Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for managing a communications network for mobile users, each of which has a personal identification number, includes a network of communications switches for connecting calls between mobile users using the personal identification number as addresses. A plurality of billing authorities maintain service profiles and communicate with the communications switches. Also in communication with the switches are a plurality of location authorities. Each mobile user is assigned to a location authority. Each location authority tracks which switch, if any, each of its assigned mobile users is logged on to and permits logging onto only one switch at a time. A mobile user may subscribe to a plurality of billing authorities and maintain a plurality of service profiles with these authorities. A billing code entered by a mobile user designates a billing authority for a call. The billing authority forwards to the switch, if the switch is not already storing it, its service profile for the mobile user. A mobile user may contract with a location authority separate from the billing authority. Each communications switch includes a table for storing a limited number of individual service profiles. The directory table within the switch is linked to a number of queue lists for indicating the status of each service profile stored within the table.

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First Claim