Abstract: An embodiment of a method for communicating call control signaling information in a communications system that includes a user equipment (UE) and a base includes the UE formatting the call control signaling information, transmitting the call control signaling information over a first logical channel that is mapped to a first transport channel, and transmitting user traffic over a second logical channel that is mapped to a second transport channel. In an embodiment, the base receives the call control signaling information from the UE over the first logical channel, receives the user traffic from the UE over the second logical channel, and transmits the call control signaling information to a core network. In an embodiment, the communication system is an IP network in which information is exchanged between the UE and the base using a W-CDMA transmission protocol. The base may form a portion of a satellite-based radio network.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for communicating call control signaling information in a communications system that includes a user equipment (UE) and a base includes the UE formatting the call control signaling information, transmitting the call control signaling information over a first logical channel that is mapped to a first transport channel, and transmitting user traffic over a second logical channel that is mapped to a second transport channel. In an embodiment, the base receives the call control signaling information from the UE over the first logical channel, receives the user traffic from the UE over the second logical channel, and transmits the call control signaling information to a core network. In an embodiment, the communication system is an IP network in which information is exchanged between the UE and the base using a W-CDMA transmission protocol. The base may form a portion of a satellite-based radio network.

Abstract: In a mobile satellite system, a system for providing satellite communication between multiple users in a closed user group arrangement includes first and second mobile earth terminals (METs) responsively connecter to and registering with the mobile satellite system. The first MET selects a closed user group network identifier (NET. ID) representing a NET group including the first and second METs to establish voice communication therewith and transmits the NET ID to a central controller. The central controller receives the NET ID from the first MET, validates the first MET for communication, validates the NET ID, allocates a frequency for the NET group, and broadcasts the message to the NET group including the second MET informing the NET group of the allocated frequency and the voice communication associated therewith. The second MET tunes to the frequency in response to the message broadcast by the central controller, and the central controller assigns the first MET as current speaker for the NET group.