Abstract: A system for delivering to a wireless subscriber terminal multimedia content related to a spectator event comprises an event application server, a wireless network coupled to the event application server and a wireless subscriber terminal that interacts with the network. The event application server acquires, converts, and manages content related to a spectator event. The event application server (or its adjunct) also manages preferences and priorities established by subscribers for event-related content. When such content is available, the event application server reconciles available content with subscriber preferences and priorities to determine an optimal set of content to be delivered to the subscriber terminal, and requests that the wireless network establish a connection to the subscriber terminal for such content. Multiple streams of content, of various types of media, may be delivered simultaneously to the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for provisioning network support to allow an authorized mobile subscriber to update message content of a remote signage system having variable content capabilities such as an electronic road sign or the like. The authorized subscriber does so by transmitting a text message, which is processed by the network and provided to the sign as content for display.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing network support for voice-activated mobile web browsing for audio data streams. More particularly, the presently described embodiments are directed to enhancing an existing wireless network to provide hands-free web browsing to retrieve audio data. This allows wireless customers to make verbal web requests, (e.g., not requiring the use of hands), thus making it possible to request web audio programs while engaging in other activities, such as safely driving their vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a plurality of called party terminals in a bridged a call session with a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) calling party terminal. The method includes the VOIP terminal sending called party terminal identifiers identifying each called party terminal to a calling party Service Control Point (SCP), and creating a bridged call session at the SCP connecting the called party terminals and the calling party VOIP terminal. The apparatus includes a system for sending called party terminal identifiers identifying each called party terminal to a calling party Service Control Point (SCP), and creating a bridged call session at the SCP connecting the called party terminals and the calling party VOIP terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing vehicle functions through a mobile device are provided. More particularly, a technique is implemented for initiating selected vehicle functions through a remote mobile device such as a mobile phone, rather that through a key fob. The system includes network functionality contained within the primary switching element of the network, e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC), to receive an access code (such as *89) from a user. The switching element subsequently transmits command signal(s) via a base station to a vehicle to perform vehicle functions such as locking, unlocking and starting.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a plurality of separate Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) call sessions for a single Directory Number (DN). The method includes associating a plurality of IP addresses with a single DN, communicating the association to a Switching Center responsible for routing calls between the DN and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), determining that an existing VOIP call session associated with the DN is in progress, and creating another separate simultaneous VOIP call session for the DN. A communications system includes a switching center receiving an association between a plurality of IP addresses and a single DN for providing a plurality of separate simultaneous VOIP call sessions for the DN.

Abstract: A method of supporting a secure caller ID service (22) is provided in connection with a telecommunications network (30). The method includes: processing a call from a calling party to a called party, the called party employing an end user terminal (10) served by a facility (20) of the telecommunications network (30) to receive the call; maintaining a voice sample database (28) containing a plurality of voice samples; sampling the calling party's voice; comparing the sampled voice of the calling party to a voice sample selected from the voice sample database (28); and, communicating to the called party a result based upon an outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling of short message service (SMS) messages for a mobile station (MS) (10) served by a wireless telecommunications network. The method includes: receiving an SMS message at the MS (10), the SMS message being a text message; alerting a user of the MS (10) that the SMS message has been received; receiving an indication that the user desires to audibly retrieve the SMS message; converting the SMS message from a text message to a corresponding verbal message; and, playing the verbal message.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting a call record suppression feature in a telecommunications network (30). The method includes: handling a call for an end user terminal (10) served by a facility (20) of the telecommunications network (30); determining if the call record suppression feature is active for the end user terminal (10); processing a call record for the handled call if it is determined that the call record suppression feature is not active for the end user terminal (10); and, suppressing the processing of the call record if it is determined that the call record suppression feature is active for the end user terminal (10).

Abstract: A system for supporting virtual conferences includes a switching center, a virtual conference database and a virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference database stores virtual conference information comprising, for example, images associated with a room type, an outdoor environment, a presentation medium and/or a meeting room facility. The switching center is operable to set up a virtual conference including a host terminal and one or more participating terminals by connecting the terminals to the conference bridge, retrieving selected virtual conference information from the virtual conference database and sending the information to the virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference information includes images of the participants such that the host terminal and participating terminals see and hear other participants in a virtual meeting room.

