Mobile audio program selection system using public switched telephone network

Claim 2

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the cellular system; information service providers, operatively connected to said mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers receiving signal inputs, and transmitting selected information to the mobile switching office responsive to the signal inputs; and at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver, operatively coupling the at least one mobile terminal to the mobile switching office, receiving the selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office on a voice channel; a channel processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; signal format mean for formatting the selected information for broadcasting, and for outputting formatted selected information; and broadcast means for broadcasting the formatted selected information, wherein the selection information comprises an audio selection, wherein the at least one of the information service providers include: programing servers storing programs; speech recognition means for receiving the audio selection via said mobile switching office, and for generating data selection signals; and a gateway for receiving the data selection signals from said speech recognition means, said gateway selecting at least one of the programs stored in at least one of the programming servers responsive to the data selection signals, wherein said at least one mobile terminal further comprises a memory operatively connected to said receiver, and wherein said receiver receives the at least one of the programs corresponding to the data selection signals and stores the at least one of the programs entirely in said memory before broadcasting to the mobile user, thereby minimizing connection between said at least one mobile terminal and said mobile switching office.

Claim 3

A system as in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the information service providers further includes audio menu means for presenting program selections audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects at least one of the program selections using the audio selection.

Claim 4

A system as in claim 2, wherein said at least one mobile terminal further includes a picture display, wherein the at least one of the information service providers further includes picture transmitting means for presenting picture program selections visually to the mobile user while substantially simultaneously presenting the program selections audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects the at least one of the program selections using the audio selection responsive to the program selections presented audibly and the picture program selections presented visually.

Claim 5

A system as in claim 1, wherein said receiver comprises two-line receiver means for receiving the selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office using one of two communication channels, and for receiving a voice telephone call for connection with the mobile user.

Claim 6

A system as in claim 1, wherein the signal inputs are transmitted to the mobile switching office using a first communication channel which operates using a first communication speed, and wherein said receiver receives the at least one of the programs corresponding to the data selection signals and stores the at least one of the programs entirely in said memory using a second communication channel which operates using a second communication speed substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel.

Claim 7

A system as in claim 1, further comprising: cellular equipment transmitting and receiving cellular calls for voice connection; and switching means for selectively switching between said cellular equipment and said at least one mobile terminal, and wherein said control processor monitors the activity of said cellular equipment and said at least one mobile terminal for selective transmission and reception between said mobile switching office and either said at least one mobile terminal or said cellular equipment.

Claim 8

A system as in claim 6, wherein when said control processor determines that both said cellular equipment and said at least one mobile terminal are active, said control processor controls transmission and reception between said mobile switching office and said at least one mobile terminal, denying transmission and reception access to said cellular equipment.

Claim 9

A system as in claim 1, further comprising: auxiliary audio means for receiving auxiliary audio signals from an audio source; auxiliary broadcast means for broadcasting at least one of the auxiliary audio signals and the user selected information; and switching means for selectively switching between said auxiliary broadcast means and either said auxiliary audio means or said at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 10

A system as in claim 8, wherein when said control processor determines that both said auxiliary audio means and said at least one mobile terminal are active, said control processor controls switching between said auxiliary broadcast means and said at least one mobile terminal, denying transmission and reception access to said auxiliary audio means.

Claim 11

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system as in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the information service providers includes: voice mail servers storing voice mail; speech recognition means for receiving the communications via said mobile switching office, and for generating communication selection signals; and a gateway for receiving the communication selection signals from said speech recognition means, said gateway selecting at least one of the voice mails stored in at least one of the voice mail servers responsive to the communication selection signals.

Claim 12

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of presenting program selections audibly to the mobile user for selection.

Claim 13

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of presenting program selections audibly to the mobile user for selection.

Claim 14

A method as in claim 11, further comprising the step of presenting picture program selections visually to the mobile user while substantially simultaneously presenting the program selections audibly to the mobile user for selection.

Claim 15

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the steps of receiving the selection information from the at least one of the information service providers via the mobile switching office using one of two communication channels, and receiving a voice telephone call for connection with the mobile user.

Claim 16

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the steps of receiving the selection information from the at least one of the information service providers via the mobile switching office using one of two communication channels, and receiving a voice telephone call for connection with the mobile user.

