Abstract: A GSM or UMTS mobile telecommunications network is disclosed. In addition to the conventional radio access network comprising the base stations, one or more additional access points are provided. An access point is connected to the network core by an IP transport broadband connection. The access point is configured to appear to the mobile terminal as a conventional base station—that is, it communicates with the mobile terminal using GSM or UMTS transport protocols and does not require any modification to a standard GSM or UMTS mobile terminal. Access Points are typically not under the direct control of the network provider. Arrangements are disclosed which allow the network provider to verify that the access point a mobile terminal is about to commence communicating through is at a particular location. Differential charging may be performed in dependence upon a subscriber's location.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium for determining whether to perform telephone call blocking. One example method of operation provides initiating a telephone call from a call server, determining whether the call is a solicitation call and determining the area code of the call and performing a lookup operation of the area code in a call suppression database. The method may also include retrieving a call block entry for a current day from the call suppression database, and comparing the area code to the call block entry for the current day to determine whether the call should be blocked.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that can conditionally and/or automatically control message forwarding by communication devices are presented. A network message management component and/or handset message management component can monitor messages (e.g., short message service (SMS) messages) communicated between user equipment (UE) in a communication network, identify and/or intercept a message for which one or more forwarding conditions have been specified by the message originator, target, or forward target, and conditionally and/or automatically route the message to the target and/or forward target in accordance with predefined message routing rules based at least in part on the conditions specified by the originator, target, or forward target. The predefined message routing rules can be implemented by the network and/or the UEs, and can relate to the UE identifiers, time, priority, cost, operation state, size, desired automatic response messages, or other desired factors, associated with the message.

Abstract: A method, computer readable media and apparatus for temporarily mapping an anonymous number to a mobile endpoint device are disclosed. For example, the method assigns a first temporary anonymous number to a mobile endpoint device having a mobile number, and receives a call request to reach the mobile endpoint device in accordance with the first temporary anonymous number. The method forwards the call request to the mobile endpoint device if the first temporary anonymous number has not expired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for forwarding short messages from a transmitter (24) to a target number of a receiver (26) in GSM/UMTS mobile radio networks, wherein the target number of the receiver (26) is replaced by a forwarding call number before establishing routing information required for delivery of the short message in a service node (10) and delivery of the short message to the forwarding call number is carried out.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for routing a call to a landline communication unit or a wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit. A call placed to a landline communication unit is routed to the wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available. Otherwise, the call is routed to the landline communication unit.

Abstract: A location-based call forwarding method comprises, in response to determining that an intended call recipient is unavailable to receive a call from a caller, identifying an alternate call recipient located within a predetermined proximity of a current location of the intended call recipient, and forwarding the call to the alternate call recipient. The alternate call recipient may be identified by determining a person with whom the intended recipient is meeting or an establishment where the intended recipient is situated. This information may be extracted from various sources such as a calendar, social network site, or device-generated location data.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and system for communicating over a telecommunications network between a service provider and one or more users, wherein the service provider has access to multiple distinct addresses in the telecommunications network and each user is identified by an address, more specifically where a first message can be sent over at least a portion of the telecommunications network to a user's address, the reply address of the message having a first reply address selected from the multiple distinct addresses and determining, based on a reply from a user's address to the first reply address, a second message and a second reply address, wherein the second reply address can be selected from the available multiple distinct addresses and is distinct from the first reply address.

Abstract: A method for providing a communication assistance service by a communication assistance service provider includes receiving a communication at the communication assistance service provider from a first person seeking a contact information to communicate with a second person and receiving from the first person identifying information associated with the second person. A profile of the second person is retrieved including at least one contact information and at least one contact preference associated with the contact information. Communication is provided between the first person and the second person in accordance with the contact preferences.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for authenticating and granting a client device (e.g., cellular telephone) access to a network. In one embodiment, a network service provider such as a cellular telephone company may distribute user access (e.g., Universal Subscriber Identity Module or “USIM”) credentials to a services manager via a USIM vendor. The services manager may maintain a list of authorized users. A user at a client may authenticate to the services manager. Once authenticated, the services manager may provide the user with a set of USIM credentials. When the user desires to use wireless network services, the user equipment may establish a wireless link between the user equipment and the network service provider. During authentication operations, the user equipment may use the USIM credentials to authenticate to the network service provider. Following successful authentication, the network service provider may provide the user equipment with wireless services.

