Abstract:
An apparatus and method is disclosed for configuring a mobile radio station device (e.g., a cellular telephone) when the mobile radio station device or “mobile station” is initially configured for service. The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for downloading initial operational parameters to a mobile station using a radio link. The initial operational parameters are downloaded using a data call connection formed with the mobile station. A data message, such as a Short Message Service (SMS) message, is sent to the mobile station. The data message requests the mobile station to initiate a data call connection with a node-device that contains (or has access to) the initial operational parameters. The mobile station forms a data call connection with the node-device and receives the initial operational parameters.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   The present invention is related to an invention disclosed in a U.S. patent application filed on Jul. 30, 2001, application Ser. No. 09/918,394, entitled “Apparatus, and Associated Method, for Providing an Operation Parameter to a Mobile Station of a Radio Communication Station.” The related patent application is commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The disclosures of the related patent application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to configuring a mobile radio station device (e.g., a cellular telephone) when the mobile radio station device is initially placed in service. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A communication system is used by a sending party to send data to a receiving party. The data is sent by a sending station upon a communication channel for delivery to a receiving station. Through appropriate selection of the communication channel, the data may be sent from the sending station to the receiving station, even when the sending station and the receiving station are located far from each other. 
   Advancements in communication technologies have permitted the development and implementation of many different types of communication systems for sending data between a sending station and a receiving station. Improvements in communication technologies continue to make possible the transmission of increasingly large amounts of data at increasingly higher data transmission rates. 
   A radio communication system is an example of a communication system in which communication technologies have been applied to increase data communication speed and capacity. In a radio communication system, communication channels formed between the sending stations and the receiving stations are defined upon radio links that extend between the sending stations and the receiving stations. 
   Wire line connections are not required to interconnect the sending stations and the receiving stations in a radio communication system. In a conventional, wire line communication system, in contrast, a wire line connection in required upon which to define communication channels which are used to communicate the data between the sending stations and the receiving stations. Because a wire line is not needed in a radio communication system, a radio communication system inherently provides increased communication mobility, relative to a fixed conventional wire line communication system. Radio communication systems are therefore regularly used in mobile applications to provide communications between locations where the use of wire line connections would be inconvenient or impractical. 
   A cellular communication system is a type of radio communication system. Cellular communication systems have been installed throughout large geographical areas of the world. A cellular communication system is operated by an operator, sometimes referred to as a service provider. Subscribers are authorized to communicate over the cellular communication system after purchasing a service subscription. 
   A cellular communication system is designed, constructed, and operated pursuant to an operating specification. Various types of operating specifications have been promulgated. As advancements in communications technologies permit, the operating standards are amended to incorporate new and improved features. New standards are promulgated to set the operational standards of new types of cellular communication systems. 
   When a mobile station such as a cellular telephone is initially placed in operation it must first be programmed or “configured.” The initial configuration procedure involves placing values of operational parameters within the mobile station. When a new mobile station is to be initially configured the mobile station is taken to a service center where the initial values of operational parameters are provided to the mobile station. 
   Physically carrying a mobile station to a service center for initial configuration is typically an inconvenience to the user of the mobile station. This is particularly true if the service center is inconveniently located for the user. In addition, the service provider must maintain and operate a service center and hire service center personnel to initially configure each new mobile station for service. The staffing and operation of a service center for configuring mobile stations can be a significant expense for the service provider. 
   It would therefore be desirable to have an apparatus and method that would allow a mobile station to be initially configured without physically carrying the mobile station to a service center. 
   It would also be desirable to have an apparatus and method that would allow a mobile station to be initially configured without having service center personnel personally configure the mobile station. 
   It would also be desirable to decrease the cost of operation of a mobile station service center by providing an apparatus and method that would allow a mobile station to be initially configured remotely through a radio link. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an apparatus and method for initially configuring a mobile radio station device such as a cellular telephone. 
