Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and uses low power operation that achieves limited coverage.

Abstract: A radiotelephone (10) simulates the call origination process performed by land-line telephones. Dial tone is generated (78) in response to an off-hook condition and removed when a first digit (54) is dialed. A timer process (84, 110) and a number analysis process (100) simultaneously evaluate dialed digits to detect the completion of dialing. The number analysis process (100) identifies seven, ten, and eleven digit, and indeterminate length phone number formats (64, 66, 52, 68). The ten digit format is recognized in response to remotely programmed (42) connected NPA codes. For most calls, the number analysis process (100) instantly detects a phone number's final digit (62). In a few cases the timer process (84, 110) detects the final digit through the absence of dialing activity for a predetermined duration. When the final digit (62) is detected, an origination message is transmitted to a cellular network.

Abstract: A system for allowing remote access to cellular telephone programming through the PSTN is disclosed. The system includes a specifically configured remotely accessible cellular telephone (RACT) and a host system for managing a multiplicity of such RACTs. The RACT of the present invention may be configured either as a cellular telephone itself, or as a kit which, when combined with a conventional cellular telephone, forms a RACT. The RACT includes a signal detection circuit configured to detect a unique identifying signal that the host system generates and is not commonly found in conventional data communication traffic. RACT programming includes conventional cellular processes so that remote accessibility features do not impact conventional operation of a cellular telephone. Moreover, RACT programming includes automated call origination and call answering processes which minimize the impact of the present invention on cellular customers and on the public cellular system.