Method and apparatus for over the air activation of a multiple mode/band radio telephone handset

A method for over the air activation of a multiple mode radio telephone handset, comprising the steps of:

• activating the handset over the air in a first communications system for a first mode of operation;
• sending activation information from the handset to the first communication system to activate the handset for at least a second mode of operation;
• and
• sending the activation information from the first system to at least one second system to permit the handset to operate in the second mode of operation.

A method for over the air activation of a multiple mode radiotelephone handset, comprising the steps of:

• (a) operating the handset to make a telephone call;
• (b) transmitting a signal containing mobile subscriber identity information from the handset to a mobile communications system;
• (c) determining if the call is from an activated handset by using the mobile subscriber identity information;
• (d) connecting the subscriber to a customer service center, if the call is not from an activated handset;
• (e) transferring the mobile subscriber identity information to the customer service center;
• (f) searching a handset database for previously stored activation information associated with the mobile subscriber identity information;
• (g) sending the activation information to a customer service database;
• (h) assigning a telephone number to the handset for use in all modes of operation;
• (i) activating the handset for a first mode/band of operation;
• (j) generating predetermined information to activate the handset for a second mode of operation;
• (k) sending the predetermined information to the handset;
• and
• (l) storing the predetermined information at a selected memory location to permit the handset to operate in the second mode of operation when selected.

A multiple mode radio telephone handset, comprising:

• a first circuit for operating in a first communications system based on one standard;
• a second circuit for operating in a second communications system based on another standard, wherein one of said first circuit or said second circuit are used for activating said handset over the air by communication with only one of said first or second communications systems for operation of said handset in both standards;
• a microprocessor for controlling the operation of said first and second circuits;
• and
• a memory coupled to said microprocessor for storing a mobile station number stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) card for operation on the one standard, wherein said mobile station number is used in a number assignment module for operation on the other standard.