Claim 17

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the steps of transmitting signal inputs to the mobile switching office using a first communication channel which operates using a first communication speed, and receiving the information signals corresponding to the data selection signals and stored entirely in the memory using a second communication channel which operates using a second communication speed substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel.

Claim 18

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the steps of transmitting signal inputs to the mobile switching office using a first communication channel which operates using a first communication speed, and receiving the information signals corresponding to the data selection signals and stored entirely in the memory using a second communication channel which operates using a second communication speed substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel.

Claim 19

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; wherein the radio frequency based information distribution system further comprises: cellular equipment transmitting and receiving cellular calls for voice connection; and at least one switch selectively switching between the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal; and wherein said method further comprises the steps of monitoring the activity of the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal for selective transmission and reception between the mobile switching office and either the at least one mobile terminal or the cellular equipment.

Claim 20

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; wherein the radio frequency based information distribution system further comprises: cellular equipment transmitting and receiving cellular calls for voice connection; and at least one switch selectively switching between the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal; and wherein said method further comprises the steps of monitoring the activity of the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal for selective transmission and reception between the mobile switching office and either the at least one mobile terminal or the cellular equipment.

Claim 21

A method as in claim 15, further comprising the step of, when both the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal are active, controlling transmission and reception between the mobile switching office and the at least one mobile terminal, denying transmission and reception access to the cellular equipment.

Claim 22

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of the radio frequency based information distribution system performing: receiving auxiliary audio signals from an audio source; broadcasting at least one of the auxiliary audio signals and the user selected information; and selectively switching between the auxiliary audio signals and the information signals at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 23

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals on a voice channel broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of the radio frequency based information distribution system performing: receiving auxiliary audio signals from an audio source; broadcasting at least one of the auxiliary audio signals and the user selected information; and selectively switching between the auxiliary audio signals and the information signals at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 24

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; and transmit means for transmitting communications initiated by the mobile user; a first mobile switching office receiving the communications initiated by the mobile user using a voice communication channel which operates under a first communication speed; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting the data signals; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the data signals transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers using a communication channel which operates under a second communication speed, and devoted to transmitting the data signals to said at least one mobile terminal, wherein the second communication speed of the communication channel of said second mobile switching office is substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel of said second mobile switching office.

Claim 25

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; and transmit means for transmitting communications initiated by the mobile user; a first mobile switching office receiving the communications initiated by the mobile user using a voice communication channel which operates under a first communication speed; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting the data signals; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the data signals transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers using a communication channel which operates under a second communication speed, and devoted to transmitting the data signals to said at least one mobile terminal, wherein the second communication speed of the communication channel of said second mobile switching office is substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel of said second mobile switching office.

Claim 26

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system as in claim 18, wherein the at least one of the information service provides includes: voice mail servers storing voice mail; speech recognition means for receiving the communications via said mobile switching office, and for generating communication selection signals; and a gateway for receiving the communication selection signals from said speech recognition means, said gateway selecting at least one of the voice mails stored in at least one of the voice mail servers responsive to the communication selection signals.

Claim 27

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system as in claim 19, wherein the at least one of the information service providers further includes audio menu means for presenting at least one of program selections and instructions audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects at least one of the program selections and the instructions using the audio selection.

Claim 28

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system as in claim 20, wherein said at least one mobile terminal further includes a picture display, wherein the at least one of the information service providers further includes picture transmitting means for presenting picture program selections visually to the mobile user while substantially simultaneously presenting the program selections audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects the at least one of the program selections using the audio selection responsive to the program selections presented audibly and the picture program selections presented visually.

Claim 29

An asymmetrical audio program delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving on a voice channel voice mail program data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user; a control process controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; means for generating user signals and for transmitting the user signals; signal format means for formatting the voice mail program data signals for broadcasting, and for outputting formatted information; and broadcast means for broadcasting the formatted information; a first mobile switching office receiving the user signals; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting at least one voice mail program; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the at least one voice mail program transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers, and devoted to transmitting the at least one voice mail program to said at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 30

An asymmetrical audio program delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving on a voice channel voice mail program data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user; a control process controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; means for generating user signals and for transmitting the user signals; signal format means for formatting the voice mail program data signals for broadcasting, and for outputting formatted information; and broadcast means for broadcasting the formatted information; a first mobile switching office receiving the user signals; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting at least one voice mail program; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the at least one voice mail program transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers, and devoted to transmitting the at least one voice mail program to said at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 31

