Importance

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Abstract

A request for communication service between a mobile communication device, e.g., a cellular telephone, and a recipient is authenticated using a request for service message that includes an identification code specific to the mobile communication device and a transmitted authentication code which represents a cumulative total of the prior usage of the mobile communication device. The transmitted authentication code is received at a central processing facility and compared to a stored authentication code for the mobile communication device. Communication is initiated between the mobile communication device and the recipient if the transmitted authentication code and the stored authentication code match within established tolerances. Finally, at the end of the communication, the stored authentication code and the authentication code maintained by the mobile communications device are both updated to reflect the additional usage of the mobile communication device for comparison upon receipt of the next service request message from the mobile communication device. Preferably, the authentication code consists of the cumulative duration of all calls completed by the requesting mobile communications device. This authentication method can be accomplished using an apparatus for mobile, wireless communication with a remote recipient.

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First Claim