   Through the operation of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided for downloading initial operating parameters to a mobile station using a radio link. The initial operating parameters are downloaded pursuant to a data call connection formed with the mobile station. When the initial operational parameters are to be downloaded, a data message, such as a Short Message Service (SMS) message, is sent to the mobile station requesting the mobile station to initiate a data call connection with a node-device that contains (or has access to) the initial operational parameters. Responsive to the data message, the mobile station forms a data call connection with the node-device and receives the initial operational parameters. 
   In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided for communicating initial operational parameters to a new mobile station when the new mobile station is to be activated. The initial operational parameters are stored in (or otherwise accessible by) a server associated with the communication system in which the mobile station is operable. The server forms a node-device that is connected to a packet data network, such as the Internet backbone. The initial operational parameters may be provided to the packet data network through a user actuation device coupled to the server. 
   The communication system provides a data messaging service, such as Short Message Service (SMS) messaging provided in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) communication system. When initial operational parameters are to be provided to the new mobile station, the server generates an initiation signal that is routed to a data message service center that is also coupled to the packet data network. The initiation signal initiates a downloading procedure that downloads values of the initial operational parameters for the new mobile station. 
   After the initiation signal has been delivered to the data message service center, the data message service center causes an initial operational parameters request signal to be generated. The initial operational parameters request signal forms a data message, such as an SMS message, that is sent to the mobile station. The initial operational parameters request signal requests the mobile station to request initiation of the downloading procedure. 
   In an alternate advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the mobile station detects the initial operational parameters request signal that is sent to the mobile station. The initial operational parameters request signal includes an indication of the identity of the server forming the node-device that contains the initial operational parameters that are to be downloaded to the new mobile station. For example, the server may be identified by an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The IP address of the server may be contained in the initial operational parameters request signal. 
   The mobile station, in response to the detection of the initial operational parameters request signal, initiates a data message request to initiate a data connection between the mobile station and the server that contains the initial operational parameters that are to be downloaded to the new mobile station. 
   In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the server is operable, in response to the detection of the request by the mobile station to initiate the data connection, to complete the data connection between the server and the mobile station. After the data call connection has been formed, the initial operational parameters are downloaded from the server to the mobile station. 
   A determination is made by the mobile station whether the initial operational parameters have been successfully downloaded. If the initial operational parameters have been successfully downloaded, then the mobile station sends the server an indication of successful delivery of the initial operational parameters. If the initial operational parameters have not been successfully downloaded, then the mobile station sends the server an indication of an unsuccessful delivery of the initial operational parameters. Upon the successful completion of the downloading of the initial operational parameters to the mobile station, the data call connection is terminated. 
   Because a data message, such as an SMS message, is sent to the mobile station to initiate downloading of the initial operational parameters to the mobile station, and because a data call connection is formed to effectuate the downloading of the initial operational parameters, the mobile station need not be physically delivered to a service center for an initial configuration of initial operational parameters. The user of the mobile station is not inconvenienced by a trip to a service center to initially configure the mobile station. The service provider saves costs associated with having service center personnel perform the initial configuration of the mobile station. 
   The apparatus and method of the present invention comprise a network part that is capable of communicating to a mobile station data messages that are generated at a data message service center. A new mobile station is operable using initial operational parameters. The apparatus and method of the present invention are capable of downloading values defining the initial operational parameters for a new mobile station. 
   An initial operational parameters initiation signal generator within the server is capable of receiving a request from the mobile station to download values of the initial operational parameters to the mobile station. The initial operational parameters initiation signal generator generates an initiation signal directed to the data message service center to initiate downloading of the values of the initial operational parameters for the mobile station. An initial operational parameters request signal generator is located within the data message service center. The initial operational parameters request signal generator generates a data message request for communication to the mobile station. The data message request requests initiation of the downloading of the initial operational parameters. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for initially configuring a mobile station remotely through a radio link. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for initially configuring a mobile station remotely through a radio link without input from a user of the mobile station. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for initially configuring a mobile station remotely through a radio link only when authorization from a user of the mobile station has been received. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for initially configuring different types of mobile radio station devices. 
   Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
   The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the Detailed Description of the Invention that follows. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject matter of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
   Before undertaking the Detailed Description of the Invention, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: The terms “include” and “comprise” and derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation, the term “or” is inclusive, meaning “and/or”; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, to bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller,” “processor,” or “apparatus” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill should understand that in many instances (if not in most instances), such definitions apply to prior uses, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taking in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a communication system comprising an advantageous embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a message sequence diagram representing signaling generated by various elements of the communication system illustrated in  FIG. 1  during the operation of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram showing the method steps of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the message sequence diagram of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a message sequence diagram representing signaling generated by various elements of the communication system illustrated in  FIG. 1  during the operation of an alternate advantageous embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a first portion of a flow diagram showing the method steps of the alternate advantageous embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the message sequence diagram of  FIG. 4 ; and 
       FIG. 6  is a second portion of a flow diagram showing the method steps of the alternate advantageous embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the message sequence diagram of FIG.  4 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1 through 6 , discussed below, and the various embodiments set forth in this patent document to describe the principles of the apparatus and method of the present invention are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. The apparatus and method of the present invention will be described as an apparatus and method for providing initial operational parameters to a cellular telephone. It is important to realize that the apparatus and method of the present invention is not limited to a cellular telephone. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the principles of the present invention may also be successfully applied in any type of mobile station, including, without limitation, vending machines, and any type of radio communication equipment that utilizes a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module or a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) chipset. The term “mobile station” is used to refer to these types of equipment. In the descriptions that follow, a cellular telephone is employed as an illustration of a mobile station. 
     FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a communication system  10  comprising an advantageous embodiment of the present invention. Communication system  10  provides an apparatus and method for communicating with a mobile station  12 . In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention mobile station  12  comprises a cellular telephone. Data is communicated to and from mobile station  12  through radio channels in a radio link  14 . The embodiment of communication system  10  shown in  FIG. 1  comprises a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cellular communication system. The GSM system provides Short Message Service (SMS) messaging. Although the following description describes the operation of an embodiment of the present invention in which communication system  10  comprises a GSM cellular communication system, it is understood that the apparatus and method of the present invention may also be used in other types of communication systems. 
   Communication system  10  comprises a network part that comprises a radio access network  16  and a packet data network (PDN)  18 . Radio access network  16  comprises a plurality of base transceiver stations (BTSs), of which one base transceiver station  20  is shown in FIG.  1 . Each of the plurality of base transceiver stations defines a coverage area, referred to as a cell. When a mobile station, such as mobile station  12 , is positioned within a cell by a base transceiver station, such as base transceiver station  20 , communications with the mobile station are generally enabled by the base transceiver station that defines the cell within which the mobile station is positioned. 
   The base transceiver station  20  is coupled to a base station controller (BSC)  22 . Typically, a group of base transceiver stations are coupled to a single base station controller. The base station controller is capable of performing various control functions that control the operation of the base transceiver stations that are coupled to the base station controller. Operations that may be controlled by the base station controller include, for example, channel allocations for communications sessions with mobile stations positioned within the cells defined by the base transceiver stations. 
   Base station controller  22  is coupled to gateway (GWY)  24 . Gateway (GWY)  24  is coupled to packet data network  18 . 
   Communication devices forming nodes are coupled to the packet data network  18 . After the communication devices have been suitably connected to packet data network  18 , the communications devices communicate packet data by way of packet data network  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a computer server  28  is connected to packet data network  18 . A data message service center  32  is also coupled to packet data network  18 . Data message service center  32  comprises a Short Message Service (SMS) service center. Data message service center  32  is capable of generating, or otherwise routing, data messages (here, SMS messages) to and from mobile station  12 . Other types of devices connected to packet data network  18  are capable of communicating through packet data network  18  to and from mobile station  12  by way of radio access network  16  and radio links  14 . 
   As noted above, mobile station  12  operates using operational parameters stored in mobile station  12 . When mobile station  12  is initially placed in operation it must first be programmed or “configured.” The initial configuration procedure involves placing an initial set of values of operational parameters within mobile station  12 . 
