Method and apparatus for a communication system having multiple service functionality

• US 20020024940A1
• Filed: 06/08/2001
• Published: 02/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: MobilePro Corp.
• Original Assignee: MobilePro Corp.
• Inventors: Smith, Scott R.
• Application Number:
  US09/877,733
• Publication Number:
  US 20020024940A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/329
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/12 Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

The present invention provides a single electronic device that is capable of communicating within a wireless data network and at least one other communications network to effectively provide expanded coverage for data communications with the device. The wireless data network allows the device to access a second data network, preferably a land-line-based data network, that provides virtually unlimited connectivity to other networks, including other wireless networks. The present invention also includes a method of providing multiple network service through a single service provider. The single service provider acts as a reseller of other network services and provides a customer with a single source for billing purposes. The present invention further includes a method of notification through one of the other communications networks, such as a paging network, when a recipient of a data communication, such as an e-mail, is out of range of the data network.

Claims

1. A communication system comprising:

a wireless device;

a first wireless communication network;

a second wireless communication network; and

,

an indicator for indicating if a communication link has been established between the wireless device and the first wireless communication network, the second wireless communication network responsive to the indicator for sending a notification to the wireless device upon a failure to establish the communication link.

2. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the indicator is a flag.

3. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the wireless device is a personal digital assistant.

4. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless communication network is capable of wireless voice communication.

5. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless communication network is capable of wireless voice communication.

6. The communication system of claim 5 wherein the first wireless communication network is capable of wireless data communication.

7. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the notification is a message.

8. The communication system of claim 1 further comprising:

a land line based data network operably connected to the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network.

9. A method for wireless communication comprising the steps of:

providing a wireless device;

providing a first wireless communication network;

providing a second wireless communication network;

indicating if a communication link has been established between the wireless device and the first wireless communication network; and

,

sending a notification to the wireless device upon a failure to establish the communication link.