SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS NETWORK OF UNLICENSED PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE AREAS WITH LOCAL SWITCH INTERFACES AND ENHANCED CUSTOMER FEATURES

摘要

A system and method for making a call from a dual mode mobile station functioning in either a PCS (personal communication service) mode or a cellular mode permits PCS communications if the station receives a beacon of a sufficient strength in a PCS frequency band, and alternatively permits cellular communications if the station does not receive a beacon of a sufficient strength in the PCS frequency band. In order for the dual mode station to perform in both a cellular mode and a PCS mode, a single service provider (reseller) will attempt to provide both types of services. The reseller must ensure that a call can be properly billed to a mobile station user for both a call received at the dual mode mobile station and a call transmitted from the dual mode mobile station. Accordingly, methods and systems are provided for controlling cellular service access to and from the mobile station. For an inbound call to the station, the originating caller is provided an access number that accesses an IN platform, which communicates with the station to authenticate the call, bills the call, and routes the call. For an outbound call from the station, the mobile station transmits an access number, the user-dialed number, and identification information for the station to an IN platform, which handles call billing and routing.