Abstract: A communication system includes mobile units, a network switching center, and service centers to provide a variety of traditional and enhanced services to the mobile units. Using a user interface, an operator of a mobile unit issues a request for services from one or more service centers. The network switching center receives the request for services and, in response, accesses a profile table to select an appropriate service center to establish a communication session with the mobile unit. The selected service center provides enhanced services to the mobile unit to satisfy the service request.

Abstract: A system for providing a communication path includes a platform, a paging network, a mobile unit, and a mobile voice communications network. The platform delivers a paging signal comprising call setup information to a page receiver of the mobile unit using the paging network. A transceiver of the mobile unit selects a particular NAM in response to the call setup information and registers with the network using the selected NAM to enable the establishment of a communication path between the platform and the mobile unit.

Abstract: A communication system includes mobile units, a network switching center, and service centers to provide a variety of services to mobile units. Using a voice network and a data network, the network switching center establishes a voice/data session between a mobile unit and an appropriate service center. The network switching center maintains a profile table that designates the service center and provides access parameters to establish the voice/data session.

Abstract: A messaging unit equipped with a cellular transceiver is attached to a truck trailer or a monitoring station located within a communications network. The messaging unit generates a data message in response to the occurrence of a reporting event. Upon generation of a data message, the messaging unit transmits the data message over the network via voice or data channels. Data messages may be sent over a data channel of the network using a feature request.

Abstract: A messaging unit (16) equipped with a cellular transceiver (38) is attached to a mobile item (12) located within a communications network (10). The messaging unit (16) issues a feature request having data digits that represent information on the mobile item (12). The cellular transceiver (38) transmits the feature request using the network (10). The feature request is received at an MTSO (20) and then routed to a platform (24), a clearinghouse (22), or the platform (24) through the clearinghouse (22). The data digits are translated into information on the mobile item (12) and stored at the platform (24) or the clearinghouse (22) for access by a host (26).

Abstract: A communication system includes mobile units, a network switching center, and service centers to provide a variety of enhanced services to the mobile units. In one embodiment, a service center communicates menu data to a mobile unit using a voice network. The mobile unit displays at a user interface menu options generated in response to the menu data communicated by the service center. Selecting a menu option at the user interface enables a function associated with traditional or enhanced services.

Abstract: A storage device for attaching to a vehicle seat includes a storage member, a connecting member that removably couples to the frame of a vehicle seat, and an intermediate member that removably couples to the connecting member and the storage member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and communicating with vehicles is provided, including at least one mobile cellular unit connected to at least one microprocessor and installed within a vehicle. The microprocessor interrogates the mobile cellular unit to obtain location information from an overhead message stream transmitted from cellular telephone transmitter sites. The location is displayed on a display located in the vehicle or the microprocessor periodically instructs the mobile cellular unit to initiate a call to a host controller and, upon receipt of transmitting instructions from the host controller, transmits the location information for display on a screen connected to the host controller.

Abstract: A communication system (10) includes mobile units (12a-12f), hosts (14a-14d), and remotes (22a-22b). The mobile units (12a-12f), hosts (14a-14d), and remotes (22a-22b) communicate data and voice using a complex (16). The complex (16) includes interfaces (52, 54, 56) and a switch (50) to communicate data and voice in the communication system (10). A routing module (70) accesses a profile database (26) to provide a routing function to the users of communication system (10). A CDR generation module (72), a CDR database (28), and a billing system (30) provide a billing function to the users of communication system (10).