Bell Atlantic Mobile, Inc.

Cellco Parntership

Ted L Hoffman

Bernard P Brilla

Terminal devices for a wireless communication network are manufactured and distributed with predetermined communication capabilities and a minimal operation capability. Each unit includes a substantial memory for plug-in feature programming, which initially is empty. A terminal user selects a desired feature or set of features and contacts a service provider. The provider's equipment downloads software programming corresponding to the desired feature into the memory of the terminal device. The software takes the form of a plug-in module, written to the program interface specification of the core software of the terminal device. When loaded into memory and interfaced through the core software, the module allows the terminal device to implement the desired feature. Features can be sold in predefined packages or individually. Features can be added, upgraded or replaced at any time by downloading new feature modules into the memory.

Over-the-air programming of wireless terminal features

A system for remote notification of new voicemail messages stored in a landline-based voicemail system to a wireless mobile telephone. A telephone switching system forwards an incoming call for a subscriber's landline telephone or number to a voicemail system for recording voicemail messages. A message platform monitors the generation of a notification request by the voicemail system that typically causes the telephone switching system to illuminate a message waiting indicator on the subscriber's telephone or provide an audible message waiting indication over the subscriber's line. The message platform, in response to detecting the notification request, outputs an e-mail message via a packet switched network (such as the Internet) to a wireless network in communication with a wireless mobile telephone used by the voicemail subscriber. The wireless network, in response to receiving the e-mail message, generates a command for the wireless mobile telephone based on address information supplied in the e-mail message. The command, received by the wireless mobile telephone, causes the wireless mobile telephone to activate a message waiting indicator that notifies the voicemail and wireless mobile telephone subscriber of the new voicemail message at the landline premises.

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Camp Hill, PA, United States of America

Ted L Hoffman