Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for communicating messages between users that use different messaging services. A message from a user communication device is communicated to a remote user communication device using a first messaging service. The remote user communication device communicates messages using a second messaging service. The message from the user communication device is routed to a messaging interface gateway in accordance with configuration information associated with the remote user communication device. The message is routed from the messaging interface gateway to a messaging server associated with the remote user communication device. The messaging server is configured to use the second messaging service. The message is delivered to the remote user communication device using the second messaging service.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for communicating messages between users that use different messaging services. A message from a user communication device is communicated to a remote user communication device using a first messaging service. The remote user communication device communicates messages using a second messaging service. The message from the user communication device is routed to a messaging interface gateway in accordance with configuration information associated with the remote user communication device. The message is routed from the messaging interface gateway to a messaging server associated with the remote user communication device. The messaging server is configured to use the second messaging service. The message is delivered to the remote user communication device using the second messaging service.

Abstract: In a Wireless Number Portability (WNP) environment, a scheme is provided for routing and delivering Short Message Service (SMS) messages. In a WNP environment, the mobile identification number (MIN) and mobile directory number (MDN) will become independent, and the existing method of routing SMS messages will be inadequate to provide SMS to subscribers that port from one service provider to another. Methods and systems for delivering SMS messages to ported subscribers are provided.

Abstract: A telecommunication system supports local number portability. The system includes a local number portability switch and a local number portability database accessible by the local number portability switch. The local number portability database contains a table for translating geographic numbers to routing information. The local number portability switch queries the local number portability database using a dialed geographic number in response to initiation of a call. The local number portability database translates the dialed geographic number to corresponding routing information and returns the corresponding routing information to the local number portability switch. The local number portability switch uses the corresponding routing information to route the call.

Abstract: A method and/or system for validating subscribers includes an insecure communications network, such as, an IS-41 wireless telephone network connecting a plurality of telephone switches. A subscriber or user of the system enters a sequence of digits, namely, a random PIN (personal identification number), and a telephone number of whom he wishes to call. The random PIN provides effectively a “digital signature” to the telephone number. A second number is dialed to effect call completion. An authentication center exists which authenticates the user by verifying the digital signature and updating a user profile to permit a call only to the telephone number in the sequence dialed by the user. The profile is sent to the serving switch which permits calls only to the destination in the profile. This technique eliminates fraudulent users from stealing telephone identities, “cloning” phones and placing calls. Calls are optionally completed only to destinations that have been validated.

Abstract: In a Wireless Number Portability (WNP) environment, a scheme is provided for routing and delivering Short Message Service (SMS) messages. In a WNP environment, the mobile identification number (MIN) and mobile directory number (MDN) will become independent, and the existing method of routing SMS messages will be inadequate to provide SMS to subscribers that port from one service provider to another. Methods and systems for delivering SMS messages to ported subscribers are provided.

Abstract: Wireless telephone communications are processed by first contacting a worldwide wireless access facility which interfaces between the caller and the phone systems to determine a present location of a subscriber. The facility queries the home system requesting a roaming status and number of the subscriber. If the subscriber is roaming, the home network identifies a present serving network for the indicated subscriber from a list maintained of each subscriber's roaming location. The home network queries the present serving system and obtains a temporary local directory number for the subscriber. The home network returns a number to the worldwide wireless facility for reaching the subscriber. The facility uses this number to direct the telephone call to the called party.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting a system for communication with a personal station, such as a cellular telephone or a PCS station, in a roaming area. The personal station transmits a system access message to a default system. When the default system that receives the system access message is a visited system in the roaming area and the personal station is not registered with the visited system, the visited system registers the presence of the personal station in the roaming area with a home system for the personal station. The home system sends a response including a selection indication to the personal station through the visited system. The selection indication contains selection information for controlling selection of a system for communication with the personal station in the roaming area. The personal station selects a system for communication in the roaming area in accordance with the selection information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for telecommunications network local number portability supports service provider portability, location portability, and service portability. A subscriber is assigned a nongeographic subscriber number that is uniquely mapped to a location-based geographic terminal location number. Different embodiments of the apparatus query different combinations of databases to obtain the nongeographic subscriber number to geographic terminal location number mapping that allows a call to a nongeographic subscriber number to be routed and delivered using existing network routing mechanisms. The originating switch determines whether a received called number is a geographic terminal location number or a nongeographic subscriber number that will require the originating switch to query a database to request that the number be mapped to a geographic terminal location number.

Abstract: A secure cellular telephony arrangement where the mobile unit maintains a secret that is assigned to it by the service provider, and which is known to the provider (home cellular geographic service are--CGSA) but not to any other base station. A shared secret datum is generated by the home CGSA with the aid of the secret and some other data. That data is transmitted to the mobile unit to enable it to also generate the shared secret datum. A mobile unit wishing to communicate with a base station creates an authentication string with the aid of the shared secret datum and sends it and the unit's identity to the base station. A base station which does not have the shared secret datum is unable to immediately authenticate the mobile unit. It therefore contacts the home CGSA, receives the shared secret datum and the other data, and proceeds to authenticate the mobile unit's authentication string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to minimze the number of connecting trunks and MTSOs is operative to minimize the number of tandem MTSOs involved in handing the call by determining if the target MTSO has inter MTSO trunk connections with at least one of the MTSOs in the chain of existing tandem connections that may be utilized to minimize the total number of tandem MTSO connections involved in handling the call. This is operative without the target MTSO being in the direct chain of tandem MTSO connections.