Abstract:
A method and system facilitate and broker propagation of a wireless signal through a wireless network and delivery of the signal by an appropriate method to an intended receiving wireless terminal. A single network element acts as a signal entry point and executes parallel processes to determine the location of an intended receiving wireless terminal and the registration thereof within the wireless network, the signal type, and the capabilities of the terminal. The network element then analyzes this information to determine the best method of signal propagation through the wireless network so as to ensure signal delivery to the wireless terminal or alternate delivery according to subscriber-set preferences.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to methods and systems for facilitating the delivery of incoming signals to mobile wireless devices, such as a mobile wireless telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or pager, and for facilitating other network features. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Demand for wireless multimedia services, such as messaging, data services, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is steadily increasing. Many of these new services are transmitted via Internet Protocol (IP), as packetized digital data in the same manner as an Internet transmission. Not all wireless devices, however, may have the capability to accept an IP signal. When a wireless device has the capability, it must have an established IP context to communicate via IP, which is usually accomplished at the wireless terminal user&#39;s initiative. 
     Wireless communication over IP requires a Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context between the wireless terminal and the Serving Global Support Node (SGSN). Once the wireless terminal requests and initiates a PDP context with the SGSN, the SSGN requests an IP address from the Global Gateway Support Node (GGSN). The GGSN then assigns an IP address to the wireless terminal and registers that address. Due to the limited number of IP addresses that are assigned to each wireless provider and the very large number of wireless terminals in existence, each wireless terminal cannot have a permanent IP address. 
     A problem arises when an IP signal requires delivery to a wireless terminal, because a wireless terminal must request and obtain an IP address. The receiving terminal can not receive the signal without establishing an IP PDP context. It is desirable that wireless terminals have the ability to receive VoIP calls and other IP data transmissions from any number of applications under these circumstances. 
     Several messaging protocols currently operate on wireless networks and may not be compatible with each other. A signal sent by an application or wireless terminal using a different protocol than the receiving wireless terminal may encounter delivery problems. As a signal enters the network, it is routed through the architecture based on its signal and the wireless terminal to which it is to be delivered. Several layers of decision trees based on the above-stated parameters determine signal routing as a signal propagates through the network. The element or section of the network the signal is routed to may not have the capability to properly deliver the signal. If the signal is not deliverable at the end of a final decision tree, the signal may be dropped with no recourse for later or alternate delivery because no element of the network determines a resolution for such a problem. 
     One such messaging service that attempts to correct the problem is the IP Multimedia Service (IMS). IMS is based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem, a recent development of all-IP data services in next generation wireless networks. The IMS combines the IP Multimedia Subsystem protocols with several current messaging systems. IMS, however, is not a full solution because it suffers from the same signal and data delivery problems. If the network attempted signal delivery to a device that did not support IMS, it would follow the current network decision structures ending in delivery failure. 
     Another problem occurs when adding new functions and features to the network. Adding functions and capabilities to the system requires new hardware and layers of software. Much of the current network elements must be reprogrammed to recognize new functions and capabilities. Such steps add layers of processes and decision trees that further complicate signal routing. 
     An additional problem for wireless providers is billing for VoIP calls. It is possible to place a VoIP call by accessing an Internet Web site and only be charged for wireless Internet access, not for the standard voice call airtime. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, a method and system are provided which solve the problems discussed above associated with disparate network elements and signal types that result in signal delivery failure. 
     In one implementation thereof, the system and method of the invention are capable of monitoring and interrogating multiple elements of the network to ensure successful signal delivery by following a set of routing rules fixed in a network element. As established above, a signal propagates through the network as dictated by multiple sets of decision trees in response to variables such as signal type and delivery requirements. The system and method of the invention enable a single network element to coordinate a number of varied network elements and provide a single entry point for signals. Further, one network element performing this function reduces the amount of reprogramming and hardware necessary to add new features, functions, and capabilities as it is the only network element that must be configured to accommodate the new network features. 
