Abstract: The resource release system minimizes the time that the Mobile Switching Centers in a call initiation process commit resources after the call is terminated. This is accomplished by propagating a Call Release message through the cellular network from the Originating Mobile Switching Center to the Serving Mobile Switching Center as soon as the termination of the call initiation process is determined by the Originating Mobile Switching Center. As the Call Release message is propagated through the cellular network, each Mobile Switching Center that receives the message immediately propagates the message along the path through the cellular network toward the Serving Mobile Switching Center and releases the network resources that have been reserved for this call initiation process, thereby minimizing the amount of time network resources are maintained in a held state for this call initiation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the instant invention, a method is provided for controlling roaming in a communications system. The method comprises storing a 15-digit MIN-based-IMSI in the mobile device. The 15-digit MIN-based-IMSI is comprised of a 10-digit Mobile Identification Number (MIN) and a 15-digit Home Network Identifier (HNI). Generally, the communications system uses the 15-digit MIN-based-IMSI to control roaming. However, the mobile device transmits only the 10-digit MIN in response to the mobile device being within a home network. To form the 15-digit universal identifier, the home network appends its HNI to the received MIN. When the mobile device is outside of its home network, the mobile device transmits the entire 15-digit universal identifier.

Abstract: A method is provided for controllably migrating a wireless network from MIN based operation to IMSI based operation. The method comprises implementing changes that affect inter-network operations during a first phase of the migration. Remaining changes, including changes that affect intra-network operations are implemented during a second phase of the migration.

Abstract: In one aspect of the instant invention, a method is provided for controlling international roaming in a communications system. The method comprises storing a 15-digit universal identifier in a mobile device in two locations ordinarily used to store a 15-digit MIN-based-IMSI and a 15-digit true IMSI. The universal identifier is comprised of a 10-digit Mobile Identification Number (MIN) and a 5-digit Home Network Identifier (HNI), which is comprised of a 3-digit Mobile Country Code (MCC) and a 2-digit Mobile Network Code (MNC). Generally, the communications system uses the universal identifier to control international roaming. However, the mobile device transmits only the 10-digit MIN in response to the mobile device being within a home network. To form the 15-digit universal identifier, the home network appends its HNI to the received MIN. When the mobile device is outside of its home network, the mobile device transmits the entire 15-digit universal identifier.

Abstract: A method is provided for controllably migrating a wireless network from MIN based operation to IMSI based operation. The method comprises implementing changes that affect inter-network operations during a first phase of the migration. Remaining changes, including changes that affect intra-network operations are implemented during a second phase of the migration.

Abstract: A method for conserving paging channel and access channel bandwidth is provided in a wireless telecommunications network (A). The network (A) includes: a plurality of cells (32) served by a mobile switching center (20) and including a paging channel for paging a mobile station (40) located within the cells (32) and an access channel by which the mobile station (40) registers its location with the network (A). The method includes: defining a first set of location areas including a plurality of paging location areas (50), each paging location area (50) including a plurality of cells (32); and, defining a second set of location areas including a plurality of registration location areas (60), each registration location area (60) including a plurality of paging location areas (50).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calculating a dynamic set of location areas for a mobile unit. An initial set of location areas is defined for the mobile unit. Movement patterns of the mobile unit are determined, and a revised set of location areas for the mobile unit are calculated based upon the initial set of location areas and the movement patterns for the mobile unit. The calculating can be done by measuring paging channel or access channel loads.