Abstract: A private wireless network interface provides wireless signaling and protocols of a wireless macro network to allow a consumer to operate over a private wireless network. The private wireless network interface receives wireless signals compatible with a wireless macro network and transmits the signals over a broadband connection to a wireless service provider's wireless macro network. The private wireless network interface allows the use of mobile stations which are compatible with a wireless macro network to operate in a residence and have the signals backhauled over the residence's broadband connection. The private wireless network interface can provide wireless macro network coverage in any location with some type of coupling to the Internet.

Abstract: A user may locate a missing wireless device through a location server storing user-associated location information. A wireless device includes a client location application adapted to determine a current geographic location and transmit location data to a location server, a power source, and a power management application adapted to detect a low power level and instruct the client location application to determine the current geographic location. The wireless device further includes a GPS receiver adapted to receive and decode GPS signals and a personal GPS directory storing location information associated with the subscriber unit.

Abstract: A wireless communications system and method for use with aircraft includes an airline network and an aircraft communications system. The airline network includes a reservation system having a database storing passenger and flight information, an interface to an external network and a home location register. The reservation system includes logic for provisioning a subscriber unit and defining at least one location-based event associated with the subscriber unit. The home location register tracks the location of the subscriber unit. The aircraft communications system includes a wireless base station facilitating radio communication with the provisioned subscriber unit and a second interface to the external network. During operation, the home location register executes the location-based event when the subscriber unit's movement into the location associated with the location-based event is detected.

Abstract: A private wireless network interface provides wireless signaling and protocols of a wireless macro network to allow a consumer to operate over a private wireless network. The private wireless network interface receives wireless signals compatible with a wireless macro network and transmits the signals over a broadband connection to a wireless service provider's wireless macro network. The private wireless network interface allows the use of mobile stations which are compatible with a wireless macro network to operate in a residence and have the signals backhauled over the residence's broadband connection. The private wireless network interface can provide wireless macro network coverage in any location with some type of coupling to the Internet.

Abstract: A private communications system includes a base station, a switch and an interface to an external network. The base station provides a radio link between the private communications system and a subscriber unit. The subscriber unit has an associated mini-subscription providing the subscriber unit with temporary access to the private communications system. The switch is connected to the base station and provides the subscriber unit with access to the private communications system when the mini-subscription is active. The interface is connected to the switch. In operation, the mini-subscription information is automatically transmitted to the external wireless network, via the interface, when the mini-subscription is terminated.

Abstract: A wireless communication system useful in locating users of mobile communication units (MUs) in emergency situations. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of aircraft-deployable, wireless position determining equipment (PDE) to generate position information from an emergency call request received from an MU, and a wireless mobile positioning center (MPC) on board an aircraft adapted to determine the location of the MU from the position information received from the PDE. In another embodiment, the PDE are adapted to transmit a message to elicit a response from the MU to acquire position information. In another embodiment, the PDE are adapted to receive periodic messages from the MU to acquire position information. In another embodiment, a mobile switching center (MSC) assists a GPS-capable MU in determining its location by providing it the information on the GPS satellites visible within the area covered by its base station and sector.

Abstract: A wireless communication system useful in assisting and locating users of mobile communication units (MUs) with emergency situations. In one embodiment, the system includes position determining equipment (PDE) to generate position data information related to receiving an emergency call request, wherein some of the PDEs are associated with a first wireless carrier and others associated with a second carrier; and a mobile positioning center (MPC) adapted to determine an approximate location of an emergency-calling MU from the position data information received from the PDEs. In another embodiment, the system includes PDEs, wherein at least one is a standalone PDE; and an MPC. In another embodiment, the system includes a mobile switching center (MSC), bases stations restricted to emergency use only, and PDEs associated respectively with the base stations. In another embodiment, the system includes PDEs adapted to transmit position data information to an MPC via a wireless medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a carrier-independent calling-party-pays system. In one embodiment, upon having a call routed to a mobile switching center from a calling party, the mobile switching center determines if the called party is a calling-party-pays (CPP) customer. Depending on whether the called party is a CPP customer or not, the mobile switching center may bill only the calling party, or both the calling party and the called party.