     According to one important related feature of the invention, a method and a network element are provided which determine whether a receiving wireless terminal has an IP address and is able to receive IP transmissions when the signal first enters the network. When the terminal does not have an IP address, this feature of the invention initiates a process that allows the network to prompt the wireless device to initiate an IP setup without the need for intervention by the user. 
     Another important feature of the method and network element concerns the ability thereof to recognize an incoming signal type and to determine the capabilities of the intended receiving wireless terminal. Further, in preferred embodiments, the network element interrogates the wireless network to determine which network elements should be used in order to ensure delivery to the receiving wireless terminal. This results in a streamlined execution process and prevents dropped signals by re-routing a signal before the signal reaches the end of the decision tree or trees. 
     The method and network element of preferred embodiments of the invention also minimize the tasks involved with adding new functions and capabilities to the network. The network element is programmed with a knowledge of each of the network functions and is further programmed to reuse existing network capabilities, services, and resources when desirable. This eliminates the need for new layers of software to link old and new systems, and the unnecessary complexity resulting from this need, because only one network element needs to be reprogrammed. 
     According to a further important feature of the method and network element of the invention, the activities of a user are monitored as part of the overall brokering process so as to enable billing rates for usage, such as VoIP, to be applied. This feature addresses the situation wherein a user accesses the Internet and places a VoIP call without incurring airtime charges, thus causing the service provider to lose valuable revenue. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of facilitating delivery of a signal received by a wireless network to an intended receiving wireless terminal, the method comprising the steps of: 
     (i) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on the wireless network; 
     (ii) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is available to receive said signal; 
     (iii) determining a signal type for said signal; 
     (iv) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving a signal of said signal type; 
     (v) determining, prior to further propagation of the signal to the wireless network, an appropriate delivery method based on the determinations of steps (i)-(iv) so as to assure that said signal will be successfully delivered to said intended receiving wireless terminal; 
     (vi) propagating said signal to the network; and 
     (vii) transmitting said signal to the intended receiving wireless terminal using the delivery method determined in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on the wireless network comprises interrogating at least one element of the wireless network so as to locate the intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     Advantageously, the method further comprises determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is registered on the wireless network and using the result in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is available to receive said signal comprises evaluating the current activity status of said intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     Advantageously, the method further comprises searching a database of network user preferences and using the result in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving said signal type comprises interrogating a database of network wireless terminal capabilities. 
     Accordingly to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of facilitating delivery of a signal received by a wireless network to an intended receiving wireless terminal, the method comprising the steps of: 
     (i) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on the wireless network; 
     (ii) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is available to receive said signal; 
     (iii) determining a signal type for said signal; 
     (iv) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving a signal of said signal type; 
     (v) determining, prior to further propagation of the signal to the network, an appropriate delivery method based on the determinations of steps (i)-(iv) so as to assure that said signal will be successfully delivered to said intended receiving wireless terminal; 
     (vi) propagating said signal to the network; and 
     (vii) transmitting said signal to the intended receiving wireless terminal using the delivery method determined in step (v); 
     wherein the method further comprises, as part of steps (v) to (vii), the further steps of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving a signal transmitted by Internet protocol; and instructing said wireless network to initiate an automatic Internet protocol setup between the network and the intended receiving wireless terminal using a packet data protocol context, and transmitting said signal to said terminal using Internet protocol as the appropriate delivery method. 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on said wireless network comprises interrogating at least one other element of said wireless network to locate said intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     Advantageously, the method further comprises determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is registered on said wireless network and using the result in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is available to receive a signal of said signal type comprises evaluating the current activity status of said intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     Advantageously, the method further comprises searching a database of network user preferences and using the result in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving a signal of said signal type comprises interrogating a database of network wireless terminal capabilities. 
     Advantageously, the method further comprises locating said intended receiving wireless terminal by interrogating at least one other element of said wireless network. 
