Method and apparatus for selecting a preferred service provider during a

Abstract

In a public cordless telephone system, a cordless telephone handset unit requests and establishes a communications link with a public base unit served by a desired local service provider whenever possible. By generating a service request containing a specific carrier request code, the handset unit selectively identifies an available public base unit served by the desired local service provider and then establishes a communications link with this base unit. In response to receiving the service request from the handset unit, all public base units operated by the chosen service provider respond by providing a first acknowledgment signal. All other public base units respond by providing a second acknowledgment signal. When both such signals are received, the handset unit responds only to the first acknowledgment signal and establishes a communications link with the first base unit providing this signal. When only the second acknowledgment signal is received, the handset unit responds by establishing a communications link with the first base unit providing this second acknowledgment signal. When communications is established with a base unit providing the second acknowledgment signal, an alerting signal is generated at the handset unit thereby informing the user that even though he or she is able to make a telephone call, the desired local service provider was not reached. Collision avoidance between public base units while supporting this operation may be provided by assigning a specific one of a plurality of times during which each public base unit may respond to the service request from the handset unit.