Abstract: A method for programming a cellular set over a control channel may be used to update data stored within a cellular set by having the cellular set search the control channel for data updates that are broadcast over the control channel upon command of a controller coupled to the wireless system. In one embodiment, the method updates a carrier list of system identification numbers ("SIDs"). A cellular set searches the control channel for a unique identifier that is followed by the current carrier list number. The cellular set compares the current carrier list number with a stored carrier list number. If the carrier list numbers do not match, the cellular set stores the current carrier list number in memory and enters an acquisition mode in which it continuously monitors the control channel for updated data, possibly in the form of SIDs to add or remove from the list. The cellular set is programmed to recognize the updated data and retrieve it into memory.

Abstract: A wireless Integrated Services Digital Network ("WISDN") is disclosed. The WISDN replaces conventional wireless networks with a plurality of network elements including intelligent cellsites ("ICSs"), a central site controller ("CSC"), a billing aggregator and an operation and support system, all of which are interconnected to the public switched telephone network ("PSTN") via the integrated services digital network ("ISDN"). The ICSs communicate with users who request services via radio communication. The ICS in which a service requesting user is located interfaces the user with the ISDN, which terminates the user's call using traditional telephony switching methods. When a call to the user is initiated from a PSTN subscriber, the PSTN's service control point may access the CSC, which provides authentication services and routing information (such as the current location of the user) with which the PSTN terminates the call to the selected ICS. Registration techniques provide updates on the user's location.

Abstract: A method of delivering registration reminder messages in a segmented nationwide or other broad area paging system, having multiple service areas, is disclosed. A set of unused capcodes is assigned on a one to one basis as service area codes for each of the service areas. Each service area transmits a set of messages addressed to all service areas except the local service area. Existing paging equipment with alternate capcode memories for storing an alternate address are employed. When a service area code matches the alternate capcode address in the pager, the reminder message is received and displayed. When the user subsequently registers, a command message is transmitted from the local service area commanding the pager to change its alternate capcode to the local service area code. Since no reminder message is addressed to the local service area code is transmitted, receipt of reminder messages then terminates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system (CMR) data. A data message system for communicating data sources includes sets reporting devices, at least one mobile switching center (MSC) of a CMR system, and a data collection system connected to said MSC via a first communications link. Each recording device monitors a remote data source to obtain selected data and thereafter transmits a data message containing the selected data. The MSC receives data messages via the cellular network control channel from reporting devices operating within coverage areas of the array of cells and forwards the data messages via the first communications link to the data collection system. In response, the data collection system stores the data messages and processes the selected data.

Abstract: A paging acknowledgement system is provided for communicating both (1) paging messages and (2) acknowledgement messages to confirm reception of the paging messages. The paging acknowledgement system includes at least one communications system, remote communications devices, and at least one MSC of a CMR system. In response to a paging message from a paging party, the communications system transmits data messages corresponding to the paging message via a communications link. The data message contains the type of data that is normally supplied with a conventional paging message and an acknowledgment code that uniquely identifies said data message. A remote communications device responds to a data message containing its particular address by transmitting an acknowledgment message containing the acknowledgment code to the MSC via a cellular network control channel of the CMR system. The MSC forwards the acknowledgment message to the communications system via a first communications link.