Method and apparatus for selective message service blocking

An apparatus for processing message service requests to a subscriber's communication device in a communication network, the apparatus comprising:

• a receiver that is operative to receive a message service request from a sender at a network element, wherein the message service request includes a message and is directed to the directory number of the communication device;
• a centralized database that stores message service blocking data for the subscriber, wherein the message service blocking data includes permitted sender directory numbers data and blocked sender directory numbers data;
• and
• at least one processor that is operative to:
• access the centralized database;
• retrieve the message service blocking data for the subscriber;
• analyze the the data retrieved from the centralized database and determining whether the message service request should be permitted or denied;
• automatically add a directory number to which the subscriber has sent a message to the permitted sender directory numbers data.

A system for processing message service requests to a subscriber's communication device in a communication network, the system comprising:

• a centralized database that stores message service blocking data for the subscriber, wherein the message service blocking data includes permitted sender directory numbers data and blocked sender directory numbers data;
• and
• a network element that is operative to:
• receive a message service request from a sender, wherein the message service request includes a message and is directed to the directory number of the communication device;
• access the centralized database;
• retrieve the message service blocking data for the subscriber;
• analyze the data retrieved from the centralized database and determine whether the message service request should be permitted or denied;
• and
• automatically add a directory number to which the subscriber has sent a message to the permitted sender directory numbers data.

A method of setting up selective message service blocking for a subscriber, the method comprising:

• establishing an account arrangement with the user by using one or more of the following types of authentication/authorization mechanisms:
• user name, account number, and password, wherein the subscriber's account in a centralized database can only be administered by a valid user, wherein the followinq types of data are received from the subscriber and stored in the centralized database:
• one or more directory numbers associated with the subscriber's communication devices;
• the subscriber's authentication/authorization information;
• whether the subscriber has elected to not receive any short message service messages without a prior business arrangement with the sender;
• the specific directory numbers from which the subscriber does not wish to receive short message service message;
• receiving from the subscriber one or more short message service blocking rules and storing the short message service blocking rules in the centralized database, which is in communication with a short message service center;
• and
• automatically adding a directory number to which the subscriber has sent a message to permitted sender directory numbers data stored in the centralized database.