   Communication system  10  comprises an advantageous embodiment of the present invention for remotely downloading and installing initial operational parameters in mobile station  12  by way of radio link  14 . This feature makes it unnecessary for a user of mobile station  12  to physically take mobile station  12  to a service center for the initial configuration procedure. 
   Accordingly, server  28  includes an apparatus  36  of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention for receiving indications of input from a server user through server user interface  38 . Server user interface  38  may take the form of a computer keyboard coupled to server  28  in a conventional manner. The elements of apparatus  36  are represented as functional blocks in FIG.  1 . The elements of apparatus  36  may be implemented in any desired manner, for example, by algorithms that are executed by processing circuitry within server  28 . 
   Apparatus  36  comprises an initial operational parameters initiation signal generator  42  that operates in response to an appropriate server user input from server user interface  38 , or other selection criteria, to generate an initiation signal. The initiation signal is routed through packet data network  18  to data message service center  32 . The data message service center  32  comprises an apparatus  40  of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus  40  comprises an initial operational parameters request signal generator  44 . Initial operational parameters request signal generator  44  is represented as a functional block in FIG.  1 . Initial operational parameters request signal generator  44  may be implemented in any desired manner, for example, by algorithms that are executed by processing circuitry within data message service center  32 . 
   Initial operational parameters request signal generator  44  is capable of generating a data message request for communication through packet data network  18 , through radio access network  16 , and through radio channels within radio link  14  to be received at mobile station  12 . Mobile station  12  comprises a receive portion  48  coupled to receive the data message request generated by data message service center  32  and communicated to mobile station  12 . 
   Mobile station  12  further comprises apparatus  50  of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention. In the advantageous embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , apparatus  50  comprises a data message request detector  52  and a data call initiator and status reporter  54 . The elements of apparatus  50  are represented as functional blocks in FIG.  1 . The elements of apparatus  50  may be implemented in any desired manner, for example, by algorithms that are executed by processing circuitry within mobile station  12 . 
   Data message request detector  52  detects indications of a data message request received at the receive portion  48  of mobile station  12 . When a data message request is detected an indication is provided to data call initiator and status reporter  54 . When data message request detector  52  detects a data message request, data call initiator and status reporter  54  initiates a data call. 
   Data call initiator and status reporter  54  is coupled to a transmit portion  58  of mobile station  12 . The transmit portion  58  transmits a data call connection initiation request to form a data call connection between mobile station  12  and server  28 . The signal generated by the transmit portion  58  of mobile station  12  is sent by radio link  14  through radio access network  16 , through packet data network  18 , and is delivered to server  28 . 
   Apparatus  36  within server  28  further comprises a data call connector  62 . Data call connector  62  is capable of responding to the detection within server  28  of the signal generated and sent by the transmit portion  58  of mobile station  12 . Data call connector  62  then originates a data call connection between mobile station  12  and server  28 . After the data call connection has been formed, initial operational parameters are downloaded from server  28  to mobile station  12  pursuant to the data call connection. 
   Apparatus  36  further comprises an initial operational parameters value provider  64 . Initial operational parameters that are to be downloaded to mobile station  12  are stored in (or otherwise accessible by) initial operational parameters value provider  64 . Initial operational parameters may be stored in memory locations of server  28 . Initial operational parameters may also be provided to server  28  by a server user through server user interface  38 . 
   After the initial operational parameters have been downloaded to mobile station  12 , mobile station  12  may use the initial operational parameters in subsequent communications within communication system  10 . Data call initiator and status reporter  54  is capable of determining whether the initial operational parameters have been successfully downloaded. Data call initiator and status reporter  54  is also capable of generating and sending a report to server  28  to indicate a successful downloading of the initial operational parameters. After the initial operational parameters have been successfully downloaded to mobile station  12 , the data call connection between server  28  and mobile station  12  is terminated. The data call connection may be terminated by an instruction from data call connector  62 . 
     FIG. 2  is a message sequence diagram representing signaling generated by various elements of communication system  10  during the operation of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention. The message sequence diagram of  FIG. 2  is generally denoted with reference numeral  65 . 