Abstract: A universal phone number is provided for connecting to communication methods, including fixed line, mobile line, and internet communication methods. A communication group of communication methods may include multiple communication methods belonging to one individual or to multiple individuals within the communication group, such as a family. The universal phone number may be designated as the primary contact number for the communication group such incoming phone calls and text messages may be automatically routed to the communication methods in the communication group. The universal phone number may provide alerts to the multiple communication methods for notifying when incoming phone calls are answered. A universal voicemail box may also be provided for a scenario when the incoming call is not answered. Additionally, the universal phone number may provide the ability to keep the contact information for each of the individual communication methods private.

Abstract: On a mobile telecommunications device, computer-executable code executes to facilitate interactions between the user of the mobile telecommunications device and a call center or other computer-telephony integration equipment. The computer-executable code includes instructions that request at least one operation to be performed at a call center, where the call center includes a call center controller, an interactive voice response system component, and at least one agent. At least in part, a wireless network transmits the request from the mobile telecommunications device to the call center controller.

Abstract: A communication system, method, and components are described. Specifically, a communication system that supports dynamic device pairing of communication devices is described. Such pairing is accomplished using a feature or pairing server, without requiring modification to associated communication endpoints. Moreover, sequenced applications can be applied for all communication endpoints when pairing is in effect.

Abstract: A virtual SIM can be used in conjunction with a physical SIM to minimizing roaming charges. A mobile device can sign up with a primary telephone company to have a physical SIM and a primary telephone number. The mobile device can also sign up with a service provider that can have telephone partners in foreign countries. The foreign telephone partners can provide local coverage through a virtual SIM and the primary telephone number from the physical SIM.

Abstract: Systems and methods for initiating telephony calls are presented. In one example, a phone call initiation is detected on a first communications network. The phone call initiation is redirected to a second communications network. The call is connected utilizing the second communications network.

Abstract: A method, performed by a user device, may include detecting an incoming call; determining whether the incoming call is associated with a very important person contact; directing the incoming call to a voicemail system, when the incoming call is not associated with a very important person contact; and providing, when the incoming call is associated with the very important person contact, an instant response message to a device associated with the incoming call without answering the incoming call. The method may further include providing reminder, including a ranked callback list of missed calls, to the user at particular intervals.

Abstract: In a call forwarding system, a management apparatus of the call forwarding system determines service terminals capable of near field wireless communication within a reception range of near field wireless communication, generates a terminal list, and receives a call event message reporting the receipt of a call from a reference terminal. The management apparatus may transmit a call report message including the terminal list to the reference terminal and the service terminals. The management apparatus may forward the call initially received by the reference terminal to a terminal which transmitted a receipt request message by transmitting a call forwarding request message to the reference terminal. The management apparatus may transmit, to the reference terminal and the service terminals, a receipt report message reporting the call was forwarded. According to a change receipt message or upon non-receipt by an intended terminal, the call may be reforwarded to another terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for realizing a one-number multiple-terminal service, the method comprises the following steps: a calling terminal calls a called terminal in a first network; the first network triggers, when the called terminal is a one-number multiple-terminal service subscriber and the called number is a main number, the call service to an intelligent service platform; the intelligent service platform obtains, from the first network, a Temporary Local Directory Number (TLDN) of the called terminal corresponding to the main number, stores the TLDN and sends a service control indication to the first network; the first network routes the call to a Next Generation Network according to the service control indication from the platform; the next generation network triggers the call service to the platform; and the platform returns the TLDN of the called terminal corresponding to the main number and all other terminal numbers bound to the main number to the Next Generation Network to connect

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alternate communication paths for telephone calls. Calls directed to a telephone are relayed to a second electronic communication device, which may be a second telephone, based on the physical relationship of the telephone and the second device. According to one aspect, the physical relationship is automatically detected and compared with one or more conditions. When one of the conditions is met, an incoming call directed to the telephone is relayed to the second electronic communication device. Detection of the physical relationship may include detecting whether the telephone and the second device are in close proximity, whether one or both of the telephone and the second device is moving, or other aspects of the relationship. Relaying a call to the second device may be accomplished by call forwarding, a ring-no-answer treatment, three-way calling, or other methods.

