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.

Abstract: A cellular telephone unit includes logic circuitry programmed automatically to initiate a check of a tlephone-accessible audio-response system (e.g., a voice mailbox system) upon power-up of the telephone unit. The programming of the logic circuitry treats any number entered by the user during the check that does not correspond to the preprogrammed voice mail account number as a command, and thereupon discontinues the check and processes the command.

Abstract: A cellular telephone unit includes selective carrier signal acquisition. Priority of acquisition is given to carrier signals associated with home system identification codes (SIDs), then to any carrier signal associated with a non-excluded SID. Any attempt to dial an emergency call (e.g., a 911 call) overrides any lockout of excluded SIDs. A display such as "roam" and "no service" lights is used selectively to indicate to the user the availability of home and/or non-excluded carrier signals.

Abstract: A cellular telephone unit includes logic circuitry designed or programmed automatically to expand (recursively or iteratively) keystroke sequences containing recall commands by substituting the contents of a memory location specified by any recall command for the recall command itself. When a call is being initiated, any transmission keystrokes in a fully-expanded keystroke sequence occuring prior to a first pause command are transmitted over a signalling channel; transmission characters thereafter are transmitted on a voice channel.