Abstract: The present invention provides a cellular communication system that includes a central radio pool/traffic router (CRP/TR) that sends control and traffic signals over fiber optic transmission links that connect the CRP/TR with base stations of the cellular communication system. The high bandwidth capacity of each fiber link allows a large band of radio frequencies representing many radio channels to pass between the CRP/TR and individual base stations. Radio resources can be shared by all base stations in the cellular communication system, dynamically, when and where needed, to meet access demands throughout the system. The CRP/TR includes low-powered digital and/or analog radios and also switching and modulation means used to convey signals between the radios and various base stations within the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing accurate caller identification to a called party. If a call is transferred to a called party, the called party receives the identification of the caller, not of the intermediate station. Advantageously, the caller is identified to the called party, even if the call is transferred.

Abstract: Incoming calls from selected calling numbers are routed to call waiting for immediate response while calls from other calling numbers are handled in a different manner, e.g., they are routed to voice mail, to a forwarding number, or scheduled for call back. In order to route calls from selected calling numbers to call waiting, the subscriber enters the directory numbers of selected callers (or other caller identifying indicia) on the subscriber's telephone keypad together with an activation code for storing this information in a caller identification (ID) table, or data base. Each time an incoming call is received, the incoming call number (or other caller identifying indicia) is compared with the contents of the caller ID table and the call is routed to the call waiting function if the incoming call number is stored in the caller ID table.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a calling party to change the content of previously recorded voice mail messages by receiving telephone calls and comparing an incoming caller ID with all caller IDs stored in a database. If the caller ID matches, then the calling party is presented with a menu of options. The menu may include listening to the previous message, deleting the previous message, modifying the previous message and/or recording a new message. A user can change or modify a previously recorded message and determine whether the message has been received by the called party, thus providing a more flexible interface for leaving messages.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for temporarily disconnecting a cellular customer from a simple, three-way, or multi-party, calling connection. During the time of the disconnection, the disconnected customer can make another call; for example, to obtain information required in order to proceed with the initial call. The customer can then be re-connected on the initial call. The customer signals a request for the disconnect and the re-connect by dialing a special directing code, followed by the “Send” key. The directing code is interpreted by the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) to establish the required connections. Advantageously, this arrangement allows customers on simple connection or on three-way connections to interrupt a call in order to make a consulting call.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a calling party to verify delivery and/or cancel stored facsimiles. This advance is achieved by a voice mail system that receives incoming telephone calls and compares an incoming caller ID with caller ID's stored in conjunction with previous faxes. If a caller ID of the incoming call matches a caller ID in the database, (i.e., the calling party has previously left a fax) then the calling party is presented with a menu of options. The menu may include determining whether the called party has accessed the voice mail system but did not print or delete the fax message, and if the fax has not already been deleted, the calling party may delete the fax.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of call forwarding is presented whereby a wireless phone and one or more landline phones are equipped and programmed to perform call forwarding activation and de-activation automatically, without user intervention, based on geographic proximity relationships between the phones. When the wireless phone is not in near-proximity to any of the landline phones, calls to the landline phones are forwarded to the wireless phone. When the wireless phone comes in near-proximity to one of the landline phones, all calls to the wireless phone—including calls forwarded from other phones—are forwarded to the nearby landline phone. When the wireless phone subsequently leaves the nearby landline phone, all calls are sent to the wireless phone again. Advantageously, this arrangement overcomes numerous problems associated with manual activation and de-activation of call forwarding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellular communication system that includes a central radio pool/traffic router (CRP/TR) that sends control and traffic signals over fiber optic transmission links that connect the CRP/TR with base stations of the cellular communication system. The high bandwidth capacity of each fiber link allows a large band of radio frequencies representing many radio channels to pass between the CRP/TR and individual base stations. Radio resources can be shared by all base stations in the cellular communication system, dynamically, when and where needed, to meet access demands throughout the system. The CRP/TR includes low-powered digital and/or analog radios and also switching and modulation means used to convey signals between the radios and various base stations within the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing automatic call-forwarding service for a mobile unit. If the mobile unit is out of service, calls intended for the mobile unit are automatically forwarded to another phone. This call forwarding occurs automatically without requiring user interaction. Upon detection of the mobile unit coming into service, such as when the mobile unit powers on or enters the service area of a wireless service provider, the automatic call forwarding ceases, and the mobile unit receives its own incoming calls.