Abstract: A method of generating device-specific configuration data during the initial set up of a device comprises, during a configuration process running on the device, sending from the device a first message and including a device identifier to a server using a first mode of communication associable with a service identifier, sending from the device a second message including the device identifier to a server using a second mode of communication not associable with said service identifier, processing the first message to associate the device identifier with the service identifier, and processing the second message to query if the device identifier has been previously associated with the service identifier, and if so, sending device-specific configuration data to the device for use during the configuration process, wherein after the configuration process is completed, the device-specific configuration data enables authentication using said service identifier when the device uses said second mode of communication.

Abstract: A method for initiating a call in a communications system comprising a mobile communications device connected in a mobile communications network. The mobile communications device is allocated a mobile identifier for a first, mobile communications service provided by a mobile communications service provider and is allocated a second identifier for a second communications service provided by a second communications service provider that is different from the first, mobile communications service. The method comprises receiving over a data connection, at a switch, a request from the mobile communications device, comprising the second identifier, to initiate a call using the second communications service and adding, at the switch, the mobile identifier to the request and forwarding via a further network, the request comprising both the second identifier and the mobile identifier.

Abstract: A method for initiating a call in a communications system comprising a mobile communications device connected in a mobile communications network. The mobile communications device is allocated a mobile identifier for a first, mobile communications service provided by a mobile communications service provider and is allocated a second identifier for a second communications service provided by a second communications service provider that is different from the first, mobile communications service. The method comprises receiving over a data connection, at a switch, a request from the mobile communications device, comprising the second identifier, to initiate a call using the second communications service and adding, at the switch, the mobile identifier to the request and forwarding via a further network, the request comprising both the second identifier and the mobile identifier.

Abstract: A communications device (12) maintains profile data including a device identity and a calling line identity (CLI) associated with a PSTN connection (28) both on the device itself and also on an authentication platform (32), in order that the device can access a service (52) which requires knowledge of the CLI by way of a packet-switched connection (30). In the event that the CLI data in the communications device is corrupted or lost, the communications device transmits a request for re-authentication to a reactivation server (46) together with the device identity. On receipt of the request, the reactivation server retrieves the stored profile (50) from the authentication platform (32), and returns it to the communications device (12) to allow the profile to be restored. This process can be done without the user needing to send a new request for service over the PSTN link (28).

Abstract: A method of generating device-specific configuration data during the initial set up of a device (12) comprises, during a configuration process running on the device (12), sending from the device (12) a first message and including a device identifier to a server (40) using a first mode of communication associable with a service identifier, sending from the device (12) a second message including the device identifier to a server (46) using a second mode of communication not associable with said service identifier, processing the first message to associate the device identifier with the service identifier, and processing the second message to query if the device identifier has been previously associated with the service identifier, and if so, sending device-specific configuration data to the device (12) for use during the configuration process, wherein after the configuration process is completed, the device-specific configuration data enables authentication using said service identifier when the device uses sai

Abstract: A communications device (12) maintains profile data including a device identity and a calling line identity (CLI) associated with a PSTN connection (28) both on the device itself and also on an authentication platform (32), in order that the device can access a service (52) which requires knowledge of the CLI by way of a packet-switched connection (30). In the event that the CLI data in the communications device is corrupted or lost, the communications device transmits a request for re-authentication to a reactivation server (46) together with the device identity. On receipt of the request, the reactivation server retrieves the stored profile (50) from the authentication platform (32), and returns it to the communications device (12) to allow the profile to be restored. This process can be done without the user needing to send a new request for service over the PSTN link (28).

Abstract: A wireless terminal (1) capable of handling voice and data traffic is configured to use an internet connection (3) when available and a connection to a cellular network (7) otherwise. To allow handover between the systems, voice calls using the VoIP protocol are tunnelled to a bridging point (74) between the internet (3) and cellular network (7). However, to avoid the need for data to be routed by way of the cellular network and then back into the internet, the tunnelled connection between the hub and the mobile access bridge (74) is replaced with two separate tunnels (14, 47) respectively connecting the user (1) and MAB (74) with an intermediate breakout point, such as is a VoIP network controller (4). From this breakout point a third connection (46) is made to the internet, for carrying non-voice data traffic by way of a network access control proxy (5).