   Server  28  generates a download parameter initiation signal that is denoted by reference numeral  68 . The download parameter initiation signal is routed to the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) in data message service center  32 . Upon detecting the initiation signal, the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) generates an SMS message to form a data message request, denoted by reference numeral  70 , that is communicated to mobile station  12 . 
   Mobile station  12  (also referred to as the “client”) initiates a data connection, represented by block  72 , between mobile station  12  and server  28 . Client authentication information, denoted by reference numeral  74 , is sent by mobile station  12  to server  28 . 
   Server  28  uses an authentication procedure to authenticate mobile station  12 . The authentication of mobile station  12  by server  28  is represented by block  76 . Server  28  then sends server authentication and provisioning data, denoted by reference numeral  78 , to mobile station  12 . The term “provisioning data” includes the initial operational parameters for configuring mobile station  12 . 
   Mobile station  12  receives the provisioning data and server authentication information from server  28 . Mobile station  12  then uses an authentication procedure to authenticate server  28 . The receipt by mobile station  12  of the provisioning data and server authentication information from server  28  and the authentication of server  28  by mobile station  12  is represented by block  80 . 
   If the authentication of server  28  is unsuccessful, then mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  indicating that mobile station  12  could not authenticate server  28 . The sending of the “failure” message advising of the failure to authenticate server  28  is denoted by reference numeral  82 . If the authentication of server  28  is successful, then mobile station  12  interprets the provisioning data (i.e., the initial operational parameters). The interpretation of the provisioning data by mobile station  12  is represented by block  84 . 
   If mobile station  12  determines that the provisioning data is not relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  indicating that mobile station  12  did not find the provisioning data to be relevant. The sending of the “failure” message advising of the failure to find relevant provisioning data is denoted by reference numeral  86 . 
   If mobile station  12  determines that the provisioning data is relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “commit” message to server  28  indicating that mobile station  12  has determines that the provisioning data is relevant. The sending of the “commit” message advising of the success in finding relevant provisioning data is denoted by reference numeral  88 . The “commit” message indicates that mobile station  12  has received the initial operating parameters in the provisioning data. 
   Server  28  receives either the “failure” message  86  or the “commit” message  88 . Server  28  then takes action based on the input code received by server  28 . If server  28  receives the “failure” message, then server  28  notes that mobile station  12  has not received initial operating parameters. If server  28  receives the “commit” message, then server  28  notes that mobile station  12  has received the initial operating parameters in the provisioning data. The receipt by server  28  of the “failure” message  86  or the “commit” message  88  and the action taken by server  28  is represented by block  90 . 
   Lastly, as denoted by reference numeral  92 , server  28  acknowledges the message generated by mobile station  12 , indicates the end of the communication session, and terminates the data call connection. 
     FIG. 3  is a flow diagram showing the method steps of an advantageous embodiment of the method of the present invention illustrated in the message sequence diagram of FIG.  2 . The steps of the method are generally denoted with reference numeral  100 . Mobile station  12  communicates in communication system  10  having a network part that communicates data messages that are generated at data message service center  32 . 
   First, mobile station  12  (also referred to as the “client”) powers up (step  105 ). Server  28  detects the power up status of mobile station  12  and causes the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) in data message service center  32  to generate and send a Short Message Service (SMS) message to mobile station  12  to enable mobile station  12  to make a data connection with server  28  (step  110 ). Mobile station  12  then establishes a data connection with server  28  and sends client authentication information to server  28  (step  115 ). 
   Server  28  then authenticates mobile station  12  and sends server authentication information and provisioning data (i.e., initial operational parameters) to mobile station  12  (step  120 ). Mobile station  12  receives the server authentication and provisioning data and authenticates server  28  (step  125 ). 
   Mobile station  12  then makes a determination whether the authentication of server  28  was successful (decision step  130 ). If the authentication of server  28  was unsuccessful, mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  (step  135 ) indicating a failure to authenticate server  28 . Control then passes to step  155 . If the authentication of server  28  was successful, mobile station  12  interprets the provisioning data (step  140 ). 
