Abstract: A WAP-enabled device can request text-based and/or voice based content from a WAP Server. The WAP device communicates over a conventional wireless service provider network. This network provides a connection between the WAP device and a WAP Gateway. The WAP Gateway operates as a gateway between the wireless service provider network and the TCP/IP-based Internet. Content requests are sent from the WAP gateway to the WAP Server. When a request for voice-based content delivery is received, the WAP Server responds by sending a TCP/IP instruction to a Voice Portal Node. The Voice Portal Node is operative to establish a voice-based communication session with the WAP device. The WAP Server will transmit voice-based content to the Voice Portal Node. An audible transmission is then played over the telephone connection established between the Voice Portal Node and the WAP device in response to the request initiated by the WAP device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for managing a prepaid wireless account for voice and data communications services. According to one embodiment the communications system, having a prepaid architecture for managing a plurality of prepaid wireless accounts for communication services, wherein each prepaid account is associated with a prepaid subscriber comprises a wireless network including a mobile switch, in communication with a wireless device, the wireless device for remotely managing at least one of the prepaid accounts. The communications system also comprises a wide area network including a prepaid account database for storing records assigned to subscribers of prepaid communications services; a prepaid application module for initializing and updating the prepaid accounts; a credit card transaction server, coupled to a credit card database, for checking available credit; and a prepaid server coupled to the prepaid account database and the prepaid application module.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products provide sample content. One such device includes a processor that receives an electronic programming guide including a listing of available content. The processor also receives an ancillary stream of including samples of content listed in the electronic programming guide. The processor receives a subscriber input that selects a particular content from the electronic programming guide. The processor filters unselected samples of content from the ancillary stream of data to produce a sample of the selected particular content. The processor processes the sample as a video signal, thus producing a preview of the selected particular content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, devices, and products provide sampled content. One such method receives a programming guide comprising a listing of available content. An ancillary stream of data is received and includes samples of content listed in the programming guide. A user input is received that selects a particular content from the programming guide. Unselected samples of content are filtered from the ancillary stream of data to produce a sample of the selected particular content. The sample is processed for preview of the selected particular content.

Abstract: A personal communications and control system (PCCS) is disclosed. This PCCS includes a set top box communicating streams of signals to a remote control device. The streams of signals include television signals, telephone signals, and control signals, as well as other video, audio, or graphical content. The television signals are displayed on a display of the remote control device, and the telephony signals are audibly presented at the remote control device as a telephone call. The remote control device also sends the control signal to remotely control a device. This remote control device thus has video capabilities, wireless control capabilities, and wireless communications capabilities. The personal communications and control device may remotely select Internet Protocol television, websites, photos, music, videos, and other content from local storage or from remote storage.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are disclosed that describe a multiple mode communications device. This multiple mode communications device may be designed as a remote control device that receives Internet Protocol television signals and Internet Protocol telephony signals, as well as other video, audio, or graphical content. The Internet Protocol television signals are displayed on a display of the remote control device, and the Internet Protocol telephony signals are audibly presented at the remote control device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are disclosed that describe a communications system. This system includes a router and a remote control device. The router wirelessly routes packets of data to the remote control device. The packets of data include Internet Protocol television signals and Internet Protocol telephone signals. The remote control device displays the Internet Protocol television signals on a display of the remote control device, and the remote control device presents the Internet Protocol telephone signals as a telephone call. The remote control device also sends a control signal to remotely control another device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for responding to messages such as electronic mail messages. Based on a request to send a response to an e-mail, the e-mail originator address may be used to determine the recipient. The recipient's presence or active use of a device is checked such as by consulting a presence server or a home location register (HLR), if a wireless device. The response is sent via a response mode corresponding to such presence or active use. The response modes may be organized hierarchically. If a recipient is present or actively using more than one device, the response mode having highest priority in the hierarchy is used. The response modes may include e-mail, paging, or wireline or wireless communications. The recipient may be provided with an option to call the originator of the response. If the recipient selects the option, a call may be routed from the recipient to the originator.

Abstract: A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a service provider providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider wherein the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a node along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node. More particularly, the data session may be a point-to-point protocol data session. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.