Abstract: In a method for controlling the delivery of short text messages or other messages in a wireless network, a source terminal transmits a message to a recipient wireless unit over the network's short messaging service (“SMS”). The message includes a message identifier, a communication identifier of the recipient wireless unit, and message content. Initially, it is determined whether the message satisfies a criterion for blocking the message. If so, the message is blocked. For example, transmission of the message may be blocked if the message identifier is not an authorized identifier. Alternatively, the message may be blocked if the message identifier is an unauthorized identifier. This may be determined by cross-referencing the message identifier to an identifier record of the wireless unit. The identifier record is a data entry, list, or other record associated with the wireless unit for purposes of screening/blocking messages.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, the method includes receiving a service request from a first user in association with a call request. The call request requests call origination to a second user, and the service request requests that a voice message of the first user be played by a communication device of the second user as a ring tone. The voice message of the first user is obtained in response to the service request. The method further includes downloading the obtained voice message to the second user as the ring tone in response to the service request.

Abstract: One embodiment of the method includes the steps of receiving a call destined for a called party from a calling party, determining if a status announcement service has been activated for the called party, and delivering a status announcement to the calling party if the determining step determines that the status announcement service has been activated for the called party.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the delivery of short text messages or other messages in a wireless network, a source terminal transmits a message to a recipient wireless unit over the network's short messaging service (“SMS”). The message includes a message identifier, a communication identifier of the recipient wireless unit, and message content. Initially, it is determined whether the message satisfies a criterion for blocking the message. If so, the message is blocked. For example, transmission of the message may be blocked if the message identifier is not an authorized identifier. Alternatively, the message may be blocked if the message identifier is an unauthorized identifier. This may be determined by cross-referencing the message identifier to an identifier record of the wireless unit. The identifier record is a data entry, list, or other record associated with the wireless unit for purposes of screening/blocking messages.