   Mobile station  12  then makes a determination whether the provisioning data was relevant (decision step  145 ). If the provisioning data was relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “commit” message to server  28  (step  150 ) and control then passes to step  155 . If the provisioning data was not relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  (step  160 ) and control then passes to step  155 . As previously indicated, a “commit” message means that mobile station  12  has received the initial operating parameters in the provisioning data. 
   Server  28  receives either a “commit” message from step  150 , or a “failure” message from step  160 , or a “failure” message from step  135  (step  155 ). Server  28  then takes appropriate action depending upon the message received by server  28  (step  155 ). Lastly, server  28  acknowledges the message generated by mobile station  12 , indicates the end of the communication session, and terminates the data call connection (step  165 ). 
   In this manner the initial operational parameters are downloaded to mobile station  12  remotely by communication through packet data network  18 , radio access network  16 , and radio link  14 . There is no need for a user to physically carry mobile station  12  to a service center to receive an initial configuration of operational parameters. 
     FIG. 4  is a message sequence diagram representing signaling generated by various elements of communication system  10  during the operation of an alternate advantageous embodiment of the present invention. The message sequence diagram of  FIG. 4  is generally denoted with reference numeral  200 . 
   Server  28  generates a download parameter initiation signal that is denoted by reference numeral  205 . The download parameter initiation signal is routed to the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) in data message service center  32 . Upon detecting the initiation signal, the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) generates an SMS message to form a data message request, denoted by reference numeral  210 , that is communicated to mobile station  12 . 
   Mobile station  12  (also referred to as the “client”) initiates a data connection, represented by block  215 , between mobile station  12  and server  28 . Client authentication information, denoted by reference numeral  220 , is sent by mobile station  12  to server  28 . 
   Server  28  uses an authentication procedure to authenticate mobile station  12 . The authentication of mobile station  12  by server  28  is represented by block  225 . Server  28  then sends server authentication and provisioning data, denoted by reference numeral  230 , to mobile station  12 . The term “provisioning data” includes the initial operational parameters for configuring mobile station  12 . 
   Mobile station  12  receives the provisioning data and server authentication information from server  28 . Mobile station  12  then uses an authentication procedure to authenticate server  28 . The receipt by mobile station  12  of the provisioning data and server authentication information from server  28  and the authentication of server  28  by mobile station  12  is represented by block  235 . 
   If the authentication of server  28  is unsuccessful, then mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  indicating that mobile station  12  could not authenticate server  28 . The sending of the “failure” message advising of the failure to authenticate server  28  is denoted by reference numeral  240 . 
   If the authentication of server  28  is successful, then mobile station  12  sends a “display” message to a user interface (not shown) of mobile station  12 . The “display” message asks the user of mobile station  12  for a response. For example, the “display” message may ask the user of mobile station  12  if he or she now wishes to initially configure mobile station  12 . After mobile station  12  sends the “display” message, mobile station  12  waits a predetermined period of time for a user response. The sending of the “display” message and the waiting for a user response is represented by block  245 . 
   If the user of mobile station  12  does not respond within the predetermined period of time, the response is said to be “negative.” Mobile station  12  then sends a “failure” message to server  28  indicating that mobile station  12  did not receive a user response to the “display” message. The sending of the “failure” message advising of the failure to receive a user response is denoted by reference numeral  250 . 
   If the user of mobile station  12  does respond within the predetermined period of time, the response is said to be “positive.” If the user response is “positive”, then mobile station  12  interprets the provisioning data (i.e., the initial operational parameters). The interpretation of the provisioning data by mobile station  12  is represented by block  255 . 
   If mobile station  12  determines that the provisioning data is not relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  indicating that mobile station  12  did not find the provisioning data to be relevant. The sending of the “failure” message advising of the failure to find relevant provisioning data is denoted by reference numeral  260 . 
