Abstract: A content management system includes a mobile station, a service provider, and a content distribution kiosk. A content encryption key is associated with the mobile station, and a copy of the key is provided to the mobile station. In providing content to the mobile station, the content is first encrypted with the content encryption key, and it is sent to the mobile station in its encrypted form. The mobile station keeps the content in memory in its encrypted form. To make use of the content, the mobile station decrypts the content for use, and deletes the decrypted content once it has been used. The content in its encrypted form remains in memory on the mobile station. Multiple mobile devices may use the same content encryption key, in which case the devices may exchange encrypted content using, for example, a Bluetooth connection. Content may also be retrieved from a content distribution kiosk.

Abstract: A method and system for (i) detecting each performance of any function of a plurality of functions associated with an incentive program, (ii) changing a stored value in response to detecting each performance of the function(s) associated with the incentive program, and (iii) transmitting to a network, an update value that corresponds to the stored value, for transmission in turn of the update value to a system coupled to the network. An incentive program may be arranged to provide incentive for users to perform the functions associated with the incentive program, so as to facilitate an entity in achieving a given objective or set of objectives. The incentive provided to the users may take the form of an award and is based on the update value(s) transmitted to the network.

Abstract: A wireline telephony instrument for wirelessly receiving and displaying data messages allows a wireline telephone to wirelessly receive data messages, although the wireline telephony instrument does not wirelessly receive or transmit calls. The data messages may include text, images, and other types of multimedia data. Wireless receive-only capabilities may be integrated into the wireline telephony instrument by adding an integrated circuit, such as a CDMA chipset or a GSM chipset, to the wireline telephony instrument. Further, by integrating a display into the wireline telephony instrument, the wireline telephony instrument may display the data messages. Logic is also integrated into the wireline telephone for routing the data messages received by the wireline telephone to the display.

Abstract: A mobile station has a plurality of modes for processing incoming push-to-talk (PTT) audio communications. A first PTT mode is a “forced audio” mode, in which the mobile station plays PTT audio communications automatically. A second PTT mode is a “polite” mode, in which the mobile station plays PTT audio communications only after acceptance by the user. A “white list” identifies any parties that are allowed to communicate with the mobile station using the first PTT mode. A PTT audio communication from an initiator that is not identified in the white list is processed using the second PTT mode, even if the first PTT mode is requested. In addition, a PTT audio communication may be processed using the second PTT mode if the mobile station's speaker volume level is below a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and system of selecting antennas and/or equipment for use within a wireless communication system is disclosed. A cell site may have one antenna-arrangement shared between multiple groups of radio equipment that are each operated by respective wireless service providers at the cell site. The cell site may also have a base station controller that may select from the shared antenna-arrangement an antenna for radiating signals from the groups of radio equipment. The base station controller may also select from the multiple groups of radio equipment a group of radio equipment for processing signals received at the shared antenna-arrangement.

Abstract: A mechanism for providing a wireless backhaul connection between a remote base transceiver station (BTS) and core radio access network (RAN) equipment such as a base station controller (BSC) for instance. The remote BTS will be provided with wireless server logic, such as a cell site modem (CSM), the RAN equipment will be provided with wireless client logic, such as a mobile station modem (MSM), and the wireless server logic of the remote BTS will be arranged to serve the wireless client logic of the RAN equipment with a packet-data connection for use to carry backhaul communications between the remote BTS and the RAN equipment. Advantageously, limited air interface resources of the core RAN equipment can thus be preserved for directly serving wireless client devices, as limited air interface resources of the wireless client logic at the remote BTS are instead (or in addition) allocated for the backhaul communication.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamic adjustment of the forward-link frame error rate (FFER) target. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a base station provides service to at least one mobile station on a carrier in a wireless coverage area using a first FFER target. The base station calculates an Ec/Ior value for the carrier in the wireless coverage area. The base station then selects a second FFER target based at least in part on the calculated Ec/Ior value. Thereafter, the base station provides service to at least one mobile station on the carrier in the wireless coverage area using the second FFER target.

Abstract: In a secure intermediary system, an intermediary is positioned along a communications path between a client and a server. The client sends a request to enter into a secure session, such as a secure socket layer (SSL) session. The intermediary receives the session request and establishes a first secure session between the client and the intermediary and/or a second secure session between the intermediary and the server. After the first and second secure sessions have been established, the intermediary provides intermediation services between the server and the client in an intermediated secure session. The intermediation service may be, for example, detecting whether a message sent by the client includes a credit card number. To prevent the credit card number from being sent over a network, credit card number may be replaced with a one-time use payment number.

