Abstract: A method is provided for communicating emergency messages using non-voice connections. An emergency short message service is added to digital wireless standards, such as GSM-based standards. This service allows users to place an emergency call with the specific purpose of sending an emergency data message using Short Message Service (SMS). Such data messages might include the caller's geographical position, electronic mail messages, or possibly, diagnostic information. As a result, the emergency data messaging will be given the same access conditions as voice emergency calls in a cellular or satellite communications system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing an improved user interface for satellite communications user terminals in satellite communications systems provides call routing information, in particular gateway selection information, during channel request portion of call initiation. In one approach, a symbol, for example a key on a keypad, is associated with gateway selection information, such as a country code and national destination code. When a user thereafter initiates a call by selecting the symbol and causing a subscriber number for a desired destination to be entered, the satellite communications user terminal automatically transmits the gateway selection information associated with the symbol during the channel request portion of call initiation. In another approach, some gateway selection information is selected as a default.