Abstract: A system (20) of targeted broadcasting in a cellular communication system during an event can include at least one mobile unit (25) having stored therein scheduling information relating to an event, a designated location for the event, and a designated group channel for monitoring such event. The mobile unit can further be programmed to monitor (67) for the event in a designated location and on a designated group channel during a predetermined time window and receive (71) a targeted message during the event on the designated group channel if a current location of the mobile unit matches the designated location stored. The mobile unit can be programmed to transmit at least one group call message response in response to receiving the group call message only when the mobile unit is in the designated location. The system can further include fixed network equipment (26) that transmits data related to the event.

Abstract: A receiving device in a trunked radio communications system retrieves a first frequency from a scan list and tunes to about the first frequency. If no control channel messages are decoded at the first frequency, then the receiving device tunes to about a second frequency. If no control channel messages are decoded at the second frequency, then the receiving device iterates through the scan list, until the last frequency in the scan list is reached, wherein the scan list comprises control channels for at least two band plans.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating service provider network resources for supporting dispatch multi-party calls is disclosed. In an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes receiving a requirement at the service provider network for supporting a dispatch multi-party call having a projected number of participants. An amount of network resources required to support the projected number of participants is determined. A portion of the amount of network resources required to support the projected number of participants in the dispatch multi-party call is dedicated to the dispatch multi-party call in the service provider network. In an embodiment of a system of the present invention, the system includes a media server having resources for supporting a dispatch multi-party call having a projected number of participants in a service provider network.

Abstract: A method (600) and apparatus (700) for reducing delay associated with a call set-up for a call between an originating communication unit (120) and a target communication unit (121–124) in a radio access system (RAS) (101) is described. A call is initiated with a target communication unit prior to a channel assignment. A first latency (411) between an initiation time and a time when the target is capable of receiving a notification of the call on a first channel (410) is estimated and a second latency (421) between the initiation time and a second time when the target is capable of receiving the notification on a second channel (420) is estimated. Addresses associated with the target can be sent to the radio access system on the first channel or the second channel based on the estimated first latency and the estimated second latency.

Abstract: A receiving device in a trunked radio communications system retrieves a first frequency, wherein the first frequency relates to a lowest frequency that the at least one repeater utilizes for transmission and tunes to about the first frequency. If no control channel messages are decoded at the first frequency, then the receiving device tunes to about a second frequency wherein the second frequency is a channel separation of 12.5 kHz from the first frequency. If no control channel messages are decoded at the second frequency, then the receiving device, iteratively increments the second frequency by the channel separation until the second frequency reaches an end of band frequency for the trunked radio communications system.

Abstract: A digital wireless intercom system provides voice communications between selected mobile user stations via allocated radio channels. All communications flow via channels between the mobile stations and the base station. The base station includes a crosspoint processor for setting up desired communication links between users. A data store contains data identifying the preferences of each user, including the other users with whom communication links are to be set up. On receipt of a user ID from a mobile station, a correlator in the base station correlates the particular user with the channel being used by the mobile station of the user, so that the crosspoint processor can identify the channels in use for setting up the required communication links. The correlator dynamically updates the channel allocations as channels used by any particular user change. In this way, the crosspoint processor seamlessly follows channel changes, maintaining the required communication links with particular users.

Abstract: Disclosed are a power automation system using a TRS network and a control method thereof which can reduce the power failure time and power failure areas when an obstacle is raised by providing a pure radio transmission path using a TRS network, in which base transceiver subsystems mostly stand on an eminence and a high output service can be provided, between a control center computer and power equipment so that the remote control center computer can promptly control the power equipment and the obstacle raised in the power equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering media to a group of target communication devices provides for multicasting media to the group of target communication devices to save network resources. The disclosed embodiments provide for a significant reduction in network traffic and media processing time by transmitting media in multicast transport mode, where a single copy of the media destined for a group of target recipients is transmitted to a wireless infrastructure over the multicast path. The wireless infrastructure replicates and transmits one copy of the media to each of the target recipients that are assigned to dedicated channels, but multicasts one copy of the media to the target recipients that are assigned to a shared channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to dynamically creating talk groups in a communications system. A new dynamic group is created by a user who defines a group definition message in his subscriber station. This group definition message uniquely identifies the new group in the system, and can be distributed to the intended group members using the usual messaging facilities available in the specific communications system. The recipients of the group definition message can store the message in their subscriber stations for subsequent use. Thus, group creation and membership management are handled at user level without interacting with the system. The role of the system is restricted to establishing a means for communication in the group whenever there are users who have activated the group for communication.

