Patent ID: 6633764
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: H04Q,H04W

Abstract:
A method of controlling storage of short messages in short message service centers of a mobile network supporting number portability, the short messages having been sent from originating subscribers identified by corresponding subscriber numbers belonging to the mobile network, the method comprising the steps of:receiving a short message from an originating subscriber in a serving exchange; forwarding the short message from the serving exchange toward an interworking mobile switching center for storage in a short message service center; interposing a number portability logical entity between the serving exchange and the interworking mobile switching center, the number portability logical entity being adapted to carry out the steps of: (a) receiving an indication of a short message sent from an originating subscriber identified by a predetermined subscriber number and extracting the predetermined subscriber number; (b) determining from a number portability database whether the originating subscriber is authorized to store a short message in a short message service center; and (c) if the originating subscriber is authorized, relaying the short message to the interworking mobile switching center for storage in the short message service center, and if the originating subscriber is not authorized, rejecting the short message toward the serving exchange.