event venue may be placed on multiple channels. Attendees using mobile communication units may tune to any channel in order to view the event performances from the perspective of the selected camera. Also disclosed is a method of provisioning a mobile communication unit for receiving wireless communication services at an event. In this regard, a user purchases or rents a mobile communication unit containing a unique identifier residing in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The user also purchases for receiving wireless communication services for a particular event. A provisioning device at the event venue reads the identifier from the RFID tag to provision the mobile communication unit for receiving wireless communication services.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for performing predictive name completion, categorizing call lists and accessing dispatch ID numbers in a database for dispatch dialers is provided. The method for performing predictive name completion includes recognizing a portion of a dispatch ID input by a user; determining a name associated with a dispatch ID, based on the portion of the dispatch ID input by the user, and displaying the name. The method for categorizing call lists includes determining a type of each of a plurality of the dispatch calls; and placing each of the plurality of dispatch calls in one of a plurality of categorized lists, based on the type of each of the plurality of dispatch calls. The method for accessing dispatch ID numbers in a database includes establishing a mirror database including the dispatch ID numbers; and searching the mirror database for particular dispatch ID numbers.

Abstract: Systems and methods of supporting groups that include non-communication address objects are provided. The non-communication address objects can be, for example, items on a shopping list or items on a task list. An application server can receive an unstructured list of non-communication address objects and generate a structured list. The application server sends a request to a group server to create a group that includes non-communication address objects. The group server generates a globally unique group identification and then distributes the globally unique group identification to members of the group.

Abstract: A method and system for private wireless network communications is provided. A private wireless network controller is coupled to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), a private base transceiver station, and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The private base transceiver station is coupled to a wireless macro network. The private wireless network controller and private base transceiver station allow connection of interconnect and dispatch wireless calls, which originate on the private wireless network, to other mobile stations on the private wireless network, to terminals connected to the PBX, to mobile stations on wireless macro networks, and to terminals coupled to the PSTN.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prepaid dispatch communications are provided. The system includes a dispatch prepaid server that monitors an amount of prepaid services purchased for a dispatch station. The dispatch prepaid server provides provisioning information to a location register related to dispatch prepaid services. The location register provides an identification of the dispatch prepaid server to a dispatch processor. The dispatch processor monitors the duration of a call for the dispatch station and provides call duration information to the dispatch prepaid server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting group communications are provided. A group list management server (GLMS) stores communications group definitions in documents, such as extensible mark-up language (XML) documents. The communications group can include communication addresses for different types of communication applications, including electronic mail, voice telephone, data, instant messaging, voice dispatch, short messaging service (SMS), and multimedia service (MMS). Various methods for managing communications groups and features provided for communications groups are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a dispatch multi-party communication session is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes establishing a dispatch multi-party communication session in a dispatch network, conducting a first portion of the session in a broadcast mode, and conducting a second portion of the session in an open mode. In accordance with an embodiment of a system of the present invention, the system includes the dispatch network wherein the network establishes a dispatch multi-party communication session and wherein the network conducts the first portion of the session in the broadcast mode and the second portion of the session in the open mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communications between networks that support dispatch communication services are provided. A server is coupled to at least two networks that provide dispatch communications, one of which employs an inactivity timer. When the server determines that the inactivity timer for a dispatch call is about to expire due to, for example, no bearer packets being transmitted, the server will request the floor of the call. The server will then transmit bearer packets for a predetermined amount of time, and then release the floor.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for displaying group call status information and participant status information for a group call are provided. Users participating in a dispatch group session (call) are provided with details about the group itself (group status) and the users participating in the group (participant status). When changes are made to the group call, the group call status information and the participant status information may be updated and displayed in real time.

Abstract: A cellular communications network architecture is disclosed. The architecture includes a mobile switching office, a first base transceiver station in communication with the mobile switching office via a first communications link, and a second base transceiver station in communication with the mobile switching office via a second communications link. A first optical switch is in communication with the first base transceiver station via a third communications link and a second optical switch is in communication with the second base transceiver station via a fourth communications link. A fiber optic communications link couples the first optical switch with the second optical switch. The first optical switch is physically located separate from the first base transceiver station and the second optical switch is physically located separate from the second base transceiver station.

