Abstract: In general terms, one embodiment of the method is for selecting, by a mobile terminal, a roaming service provider in a telecommunications network, when the mobile terminal is roaming. The method has the steps of: communicating between a mobile terminal and current roaming service providers for a current location of the mobile terminal; providing to the mobile terminal, at least upon detecting a registration message from the mobile terminal, respective roaming service provider information associated with the current roaming service providers; selecting, based on the roaming service provider information, a respective one of the current roaming service providers; and connecting subsequent call(s) associated with the mobile terminal using the selected respective roaming service provider. The system implements the method.

Abstract: In general terms, one embodiment of the method is for automatically notifying a subscriber that the subscriber has talked on a mobile terminal for a subscriber-defined amount of time. The method may have the steps of: defining an interval for at least one category of usage of a mobile terminal that is operatively connected to a telecommunication network; storing, at the telecommunication network, the defined interval for the at least one category of usage of the mobile terminal; monitoring, by the telecommunication network, a time that a call has been active on the mobile terminal; comparing the time that the call has been active to the stored at least one interval; and sending a predetermined notification signal from the telecommunication system to the mobile terminal when the time that the call has been active exceeds the stored interval. The system implements the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus forproviding a network-based voice memo feature. More particularly, the invention is directed to a system that will provide network-based functionality to allow a user to record a voice memo during an ongoing call, create a voice mail message based on the recorded memo and store the message in the users voice mail box for later retrieval. In one form, mobile subscribers are able to conveniently record short voice memos, such as those relating to directory assistance, driving directions, . . . etc., while on a call and retrieve the recorded information when needed.

Abstract: A method of automatically suggesting service changes for a wireless communications network subscriber is provided. The method includes compiling a record of services used by the subscriber during a time period, determining one or more subscriber usage metrics, comparing the subscriber usage metrics to one or more thresholds, detecting a trigger condition including one or more of the usage metrics exceeding one or more of the thresholds, generating a service change suggestion, and informing the subscriber automatically of the suggested service change using the wireless communications network.

Abstract: A system and method of message delivery from a wireless calling party terminal using a wireless communications network to a called party terminal for called parties having call waiting. The method includes determining that the called party terminal's line is busy, delivering a “call waiting no answer” message to the calling party terminal, prompting the calling party to leave a message for the called party, and storing the message from the calling party on the wireless communications network for later delivery to the called party terminal.

Abstract: A credit is automatically applied to an account of a subscriber when an interruption in subscribed services is detected. For example, the credit may be a monetary credit or a credit of a service, such as, airtime. A subscriber database record may indicate a preferred type of credit. A call data record may be used to apply the credit. The subscriber may be automatically notified of the applied credit. For instance, a voice mail or text message is generated and stored. The subscriber is notified that a message has been stored. At the subscriber's convenience, the message is retrieved. The message may indicate the amount and type of credit and may include an explanation and/or expression of regret for the interrupted service.

Abstract: Actual caller identification is provided. Biometric information is collected from a calling party. For example, retinal scan or facial recognition information is collected from a calling party. An element of a communications network receives the biometric information and uses the biometric information to determine the identity of the calling party. For instance, the biometric information is used to generate an index or key into an identity database. The index or key is used to retrieve identity information associated with a record including matching biometric information. The identity information is transmitted, for example, to user equipment of a called party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing dynamically configurable feature packages to users of a wireless network is provided. More particularly, the development includes implementing a system that allows users to select a predetermined number of available features for wireless connectivity. This selection process is controlled by the user without interaction of the wireless service provider, allows for real time changes to a feature package to which the user subscribes (preferably, without incurring further cost) and facilitates activation of a variety of billing alternatives such as flat rates, per use rates, package rates, pro-rated billing rates, etc.

Abstract: Calls are screened on the basis of a priority assigned to the calling party and a current cost (monetary or opportunity) to a communications service subscriber. For example, a calling line identification or a PIN is used to identify the calling party and to find a priority level assigned to the calling party by the subscriber. An applicable billing category is determined (e.g., a night or weekend, peak, or mobile to mobile billing category). An unused amount of air time or message units in a basic allotment of message units or air time is determined. If, given the amount of remaining message units or the cost of message units, the priority level assigned to the calling party justifies call completion; the user equipment of the calling party is connected to the user equipment of the subscriber. Otherwise, the user equipment of the calling party is connected to a message service or call completion is denied.

Abstract: A communication network supports a service sharing arrangement with multiple mobile devices of a party covered under the same service plan. The service sharing arrangement allows for the same directory number and same billing criteria for each of the multiple devices and provides for selectable activation of the devices so as to reduce or eliminate service conflicts and user confusion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for network initiated event reminder alerting. More particularly, the invention is directed to a system to provide network components that initiate an event reminder call prior to an upcoming event to alert a mobile subscriber of the event such as an appointment or a meeting. The network supports the provisioning of a user defined event list and corresponding reminder data for alerting the subscriber prior to each event. The network monitors the event schedule and takes appropriate action.

