Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling transmit channel utilization in systems providing walkie-talkie-like communications to wireless devices. Parameters such as a maximum talk time and back off time are provided to each wireless device to control how long they can continuously occupy the talk channel, and to control how soon after releasing the talk channel they can again access the talk channel.

Abstract: A method, system, and user device are provided for provisioned talkgroup identifier discovery in a dispatch or similar network, in which a user is provided with a list of talkgroups provisioned for the user device. In some embodiments a new request message sent from the user device is implemented to effect a response from the network providing the information. In other embodiments the provision of the information is provided by a new message automatically sent from the network to the user device at a specific time. In yet other embodiments, the user device attempts to join every group to test which groups are provisioned for it.

Abstract: A method, system, and device are provided for transmit channel request messaging in wireless half-duplex voice communication systems. A new transmit channel request message (TCRM) is provided and sent over a logical control channel from a receiving device capable of walkie-talkie-like functionality, during an active half-duplex session, to a transmitting device capable of walkie-talkie-like functionality, indicating that the transmit channel is requested. In some embodiments, the invention provides for the display of information on the transmitting device user interface (UI) indicating, during an active session, that another user wishes to talk. The TCRM includes an indication that another device has requested the transmit channel and preferably includes an identification of the device which sent the transmit channel request message. In some embodiments, a qualifier flag in the TCRM is used to specify what, if any, extended functionality in respect of the TCRM is to be performed.