A voice mail download distribution system having mobile users, comprising: a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the voice mail download system; information service providers, operatively connected to said mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting information to the mobile switching office; and at least one mobile terminal, operatively coupled to the mobile switching office, receiving the information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office in a voice channel, formatting the information for broadcasting, and broadcasting the formatted information, said at least one mobile terminal including a memory, and wherein the information comprises a voice mail message, and wherein said receiver receives the information and stores the information entirely in said memory before broadcasting to the mobile user, thereby minimizing connection between said at least one mobile terminal and said mobile switching office.

Claim 32

A voice mail download distribution system having mobile users, comprising: a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the voice mail download system; information service providers, operatively connected to said mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting information to the mobile switching office; and at least one mobile terminal, operatively coupled to the mobile switching office, receiving the information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office in a voice channel, formatting the information for broadcasting, and broadcasting the formatted information, said at least one mobile terminal including a memory, and wherein the information comprises a voice mail message, and wherein said receiver receives the information and stores the information entirely in said memory before broadcasting to the mobile user, thereby minimizing connection between said at least one mobile terminal and said mobile switching office.

Claim 33

A radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, comprising: a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the information distribution system; information service providers, operatively connected to said mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers receiving signal inputs, and transmitting selected information to the mobile switching office responsive to the signal inputs; and at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver, operatively coupling the at least one mobile terminal to the mobile switching office, receiving the selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office on a voice channel; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; signal format means for formatting the selected information for broadcasting, and for outputting formatted selected information; and broadcast means for broadcasting the formatted selected information, wherein the selection information comprises an audio selection, wherein the at least one of the information service providers include: programming servers storing programs; speech recognition means for receiving the audio selection via said mobile switching office, and for generating data selection signals; and a gateway for receiving the data selection signals from said speech recognition means, said gateway selecting at least one of the programs stored in at least one of the programming servers responsive to the data selection signals, wherein said at least one mobile terminal further comprises a memory operatively connected to said receiver, and wherein said receiver receives the at least one of the programs corresponding to the data selection signals and stores the at least one of the programs entirely in said memory before broadcasting to the mobile user, thereby minimizing connection between said at least one mobile terminal and said mobile switching office.

Claim 34

A radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, comprising: a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the information distribution system; information service providers, operatively connected to said mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers receiving signal inputs, and transmitting selected information to the mobile switching office responsive to the signal inputs; and at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver, operatively coupling the at least one mobile terminal to the mobile switching office, receiving the selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office on a voice channel; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; signal format means for formatting the selected information for broadcasting, and for outputting formatted selected information; and broadcast means for broadcasting the formatted selected information, wherein the selection information comprises an audio selection, wherein the at least one of the information service providers include: programming servers storing programs; speech recognition means for receiving the audio selection via said mobile switching office, and for generating data selection signals; and a gateway for receiving the data selection signals from said speech recognition means, said gateway selecting at least one of the programs stored in at least one of the programming servers responsive to the data selection signals, wherein said at least one mobile terminal further comprises a memory operatively connected to said receiver, and wherein said receiver receives the at least one of the programs corresponding to the data selection signals and stores the at least one of the programs entirely in said memory before broadcasting to the mobile user, thereby minimizing connection between said at least one mobile terminal and said mobile switching office.

Claim 35

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 24, wherein at least one of the information service providers further includes audio menu means for presenting program selections audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects at least one of the program selections using the audio selection.

Claim 36

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 25, wherein said at least one mobile terminal further includes a picture display, wherein at least one of the information service providers further includes picture transmitting means for presenting picture program selections visually to the mobile user while substantially simultaneously presenting the program selections audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects the at least one of the program selections using the audio selection responsive to the program selections presented audibly and the picture program selections presented visually.

Claim 37

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 24, wherein said receiver comprises two-line receiver means for receiving the selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office using one of two communication channels, and for receiving a voice telephone call for connection with the mobile user.

Claim 38

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 24, wherein the signal inputs are transmitted to the mobile switching office using a first communication channel which operates a first communication speed, and wherein said receiver receives the at least one of the programs corresponding to the data selection signals and stores the at least one of the programs entirely in said memory using a second communication channel which operates using a second communication speed substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel.