     Preferably, said further steps further comprise receiving and processing network signal inputs intended for devices operating on said wireless network from outside said wireless network. 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving a signal transmitted by Internet protocol comprises interrogating a network database of wireless terminal capabilities. 
     Preferably, said further steps further comprise: 
     initiating a page from said wireless network to said intended receiving wireless terminal over a control channel requesting that said intended receiving wireless terminal obtain a temporary Internet protocol address; assigning a temporary Internet protocol address to said intended receiving wireless terminal in response to a request from said intended receiving wireless terminal initiated in response to said page; and establishing data communication with said intended receiving wireless terminal based on said temporary Internet protocol address. The page preferably comprises a standard Internet command. Preferably, the temporary Internet protocol address is communicated to the wireless terminal. Advantageously, the request from said intended receiving wireless terminal is initially received by a Serving Gateway Support Node (SGSN) of the network which establishes said packet data protocol context. Preferably, the packet network protocol context is established, a Global Gateway Support Node (GGSN) assigns said Internet protocol address to said intended receiving wireless terminal and registers said address. Preferably, said further steps further comprise instructing a Mobile Switching Center of said wireless network to establish an Internet protocol communication with said intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless network entry point system for facilitating delivery of an incoming wireless signal by a wireless network to an intended wireless receiving terminal, said system comprising an entry point processor for analyzing the incoming signal, interrogating at least one element of a wireless network to determine the capabilities of the intended receiving wireless terminal with respect to receiving the incoming signal, for determining an appropriate method of delivery of the incoming signal based on the analyzing and interrogating steps, and for delivering said incoming signal using said appropriate method of delivery by converting, if necessary, said incoming signal into a deliverable signal compatible with the capabilities of the receiving terminal. 
     Preferably, the entry point processor interrogates a network database of user preferences for alternate delivery whereby a failed delivery attempt is rerouted according to said use preferences. 
     Advantageously, the entry point processor interrogates a network database to determine location information regarding the intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     Preferably, the entry point processor comprises a digital data processor. 
     Advantageously, the at least one element comprises a digital data processor and a digital memory data storage unit for storing said wireless terminal user preferences. 
     Preferably, the at least one element comprises an HLR for providing said location information. 
     Advantageously, the system further comprises a digital data storage unit for storing said wireless terminal capabilities of said intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable medium having stored thereon at least one sequence of instructions for causing at least one processor to perform a method for facilitating delivery of a signal received by a wireless network to an intended receiving wireless device, said method comprising the steps of: 
     (i) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on the wireless network; 
     (ii) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is available to receive said signal; 
     (iii) determining a signal type for said signal; 
     (iv) determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving a signal of said signal type; 
     (v) determining, prior to further propagation of the signal to the network, an appropriate delivery method based on the determinations of steps (i)-(iv) so as to assure that said signal will be successfully delivered to said intended receiving wireless terminal; 
     (vi) propagating said signal to the network; and 
     (vii) transmitting said signal to the intended receiving wireless terminal using the delivery method determined in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on the wireless network comprises interrogating at least one element of said wireless network to locate the intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     Advantageously, the method further comprises determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is registered on the wireless network and using the result in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether said intended receiving wireless terminal is available to receive said signal comprises evaluating the current activity status of said intended receiving wireless terminal. 
     Advantageously, the method further comprises searching a database of network user preferences and using the result in step (v). 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether the intended receiving wireless terminal is capable of receiving said signal type comprises interrogating a database of network wireless terminal capabilities. 
