Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for automatic telecommunication conferencing and broadcasting. The system embodiment includes a switch for reception of a first incoming call leg designating a multiple leg service, such as a telecommunication conference, and also designating a subscriber group. Each particular subscriber group is predefined, and consists of a list of directory numbers to be included within the conference or broadcast session. The system embodiment also includes a conference bridge coupled to the switch, in which the conference bridge includes instructions to receive the first incoming call leg routed from the switch, to determine the plurality of directory numbers associated with the subscriber group, and to return to the switch a plurality of intermediate incoming call legs corresponding to the plurality of directory numbers for routing by the switch to form a plurality of outgoing call legs.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for a handoff of a mobile broadcast of information specific to a geographic region. The mobile broadcast is typically transmitted on a first broadcast channel from a serving switching center and a serving transceiver to a mobile unit, such as to a cellular telephone. The preferred system includes a plurality of mobile switching centers coupled via signaling and trunk lines to a plurality of transceivers. The serving switching center selects a target switching center and transmits a handoff directive, the handoff directive including a broadcast parameter designating the mobile broadcast. In the preferred embodiment, the broadcast parameter is an eight bit designation of the broadcast channel, and may be included within a field of ANSI-compatible messages, such as Facilities Directives and Handoff Measurement Requests, and distinguishes the handoff of the information broadcast from other types of communication handoffs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a home location register (203) that stores records for mobile units in a home system (201). A visited location register (213) stores records for mobile units presently registered in a visited system (211) in which the visited location register (213) is located. The visited system (211) identifies a last accessed technology by a mobile unit (221) in the visited system (211) and forwards the identification of the last accessed technology to the home location register (203). The identification of the last accessed technology may be forwarded to the home location register (203) in a registration notification. The home system (201) may forward a routing request including the identification of the last accessed technology to the visited system (213).

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for roamer originated automatic telecommunication conferencing and broadcasting. The system embodiment includes a first switch for reception of a first incoming call leg from a roaming mobile unit or from another telecommunication device outside its assigned serving area. The first incoming call leg preferably designates a multiple leg service, such as a telecommunication conference, and also designates a subscriber group. Each particular subscriber group is predefined, and consists of a list of directory numbers to be included within the conference or broadcast session. In the various embodiments, the first switch communicates with a second switch or a database, and obtains a routing directory number to reroute the first incoming call leg, to form a second incoming call leg to the second switch.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system provide or broadcast information within a given geographic region that is also specific to a given geographic region, such as traffic reports, sightseeing interests, public services information, or weather conditions. The apparatus, method and system of the present invention also provide for different or varying information to be broadcast from region to region; specific hand-off procedures as mobile units change regions; the capability for multiple mobile units to utilize the same broadcast channel containing the information; and the muting of the reverse voice channels of such mobile units during such broadcast sessions. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of serving transceivers located in a corresponding plurality of geographic areas, and a switching center coupled via a plurality of trunk lines to the plurality of serving transceivers.

Abstract: A method for automatically updating shared secret data stored in a mobile terminal comprises initiating a shared secret data update procedure upon receipt of an access attempt by a mobile terminal in a mobile switching center. The shared secret data update procedure is initiated in accordance with a schedule determined by the wireless service provider. Reporting of the outcome of the shared secret data update attempt is issued by the mobile switching center to wireless service provider personnel for telecommunications system maintenance purposes. Advantageously, shared secret data updates occur automatically without intervention by wireless service provider personnel.

Abstract: A method for determining the operational status of base stations deployed in a cellular telecommunications system comprises continually sharing operational status data with adjacent base stations in accordance with a primary diagnostic protocol. Upon non-receipt of an operational status message, a supplemental diagnostic protocol is executed to identify a malfunctioning base station. The failed status of an identified malfunctioning base station is extended to a mobile switching center over an established data interface. In some circumstances, the mobile switching center extends radio allocation information to a functional base station so that the functional base station may perform temporary administrative services for the adjacent failed base station until permanent repairs can be made.