Systems for use with multi-number cellular devices
Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to a multi-number cellular communication system that allows a single mobile device to use more than one telephone number. This cellular communication system assigns more than one telephone number to a mobile device. When a call is made to that mobile device from any of the assigned telephone numbers, a connection is made to the mobile device. When a user of the mobile device places an outgoing call, the user selects which telephone number to use for that outgoing call.
1. A multi-number cellular communication system, comprising:
a plurality of wireless transmitters;
a gateway in communication with the plurality of wireless transmitters;
a service database in communication with the gateway, the service database containing service capabilities of each number of a mobile device with a multi-number service plan;
a multi-number controller in communication with the gateway; and
a billing database in communication with the gateway;
wherein the multi-number controller allows the mobile device with the multi-number service plan to use more than one number, while the billing database maintains a separate record for each number, wherein the gateway references the service database to determine whether a selected number of the more than one number is subscribed to a selected service, and the gateway notifies the mobile device when the selected number is not subscribed to the selected service and alerts the mobile device to select a second number.
2. The system in claim 1 , wherein each wireless transmitter is a cellular tower.
3. The system in claim 1 , wherein the multi-number controller comprises logic for incoming calls, logic for outgoing calls, and a menu system for setting user preferences.
4. The system in claim 3 , wherein the menu system is a hierarchy of audible menus, each responding to the touch of a key on a keypad.
5. The system in claim 4 , wherein the multi-number controller further comprises a preferences database.
6. The system in claim 5 , wherein the preferences database stores a plurality of preferences concerning default telephone numbers and call waiting.
7. The system in claim 6 , wherein the multi-number controller references the preferences database during a connection of a call.
8. The system in claim 4 , wherein the multi-number controller further comprises logic for communicating with a multi-number mobile device.
9. A multi-number cellular communication system, comprising:
a plurality of cellular towers;
a gateway in communication with the plurality of cellular towers;
a service database in communication with the gateway, the service database containing service capabilities of each number of a mobile device with a multi-number service plan;
a multi-number logic unit in communication with the gateway; and
a billing database in communication with the gateway;
wherein the multi-number logic unit identifies the mobile device with the multi-number service plan and allows it to use more than one telephone number while the billing database maintains a separate record for each telephone number, wherein the gateway references the service database to determine whether a selected number of the more than one number is subscribed to a selected service, and the gateway notifies the mobile device when the selected number is not subscribed to the selected service and alerts the mobile device to select a second number.
10. The system in claim 9 , wherein each cellular tower transmits wireless signals to and from mobile devices.
11. The system in claim 9 , wherein the multi-number logic unit comprises a logic for incoming calls, a logic for outgoing calls, and a menu system for setting user preferences.
12. The system in claim 11 , wherein the menu system is a hierarchy of audible menus, each responding to the touch of a key on a keypad.
13. The system in claim 12 , wherein the multi-number logic unit further comprises a preferences database.
14. The system in claim 13 , wherein the preferences database stores a plurality of preferences concerning default telephone numbers and call waiting.
15. The system in claim 14 , wherein the multi-number logic unit references the preferences database during a connection of a call.
16. The system in claim 12 , wherein the multi-number logic unit further comprises a logic for communicating with a multi-number mobile device.
17. A method of connecting a mobile device through a cellular connection comprising:
providing a service plan that enables a mobile device to use more than one telephone number;
referencing a service database to determine whether a selected telephone number of the more than one telephone number is subscribed to a selected service; and
connecting the mobile device through a network;
wherein a user may place and receive calls from a plurality of telephone numbers on the mobile device, wherein a gateway notifies the mobile device when the selected telephone number is not subscribed to the selected service and alerts the mobile device to select a second telephone number.
18. The method in claim 17 , wherein the connecting comprises one of an incoming and outgoing call.
19. The method in claim 17 , further comprising referencing a preferences database.
20. The method in claim 17 , further comprising communicating with a multi-number mobile device for preferences stored in the multi-number mobile device.