Abstract: Apparatus and a method for establishing a cellular mobile call. If no radio traffic (voice or data) channels are available for a calling Mobile Station (MS), then a test is made to determine the expected wait time before a channel becomes available. If the expected wait time is less than a first threshold, then the call request is queued. If a channel does not become available before a second time threshold, then the caller is notified that the call has been queued and is expected to be established in a short time. A control message is sent to the MS to trigger an indication of the queued status to the user. The indication may be one or more tones, a data display, or the playing of a pre-recorded announcement. If the expected wait time is more than the first threshold, the caller is given the opportunity to be called back when a radio channel becomes available. Advantageously, the number of failed calls because of unavailable traffic channels is reduced, and the caller's annoyance level is reduced.

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: A system for enabling a mobile phone for wireless communications operation is provided. The system includes identification means for providing enabling identification information to the mobile phone in a wireless manner. The system also includes a mobile phone having a sensor for sensing the enabling identification information, and a transmitter for transmitting registration information to a wireless communications network thereby enabling the phone for wireless communications operation. A method for enabling a mobile phone for wireless communications operation on a wireless communications network is also provided. The method includes bringing identification means within the proximity of a mobile phone initially in standby mode to transfer enabling identification information to the phone in a wireless manner. The mobile phone registers with the network using the enabling information which enables the mobile phone for wireless communications operation.

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 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: Apparatus and a method for establishing a cellular mobile call. If no radio traffic (voice or data) channels are available for a calling Mobile Station (MS), then a test is made to determine the expected wait time before a channel becomes available. If the expected wait time is less than a first threshold, then the call request is queued. If a channel does not become available before a second time threshold, then the caller is notified that the call has been queued and is expected to be established in a short time. A control message is sent to the MS to trigger an indication of the queued status to the user. The indication may be one or more tones, a data display, or the playing of a pre-recorded announcement. If the expected wait time is more than the first threshold, the caller is given the opportunity to be called back when a radio channel becomes available. Advantageously, the number of failed calls because of unavailable traffic channels is reduced, and the caller's annoyance level is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a wireless telephone connection when a call cannot be made immediately. The caller and the wireless system negotiate for a later time when another attempt will be made to establish the call. Shortly before that time arrives, the wireless system reserves a radio channel and retains that channel for the deferred call. Then, the system calls the customer back, or waits for the customer to attempt the call. A reserved channel is then used for the call if the system has been successful in reserving such a channel. Advantageously, there is a high probability that the deferred call will have a radio channel available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a wireless telecommunications caller to use an alternate service provider if the primary service provider has no available bearer channels. If the primary service provider has no available bearer channels for a call, that service provider sends a message to the caller's mobile station to switch its control channel to one of the control channels of an alternate service provider. The caller then attempts to complete the call over the facilities of the alternate service provider. Advantageously, spare facilities of the alternate service provider can be employed to good use; advantageously, the caller's service is improved because the call is not finally blocked when no bearer channels are available for the call.

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.

Abstract: A location-based personal telephone routing system is responsive to a subscriber's location for routing incoming calls to a telephone near the subscriber. A program-controlled processor within the system interrogates a location determining device after receiving a call directed to the subscriber. The location determining device replies to the interrogation with a message including location information that the processor uses to dip into a database listing telephone numbers and corresponding locations of telephones specified by the subscriber. If no subscriber-listed telephones are near the location received, the system then dips into an area-wide database to compare the location received to the stored locations of a large number of telephones in a geographic area. Upon determining the telephone closest to the subscriber, the processor then routes the incoming call to the determined telephone and alerts the subscriber through distinctive ringing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering operator supplied information into a telephone operator assistance system. An operator interfaces with the system via an operator position having a terminal that includes a keyboard and a video display monitor. The operator operates a macro key, which is equivalent to operating a predefined string of keystrokes. The operator then keys data specific to a particular call, which data is interpolated into a predefined position within the string.