Abstract: A cellular communication system is capable of supporting local access points with shorter communication ranges than macro cells within which they are positioned. When a user wishes to send a communication a request is sent to an access point. At the access point a determination is made as to whether or not the maximum capacity of the access point has been reached. If maximum capacity has been reached then a rejection signal is sent to the user equipment and the communication is redirected into the macro cell in which the access point is positioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for location based call signal conversion in a wireless communication network. The location based call signal conversion apparatus comprises an LBS (Location Based Service) server that provides location information on user terminals, and a call signal conversion server that converts the called signal to anyone called terminal on the called target terminal list that has been set up according to the current location of said called user terminal if a call connection request to a receiving user terminal from a sending user terminal is sensed among said user terminals, and if conditions for call signal conversion are satisfied according to the location and state of said called user terminal.

Abstract: A system for and method of communication information transmission are provided. A method of communication information transmission performed by a first device includes: receiving a communication request from a second device; obtaining surrounding situation information of the first device, the surrounding situation information including information related to surroundings of the first device; and determining at least one third device to process the communication request based on the surrounding situation information.

Abstract: A vPBX server manages calls in a bridged line appearance (BLA) group. A BLA group can include extensions for location-aware mobile devices. The vPBX server contains location based forwarding rules that can be applied together with BLA redirection rules in managing incoming calls. A single extension can appear as a user interface element (e.g., an icon or button) on multiple mobile devices. Using the user interface element, a primary user can view a secondary user's status, including the secondary user's location information. The vPBX server allows the primary user to redirect the incoming calls to devices in accordance with the forwarding rules and the redirection rules.

Abstract: A communication system is provided that uses loosely-coupled client-server architectures to improve the efficiency of communications. The communication system includes client and facilitator applications. The client application is a component of processor-based mobile communication devices. The facilitator application is hosted on one or more servers or other processor-based devices, and communicates with the client application via one or more couplings. The facilitator application can also be distributed among one or more portable processor-based devices including the communication devices hosting the client application.

Abstract: An aspect provides a method, comprising: detecting an incoming voice call at an information handling device; detecting one or more external notification extension conditions at the information handling device; and in response to detecting one or more external notification extension conditions at the information handling device, extending a notification of the incoming voice call at the information handling device. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A Uniform Resource Locator (URL), or a portion thereof, or an e-mail address are employed as auxiliary indicators of dialing of a voice call from a mobile phone to an URL- or specific e-mail address-associated part, with the part originating the call not identifying the telephone number of the other part An automated conversion is performed from an URL, or a portion thereof, or e-mail address, for an intended telephone number, or multiple intended telephones, in response to requirements started at the telephone system by the caller A part with presence in the Internet achieves a better availability with the public by means of voice telephone calls, since the URL's and e-mail addresses are convenient, known by, and significant to the clients.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a home phone system, a home phone, and a communication method for the home phone. The system includes a home phone connected with a wired telephone communication system. The method includes: establishing a wireless network associated with a predefined privilege coverage area, setting at least one ID code in the coverage area, and endowing each ID card with one ID code; detecting an incoming call of a calling party via the wired telephone communication system and converting analog signals of the incoming call into digital signals; sending the digital signals to each mobile phone inserted into the ID card; and converting audio signals received from the mobile phone into analog signals, and transmitting the analog signals to the wired telephone communication system and establishing a call link.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes techniques for transferring an active telephone call between devices using short-range wireless communication. In one example, a method includes, while the first device and a second device are connected to a telephone call, obtaining, by the first device and from a third device using short-range wireless communication, configuration information associated with the third device, sending, by the first device, a message to a call controller in order to connect the third device to the telephone call, wherein the message includes at least a portion of the configuration information associated with the third device, and disconnecting the first device from the telephone call after the third device is connected to the telephone call.

Abstract: An interactive call disposition system that may operate on a mobile telephone independently of any remote or network-based information or functionality is provided. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call, the interactive call disposition system may automatically dispose of the call (e.g., call forwarding, voicemail, etc.), or the interactive call disposition system may conduct an interactive exchange with the calling party via an interactive voice response (IVR) system or via dual-tone, multi-frequency (DTMF) key input from the calling party. The interactive exchange between the interactive call disposition system and the calling party may accomplish disposition of the call based on calling party and called party information, such as calendar data, free/busy data, contacts information, and the like.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a directory service, a call from a user of a mobile phone requesting a number of a communication device associated with a callee. The number is then retrieved from a database by the directory service and then dialed to connect the mobile phone with the communication device. The directory service also sends the number to the mobile phone, the mobile phone being configured to store the number in a storage location. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A positioning and diverting method for mobile communication as disclosed. The method includes the following steps of: providing a mobile communication end having a select interface including a plurality of positioning options, each corresponding to the location of a communication receiving end; selecting the positioning options by an input unit, so that the mobile communication end produces a setting signal corresponding to the positioning options; receiving the setting signal by a remote server, and the remote server has a database including a plurality of positioning data; comparing a plurality of positioning data and the setting signal to obtain at least one of the positioning data corresponding to the setting signal and to complete a divert setting by the remote server; and diverting a call signal transmitted by a communication calling end to the communication receiving end corresponding to the divert setting by the remote server.

