Patent ID: 6138011
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing dispatch service to an existing cellular telephone network, the apparatus comprising:a processor, coupled to a mobile switching center of the existing cellular telephone network, that generates and terminates control signals in response to signals received from a first communication device and at least a second communication device via the mobile switching center, the control signals establishing and managing a full duplex group call between the first communication device and the at least a second communication device;a conference bridge, coupled to the processor and the mobile switching center, that merges communications between the first communication device and the at least a second communication device during the full duplex group call responsive to bridge signals conveyed by the processor; anda database, coupled to the processor, that includes dispatch-related information for the first communication device and the at least a second communication device to allow the processor to generate the control signals.