Bellsouth Corporation

Selex Communications Limited

Maurice S Laster

Charles Martin Link, Ii

Edward Irby Comer

Peter O Roach, Jr

A method and apparatus for placing a long distance call using a mobile telephone with a data messaging device communicating via a separate data network (rather than the call signaling network) to a Remote Telephone Call Origination (RTCO) platform. The mobile telephone analyzes each number dialed to determine whether to utilize the RTCO platform or to dial normally. If RTCO is utilized, the mobile telephone transmits a data message with instructions for setting up the call. The RTCO platform then makes a call to the mobile phone and bridges this to a second call made to the dialed party.

Method and apparatus of minimizing incurred charges by the remote origination of telephone calls

Methods and apparatus are provided for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system (CMR) data. A data message system for communicating data sources includes sets reporting devices, at least one mobile switching center (MSC) of a CMR system, and a data collection system connected to said MSC via a first communications link. Each recording device monitors a remote data source to obtain selected data and thereafter transmits a data message containing the selected data. The MSC receives data messages via the cellular network control channel from reporting devices operating within coverage areas of the array of cells and forwards the data messages via the first communications link to the data collection system. In response, the data collection system stores the data messages and processes the selected data.

Methods and apparatus for communicating data via a cellular network

A paging acknowledgement system is provided for communicating both (1) paging messages and (2) acknowledgement messages to confirm reception of the paging messages. The paging acknowledgement system includes at least one communications system, remote communications devices, and at least one MSC of a CMR system. In response to a paging message from a paging party, the communications system transmits data messages corresponding to the paging message via a communications link. The data message contains the type of data that is normally supplied with a conventional paging message and an acknowledgment code that uniquely identifies said data message. A remote communications device responds to a data message containing its particular address by transmitting an acknowledgment message containing the acknowledgment code to the MSC via a cellular network control channel of the CMR system. The MSC forwards the acknowledgment message to the communications system via a first communications link. The data collection system confirms reception of the data message by comparing the acknowledgment code of the acknowledgment message to the acknowledgment codes associated with the paging messages.

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Atlanta, GA, United States of America

Maurice S Laster