Patent ID: 8818345

Claim:
Non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method for reducing the use of network resources during a conference call, the method comprising: detecting that a conference bridge service is currently active between a conference bridge leader and one or more participants who access the conference bridge service by way of mobile communications devices in a wireless communications network; receiving an indication that the conference bridge leader has activated a mute function for each of the one or more participants on the conference call; at the wireless communications network, notifying each of the mobile communications devices associated with the one or more participants to stop transmitting data over a reverse link other than the data used for signaling purposes for a period of time that extends until the mute function is deactivated; and altering a timer associated with the reverse link such that the one or more participants on the conference call are not disconnected from the conference call when the wireless communications network detects that the data is not being transmitted over the reverse link for a predetermined amount of time.