Abstract: A dispatch call setup method selects (101) either a forced dispatch call (105) or an invite dispatch call (103). The originating unit (20) of the dispatch call may select either option. Depending on how the required target users (30, 40) respond, the originating terminal has the option to complete the call (119). The terminating unit may accept, reject or convert the forced dispatch call (127). Further, the target may establish preset preferences which accept, reject or allow user controls for an invite dispatch call (139).

Abstract: A controller 103 for a dispatch communications system 100 that is arranged and constructed for limiting a transmission in the dispatch communications system, methods thereof, and communications units 115, 117, 123 for use within the system have been discussed. The controller comprises: a processor 405, cooperatively operating with a transceiver 403, to; grant and provide a first right to talk to a first user 203; monitor a dispatch call resulting from the grant of the first right to talk to the first user to evaluate whether the first user should retain the first right to talk 207, 209; and notify, when the evaluation so determines, a second user 211 that the first right to talk is no longer applicable.

Abstract: To address the need to provide interurban dispatch services, embodiments supporting interurban dispatch private call and dispatch call alert services are disclosed. Call control in the local network equipment (110-131) manages the dispatch service in both the local urban area (101) and the remote urban area (151). Call flow embodiments that enable this local management of private call and call alert services across urban area boundaries are described in detail.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sharing location and route information between communication units (e.g., talkgroup members) that are subscribed to a group location sharing service. The group location sharing service is event-based, such that the communication units may form a subset of a talkgroup desiring to actively participate or monitor an event. Communication units de-subscribe from the group location sharing service or talkgroup when they no longer desire to participate or monitor the event. Service levels may be determined for various subscribers to the group location sharing service. The service levels may include, for example, an information transmission service level and information reception service level that determine an amount, type, and/or timing of information to be sent or received by particular subscribers.

Abstract: To address the need to provide listening participants of CDMA dispatch services soft handoff signaling capability, the concept of “shared channel signaling windows” for shared traffic channels (e.g., 110) is described. In one embodiment, the base site (105) announces the beginning of a signaling window for the traffic channel, allowing remote units (e.g., MS 120) that need to send handoff signaling an opportunity. In response to such signaling, the base site directs soft handoff information to the signaling remote units via the traffic channel. However, all the remote units that share the traffic channel can store this soft handoff information and later use the information to initiate soft handoffs without needing to exchange handoff messaging with the base site. Thus, a CDMA-dispatch, shared-channel implementation is enabled by providing soft handoff signaling windows and the over-the-air, soft-handoff messaging required for dispatch services is reduced.

Abstract: A method for setting up a dynamic group call includes the step (202) of selecting a group of radios (120, 121) by a dynamic group call originator (122). Once the radios that will be part of the dynamic group have been selected, the dynamic group call originator (122) transmits a dynamic group call message(s) to each of the selected radios. Each of the transmitted dynamic group call message(s) includes the IP address of one of the selected radios. Upon each of the target radios receiving their individually directed message, the target radios (120, 121) can each send an optional acknowledgment message to the dynamic group call originator (122). The originator (122) and the target radios (120, 121) then switch to the dynamic talk group number assigned by the dynamic talk group message.

Abstract: The mobile terminal of the present invention receives signals from the base station which receives the control command from the mobile terminal and executes, on the basis of the control command, the antenna switching transmission diversity. The mobile terminal includes: a reception unit for receiving downward signal from the base station; a downward link estimation unit for estimating the downward link on the basis of the received downward signal; an upward link estimation unit for estimating the upward link on the basis of the received downward signal; a base station estimation unit for estimating a state of the base station on the basis of the outputs from the downward estimation unit and the upward estimation unit; and a demodulator unit for demodulating the received signal on the basis of the output from the base station estimation unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for updating a subscriber unit with an announcement group identification. A subscriber unit (210) requests affiliation (301) with a talk group (202) and an unknown announcement group identification is issued (315) in response to the request for affiliation. The present invention includes an embodiment where information that identifies which subscriber unit (210) received the unknown announcement group signal is stored (309). An updated announcement signal is subsequently sent to the subscriber unit (210) when a zone controller (114) receives an updated announcement group identification.