Abstract: A system and method for handoff are provided. A mobile station performs a make-before-break handoff of a control channel between a serving and target base station and a break-before-make handoff of a traffic channel between the serving and target base stations. The traffic channel handoff is performed after the control channel handoff has completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating temporary dispatch talk groups are provided. A console receives a request to create a temporary dispatch talk group. The temporary dispatch talk group includes at least two existing talk groups. The console accesses a group database in a publicly-accessible wireless network. The temporary dispatch talk group is created in the group database, along with an identification of the lifetime of the temporary dispatch talk group. A temporary dispatch talk group identifier is provided to at least one member of the temporary dispatch talk group. A talk group call for the temporary dispatch talk group can then be initiated using the temporary dispatch talk group identifier.

Abstract: A communication module capable of simultaneously providing communication and positioning information is provided. The communication module includes a processor with an integrated positioning receiver. The processor transmits and receives communication information, such as interconnect voice, dispatch voice, or data, using a first transceiver. The integrated positioning receiver is coupled to a second transceiver to transmit positioning information.

Abstract: An inter-working network facilitating PTT communications among roaming subscribers spanning a plurality of disparate dispatch networks includes a signaling controller, a media gateway, a system for facilitating the monetization of inter-carrier dispatch communications and a group management server. The signaling controller and media gateway generate dispatch call records for dispatch sessions facilitated through the inter-working network. The system includes a billing accumulator and a settlement entity. The billing accumulator is interfaced with the inter-working network and includes logic to receive and store the dispatch call data records from the inter-working architecture. The settlement entity is interfaced with the billing accumulator, and includes settlement logic for converting each stored dispatch call data record to a billing record for each of at least two of the dispatch networks. The group management server is interfaced with group management servers in each of the dispatch networks.

Abstract: A system and method for translating dispatch communications between networks which operate according to different dispatch communication formats are provided. A communication system includes a dispatch translation network that translates dispatch communications between different dispatch communication networks. The dispatch translation network includes two or more dispatch translation gateways coupled to dispatch communication networks, the dispatch translation gateways perform signaling protocol and media translation for dispatch communications between the dispatch communication networks.

Abstract: A system and method for handoff are provided. A mobile station performs a make-before-break handoff of a control channel between a serving and target base station and a break-before-make handoff of a traffic channel between the serving and target base stations. The traffic channel handoff is performed after the control channel handoff has completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal identity beacon, which can be attached to a keychain, integrated into jewelry, and the like. The personal identity beacon can include a GPS receiver and a transmitter for communicating with a wireless macro network. The subscriber is also provided with universal service identifiers (e.g., telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and the like). The beacon periodically determines its current location and forwards its determined location to the wireless macro network. A subscriber registers geographic locations for forwarding communication services, such as home, the office, and the like, and corresponding communication service identifiers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visual light communication in an underwater environment are provided. The system can include a master control station that determines an amount of impairment of a water medium and selects one of a wired and wireless communication transceiver for exchanging communications with communication device located in the water. The system can also include a first gateway that exchanges radio frequency signals with the master control station and provides visual light communication signals to devices located in the water. The system can also include a second gateway that can exchange both visual light communication signals and acoustic communication signals with other devices located in the water.

Abstract: A dispatch translation server (DTS) translates messages between a first dispatch communication network that uses a first protocol and a second dispatch communication network that uses a second protocol. The messages relate to the setting up of a dispatch communication session, controlling the channel floor of the dispatch communication session, and terminating the dispatch communication session.

Abstract: A wireless communication system including dispatch call controllers, signaling gateways, base stations, a first network coupling the dispatch call controllers to the signaling gateways, and a second network coupling the signaling gateways to the base stations. The signaling gateways serve as intermediaries between dispatch call controllers and base stations by translating messages received from dispatch call controllers intended for the base stations from the protocol used in the first communications network to the protocol used in the second communications network, and translating messages received from base stations intended for dispatch call controllers from the protocol used in the second communications network to the protocol used in the first communications network. The system may be configured such that each dispatch call controller has individual logical links to each of the signaling gateways, and each signaling gateway has logical links to a distinct subset of the base stations.