Abstract: A method of connecting a vehicle telematics unit with a public safety access point (PSAP) includes wirelessly calling a central facility using the vehicle telematics unit that generates a reason to contact the PSAP; determining a reason to contact the PSAP during the wireless call; and receiving a computer-readable command at the vehicle telematics unit from the central facility that directs the vehicle telematics unit to end the wireless call and locally place an emergency call.

Abstract: A method of connecting a vehicle telematics unit with a public safety access point (PSAP) includes wirelessly calling a central facility using the vehicle telematics unit that generates a reason to contact the PSAP; determining a reason to contact the PSAP during the wireless call; and receiving a computer-readable command at the vehicle telematics unit from the central facility that directs the vehicle telematics unit to end the wireless call and locally place an emergency call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for confirming the accuracy and consistency of cellular device provisioning parameters such as telematics station identifiers (TSTIDs) stored at multiple locations. One implementation consists of a method for ensuring accuracy and consistency of parameters stored at multiple locations. The method involves storing parameters on a computer readable medium, connecting to a mobile station corresponding to a first stored parameter, and requesting the mobile station with which a connection has been established report parameters stored at the mobile station. The method further involves establishing an API call with a carrier network operator who provides services to the mobile station, transmitting a second stored parameter to the carrier network operator and requesting the carrier network operator report parameters corresponding to the second stored parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for confirming the accuracy and consistency of cellular device provisioning parameters such as telematics station identifiers (TSTIDs) stored at multiple locations. One implementation consists of a method for ensuring accuracy and consistency of parameters stored at multiple locations. The method involves storing parameters on a computer readable medium, connecting to a mobile station corresponding to a first stored parameter, and requesting the mobile station with which a connection has been established report parameters stored at the mobile station. The method further involves establishing an API call with a carrier network operator who provides services to the mobile station, transmitting a second stored parameter to the carrier network operator and requesting the carrier network operator report parameters corresponding to the second stored parameter.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method and system for allowing subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) to make hands-free phone calls within their vehicles through a telematics unit over a network or hardware-based pre-pay system, wherein the telematics unit or a wireless network provider associated with the TSP controls the ingoing and outgoing hands-free calling (HFC) processes. The wireless network provider, through its system at a remote call center or through the telematics unit, may determine whether the subscriber has subscribed to the TSP's HFC service, whether the subscriber has a sufficient remaining balance to initiate, receive or continue a call, and whether a user of the telematics unit is “roaming.” When a user attempts to make or receive a call through the telematics unit, the wireless network provider or the telematics unit may handle the incoming or outgoing call processing, and may further provide subscriber account balance notifications to the user.

Abstract: The described method and system provide for over-the-air configuration of a telematics-equipped vehicle by wireless carriers and telematics service providers (TSPs). Regardless of whether a telematics-equipped vehicle has been provisioned for cellular service or not, the TSP and wireless carrier may control undesirable location updating from the vehicle, for example, by setting certain triggers or conditions upon the telematics unit before processing location updates provided by the telematics unit. These triggers or conditions may also be programmed into the telematics unit, whether through an OTA configuration session, or pre-loaded during manufacture. The TSP or wireless carrier may conduct OTA configuration sessions with the telematics unit to provision the telematics unit for cellular service, or provide the telematics unit with software or firmware updates.

Abstract: A system and method of managing communications with a vehicle telematics unit includes determining that a data transmission to a vehicle telematics unit over a wireless carrier system has failed; automatically performing a network registration check with the wireless carrier system to determine the registration status of the vehicle telematics unit based on the data transmission failure; and deciding whether to re-transmit the data to the vehicle based on the results of the network registration check.

Abstract: Methods for providing emergency service to a mobile vehicle are disclosed herein. One method involves monitoring a network country code broadcast from a communications network provider and comparing the network country code with a list of country codes stored in the telematics unit. This method further includes determining where to direct an emergency call by the telematics unit based on the comparing. Another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, monitoring the network country code broadcast and comparing the network country code with the list of country codes to determine where to direct the emergency call. Yet another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, automatically notifying another service provider of the same.

Abstract: A system and method of managing communications with a vehicle telematics unit includes determining that a data transmission to a vehicle telematics unit over a wireless carrier system has failed; automatically performing a network registration check with the wireless carrier system to determine the registration status of the vehicle telematics unit based on the data transmission failure; and deciding whether to re-transmit the data to the vehicle based on the results of the network registration check.

Abstract: The described method and system provide for over-the-air configuration of a telematics-equipped vehicle by wireless carriers and telematics service providers (TSPs). Regardless of whether a telematics-equipped vehicle has been provisioned for cellular service or not, the TSP and wireless carrier may control undesirable location updating from the vehicle, for example, by setting certain triggers or conditions upon the telematics unit before processing location updates provided by the telematics unit. These triggers or conditions may also be programmed into the telematics unit, whether through an OTA configuration session, or pre-loaded during manufacture. The TSP or wireless carrier may conduct OTA configuration sessions with the telematics unit to provision the telematics unit for cellular service, or provide the telematics unit with software or firmware updates.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method and system for allowing subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) to make hands-free phone calls within their vehicles through a telematics unit over a network or hardware-based pre-pay system, wherein the telematics unit or a wireless network provider associated with the TSP controls the ingoing and outgoing hands-free calling (HFC) processes. The wireless network provider, through its system at a remote call center or through the telematics unit, may determine whether the subscriber has subscribed to the TSP's HFC service, whether the subscriber has a sufficient remaining balance to initiate, receive or continue a call, and whether a user of the telematics unit is “roaming.” When a user attempts to make or receive a call through the telematics unit, the wireless network provider or the telematics unit may handle the incoming or outgoing call processing, and may further provide subscriber account balance notifications to the user.

Abstract: Methods for providing emergency service to a mobile vehicle are disclosed herein. One method involves monitoring a network country code broadcast from a communications network provider and comparing the network country code with a list of country codes stored in the telematics unit. This method further includes determining where to direct an emergency call by the telematics unit based on the comparing. Another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, monitoring the network country code broadcast and comparing the network country code with the list of country codes to determine where to direct the emergency call. Yet another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, automatically notifying another service provider of the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning a mobile dialing number (MDN) to a wireless mobile communication device (MCD), for providing local call access to the MCD from a base address for the MCD, by first selecting a wireless rate center encompassing the base address and having an MDN providing local call access to the MCD from the base address for the MCD, and then assigning the MDN to the MCD, for providing local calling access to the MCD from the base address for the MCD. A database defines geographic boundaries of a plurality of wireless rate centers, including the wireless rate center encompassing the base address and having the MDN providing local call access to the MCD from the base address.