Abstract: A mobile station (10) for use in radio communications with other mobile stations the mobile station being operable to establish a group call with one or more of the other mobile stations by issuing a signal indicating which other mobile stations are requested or permitted to join the group call, wherein the mobile station includes input selection means for allowing a user of the mobile station to select one or more options from one or more call set-up criteria options available to the user and which is operable to issue a call set-up request signal including a plurality of fields relating to the requested call, wherein a first one of the fields relates to a group permitted or requested to join the call, and wherein a second one of the fields relates to an option related to the requested call selectable by the user using the input selection means.

Abstract: A one-to-many dispatch method for use in a TDMA or other wireless telephone system. The one-to-many dispatch call is placed by sending a Request message 204 from a Personal Station PS 112 to a Control Center Station (CS) 120 which assigns a channel with an Assignment message 208. The PS 112 sends a call setup message over the control channel resulting in a channel assign message 242 being broadcast repeatedly. Call connect messages over the Assigned Channel AC 244 are also repeated from the CS 120 to indicate the open connection. A hang timer is started when the PS 112 ceases transmission of voice and the connection is torn down upon expiry of the hang timer unless another PS transmits a call setup message 234 on the Assigned Channel AC before the expiry of the hang timer.

Abstract: An agent (100) is associated with each of a plurality of devices (201-204) for arbitrating between a talk stream generated by the device and a listen stream intended for the device and generated by another device on a network (210). In the agent a “Talk Mode” (300) is defined in which the agent passes the talk stream from the device to other devices participating in the conference while blocking all listen streams intended for the device, and a “Listen Mode” (400) is defined in which the agent blocks the talk stream of the device from the network and passes a single listen stream from the network to the device. The agent makes a decision to enter one of the Talk Mode and the Listen Mode, wherein the decision is based upon a presence of at least one of the talk stream and the listen stream, and wherein the decision is further based upon a comparison of source identifiers of the talk and listen streams when required to resolve a conflict.

Abstract: A mobile communication system, and method, having, in an operational area of the base station, a plurality of mobile stations each capable of operating in an arbitrary one of two kinds of communication mode, i.e., a base station dependent mode for conducting communication via a base station and a direct communication mode for conducting direct communication between mobile stations. Information containing an important message to be received by all mobile stations is transmitted from the base station in the base station dependent mode. Upon receiving the information containing the important message, a mobile station placed in the base station dependent mode transmits the information containing the important message in the direct communication mode. As a result, all mobile stations placed in the direct communication mode receive the important message.

Abstract: When any remote unit (113-118) desires to create a talk group, it transmits an inbound message to a group call database (112). The inbound message includes the identity of the requesting communication device, and the participants of the talk group. Upon receiving the request, group the call database (112) provides an outbound message to all members of the newly created talk group giving them a chance to opt out of inclusion into the new talk group. The database (112) then creates a database entry with the new talk group and those remote units that positively responded to the outbound message.

Abstract: A user who desires to establish a temporary talk group first requests a temporary group identifier, then the user specifies the talk group membership and a validity period. The temporary talk group can be set up using a mobile communication device, or by use of a computer which connects with a service provider's server over the Internet.

Abstract: A contention resolution method includes the steps of determining a contention has occurred and requesting contention resolution from radios in the system (604). Radios in the system receive the request and do not transmit in the next control frame (606). Group leader radios (202, 208 and 214) transmit the identification code they were able to demodulate in the previous frame to the master radio (608). The master radio (212) receives the information from the group leaders and transmits a control-channel access message to one of the contending radios (610).

Abstract: A cellular interface unit is disclosed and is used in association with a trunk line of a private branch exchange or a key system unit. The cellular interface unit includes a cellular-type transceiver, a power supply and control circuitry. The cellular-type transceiver is used for mobile-to-mobile telephone calls with remote cellular telephone units and for mobile-to-landline telephone calls with remote landline telephone units. The control circuitry is used to convert signals between the cellular transceiver and the private branch exchange or key system unit so that the transceiver and its interconnected PBX or KSU function appropriately and so that use of the trunk line establishes a cellular telephone call, while resembling a landline telephone call through the PBX or KSU. Included within the control circuitry is call disconnection supervision circuitry that is responsive to the receipt of an end of call signal from the mobile telephone switching office.