     Further features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in, or apparent from, the detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof which follows. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B , combined together, are a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart of an embodiment of the invention that activates a network-initiated automated IP/PDP context setup; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart of a network-initiated IP/PDP context setup used in the method of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is schematic diagram illustrating a network initiated PDP/IP context setup process; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a further embodiment of the invention that interacts with a service provider billing system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention may serve various multi-technology wireless devices providing voice, data, and any other content. The technologies employed may use either digital or a combination of digital-analog technology and methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the invention uses, but is not limited to, the GSM and TDMA wireless network protocols. The term wireless terminal as used herein means all user devices that are (i) capable of wireless communication of any type of information content using any transmission method, standard, or protocol, and (ii) capable of communicating with, and receiving commands or instructions from, the network. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A and 1B , combined together, are a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention. All of the key decisions made by the method are incorporated in a “broker” network element or broker, indicated at  100 . Referring to  FIG. 1A , a signal  101  originates from outside of the wireless network and enters the network through the broker  100 . As indicated by decision diamond  102 , the method then determines whether or not the intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on, and registered with, the network. The broker  100  interrogates the home location registry (HLR) database  103  to determine if the intended receiving wireless terminal is registered on the network, and initiates a network locator process, indicated by block  104 , to determine whether and where the intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on the network. If the receiving terminal is not operating on the network, the broker  100  will initiate a process, as indicated by block  106 , to determine the user&#39;s alternate signal delivery preferences, such as a voice-mail box, message inbox, email inbox, or sending of a non-delivery message to the sender, by interrogating a network database  105  of user preferences and deliver the signal in the appropriate alternate manner. 
     If the broker  100  determines that the intended recipient subscriber is operating on the network, i.e., if a “Yes” output is produced by decision diamond  102 , the broker  100  begins several parallel processes. In one of these processes, as indicated by process block  107 , the broker  100  determines the incoming signal type using conventional prior art processes. In another process, as indicated by decision diamond  108 , the broker  100  also determines whether or not the recipient terminal is available to receive the signal at that time. If not, i.e., if the answer is “No,” the broker  100  determines alternative delivery options, as illustrated by block  106 , by accessing the network database  105  of user preferences and, if there are other delivery options, one or more of these options may be pursued, as described above. If, on the other hand, the recipient subscriber terminal is available to receive the signal, the broker then determines the capabilities of the intended receiving wireless terminal to receive and transmit certain signal types, as indicated by process block  109 . If this information is not available, database  105  is interrogated as to the capabilities of the receiving terminal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , the broker  106  next processes the information regarding the signal type and receiving wireless terminal capabilities and analyzes this information to determine the appropriate delivery method, as indicated by block  110 . This involves determining the necessary signal translations or other actions necessary for successful delivery of the signal to the receiving wireless device. Further, as this process incorporates examining existing network functions, the broker  100  determines which network element or process will ensure successful delivery. 
     Once this analysis is accomplished, the broker  100  initiates one of a number of existing network options. The first two options, indicated at  111  and  112 , concern delivery by a common voice protocol and delivery messaging protocol, respectively. Delivery options  111  and  112  provide for direct delivery of an incoming signal to the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  having the necessary capabilities. Option  113  concerns a network-initiated process whereby the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  obtains an IP address, and is discussed in more detail below. Option  114  concerns a prior art, current network process for translating an incoming signal type to one that the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  is capable of receiving, so as to ensure proper delivery. Option  115  concerns other user-defined delivery options if the signal is not able to be delivered to the intended receiving wireless terminal  116 . 
     When the desired delivery option is chosen, the wireless network then delivers the signal to an intended receiving wireless terminal  116  by using that option. The broker  100  will monitor the entire process and redirect a signal if necessary to prevent a dropped or undelivered signal. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention using a network-initiated automatic IP setup process as described above in connection with Option  113  of  FIG. 1A . Such a process, which is discussed in more detail below, is disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/980,306, entitled NETWORK-INITIATED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING DATA COMMUNICATION USING IP WITH A WIRELESS TERMINAL, filed Nov. 4, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Referring to  FIG. 2 , as indicated by block  201 , the process begins when a signal using Internet protocol format and intended for a receiving wireless terminal operating on the wireless network enters the network. As denoted by block  202 , the next step in the process is to determine whether the signal is meant for a wireless terminal that is operating on the network. If it is determined that the intended receiving wireless terminal is not on the network, then the process ends and the broker  100  delivers a message, as indicated by block  203 , to the sender that the user was unavailable or that message delivery was delayed. If it is determined that the intended receiving wireless terminal is operating on the network, the above-mentioned parallel processes of the broker method are activated to determine the signal type, the location of the intended receiving wireless terminal  116 , and wireless terminal capabilities, as indicated by block  204 . Once this is accomplished, as in one preferred embodiment, the network is instructed by the broker to initiate the automated IP/PDP context setup process for the intended receiving wireless terminal, as indicated by block  205 . 
