Methods and apparatus for limiting communication capabilities in mobile communication devices

A mobile communication device, comprising:

• a user interface;
• a wireless transceiver configured to operate with a wireless communication network;
• a processor which is coupled to the user interface and the wireless transceiver;
• the processor being configured to:
• detect whether an operating variable of the mobile communication device is within one of a first range of values, a second range of values, and a third range of values;
• control the wireless transceiver to operate in a full communication state if the operating variable is detected to be within the first range of values;
• control the wireless transceiver to operate in a first limited communication state if the operating variable is detected to be within the second range of values;
• control the wireless transceiver to operate in a second limited communication state if the operating variable is detected to be within the third range of values;
• receive a communication request for establishment of a voice call or for communication of a user data message;
• if operating in the full communication state:
• if the communication request is for establishment of a voice call, then permit the voice call to be established via the wireless communication network using the wireless transceiver;
• if the communication request is for communication of a user data message, then permit the user data message to be communicated via the wireless communication network using the wireless transceiver;
• if operating in the first limited communication state:
• if the communication request is for establishment of a voice call, then prohibit the voice call from being established via the wireless communication network;
• if the communication request is for communication of a user data message, then permit the user data message to be communicated via the wireless communication network using the wireless transceiver;
• if operating in the second limited communication state:
• if the communication request is for establishment of a voice call, then prohibit the voice call from being established via the wireless communication network;
• and
• if the communication request is for communication of a user data message, then prohibit the data message from being communicated via the wireless communication network, wherein the operating variable is a temperature of the mobile communication device or a battery operating voltage of the mobile communication device.