Abstract: A method and structure for a communication system has a first-level regional server connected to a first agency and a second agency, and a second-level regional server connected to a plurality of the first-level regional servers. The second-level regional server has a first connection for connecting to one first-level regional server. The invention also has a second connection for connecting to another first-level regional server. The invention also includes a global directory and a central processing unit.

Abstract: A radio communication system (100) has talkgroups or working groups that intercommunicate with each other on broadcast calls. Multiple working groups are associated with an announcement group. A subscriber unit (112a-f) may monitor talkgroup communications or announcement group communications. When communications to a talkgroup are initiated, a grant message (300) is sent to subscriber units affiliated with the talkgroup. A new grant message (350) is generated for subscriber units affiliated with the announcement group. The new grant message relieves subscriber units from storing an association between talkgroups and announcement groups, thereby allowing the association of announcement groups and talkgroups to be assigned dynamically.

Abstract: Each communication unit (112A through 112F) and talkgroup in a communication system (100) is assigned a priority at each site (106, 108, and 110) in the system. As communication units (112A through 112F) request resources, contention among requesters at a site is resolved by the priority of requesters at the site. System-wide resources are allocated equitably based on the geographical location of the communication unit using site-based priority.

Abstract: The invention relates to dynamically creating talk groups in a communications system. A new dynamic group is created by a user who defines a group definition message in his subscriber station. This group definition message uniquely identifies the new group in the system, and can be distributed to the intended group members using the usual messaging facilities available in the specific communications system. The recipients of the group definition message can store the message in their subscriber stations for subsequent use. Thus, group creation and membership management are handled at user level without interacting with the system. The role of the system is restricted to establishing a means for communication in the group whenever there are users who have activated the group for communication.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint (PTM) communication system (20) includes a cellular radio infrastructure (22) having base stations (32) implemented in satellites (34) placed in low earth orbits (38). PTM subscriber radios (24) share common cellular radio infrastructure (22) multipoint channels (52) to engage in a common PTM communication session while the cellular radio infrastructure (22) also conveys point-to-point communications. A group control computer (28) constructs a channel list (126) which is downloaded to PTM subscriber radios (24). The channel list (126) identifies multipoint channels (52) and indicates when and where the channels (52) are active. Without emitting transmissions to the cellular radio infrastructure (22), PTM subscriber radios (24) autonomously switch to new multipoint channels (52) in response to their current time and location and the channel list (126).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passively monitoring communications in a trunked communication system. Digital messages transmitted over a control channel at a particular frequency are monitored with a receiver. Transmitted communication signals are demodulated and stored. The stored signals are tested to identify messages and to extract talk group and channel assignment codes. If the talk group is a talk group of interest, the receiver is tuned to the frequency corresponding to the channel assignment code so that voice communications are monitored. The receiver is tuned to the control channel after each voice communication so that a communication including multiple transmissions on different frequencies is coherently monitored by retuning the receiver in accordance with the received channel assignment codes. In an alternative embodiment, separate receivers are provided for the control channel and for voice communications.

Abstract: Information is retrieved from a list of members of a group call group. Based on the retrieved information, a group call is established between first and second mobile stations (MS). The first MS is served by a first base station controller (BSC) and the second MS is served by a second BSC. Voice data for the group call is transmitted in a multicast session. Based on a history of group calls between two points in a mobile communications network, a determination is made as to whether to establish a multicast session between the two points, e.g., in anticipation of a future group call.

Abstract: A system and a method for supporting a multi-user text chat service in a mobile network uses existing standards and products while providing efficient use of radio frequency and signaling resources. The system includes a computing element for converting messages between two known formats and which further provides security, billing and other administrative functions. The system is thus able to combine a point-to-point messaging protocol for originating a message and a broadcast protocol for receiving the message.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sending parasitic digital packets over a trunked radio system network during the time that a trunking channel is unoccupied. The parasitic digital packets are received by one or more parasitic receivers, which are not a part of the conventional trunked radio system. To ensure the integrity and reliability of the trunked radio system, the transmission of these parasitic data packets is preempted when the system is required to transmit signals between users of the trunked radio system.