   If mobile station  12  determines that the provisioning data is relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “commit” message to server  28  indicating that mobile station  12  has determines that the provisioning data is relevant. The sending of the “commit” message advising of the success in finding relevant provisioning data is denoted by reference numeral  265 . The “commit” message indicates that mobile station  12  has received the initial operating parameters in the provisioning data. 
   Server  28  receives either the “failure” message  260  or the “commit” message  265 . Server  28  then takes action based on the input code received by server  28 . If server  28  receives the “failure” message, then server  28  notes that mobile station  12  has not received initial operating parameters. If server  28  receives the “commit” message, then server  28  notes that mobile station  12  has received the initial operating parameters in the provisioning data. The receipt by server  28  of the “failure” message  260  or the “commit” message  265  and the action taken by server  28  is represented by block  270 . 
   Lastly, as denoted by reference numeral  275 , server  28  acknowledges the message generated by mobile station  12 , indicates the end of the communication session, and terminates the data call connection. 
   FIG.  5  and  FIG. 6  are flow diagrams showing the method steps of an advantageous embodiment of the method of the present invention illustrated in the message sequence diagram of FIG.  4 . The steps of the method are generally denoted with reference numeral  300 . Mobile station  12  communicates in communication system  10  having a network part that communicates data messages that are generated at data message service center  32 . 
   First, mobile station  12  (also referred to as the “client”) powers up (step  305 ). Server  28  detects the power up status of mobile station  12  and causes the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) in data message service center  32  to generate and send a Short Message Service (SMS) message to mobile station  12  to enable mobile station  12  to make a data connection with server  28  (step  310 ). Mobile station  12  then establishes a data connection with server  28  and sends client authentication information to server  28  (step  315 ). 
   Server  28  then authenticates mobile station  12  and sends server authentication information and provisioning data (i.e., initial operational parameters) to mobile station  12  (step  320 ). Mobile station  12  receives the server authentication and provisioning data and authenticates server  28  (step  325 ). 
   Mobile station  12  then makes a determination whether the authentication of server  28  is successful (decision step  330 ). If the authentication of server  28  is unsuccessful, mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  (step  335 ) indicating a failure to authenticate server  28 . Control then passes to step  365 . 
   If the authentication of server  28  is successful, mobile station  12  sends a “display” message to the user interface (not shown) of mobile station  12  and waits to receive a user response (step  340 ). As previously indicated, the “display” message asks the user of mobile station  12  for a response. 
   Mobile station  12  then determines whether the user response is “positive” or “negative” (decision step  345 ). If the user response is “negative”, then mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  (step  335 ) indicating a failure to receive a user response. Control then passes to step  365 . If the user response is “positive”, then mobile station  12  interprets the provisioning data (i.e., the initial operational parameters) (step  350 ). 
   Mobile station  12  then makes a determination whether the provisioning data was relevant (decision step  355 ). If the provisioning data was relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “commit” message to server  28  (step  360 ) and control then passes to step  365 . If the provisioning data was not relevant, then mobile station  12  sends a “failure” message to server  28  (step  370 ) and control then passes to step  365 . As previously indicated, a “commit” message means that mobile station  12  has received the initial operating parameters in the provisioning data. 
   Server  28  receives either a “commit” message from step  360 , or a “failure” message from step  370 , or a “failure” message from step  335  (step  365 ). Server  28  then takes appropriate action depending upon the message received by server  28  (step  365 ). Lastly, server  28  acknowledges the message generated by mobile station  12 , indicates the end of the communication session, and terminates the data call connection (step  375 ). 
   In this alternate advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the user of mobile station  12  expressly authorizes the downloading of the initial operational parameters to mobile station  12 . If mobile station  12  receives a “positive” response from the user, then the initial operational parameters are remotely downloaded by communication through packet data network  18 , radio access network  16 , and radio link  14 . However, if mobile station  12  does not receive a “positive” response from the user, then the initial operational parameters are not downloaded. Mobile station  12  will not be configured until the user of mobile station  12  expressly authorizes an initial configuration to be carried out. 
   The above examples and description have been provided only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention can be carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.