System and method for maintaining control channel mode information in a cellular telecommunications network

摘要

A system and method for maintaining control channel mode (CCM) status information for a mobile station in a cellular telecommunications network having a mobile switching center (MSC) and a plurality of base stations and cells. Following reselection of a new cell by the mobile station, or selection of a new analog or digital operating mode, the system notifies the MSC of the mobile station's identity, current CCM, and a base station identification. The MSC stores the CCM information and utilizes it for paging and for delivery of short message service (SMS) messages when the control channel is digital. The MSC also transmits the CCM information to a home location register (HLR) whenever the CCM changes. Upon loss of the CCM status information by the MSC, if an incoming call is received for the mobile station prior to a registration by the mobile station, the system retrieves the assigned CCM status information from the HLR.