Abstract: An apparatus performs an inter-radio-infrastructure handoff (“inter-RI handoff”) in a private mobile communication system when a mobile terminal roams from a first area served by a first radio-infrastructure (RI) to a second area served by a second RI unit. The system comprises a first RI unit connected to a first radiohead (RH), and a second RI unit connected to a second RH. An inter-RI handoff is performed using a conference call.

Abstract: A group call is conducted in a wireless communications system including a plurality of distributed transceiver units, e.g., radio heads of a private wireless system, each of which are operative to communicate with terminals over a plurality of communications channels. A group call origination message is transmitted from an originating terminal, preferably in response to a user input at the originating terminal, more preferably in response to actuation of a push-to-talk (PTT) device at the originating terminal. The transmitted group call origination message is received at a transceiver unit and, in response, a group call traffic channel designation messages addressed to a group of terminals is transmitted from the transceiver units, the transmitted group call traffic channel designation message designating a common traffic channel. Communications then occur among terminals of the group of terminals, preferably in half-duplex mode, over the designated common traffic channel.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need for an apparatus and method for arbitrating service requests in a more efficient and scalable manner. The present invention provides a hierarchical system for arbitrating service requests in which secondary arbitrators (104 and 105) that have incomplete information and authority evaluate service requests before forwarding them up the hierarchy to a primary arbitrator (102) that has complete information and arbitration authority. If a secondary arbitrator has sufficient information to deny a service request without forwarding the request, it will. Thus, the hierarchy of secondary arbitrators acts to filter service requests from the primary arbitrators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining information for users of push-to-talk communication devices in a group communication network provides for maintaining information about a net in the group communication network and maintaining information about a user in the net.

Abstract: A trunked radio repeater communication system capable of use in a networked system includes a plurality of distributive switches and a unique signaling protocol and a switching protocol for interconnecting the trunked transmission communications systems into a wide area network that provides an expanded feature set of radio communications capabilities. The trunked radio repeater system including a protocol supporting communications for repeaters and/or subscribers conducting communications using existing protocols, such as the Logic Trunked Radio (LTR) protocol and supporting additional special functions.

Abstract: A method in a radio telecommunications network of broadcasting data in an over-the-air multicast to a group of mobile terminals. Statistics from regular point-to-point cellular transmissions to build a statistical database for each base station. The statistical data indicate the optimal signal quality that users normally experience when operating in that cell. From this data, a minimum transmission quality (TQmin) that a mobile terminal must receive for the type of data being broadcast is determined. The method then broadcasts a test transmission to the mobile terminals, and includes a maximum transmission quality (TQmax) in order to limit the number of responses. A response is then received from a mobile terminal representative of the group, the response including an indication of the received transmission quality. The method then determines whether the received transmission quality was greater than or equal to TQmin.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for allowing a mobile station involved in a single-hop satellite call to complete a conference emergency call. One of the mobile stations involved in the single-hop satellite call activates an emergency call feature, which triggers one or both of the mobile stations to perform a call release and call re-establishment procedure. When one or both of the mobile stations performs call re-establishment, the call is marked as an Emergency Call to prevent the mobile stations from being reconnected in a single-hop call. After re-establishment, the mobile station that activated the emergency call feature transmits an Emergency Setup message to the MSC/VLR, which initiates a call connection to the Emergency Call Center (ECC). Once the MSC/VLR completes the call to the ECC, the MSC/VLR bridges all parties together in a conference call.

Abstract: A communication terminal is provided with a line establishing means which establishes lines to a plurality of different terminals on the other side in parallel with each other. Moreover, the communication terminal is provided with a microphone through which voice is inputted, and a communication control means for transmitting voice inputted through the microphone to a plurality of different terminals on the other side. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously transmit the voice to a plurality of partners. Furthermore, the communication control means can receive voices transmitted from a plurality of difference terminals on the other side, and since the voices received by the communication control means are outputted from a speaker, it is possible to carry out conversations among a plurality of users at the same time.