       FIG. 3  is a detailed flow chart of the network-initiated IP address setup described in copending application Ser. No. 10/980,306, incorporated by reference above. As indicated above, in one preferred embodiment of the invention this network-initiated IP address setup is employed. Referring to  FIG. 3 , in order to begin a VoIP session or, more generally, transmit data to a receiving wireless terminal using an IP context, a sending wireless terminal or other application seeking to establish an IP communication with the intended receiving wireless terminal, may, as indicated by block  301 , initiate the session by initiating a call or sending a message to the wireless network providing service to the intended receiving wireless terminal. As indicated by decision diamond  302  the serving wireless network, using conventional prior art processes and protocols, locates the intended receiving wireless terminal and determines whether the terminal is active, i.e., available for communication. 
     As illustrated by block  303 , if the system is not able to locate the receiving terminal or the receiving wireless terminal is not available for communication, i.e., the decision is “NO,” the system terminates the communications session as illustrated by block  303 , and may or may not notify the sending wireless terminal. 
     If the remote wireless terminal is available, i.e., the decision is “YES,” the system next determines whether the receiving terminal and its service provider are IP capable. This is illustrated by decision diamond  304  and if the answer is “NO,” the session is again terminated as indicated by the connection to “Finish” block  303 . Again, the system may or may not notify the sending wireless terminal. 
     If the service provider is IP capable, i.e., the decision is “YES,” the network determines whether the receiving wireless terminal is IP active and, therefore, has already been assigned an IP address. This is illustrated by decision diamond  306 . If the answer is “YES” the system begins transmission of data or voice over IP using standard IP communications between the initiating terminal or application and the receiving wireless terminal using their respective IP addressees and the digital transmission of data over traffic channels to the receiving wireless terminal at its assigned IP address. This is illustrated by block  307 . 
     Up to this point, the method described is essentially conventional. As discussed above, a serious problem arises when the receiving wireless terminal does not have an IP address. This is, of course, represented by the “NO” branch of decision diamond  306 . As illustrated by block  308 , if the receiving wireless terminal does not have an active IP address, the network will then page the terminal over the control channel and, more particularly, will send a “request for ID” page. In a preferred embodiment, the page used is a standard instruction in the internet Standard Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The transmitted packet itself contains the instructions for the page request and may be constructed in many different ways. 
     In response to such a page, the receiving wireless terminal will request an IP address so as to establish a PDP context with the serving gateway support node (SGSN) of the network. As indicated by block  309  this request is received by the network and the SGSN will then request an IP address from the global gateway support node (GGSN). In response, the GGSN will assign and register an IP address for the receiving wireless terminal, as is represented by block  310 . This address is also forwarded to the wireless terminal (see block  311 ). It will be understood that once the receiving terminal has been assigned an IP address by the GGSN, transmission of data or voice over IP using standard IP communications can take place between the initiating terminal or application and the receiving wireless terminal using their respective IP addresses, as can digital transmission of data over traffic channels to the receiving wireless terminal at its assigned IP address. 
