Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing dynamically configurable feature packages to users of a wireless network is provided. More particularly, the development includes implementing a system that allows users to select a predetermined number of available features for wireless connectivity. This selection process is controlled by the user without interaction of the wireless service provider, allows for real time changes to a feature package to which the user subscribes (preferably, without incurring further cost) and facilitates activation of a variety of billing alternatives such as flat rates, per use rates, package rates, pro-rated billing rates, etc.

Abstract: Calls are screened on the basis of a priority assigned to the calling party and a current cost (monetary or opportunity) to a communications service subscriber. For example, a calling line identification or a PIN is used to identify the calling party and to find a priority level assigned to the calling party by the subscriber. An applicable billing category is determined (e.g., a night or weekend, peak, or mobile to mobile billing category). An unused amount of air time or message units in a basic allotment of message units or air time is determined. If, given the amount of remaining message units or the cost of message units, the priority level assigned to the calling party justifies call completion; the user equipment of the calling party is connected to the user equipment of the subscriber. Otherwise, the user equipment of the calling party is connected to a message service or call completion is denied.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for network initiated event reminder alerting. More particularly, the invention is directed to a system to provide network components that initiate an event reminder call prior to an upcoming event to alert a mobile subscriber of the event such as an appointment or a meeting. The network supports the provisioning of a user defined event list and corresponding reminder data for alerting the subscriber prior to each event. The network monitors the event schedule and takes appropriate action.

Abstract: A communication network supports a service sharing arrangement with multiple mobile devices of a party covered under the same service plan. The service sharing arrangement allows for the same directory number and same billing criteria for each of the multiple devices and provides for selectable activation of the devices so as to reduce or eliminate service conflicts and user confusion.

Abstract: In general terms the system and method is for providing network support for reconfiguration of mobile configuration data for a mobile station. In one embodiment the method may have the steps of: storing mobile configuration data for a mobile station in a mobile subscriber database in the mobile station; storing the mobile configuration data in a network subscriber database in the network; changing via a user interface the mobile configuration data in the network subscriber database; and synchronizing, in response to the changing of the mobile configuration data in the network subscriber database, the mobile configuration data in the mobile subscriber database with the mobile configuration data in the network subscriber database of the mobile station.

Abstract: The system and method support the input of events and the subsequent event notification to a mobile handset in the form of a SMS message. In one embodiment the method may have the steps of: detecting an occurrence of an event on a public data network communication system; automatically creating an SMS message; and automatically delivering the SMS message to a designated mobile handset. The system implements the method.

Abstract: In general terms one embodiment of the present system and method is for a network to send a notification to subscribers regarding a new feature introduction. The method may have the steps of: generating a notification message regarding a new feature; sending the notification message to at least one mobile subscriber; sending a response to the network that indicates that the at least one mobile subscriber desires to try the new feature; storing the new feature with an expiration time in a subscriber database; detecting, by the network, an end of the expiration time for the at least one mobile subscriber; and sending, by the network, a feature expiration notification message to the at least one mobile subscriber regarding subscribing to the new feature. The system implements the method.

Abstract: A method in the wireless infrastructure automatically keeps wireless handsets updated with a non-emergency telephone number, e.g. roadside assistance, which is appropriate for the current location of the subscriber. This number is stored in memory of the handset and is preferably made easily accessible by the subscriber. The location of the wireless handset is monitored and if the subscriber moves to a location that requires the use of a non-emergency number that is different from the non-emergency number currently stored in the handset, the new non-emergency number is determined and transmitted to the handset that updates its non-emergency number stored in its memory.

Abstract: A system for supporting virtual conferences includes a switching center, a virtual conference database and a virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference database stores virtual conference information comprising, for example, images associated with a room type, an outdoor environment, a presentation medium and/or a meeting room facility. The switching center is operable to set up a virtual conference including a host terminal and one or more participating terminals by connecting the terminals to the conference bridge, retrieving selected virtual conference information from the virtual conference database and sending the information to the virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference information includes images of the participants such that the host terminal and participating terminals see and hear other participants in a virtual meeting room.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conveniently transferring calls between first and second communication units (e.g., a home or office phone and mobile phone, or vice versa) of a party, without requiring a designated “transfer” key and without requiring entry of a directory number of the second phone.