Claim 39

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 24, wherein the radio frequency based information distribution system further comprises: cellular equipment transmitting and receiving cellular cells for voice connection; and switching means for selectively switching between said cellular equipment and said at least one mobile terminal, and wherein said control processor monitors the activity of said cellular equipment and said at least one mobile terminal for selective transmission and reception between said mobile switching office and either said at least one mobile terminal or said cellular equipment.

Claim 40

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 24, wherein when said control processor determines that both said cellular equipment and said at least one mobile terminal are active, said control processor controls transmission and reception between said mobile switching office and said at least one mobile terminal, denying transmission and reception access to said cellular equipment.

Claim 41

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 24, wherein the radio frequency based information distribution system further comprises: auxiliary audio means for receiving auxiliary audio signals from an audio source; auxiliary broadcast means for broadcasting at least one of the auxiliary audio signals and the user selected information; and switching means for selectively switching between said auxiliary broadcast means and either said auxiliary audio means or said at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 42

A radio frequency based information distribution system as in claim 31, wherein when said control processor determines that both said auxiliary audio means and said at least one mobile terminal are active, said control processor controls switching between said auxiliary broadcast means and said at least one mobile terminal, denying transmission and reception access to said auxiliary audio means.

Claim 43

A radio frequency based signal delivery cellular system as in claim 24, wherein the at least one of the information service providers includes: voice mail servers storing voice mail; speech recognition means for receiving the communications via said mobile switching office, and for generating communication selection signals; and a gateway for receiving the communication selection signals from said speech recognition means, said gateway selecting at least one of the voice mails stored in at least one of the voice mail servers responsive to the communication selection signals.

Claim 44

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of presenting program selections audibly to the mobile user for selection.

Claim 45

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of presenting program selections audibly to the mobile user for selection.

Claim 46

A method as in claim 34, further comprising the step of presenting picture program selections visually to the mobile user while substantially simultaneously presenting the program selections audibly to the mobile user for selection.

Claim 47

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of receiving the selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via the mobile switching office using one of two communication channels, and receiving a voice telephone call for connection with the mobile user.

Claim 48

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of receiving the selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via the mobile switching office using one of two communication channels, and receiving a voice telephone call for connection with the mobile user.

Claim 49

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of transmitting signal inputs to the mobile switching office using a first communication channel which operates using a first communication speed, and receiving the information signals corresponding to the data selection signals and stored entirely in the memory using a second communication channel which operates using a second communication speed substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel.

Claim 50

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of transmitting signal inputs to the mobile switching office using a first communication channel which operates using a first communication speed, and receiving the information signals corresponding to the data selection signals and stored entirely in the memory using a second communication channel which operates using a second communication speed substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel.

Claim 51

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; wherein the radio frequency based information distribution system further comprises: cellular equipment transmitting and receiving cellular calls for voice connection; and at least one switch selectively switching between the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal; and wherein said method further comprises the steps of monitoring the activity of the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal for selective transmission and reception between the mobile switching office and either the at least one mobile terminal or the cellular equipment.

Claim 52

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; wherein the radio frequency based information distribution system further comprises: cellular equipment transmitting and receiving cellular calls for voice connection; and at least one switch selectively switching between the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal; and wherein said method further comprises the steps of monitoring the activity of the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal for selective transmission and reception between the mobile switching office and either the at least one mobile terminal or the cellular equipment.

Claim 53

A method as in claim 38, further comprising the step of, when both the cellular equipment and the at least one mobile terminal are active, controlling transmission and reception between the mobile switching office and the at least one mobile terminal, denying transmission and reception access to the cellular equipment.

Claim 54

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of the radio frequency based information distribution system performing: receiving auxiliary audio signals from an audio source; broadcasting at least one of the auxiliary audio signals and the user selected information; and selectively switching between the auxiliary audio signals and the information signals at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 55

In a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing information signals to mobile users, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving information signals in an off-load cellular system broadcast from at least one information service provider in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user; (b) controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; (c) formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal; and (d) broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal; further comprising the step of the radio frequency based information distribution system performing: receiving auxiliary audio signals from an audio source; broadcasting at least one of the auxiliary audio signals and the user selected information; and selectively switching between the auxiliary audio signals and the information signals at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 56

An asymmetrical audio program delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; and transmit means for transmitting communications initiated by the mobile user; a first mobile switching office receiving the communications initiated by the mobile user using a voice communication channel which operates under a first communication speed; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting to data signals; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the data signals transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers using a communication channel which operates under a second communication speed, and devoted to transmitting the data signals to said at least one mobile terminal in an off-load cellular system, wherein the second communication speed of the communication channel of said second mobile switching office is substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel of said second mobile switching office.