Abstract: An operating method of an electronic device including at least two multiple Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, includes receiving a call to a phone number assigned to a second SIM card during a call to a phone number assigned to a first SIM card among the multiple SIM cards, checking a call forwarding order fixed between the multiple SIM cards, and forwarding the call to the second SIM card phone number, to the first SIM card phone number according to the fixed order.

Abstract: A communication system determining a virtual number of a receiver's terminal included in a call connecting request signal when a caller's terminal makes a call connection request to the receiver's terminal and providing a ring back tone or a sound message corresponding to the virtual number, and a method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal communication terminal (iK1, iK2, iK3) of a private branch exchange (PBX), having at least one device (E11, . . . , E32), by means of the activation (act) of which said internal communication terminal (iK) or the private branch exchange (PBX) is put into a state in which said internal communication terminal or the private branch exchange identifies the telephone number of an incoming call from an external communication terminal (eK). The identified telephone number of the external communication terminal is then associated with the internal communication terminal in a database (DB), provided that the type of the association of said external communication terminal with said internal communication terminal connected with the activation of said device is not yet entered in the database. Otherwise, said association is deleted.

Abstract: A method may include determining whether a mobile communication device is in a driver compartment of an automobile. The method may include determining whether the automobile is in motion or not in motion. Further, the method may include redirecting a call to the mobile communication device when the mobile communication device is in the driver compartment and the automobile is in motion.

Abstract: An approach is provided for a method including initiating an information distribution session based on instructions from a first participant of a plurality of participants. The method also includes assigning access information and a passcode to the information distribution session, receiving posting information sent from two or more active participants of the plurality of participants using the access information with the passcode, and transmitting to the active participants the posting information of other active participants.

Abstract: Mechanisms for modifying a notification mode for notifying a user of an incoming communication is provided. In a first communication device, an incoming communication from a second communication device is received. A total number of received incoming communications from the second communication device within a predetermined period of time is determined and compared to a first threshold. In response to the total number of received incoming communications from the second communication device within the predetermined period of time meeting or exceeding the first predetermined threshold, a notification mode of the first communication device is modified to be different from a current default notification mode of the first communication device for incoming communications from the second communication device. A notification of the incoming communication from the second communication device is generated using the modified notification mode of the first communication device.

Abstract: A user's location is automatically transmitted to a network, and the network automatically customizes one or more environments, such as by customizing communication devices, other types of devices, or the like, based on the detected location and on profile information. Customizing an environment may include enabling services, such as setting up a public telephone or hotel telephone with a user's home base telephone settings and/or services, and/or may include disabling functions, such as disabling long-distance service when the user is away from home.

Abstract: When a telephone call line from an outgoing telephone terminal to the specific telephone terminal of a specific terminal user is not opened, the telephone relay apparatus acquires periphery requirement data from user scheduled data about the specific terminal user having a scheduled date matching the present date, and selects a peripheral telephone terminal. Opening of a telephone call line from the outgoing telephone terminal to the selected peripheral telephone terminal is tried, and the outgoing telephone terminal not connected to the specific telephone terminal is connected to the peripheral telephone terminal. Thus, it is possible to increase the possibility that the telephone outgoing user and the specific terminal user can talk to each other between the peripheral telephone terminal and the outgoing telephone terminal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for forwarding messaging service messages within a mobile communications network are shown and described. In some instances, upon receipt of a messaging service message a network element responds with a different destination for the received message and a command to resolve the location of the different destination. The resolution may occur by a network element that is different from the receiving network element.

Abstract: An originating communications device is configured to transmit a text message to a recipient mobile device when the originating device determines that the recipient device has failed to connect with a call that was initiated by the originating device. The text message is designed to indicate that the recipient device has failed to connect with the call; in addition or as an alternative, the text message includes a code that indicates to the recipient device that it is potentially in a poor RF coverage area. The recipient mobile device, upon receiving and displaying the text message, may determine that it is indeed in an area with poor coverage and will in response store its current geographic location as a poor coverage area. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a packet network based service feature to record verbal notes or other spoken (or even artificially generated audio) information on behalf of a subscriber while in a conversation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method allows a subscriber to effectively self-record or verbally transcribe desired portions of a conversation without the fear of privacy invasion.