       FIG. 4  is a highly schematic representation of a system of the type associated with a network-initiated IP setup method and process of  FIG. 3 . In general, the system, which includes a core network  401 , enables an intended receiving wireless terminal, denoted  116 , to automatically obtain an IP address at the direction of the wireless network. The overall wireless system may, of course, include a communication tower or towers indicated in dashed lines at  403 . In order to establish data communications using IP between the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  when terminal  116  does not have an IP address, an MSC  402  of the core network  401  sends to terminal  116  a page, i.e., a command or instruction, to request an IP address, as illustrated by arrow  404 . The page causes terminal  116  to transmit a request for an IP address, as indicated at  406 , i.e., to request a PDP context from a SGSN  408  of the core network  401 . The SGSN  408  is coupled to a GGSN  410  of the core network  401 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 4 , an HLR  412  is interconnected with the SGSN  408 , GGSN  410 , and the MSC  402 . The HLR  412  functions in the address registration process by first interrogating other components (i.e., the GGSN  410 ) to determine whether or not the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  has an IP address. If so, the HLR  412  will then establish the link through the GGSN  410  and SGSN  408  and the transmission thereafter progresses. However, if the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  does not have an IP address, the terminal  116  will follow the normal process of contacting the SGSN  408  and GGSN  410  for an address and ultimately returning that address to the HLR  412 . 
     Considering this address registration process in more detail, when terminal  116  transmits a request for a PDP context from the SGSN  408 , SGSN  408  then establishes a PDP context with the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  and signals the GGSN  410  which, as indicated by arrow  414 , assigns the wireless terminal  116  a temporary, dynamic IP address, registers the address with the IP computer network and forwards the address to the terminal  116 . In this way, the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  is thus provided with an IP identifier to be used to identify the terminal on the IP computer network for IP communications. As indicated above, the HLR  412  is also updated with this information. 
     The broker  100  of  FIG. 1  interacts with the system of  FIG. 4  by monitoring the GGSN  410  for the IP address of the sending terminal. The broker  100  also recognizes that the intended receiving wireless terminal requires an IP address to complete the session and prompts the network-initiated wireless terminal IP setup. As that process is underway, the broker monitors GGSN  410  to determine when the intended receiving wireless terminal  116  obtains and registers an IP address and is therefore able to receive an IP format signal. The broker will then allow the connection between the sending and receiving terminals. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of a further aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, the broker interacts with the billing system of the service provider to properly bill for VoIP calls. As will be apparent, such interaction by the service provider with a billing system may be appropriate for other wireless data transactions and for various other network systems. As shown by decision diamond  501 , the method illustrated in  FIG. 5  first determines whether the wireless terminal user is accessing a VoIP Web site and placing a VoIP call. Of course, if there is no access to a VoIP Web site, the process then ends, as indicated by block  502 . If there is accessing, i.e., if the answer is “Yes,” the duration of the access by the wireless terminal to the VoIP site is measured and the length of the VoIP session is stored, as indicated by block  503 . As indicated by block  504 , the duration of the session is then transmitted to a billing system  505  of the wireless network. The billing system  505  will process the duration information as further usage of the network by the wireless terminal. Finally, the billing system will apply the usage time to the subscriber&#39;s billing plan, as indicated by block  506 . 
     The broker method and system described above provide a platform for a wide range of wireless network applications and features. VoIP and billing applications have been discussed above. However, many other applications are contemplated, all with less bandwidth usage. In this regard, an incoming signal need not originate from another wireless terminal or a land-line user, i.e., in some embodiments, such a signal is provided by a software application to transmit software updates for a wireless terminal as well as news, weather, sports, and similar updates. In preferred embodiments, such updates are accomplished automatically by the network, in the case of, e.g., software updates, or at the behest and prompting of the user, in the case of, e.g., news updates. The broker method and system also enable the user to download other new software and applications to a wireless terminal while scheduling the download to take place at a convenient time (e.g., at night) when the terminal is not in use. Further, as indicated above, the broker method and system enables such applications with less bandwidth usage and greater network efficiency. 
     Although the invention has been described above in relation to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be effected in these preferred embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.