Abstract: The system and method support the input of events and the subsequent event notification to a mobile handset in the form of a SMS message. In one embodiment the method may have the steps of: detecting an occurrence of an event on a public data network communication system; automatically creating an SMS message; and automatically delivering the SMS message to a designated mobile handset. The system implements the method.

Abstract: In general terms one embodiment of the present system and method is for a network to send a notification to subscribers regarding a new feature introduction. The method may have the steps of: generating a notification message regarding a new feature; sending the notification message to at least one mobile subscriber; sending a response to the network that indicates that the at least one mobile subscriber desires to try the new feature; storing the new feature with an expiration time in a subscriber database; detecting, by the network, an end of the expiration time for the at least one mobile subscriber; and sending, by the network, a feature expiration notification message to the at least one mobile subscriber regarding subscribing to the new feature. The system implements the method.

Abstract: A method in the wireless infrastructure automatically keeps wireless handsets updated with a non-emergency telephone number, e.g. roadside assistance, which is appropriate for the current location of the subscriber. This number is stored in memory of the handset and is preferably made easily accessible by the subscriber. The location of the wireless handset is monitored and if the subscriber moves to a location that requires the use of a non-emergency number that is different from the non-emergency number currently stored in the handset, the new non-emergency number is determined and transmitted to the handset that updates its non-emergency number stored in its memory.

Abstract: A system for supporting virtual conferences includes a switching center, a virtual conference database and a virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference database stores virtual conference information comprising, for example, images associated with a room type, an outdoor environment, a presentation medium and/or a meeting room facility. The switching center is operable to set up a virtual conference including a host terminal and one or more participating terminals by connecting the terminals to the conference bridge, retrieving selected virtual conference information from the virtual conference database and sending the information to the virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference information includes images of the participants such that the host terminal and participating terminals see and hear other participants in a virtual meeting room.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conveniently transferring calls between first and second communication units (e.g., a home or office phone and mobile phone, or vice versa) of a party, without requiring a designated “transfer” key and without requiring entry of a directory number of the second phone.

Abstract: A method for displaying a roaming charge rate on a mobile station in a wireless network is provided. The mobile station is associated with a subscriber to wireless services from a wireless service provider associated with the wireless network. In one embodiment, the wireless network includes a mobile switching center, a subscriber database, a base station, and mobile station. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) while the mobile station is located in a current geographic area, determining the mobile station is roaming, b) determining a roaming charge will be incurred by the subscriber when using the mobile station in the current geographic area, c) communicating a roaming charge rate associated with the roaming charge that would be incurred to the mobile station, and d) displaying the roaming charge rate on a display associated with the mobile station while the mobile station is located in the current geographic area.

Abstract: A method for providing selective mid-call call forwarding from a mobile station associated with a subscriber to a wireless service provider is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) receiving an incoming call, b) ringing the mobile station, c) receiving a mid-call call forwarding activation from the mobile station, d) retrieving a telephone number associated with the mid-call call forwarding activation from a service plan associated with the subscriber, and e) forwarding the incoming call to a telephone device associated with the retrieved telephone number. In another embodiment, the mid-call call forwarding activation is a control signal resulting from a user pressing at least one key on the mobile station. In other aspects, a method of adding and/or modifying a selective mid-call call forwarding feature to a service plan associated with the subscriber is provided.

Abstract: A method for dynamically reconfiguring wireless network capacity purchased by a service provider from a network equipment/software provider. The method includes: a) determining if a current demand for network capacity exceeds a first value, b) if the current demand exceeds the first value, reconfiguring network capacity for the wireless network to a higher purchased network capacity, c) determining if the current demand is less than a second value, and d) if the current demand is less than the second value, reconfiguring network capacity for the wireless network to a lower purchased network capacity. In another embodiment, usage data associated with a selected network capacity is accumulated and provided to the network equipment/software provider's billing system.

Abstract: A method of providing an alert for an incoming call to a wireless terminal is provided. The method includes alerting with a priority alert which is different from a non-priority alert to indicate that the incoming call is a priority call. The method also includes notifying the wireless terminal that the incoming call is a priority call. The method can also include the calling party indicating that the call is a priority call and determining that the calling party is authorized to make priority calls to the wireless terminal. A system for providing an alert for an incoming call to a wireless terminal is provided. The system includes a Mobile Switching Center having means for receiving an indication that an incoming call to the wireless terminal is a priority call, and means for notifying the wireless terminal that the incoming call is a priority call.