Abstract: A method for transferring a data stream between devices on a network is initiated by one of the devices. The devices on the network include a first device requesting the transfer and a second device currently receiving the data stream via the network. The method steps include a first device determining a proximity to a second device. The method steps also include the first device initiating a command to terminate a data stream received by the second device via a network when the proximity is below a threshold; and the first device initiating a command to transfer the data stream via the network so that the data stream is received by the first device.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide digital voice call redirection. A configuration module associates a phone number with a first identifier of a first voice terminal device and a second identifier of a second voice terminal device provided by an address module. A location module determines whether the first device is within a predefined proximity to the second device, such as by detecting connectivity between the devices, over a personal area network (“PAN”). A routing module redirects a digital voice call to a call module of the first device using the first identifier when the first device is not within the predefined proximity to the second device. Otherwise the routing module directs the call to a call module of the second device using the second identifier.

Abstract: A unique system and method that facilitates group-based mobile communication around external feed content is provided. The system and method involve adding external feed content to content generated within a group. Both types of content can be viewed on the mobile devices of the group. Updates to the feed content can be obtained and communicated to the group. When multiple feeds are subscribed to by a group, one or more group members can display such feed content in a selective manner. For example, splinter groups can be formed off of the original group for members who wish to receive a subset of feeds (feed content) to assist them in focusing on a topic of interest. Group members can also employ display filters to restrict feed content displayed on their mobile devices. Users can also search for available feeds and form new groups around such content or join an existing group.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for forwarding a telephone call. The inventive method includes receiving a telephone call from a calling party line to a called party line, determining a location of the called party, determining a proximity of the location of the called party to one or more subscriber locations, and directing the telephone call to the one or more subscriber locations based on the determined proximity. The subscriber locations may be predefined by the called party. The location of the called party may be determined using a global position system and/or a radio frequency signal, for example.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the automated updating of forwarding preferences for communications in a telecommunications network. In one embodiment, the network includes a wireless (e.g., cellular) network with user mobile user devices configured to detect a change to their configuration (such as a user changing out SIM cards or virtual access clients). In response, the device causes an update to its associated communication forwarding preferences to reflect the change. If the configuration alteration meets certain criteria (e.g., changes the phone number at which the device may be reached), the device sends a forwarding message instructing a network entity (e.g., routing server) to direct communications addressed to the old phone number to the new phone number. Thus, a user with two or more user profiles (such as two different carrier accounts) may be reached at any number associated with any of the profiles, even if only one profile is currently active.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods and apparatuses for improved control of cross divert functionality in dual-SIM dual-standby (DSDS) wireless devices. According to example methods and apparatuses presented herein, a dual-SIM dual-standby device may receive a command to exit cross-divert mode, obtain a first phone number associated with a first subscription on the DSDS device and a second phone number associated with a second subscription on the DSDS device as a result of receiving the command, enable and/or disable Call Forward Not Reachable services for both the first subscription and the second subscription, activate and/or deactivate call waiting services associated with each of the first subscription and the second subscription, and forward a call from one subscription to another subscription of the DSDS device. As such, less user-intensive control of cross divert in DSDS devices is attainable.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wireless communication device, a PLC processing device, and a communication control device. The wireless communication device wirelessly communicates with a wireless communication device external to the vehicle. The PLC processing device communicates with a PLC processing device external to the vehicle by utilizing, as a communication path, a charging cable and a charging port to which the charging cable is connected. The communication control device controls communication by the wireless communication device and communication by the PLC processing device, depending on the remaining amount of data to be transmitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of routing a call made to a fixed telephone number of a UMA-subscriber in a mobile telecommunications network comprising a first and a second switching node and a location server. Location information of said UMA-subscriber is acquired wherein said location information comprises a location area code or a combination of location area code and cell identifier associated with a serving BSC or a serving GANC. The call is connected to the UMA-subscriber when the location area code or combination of location area code and cell identifier is associated with one of a group of GANCs, or connected to an alternative destination, such as a voicemail service, if the location area code or combination of location area code and cell identifier is not associated with said one of a group of GANCs. The methods described in the present invention disclosure allow for very efficient offering of UMA in combination with geographic numbers.