Abstract: A mobile communications network is provisioned to provide surveillance services. A subscriber database is adapted to include surveillance service information. For example, the subscriber database is adapted to include an IP address of a surveillance sensor such as a camera or microphone associated with a subscriber and located at a place to be monitored. A mobile switching center is adapted to determine a surveillance session start time, receive the surveillance sensor IP address from the subscriber database and connect to the surveillance sensor associated with the IP address. The MSC is also adapted to receive surveillance information from the surveillance sensor and transmit the surveillance information to a mobile communications device of the subscriber. The mobile communications device presents the surveillance information to the user. For example, images are displayed and/or audio signals are produced. The subscriber database can be provisioned by the subscriber through a web portal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows the mobile user to subscribe to Customized Image and Ring Tone (CIRT) service providing them access to a CIRT server to pre-define a customized image or ring tone to be played to a called party, and sends the pre-defined image or ring tone to the called party during alerting when a call is made from the mobile user is provided. The CIRT subscriber can download images or ring tones from internet web site to CIRT server, create their own via digital camera/camera phone then send them to CIRT, or choose existing ones that are available in the CIRT server. The CIRT subscriber then selects a specific image or ring tone for a specific phone number through access to the CIRT server via the Internet or a phone call. When the subscriber calls a number that is predefined with a CIRT, the call will be routed to CIRT server first and then to the called party.

Abstract: A method of automatically suggesting service changes for a wireless communications network subscriber is provided. The method includes compiling a record of services used by the subscriber during a time period, determining one or more subscriber usage metrics, comparing the subscriber usage metrics to one or more thresholds, detecting a trigger condition including one or more of the usage metrics exceeding one or more of the thresholds, generating a service change suggestion, and informing the subscriber automatically of the suggested service change using the wireless communications network.

Abstract: Actual caller identification is provided. Biometric information is collected from a calling party. For example, retinal scan or facial recognition information is collected from a calling party. An element of a communications network receives the biometric information and uses the biometric information to determine the identity of the calling party. For instance, the biometric information is used to generate an index or key into an identity database. The index or key is used to retrieve identity information associated with a record including matching biometric information. The identity information is transmitted, for example, to user equipment of a called party.

Abstract: A system for delivering to a wireless subscriber terminal multimedia content related to a spectator event comprises an event application server, a wireless network coupled to the event application server and a wireless subscriber terminal that interacts with the network. The event application server acquires, converts, and manages content related to a spectator event. The event application server (or its adjunct) also manages preferences and priorities established by subscribers for event-related content. When such content is available, the event application server reconciles available content with subscriber preferences and priorities to determine an optimal set of content to be delivered to the subscriber terminal, and requests that the wireless network establish a connection to the subscriber terminal for such content. Multiple streams of content, of various types of media, may be delivered simultaneously to the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A method of providing a mobile telecommunications Service Plan to a multi-member user group is provided. The Service Plan provides a predefined total resource allotment which is shared by the group once each billing cycle. The Service Plan enables a member to define separate resource allowances for each group member. Resource usage warning thresholds are defined which alert a member when the member approaches using all of his or her resources. The Service Plan enables a member to receive a resource allotment transferred from a second member upon obtaining permission from the second member. The Service Plan can also enable a member to purchase additional service resources apart from the allowances if so desired.

Abstract: A system and method of providing Calling-Party-Designated Ring Announcements (CPDRA) is provided. The Calling Party designates a Ring Announcement (RA) of his/her choice and subsequently makes a call to the Called Party. A CPDRA Indicator is sent from the Originating End to the Terminating End of the telecommunications network indicating that the call a CPDRA call. The RA is played by a suitable Called Party terminal to alert the Called Party of an incoming call.

Abstract: A wireless telephony network provides satellite TV derivative program information and content, in addition to conventional wireless telephony services, to eligible mobile stations of the wireless telephony network. The wireless telephony network receives satellite TV programming from a satellite TV service network, establishes one or more bearer channels (e.g., conventional voice channels or higher-bandwidth data links) and sends the programming to the one or more mobile stations via the one or more bearer channels. The wireless telephony network monitors and obtains billing information associated with integrated service delivery and coordinates the billing information with a satellite TV service provider. A controlling provider may be selected to control billing for the integrated services such that the customer receives a single statement.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for detecting and recovering from incidents of wireless signal interference that threaten to disable or disrupt wireless telephone services. Mobile units that are engaged in active calls that are compromised due to incidents of wireless signal interference are instructed to retune to an alternate channel. If the mobile successfully receives the retune message, it performs a handoff to the alternate channel and the call remains active. Otherwise, the call will be dropped or suspended. For a period of time following incidents of interference, affected channels are rendered unavailable for new call originations, terminations, handoffs or reconnects; however, the channels may be redesignated as available if sufficient time elapses without any further incidents of wireless signal interference.

Abstract: A wireless telephony network provides satellite radio program information and content, in addition to conventional wireless telephony services, to eligible mobile stations of the wireless telephony network. The wireless telephony network receives satellite radio programming from a satellite radio service network, establishes one or more bearer channels (e.g., conventional voice channels or higher-bandwidth data links) and sends the programming to the one or more mobile stations via the one or more bearer channels. The wireless telephony network monitors and obtains billing information associated with integrated service delivery and coordinates the billing information with a satellite radio service provider. A controlling provider may be selected to control billing for the integrated services such that the customer receives a single statement.