Abstract: A method for displaying a roaming charge rate on a mobile station in a wireless network is provided. The mobile station is associated with a subscriber to wireless services from a wireless service provider associated with the wireless network. In one embodiment, the wireless network includes a mobile switching center, a subscriber database, a base station, and mobile station. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) while the mobile station is located in a current geographic area, determining the mobile station is roaming, b) determining a roaming charge will be incurred by the subscriber when using the mobile station in the current geographic area, c) communicating a roaming charge rate associated with the roaming charge that would be incurred to the mobile station, and d) displaying the roaming charge rate on a display associated with the mobile station while the mobile station is located in the current geographic area.

Abstract: A method for providing selective mid-call call forwarding from a mobile station associated with a subscriber to a wireless service provider is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) receiving an incoming call, b) ringing the mobile station, c) receiving a mid-call call forwarding activation from the mobile station, d) retrieving a telephone number associated with the mid-call call forwarding activation from a service plan associated with the subscriber, and e) forwarding the incoming call to a telephone device associated with the retrieved telephone number. In another embodiment, the mid-call call forwarding activation is a control signal resulting from a user pressing at least one key on the mobile station. In other aspects, a method of adding and/or modifying a selective mid-call call forwarding feature to a service plan associated with the subscriber is provided.

Abstract: A method for dynamically reconfiguring wireless network capacity purchased by a service provider from a network equipment/software provider. The method includes: a) determining if a current demand for network capacity exceeds a first value, b) if the current demand exceeds the first value, reconfiguring network capacity for the wireless network to a higher purchased network capacity, c) determining if the current demand is less than a second value, and d) if the current demand is less than the second value, reconfiguring network capacity for the wireless network to a lower purchased network capacity. In another embodiment, usage data associated with a selected network capacity is accumulated and provided to the network equipment/software provider's billing system.

Abstract: A method of providing an alert for an incoming call to a wireless terminal is provided. The method includes alerting with a priority alert which is different from a non-priority alert to indicate that the incoming call is a priority call. The method also includes notifying the wireless terminal that the incoming call is a priority call. The method can also include the calling party indicating that the call is a priority call and determining that the calling party is authorized to make priority calls to the wireless terminal. A system for providing an alert for an incoming call to a wireless terminal is provided. The system includes a Mobile Switching Center having means for receiving an indication that an incoming call to the wireless terminal is a priority call, and means for notifying the wireless terminal that the incoming call is a priority call.

Abstract: Components of a communications network automatically determine an appropriate time for a conference call. The network sends conference call invitations to desired conference participants. The invitations include proposed conference times. Responses are tallied and analyzed to determine an optimum time for the conference call. The conference call is scheduled according to the determined optimum time. Conference participants are notified of the scheduled conference time. Reminders may be sent. The network calls all conference participants at or about the scheduled conference time and interconnects successfully placed calls.

Abstract: A method for automating changes to a service plan between a mobile subscriber and a wireless service provider is provided. In one embodiment, the method creates a temporary service plan for the subscriber. This method includes: a) receiving a request to create the temporary plan, b) retrieving the subscriber's existing service plan from a subscriber database, c) providing a change selection menu to the user, d) modifying the existing service plan in conjunction with one or more user selections associated with the change selection menu to create the temporary plan, and e) storing the temporary plan in the subscriber database. In another embodiment, the method modifies the subscriber's existing service plan and the modified service plan supercedes the previous service plan. In another aspect, a method for processing a call from a mobile station associated with the subscriber when the temporary service plan is in effect is provided.

Abstract: A method for collecting data to identify an RF dead zone in a cell of a wireless network using a mobile station is provided. The method includes: a) receiving position data from the mobile station at a base station when the mobile station is powered up and located within the cell, b) communicating the position data from the base station to a mobile switching center, and c) storing the position data in an RF dead zone network. In another embodiment, a method for collecting data to identify an RF dead zone in a wireless network using a mobile station is provided. The wireless network provides wireless service to a plurality of cells and includes a plurality of base stations corresponding to the cells. In still another embodiment, a method for collecting data to identify an RF dead zone in a wireless network using a plurality of mobile stations is provided.