Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing a priority alert at a communication device for certain designated callers on a per call basis. Either a priority call is requested at call origination (302, 304, 306) or after a normal call is not answered (406). Where a priority call request is made at call origination, the caller must supply a valid identification designation that is verified before a priority alert is sent (312). A telephone switch (106, 110) that terminates services to the communication device determines whether the priority call is permitted and initiates the priority alerting at the communication device (316). Where a normal (non-priority) call is not answered (406), a terminating switch or voicemail system coupled to the terminating switch prompts the caller to make a priority request and enter a valid priority identification designation (410, 512).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveillance of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) communications is provided. A server (112) associated with a network provider receives information to identify communications associated with a party under surveillance (200). The server uses the information to direct communications associated with the party under surveillance to a surveillance server (130) (202). The communications are analyzed to identify any initial VoIP data (204). If initial VoIP data is detected, identifiers for subsequent related VoIP communications are determined from the initial VoIP data (206). The identifiers for subsequent VoIP communications are used to identify subsequent VoIP packets. Those subsequent VoIP packets are then stored and analyzed as needed by an agency conducting surveillance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for routing an emergency call from a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone to a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point). A VoIP service provider receives an emergency call request from a VoIP phone. The VoIP service provider identifies the location of the VoIP phone. The VoIP service provider determines a PSAP associated with the location of the VoIP phone, and routes the emergency call request to the PSAP associated with the location of the VoIP phone.

Abstract: A system and method of filtering SMS messages sent from an originating terminal to a subscriber terminal over a wireless communications network is provided. The method includes providing subscriber-provided authorization criteria, determining authorization of the originating terminal for sending the SMS message to the subscriber terminal using the authorization criteria, and filtering the SMS message based on the determining step. The system includes means for providing subscriber-provided authorization criteria, means for determining authorization of the originating terminal, and means for filtering the SMS message based on the authorization of the originating terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for disconnecting a CPE from a communication network. When a CPE goes off-hook, the CPE is automatically disconnected from the communication network. An alert is provided at the CPE that indicates that the CPE has been disconnected from the communication network. When the CPE goes back on-hook, the CPE is automatically reconnected to the communication network. The alerting is then stopped at the CPE.

Abstract: A mobile switching center of an apparatus in one example performs a barge-in that allows a first user to communicate with a second user of a mobile communication device that is engaged in a preexisting active call.

Abstract: A network component of an apparatus in one example employs one or more call characteristics to make a determination to initiate a request for one or more positions of one or more mobile stations.

Abstract: A mobile switching center of an apparatus in one example allows a user of a mobile communication device to assign one or more members to a feature group that is employable by the mobile switching center to provide a communication feature to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and system provide for providing a call waiting method for use in a telecommunications network in which a first caller is engaged in a current call with a second caller, and for processing an incoming call from a third caller to the first caller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for establishing a multi-user call in a communication system. The communication system receives a call request to establish a group call with a shared group of users. The communication system determines which of the plurality of individual users should be excluded from the call and connects each of the group of included users to establish a multi-user call. The communication system preferably indicates that a unit was not currently available, for example by playing a prerecorded message, playing a tone and also preferably indicates why a unit was not available.

Abstract: The method and system is for providing hands free system for operating a mobile terminal in a vehicle. An embodiment of the system may have: a processing module detachably coupled to a mobile terminal; an audio input device mounted substantially in a center area of a steering wheel of the vehicle, the audio input device operatively connected to the processing module; a switch located in a predetermined area of the steering wheel, the switch operatively connected to the processing unit; and an audio output system operatively connected to the processing module. The method implements use of the system.