Abstract: A dual or multi mode telephone can be connected to at least one cellular network or at least one cordless network. The telephone continuously monitors system information messages from said at least one cellular network and said at least one cordless network to maintain an idle mode connection. The telephone comprises first memory means for storing cell identification information about the cell in the cellular network concerned covering the telephone, and second memory means for storing cell identification information about the cells in the cellular network where the telephone has been covered by said at least one cordless network. The telephone furthermore comprises means for comparing the present cell identification information with the cell identification information stored in the second memory means, and means for enabling/disabling the cordless part of the telephone in dependence on said comparison.

Abstract: A wireless user terminal (10), such as a multimode cellular telephone, includes at least three master control systems, specifically a primary system controller, a secondary system controller, and a multimode controller. The multimode controller is capable of bidirectionally exchanging control messages and status messages with the primary and secondary system controllers for automatically switching the state of the terminal bidirectionally between the primary and secondary systems.