NETWORK BASED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTRICTING OPERATION OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES TO DELINEATED GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

摘要

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for restricting operation of a wireless telephone (130) to delineated geographical areas. The wireless telephone system (90) is equipped with a device for ascertaining (step 300) the geographical location of the wireless telephone (130). The ascertained geographical location is compared (step 305) against information pertaining to the authorization to operate the wireless telephone (130) in various geographical locations. A determination is made (step 310) as to whether operation is authorized and the wireless telephone (130) is instructed (step 330) by the wireless telephone system (90) to disable operation if unauthorized.