Abstract: A method and apparatus for specialized call handling transmits (224) and receives (194) a specialized call request message, determines (196) a location of a remote communication unit (100, 110, 140) sending the specialized call request message, determines (200) at least one service center telephone number which the remote communication unit (100, 110, 140) may use to establish a specialized call, transmits (202, 206) a returned message to the remote communication unit (100, 110, 140) containing a selected service center telephone number, and sets up the specialized call (204, 232) using the selected service center telephone number.

Abstract: A communication network (10) includes a constellation (12) of mobile satellites (14) in low earth orbits and stationary gateways (24) near the surface of the earth. Data packets are routed through the network (10) using communication paths that change from moment to moment due to satellite movement. The routing paths are scheduled in advance (58) in response to predictable orbital satellite movement. The constellation (12) is configured so that only a minor amount of overlap in radio range exists between adjacent satellites (14). Gateways (24) include multiple, spaced apart antennas (30) that may be used to acquire arriving satellites (14'). When a gateway (24) has trouble quickly acquiring an arriving satellite (14'), an exception handoff time may be substituted for the scheduled normal handoff time at the gateway (24), departing satellite (14), and arriving satellite (14') involved.

Abstract: A cellular telecommunication system comprised of low-Earth orbiting satellites featuring allocation of communication channels among users in cells is disclosed. Each subscriber unit is programmed with an embedded class identifier. During periods when it is desirable to limit acquisition of a satellite to some restricted class or set of classes, such as periods of heavy use, the satellite broadcasts a list of inhibited class identifiers allowing only uninhibited classes access to the communication system. The method reduces thrashing by allowing access to users on a hierarchy class basis. The method uses both real time cell loading data and historical cell loading information based on previous experiences and can be programmed to limit access to emergency services in the case of natural disasters.