Claim 57

An asymmetrical audio program delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; and transmit means for transmitting communications initiated by the mobile user; a first mobile switching office receiving the communications initiated by the mobile user using a voice communication channel which operates under a first communication speed; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting to data signals; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the data signals transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers using a communication channel which operates under a second communication speed, and devoted to transmitting the data signals to said at least one mobile terminal in an off-load cellular system, wherein the second communication speed of the communication channel of said second mobile switching office is substantially greater than the first communication speed of the first communications channel of said second mobile switching office.

Claim 58

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system as in claim 41, wherein the at least one of the information service providers includes: voice mail servers storing voice mail; speech recognition means for receiving the communications via said mobile switching office, and for generating communication selection signals; and a gateway for receiving the communication selection signals from said speech recognition means, said gateway selecting at least one of the voice mails stored in at least one of the voice mail servers responsive to the communication selection signals.

Claim 59

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system as in claim 42, wherein the at least one of the information service providers further includes audio menu means for presenting at least one of program selections and instructions audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects at least one of the program selections and the instructions using the audio selection.

Claim 60

An asymmetrical data signal delivery cellular system as in claim 43, wherein said at least one mobile terminal further includes a picture display, wherein the at least one of the information service providers further includes picture transmitting means for presenting picture program selections visually to the mobile user while substantially simultaneously presenting the program selections audibly to the mobile user, and wherein the mobile user selects the at least one of the program selections using the audio selection responsive to the program selections presented audibly and the picture program selections presented visually.

Claim 61

An asymmetrical audio program delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving voice mail program data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user in an off-load cellular system; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; means for generating user signals and for transmitting the user signals; signal format means for formatting the voice mail program data signals for broadcasting, and for outputting formatted information; and broadcast means for broadcasting the formatted information; a first mobile switching office receiving the user signals; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting at least one voice mail program; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the at least one voice mail program transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers, and devoted to transmitting the at least one voice mail program to said at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 62

An asymmetrical audio program delivery cellular system having mobile users, comprising: at least one mobile terminal, comprising: a receiver receiving voice mail program data signals for broadcasting to a mobile user in an off-load cellular system; a control processor controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal; means for generating user signals and for transmitting the user signals; signal format means for formatting the voice mail program data signals for broadcasting, and for outputting formatted information; and broadcast means for broadcasting the formatted information; a first mobile switching office receiving the user signals; information service providers, operatively connected to said first mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting at least one voice mail program; and a second mobile switching office, operatively connected to said at least one of the information service providers, devoted to receiving the at least one voice mail program transmitted by said at least one of the information service providers, and devoted to transmitting the at least one voice mail program to said at least one mobile terminal.

Claim 63

A voice mail download distribution system having mobile users, comprising: a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the voice mail download system; information service providers, operatively connected to said mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting information to the mobile switching office; and at least one mobile terminal, operatively coupled to the mobile switching office, receiving the information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office in an off-load cellular system, formatting the information for broadcasting, and broadcasting the formatted information, said at least one mobile terminal including a memory, and wherein the information comprises a voice mail message, and wherein said receiver receives the information and stores the information entirely in said memory before broadcasting to the mobile user, thereby minimizing connection between said at least one mobile terminal and said mobile switching office.

Claim 64

A voice mail download distribution system having mobile users, comprising: a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the voice mail download system; information service providers, operatively connected to said mobile switching office, at least one of the information service providers transmitting information to the mobile switching office; and at least one mobile terminal, operatively coupled to the mobile switching office, receiving the information from the at least one of the information service providers via said mobile switching office in an off-load cellular system, formatting the information for broadcasting, and broadcasting the formatted information, said at least one mobile terminal including a memory, and wherein the information comprises a voice mail message, and wherein said receiver receives the information and stores the information entirely in said memory before broadcasting to the mobile user, thereby minimizing connection between said at least one mobile terminal and said mobile switching office.