Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a terminal for access to a network that includes a central office having a memory for storing an equipment identity record and a local office having a memory for storing a subscriber record and an access count. The equipment identity record and the subscriber record each store an access authorization status of the terminal. Network access for the terminal is requested at the local office and a value of the access count at the local office is incremented when the value of the access count is less than a predetermined number. The access status of the terminal stored in the equipment identity record at the central office is requested by the local office when the terminal requests access for the first time or the value of the access count equals the predetermined number. The access authorization status of the terminal stored in the equipment identity record is sent to the local office in response to the request.

Abstract: A system and method for providing enhanced short-message service options in PCS systems. The generic short-message service is split into unbundled short-message service applications (e.g., emergency messaging, voice mail alert, teleadmin, etc.). Each of these unbundled short-message services are recognized at short-message systems, home location registers, and subscriber terminals.