Patent ID: 6072768
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A communications system, comprising:at least one user terminal;a satellite communications component comprising at least one satellite and at least one terrestrial gateway;a wireless terrestrial communications component comprising at least one repeater and at least one mobile switching center;said at least one gateway and said at least one mobile switching center being coupled together by a first mobile applications part network, said at least one gateway and said at least one mobile switching center further being coupled to a terrestrial communications network; andsaid at least one user terminal comprising a first transceiver for bidirectionally communicating with said gateway through said satellite, a second transceiver for bidirectionally communicating with said mobile switching center through said repeater, and control means, responsive to a gateway selected system selection protocol, for enabling either said first transceiver or said second transceiver for conveying a user communication to said terrestrial communications network; whereinsaid communications system is further comprised of a data base storing data representing a map that indicates poor quality communications areas within a gateway service area, and wherein said gateway selected system selection protocol is modified as a function of said data from said data base;wherein said gateway is bidirectionally coupled to said mobile applications part network through one of a home location register or a visitor location register; andwherein said gateway is bidirectionally coupled to a second mobile applications part network through one of a home location register or a visitor location register.