Patent ID: 6577857
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: H04M,H04W

Abstract:
A method for operating a portable communication unit having an electronic memory and a plurality of keys for establishing a communication session according to a predetermined protocol, said method comprising the steps of:storing a plurality of different parameters in the electronic memory of the portable communication unit, including at least an identification code and a value relating to the amount of available service time, said value including at least a first class of service time related to a predetermined region and a second class of service time related to areas outside said predetermined region, increasing the value relating to the amount of available service time in response to a predetermined code entered by activation of a corresponding sequence of said keys, displaying one or more of said parameters stored in the electronic memory of said unit, establishing a communication session with said unit, decreasing the value of said first class of service time when said portable communication unit is within said predetermined region, decreasing the value of said second class of service time when said portable communication unit is outside of said predetermined region, enabling said unit for a communication session when said value relating to the amount of available service time is greater than a predetermined value, and disabling a communication session with said unit when said value relating to the amount of available service time is less than said predetermined value.