Abstract: A telemetry system coupled to a vehicle can communicate with a remote site using the overhead control channels of a wireless network, such as a cellular mobile radiotelephone network. The telemetry system can monitor or control aspects of the vehicle's operations based on remote user input. The telemetry system can take steps to reduce its consumption of electricity. When conditions warrant, the telemetry system can disable a driver's attempt to start the vehicle. A relay can consume minimal electricity until an unauthorized driver attempts to start the vehicle, at which time the telemetry system can energize the relay to interrupt the starting sequence. The telemetry system can monitor a driver's driving practices and report incidences that meet preset criteria, such as violating a speed limit for a selected amount of time or a crossing of a geographical boundary.

Abstract: Communicating commands and/or data to a remote controller, such as a programmable logic controller, coupled to a cellular communications device. Each cellular communications device can monitor the cellular network control channel for a pair of target pages within a first time period. In the event that a cellular communications device receives target pages having a matching specific identifier, the device will monitor the cellular network control channel over a second time period for at least one command page or data page. The cellular communications device can respond to the reception of one or more command or data pages by forwarding instructions or information to the controller via a communications link. In addition, the cellular communications device can acknowledge receipt of the data or command pages by issuing an acknowledgment signal.

Abstract: Communicating commands and/or data to a remote controller, such as a programmable logic controller, coupled to a cellular communications device by sending multiple pages via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system. Each cellular communications device operating within the coverage area of the cellular mobile radiotelephone system can monitor the cellular network control charnel for a pair of target pages within a first time period. Each target page includes a specific identifier assigned to one or more of the cellular communications devices. In the event that a cellular communications device receives target pages having a matching specific identifier, the device will monitor the cellular network control channel over a second time period for at least one command page or data page carrying instructions or information for use by the remote controller.

Abstract: Communicating commands and/or data to a remote controller, such as a programmable logic controller, coupled to a cellular communications device. Each cellular communications device can monitor the cellular network control channel for a pair of target pages within a first time period. In the event that a cellular communications device receives target pages having a matching specific identifier, the device will monitor the cellular network control channel over a second time period for at least one command page or data page. The cellular communications device can respond to the reception of one or more command or data pages by forwarding instructions or information to the controller via a communications link. In addition, the cellular communications device can acknowledge receipt of the data or command pages by issuing an acknowledgment signal.