Abstract: In a wireless code-division multiple access (CDMA) system (100), a talkgroup (101) of subscriber units is provided. A sub-talkgroup (102) of subscriber units, forming a part of the talkgroup is assigned at least one inbound channel (416-417). The talkgroup is assigned outbound channels (415). Members of the sub-talkgroup may simultaneously transmit voice information (410-411) using the at least one inbound channel, which voice information is summed (412) and re-transmitted to the talkgroup using the outbound channels. Voice information is summed so that an individual talker receives summed voice information without the individual subscriber's voice content. Subscriber units in the sub-listengroup are allowed to transmit voice information only after requesting, and receiving, an additional inbound channel.

Abstract: A radio switching equipment includes circuit correspondence storage portion for storing a plurality of mobile terminal numbers with respective correspondence with a circuit number of each trunk circuit, circuit control portion for reading out the mobile terminal number corresponding to the circuit number of the trunk circuit or reading out the circuit number of the trunk circuit corresponding to the mobile terminal number, on the basis of a storage content of the circuit correspondence storage portion when call is received from the trunk circuit or when call is made from the mobile terminal, and requesting call processing, call processing portion for receiving the request of the call processing from the circuit control portion and establishing connection between the mobile terminal identified by the mobile terminal number and the trunk circuit identified by the circuit number, and varying portion for varying correspondence between the circuit number of the trunk circuit and the mobile terminal number of the m

Abstract: A multi-site dispatch communication network includes a hub controller programmed to expedite the connection between multiple radio cells to accomplish a broadcast of the radio transmission. A routing table is employed to provide an association between the various group identification codes and the respective mobile radio cell sites servicing members of the group. A connection table is employed to identify the resources utilized in the dispatch communication connection. When a dispatch communication is initiated, the routing table is accessed to determine which mobile radio cell sites service the various members of the group. When a connection is made to establish the dispatch communication, the connection table is written with information concerning the resources utilized to complete the dispatch communication. In this manner, dispatch communications can be quickly established and terminated. The resources of the network are thereby optimized.

Abstract: In a cordless telecommunications system with assured interoperability of cordless telecommunications applications, in particular a GAP-specific DECT system (DECT/GAP system), having a cordless base station (G-BS) and having cordless mobile parts (D-MT, G-MT, D/G-MT) which are capable of telecommunication with the cordless base station (G-BS) via a radio interface and the number of which exceeds the number of telecommunications channels which are available in parallel at the cordless base station, collective/group calls being possible while the interoperability of the cordless telecommunications applications remains ensured, mixed operation is implemented, comprising a connection-based virtual-collective/group call and a connectionless collective/group call.

Abstract: Techniques for providing enhanced wireless services such as interactive voice services to a serving mobile switching center which is originating a call for a mobile station that requires such services via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The serving mobile switching center has a trigger which causes it to respond to a call from the mobile station by sending a message according to the IS 41 protocols to the enhanced mobile switching center that provides the enhanced service. The enhanced mobile switching center responds to the message by associating the contents of the message with a temporary local dialing number (TLDN) and sending a message to the serving mobile switching center that contains the TLDN. The serving mobile switching center uses the TLDN to set up a call via the PSTN to the enhanced mobile switching center, which then uses the content of the message associated with the TLDN to establish which enhanced service is required.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for updating Group Call Registers (GCR) is presented, wherein modifications to group call areas are transmitted to neighboring Mobile Switching Center/Visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR) service areas. Information regarding cells which are either added to, removed from a group, or part of a new or terminated group is transmitted to any neighboring MSC/VLR service areas adjacent to the cell. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted over the Signaling System 7 (SS7) Network. In a second embodiment, the information is sent over a network connecting the GCRs.

Abstract: A method of selectively connecting group phone calls to a roaming mobile station. A mobile station is provided for use in a wireless communication system for selectively originating and receiving group phone calls. The mobile station includes a memory storing a plurality of group phone numbers for each group of which the mobile station is a member, and roam originate and receive enable flags for each group phone number. The roam originate and receive enable flags are selectively settable between first and second states to either permit or prohibit group calls to be originated from, or received at, the mobile station while the mobile station is roaming.

Abstract: Network access delays are minimized by using affiliation messages to pre-establish communications in a wireless communication network (100). A controller (102), upon receiving an affiliation message from a first site (104), establishes connections between the first site and a second site (105), the connections being uniquely associated with a talkgroup/site affiliation indicated by the affiliation message. Additional sites can be added by modifying the connection to include the additional sites. Using a multicast SVC as the connection between the first and second site eliminates the need for a multicast server and its associated delays.