Abstract: An apparatus for communicating information. The apparatus comprises memory and a transmitter. The memory stores information in a data record having pre-defined information fragments and identification fields associated with respective information fragments for identifying respective information fragments. The transmitter transmits the information fragments and identifications of the information fragments in respective messages. A receiver operable to receive the messages transmitted by the transmitter reconstructs the data record.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining subscriber services available from a service provider, in a telephone in communication with the service provider. The method includes the step of receiving a subscriber services message at the telephone, where the subscriber services message includes a feature identifier for identifying at least one of a plurality of features available in the telephone and a feature controller for controlling whether or not the feature is to be enabled at the telephone. The method further includes the steps of displaying at the telephone a display message including an indication of features enabled at the telephone and transmitting to the service provider a feature request code associated with an enabled feature selected by a user of the telephone, the subscriber services request identifying to the service provider a request for the enabled feature selected by the user. The enabled feature is then provided to the telephone by the central office.

Abstract: A system and method for providing messaging services at customer premises equipment. The system includes a messaging platform for receiving and storing messages, the messaging platform including a transmitter for receiving information request messages and a transmitter for transmitting information and customer premises equipment. The customer premises equipment includes a transmitter for transmitting an information request message from the CPE to the messaging platform and a receiver for receiving information from the messaging platform in response to the information request message.