Abstract: A signal conditioner (SC) and method for communicating via a shared transport medium (STM) between a BTS and remote antenna entity (RAE). A first SC connects to the BTS and a second SC connects to the RAE. Each SC connects to a cable modem or BPL modem that interfaces to the STM. The first SC receives an RF signal carrying an analog baseband signal (ABS) representing digital signals for multiple communication channels. The first SC generates a CDS based on power level measurements of the ABS, and then transmits the CDS to the second SC via the STM. The second SC recovers the CDS, converts the CDS to another ABS, generates an RF signal carrying the other ABS, and transmits this RF signal to the RAE for transmission away from the RAE. The first SC and second SC also facilitate communication of a CDS from the RAE to BTS.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamic allocation of carrier frequencies in wireless wide area networks (WWANs). A first base station among a plurality of base stations in a WWAN determines that a level of load in a wireless coverage area exceeds a load threshold, and responsively (i) obtains a first keycode from a keycode library, wherein the first keycode then becomes unavailable to the other base stations of the plurality of base stations, (ii) identifies a carrier frequency, and (iii) uses the first keycode to activate the identified carrier frequency in the wireless coverage area.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for prioritizing carriers in low-cost Internet-base-station-(LCIB) frequency-hopping pilot beacons. In one embodiment, an LCIB provides a frequency-hopping pilot beacon that repeatedly cycles through transmitting pilot-beacon information on each of multiple carriers. The LCIB identifies a first list of mobile stations, as well as a first list of carriers. The LCIB uses the first list of mobile stations to identify a second list of carriers from among the first list of carriers, thereby identifying a third list of carriers consisting of any carriers that are in the first list of carriers but not in the second list of carriers. The LCIB then prioritizes the second list of carriers over the third list of carriers for inclusion in the frequency-hopping pilot beacon.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using VoIP-quality metrics to dynamically adjust the EV-DO reverse activity bit (RAB). In one embodiment, an EV-DO access node provides VoIP service to EV-DO access terminals, which comprises (i) providing EV-DO service in a wireless coverage area and (ii) providing transport service over a packet-data network. The access node measures reverse noise rise (RNR) in the wireless coverage area. The access node further measures, over the packet-data network, each VoIP-quality metric in a set of one or more VoIP-quality metrics. The access node then determines whether to set or clear the RAB in the wireless coverage area based at least in part on the measured RNR and at least in part on the one or more measured VoIP-quality metrics.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for synchronizing reservation status between an access terminal and an access node. In one embodiment, an access terminal receives a report from an access node, the report reflecting a first set of reservations, wherein the first set is a set of reservations that the access node is maintaining with respect to communicating with the access terminal. In response to receiving the report, the access terminal compares the first set of reservations with a second set of reservations, wherein the second set is a set of reservations that the access terminal is maintaining with respect to communicating with the access node. Upon comparing the first set with the second set, the access terminal determines that the first set is not equal to the second set, and responsively sends one or more messages to the access node to cause the access node to modify the first set to match the second set.

Abstract: A method and system for bridging third parties into calls. When a subscriber places a call to a designated number, such as 9-1-1 for instance, the network will automatically connect the call to a conference bridge and to the called party. Further, the network will automatically generate and send to a designated third party contact person an alert message that will invite the contact person to call into the conference bridge, so that the contact person can listen to the call. Advantageously, the invention may thus enable a close friend or relative to more quickly learn about an emergency being reported by the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for bypassing a cellular wireless communications system by using a peer-to-peer wireless link for voice communications between BLUETOOTH enabled handsets. In an exemplary embodiment, when a ten-digit telephone number is dialed to place a call from a cellular wireless telephone, the cellular wireless telephone determines whether a termination-point, such as a second cellular wireless telephone, associated with the ten-digit telephone number is within range of the peer-to-peer wireless link. If the termination-point is within range, then a direct intercom session may be established over the peer-to-peer wireless link. Otherwise, a call initiation is requested over the cellular wireless communications system.

Abstract: In a digital ticketing system, tickets are created in groups. All the digital tickets in a group share a common signature value, but each ticket in the group has a unique seed value, which may be a random number. The common signature value is derived from hashing all the seed values in the group and then digitally signing a combination of the hash values. In one example, the hash values are concatenated and encrypted with a private key to generate the common signature value. The system may be implemented and tickets exchanged using mobile devices, such as mobile telephones.

Abstract: A prepaid service platform monitors a prepaid balance for a mobile station that operates in accordance with a prepaid wireless service plan. When the prepaid balance reaches a predetermined value, such as zero, the prepaid service platform signals to the mobile station's home location register (HLR). In response, the HLR changes at least one call authorization in an HLR profile for the mobile station and also signals to the serving system currently serving the mobile station. The serving system responsively changes at least one call authorization in a serving-system profile for the mobile station. As a result of these changes to the mobile station's call authorizations, the mobile station may be prevented from making and/or receiving chargeable calls.

Abstract: A portal can create and send one or more pages, such as markup language documents, to an information device. The portal can create the page using one or more stylesheets. The stylesheets may include one or more pre-conditions, such as data requirements, in order to use the stylesheet. The portal may use the pre-conditions in obtaining data used to construct the page.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting data rates are described in a wireless network. The distance between a client and a base station serving the client device is determined. Based on that distance, a minimum threshold data rate is selected such that a larger distance corresponds to a higher minimum threshold data rate and a smaller distance corresponds to a smaller minimum threshold data rate. An actual data rate, not less than the minimum threshold data rate, is then selected, and signals are transmitted between the client device and the base station at the actual data rate. The actual data rate may be increased if there exists unused available bandwidth in the network. Events such as a change in distance or a timer expiring may result in a recalculation of the minimum threshold data rate.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for triggered operation of a variable auxiliary pilot based on RF conditions. An access terminal operating in a wireless communication system may switch on its auxiliary pilot in response to receiving a first threshold number of power-up commands from a serving base station. Responsive to thereafter receiving each of a second threshold number of power-up commands, the access terminal may increment the gain of its auxiliary pilot while holding the gain of its primary pilot fixed. The access terminal thereby sets its auxiliary pilot gain independently of its primary pilot gain for a select number of power-control commands. The access terminal may respond to subsequent power-control commands by responsively adjusting the gain of it primary pilot, and linking the gain of its auxiliary pilot to the gain of its primary pilot. Upon receiving a third threshold number of power-down commands, the access terminal may switch off its auxiliary pilot.