Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide for a unit that is locked against use for communications until the unit is unlocked and that may be activated on a selected network in conjunction with the unit being unlocked. A unit includes a memory for storing an unlock code specific to the unit. The unlock code is used to unlock the unit and is unbreakable without knowledge of a secret code and an algorithm. The unlock code is generated by using the algorithm with the secret code and an identifier unique to the unit. The unit also includes a control for receipt of an input code and a system identification number with the input code and the system identification number having originated from the selected network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pre-paid wireless telephone customers notification that a wireless telephone account has been replenished. The present invention delivers a confirmation notice directly to a pre-paid wireless telephone customer through the customer's wireless telephone. The notification system receives account replenishment information from a replenishment system and updates its database to indicate a notice must be sent. Because the wireless telephone may or may not be available when the notification system is ready to send the confirmation notice, the system intercepts registration messages sent by the wireless telephone, thereby allowing the notification system to detect when the wireless telephone is available.

Abstract: A method and system for providing targeted advertisement information to consumers over a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, local advertisers register to advertise on certain wireless communications devices that are in close proximity to the advertiser. As a consumer enters a cell site that is near the location of the advertiser, the wireless network delivers a message to the wireless device that is specified by the local advertiser. An acknowledgement signal is then received by the network, and the local advertiser's account is charged for transmission of the advertisement. In a further embodiment, each of the messages stored in the database is also associated with one or more demographic codes, and users of wireless communications device select from one more demographic codes to describer their advertisement preferences.

Abstract: A wireless telephone backup device for landline telephone equipment that may be located on the customer side of the landline service connection, typically in a restricted access location, such as an attic, basement, or utility closet. An interconnection circuit in the backup device detects service interruptions in the subscriber's landline connection and, in response, powers on a wireless communication device to provide backup telephone service to the customer premises equipment. The interconnection circuit also provides the other features standard landline telephone service, including dial tone, ring voltage, and normal dialing for outgoing calls. The backup device also forwards incoming landline calls to the wireless unit in the backup device, and may send a message notifying a maintenance center of the service interruption. Further, the backup device may initiate an indicator in an alarm system at the site of the customer premises equipment to notify the subscriber of the service interruption.

Abstract: A wireless telephone having a user-selectable pager mode in which, in response to a page message associated with an incoming call, the wireless telephone transmits a data message which causes the incoming call to be redirected to a voice mail system without delay due to a system-determined time interval for allowing wireless telephone users to answer incoming calls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide for a unit that is locked against use for communications until the unit is unlocked and that may be activated on a selected network in conjunction with the unit being unlocked. A unit includes a memory for storing an unlock code specific to the unit. The unlock code is used to unlock the unit and is unbreakable without knowledge of a secret code and an algorithm. The unlock code is generated by using the algorithm with the secret code and an identifier unique to the unit. The unit also includes a control for receipt of an input code and a system identification number with the input code and the system identification number having originated from the selected network.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for notifying a communications switching center that a subsequent communication directed to a wireless number associated with the wireless unit is to be routed to a directory number associated with the wireless unit. A converter may be provided and connected to a current source and to a communications switching center. The wireless unit may be connected to the converter, and if connected, the unit draws current therefrom. In response to the draw of current by the wireless unit through the converter, the converter transmits a message to the communications switching center. The message includes a notification that a subsequent communication directed to the wireless number associated with the wireless unit is to be routed to the directory number associated with the wireless unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system (CMR) data. A data message system for communicating data sources includes sets reporting devices, at least one mobile switching center (MSC) of a CMR system, and a data collection system connected to said MSC via a first communications link. Each recording device monitors a remote data source to obtain selected data and thereafter transmits a data message containing the selected data. The MSC receives data messages via the cellular network control channel from reporting devices operating within coverage areas of the array of cells and forwards the data messages via the first communications link to the data collection system. In response, the data collection system stores the data messages and processes the selected data.

Abstract: A radiotelephone apparatus in which a radiotelephone transceiver monitors a control channel for paging signals and a controller automatically controls a radiotelephone transceiver to generate an acknowledgment signal in response to receipt of a paging signal carrying a telephone number identity which is any one of a plurality of predetermined telephone number identities.

Abstract: A paging acknowledgement system is provided for communicating both (1) paging messages and (2) acknowledgement messages to confirm reception of the paging messages. The paging acknowledgement system includes at least one communications system, remote communications devices, and at least one MSC of a CMR system. In response to a paging message from a paging party, the communications system transmits data messages corresponding to the paging message via a communications link. The data message contains the type of data that is normally supplied with a conventional paging message and an acknowledgment code that uniquely identifies said data message. A remote communications device responds to a data message containing its particular address by transmitting an acknowledgment message containing the acknowledgment code to the MSC via a cellular network control channel of the CMR system. The MSC forwards the acknowledgment message to the communications system via a first communications link.

Abstract: An improved telephone paging system and method are disclosed. The sytem interfaces with a conventional telephone branching system, such as a PBX, and remote pager devices which are worn by subscribers to the system. A plurality of PBX extension telephone lines are connected to the system via a subscriber line interface, and one PBX extension line is connected to this system via a control line interface. The subscriber line interface is used to detect ring signals on the selected extension lines. When a ring signal has been detected on a selected line, the microprocessor-based system sends command signals to the PBX to place the incoming call on hold. The system identifies a paging code signal distinctively corresponding to the subscriber line on which the ring signal was detected. The identified paging code signal is sent to a transmitter which transmits the paging code signal to all pagers within its range.