GB2361143A

GB2361143A - Data message delivery method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2361143A
Application number: GB0116685A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robin Coates
Original assignee: TMX
Current assignee: TMX
Priority date: 1999-07-10
Filing date: 2000-06-13
Publication date: 2001-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-13
Also published as: GB0116684D0; GB2361384A; GB2361143B; GB0116685D0; GB2361384B

Abstract

A method for delivering a data message such as an e-mail or SMS from a message server 11 to a user apparatus 31 over a public switch telephone network (PSTN) 20. A telephone call initiated at the server 11 is received at the user apparatus 31 and calling line identity (CLI) information compared against one or more stored CLI. The user apparatus 31 determines that the incoming call is from the message server 11, and answers the call in a mode appropriate for delivery of the data message. Optionally, a ringing circuit of the user telephone line is suppressed such that other customer equipment coupled to the telephone line does not ring when a data message is being delivered.

Description

2361143 1 DATA MESSAGE DELIVERY METHOD AND APPARATUS

The present invention relates in general to the f ield of telephone apparatus, and in particular but not s exclusively to the field of computer apparatus communicating by telephony.

In modern PSTN systems (or equivalent) call related information is provided as part of the process of lo establishing a call connection. The call related information may include, amongst other things, called directory number (CDN) giving the number called by the calling party, and calling line identity (CLI) information identifying the calling party. The CLI information is typically includes the telephone number and area code of the calling party, and optionally includes other information such as name information associated with the calling party. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the PSTN supplies call related information prior to sending the first ring signal in the call connection sequence. In other countries, such as the United States, call related information is supplied between the first and second ring signals. other call connection sequences are also known.

It is common for a single exchange line of a PSTN to be used for a number of different functions. For example, the line may be used to make and receive voice calls, fax calls, and other computer related telephony such as connection to the internet via an internet service provider (ISP).

2 More recently, it is known to combine different functions in a single apparatus. For example, a combined voice telephone and fax apparatus is well known. Another combined apparatus is an e-mail telephone which combines the functions of a data message system with a normal voice telephone system. Typically, the data message system connects with an ISP (or equivalent) to send and receive e-mail format messages, comprising text and ideally text and graphics.

A problem arises in that the user must connect to the ISP to check whether any incoming messages (such as e-mails) have been received and are waiting delivery to the user. Normally, the user can decide whether or not to download the waiting e-mails. However, if the user checks and no e-mails are waiting then the call is wasted. This is inefficient from the point of view of the user.

Another problem has been identified in that incoming calls to a user apparatus coupled to a PSTN or equivalent will include a ringing signal. Therefore, any apparatus coupled to the telephone line will ring in response to the incoming call, such as a handset for normal voice communications. Typically, each piece of user apparatus is designed to operate independently, coupled in parallel to the telephone line. However, where the incoming call is intended to perform a data messaging function such as, for example, a fax call or a call to deliver text messages, in at least some preferred embodiment of the present invention it is desired to process the incoming -call without causing any other piece of user apparatus to ring.

3 It is an aim of the invention to address the problems of the prior art described above, or otherwise. An aim is provide a simple and convenient method and apparatus for the delivery of waiting data messages from a message server to a user apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for delivering a data message from a server to a user apparatus, comprising the steps lo of: (a) initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the call including calling line identity information; (b) receiving the call at the user apparatus; (c) comparing the calling line identity information of the received call with at least one predetermined calling line identity; and (d) if the comparing step (c) produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message.

Preferably, the method includes answering the incoming call in a mode appropriate for the delivery of a data message from a remote server. The data message is suitably an email message. However, this aspect of the present invention is particularly useful in relation to the delivery of relatively short data messages, and in particular SMS (short message service) type data messages which typically comprise a free text data field of the order of 160 characters. Preferably, the SMS data packet is delivered direct from the server to the user apparatus substantially immediately af ter receipt of the SMS data packet at the remote server. In one example embodiment the server is operated by an internet service provider (or similar).

4 The method preferably comprises the step of alerting a user that a delivery call has occurred. Preferably, the user is alerted by any suitable means. For example, the user apparatus may include a visual indicator such as an LED. Preferably, where the user apparatus includes a display screen, e.g. where the user apparatus comprises a data message system, then the user is alerted by means of a message displayed on the screem In other embodiments, the user is alerted by an audible signal.

In the preferred embodiment, the incoming call is provided via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and is received at the user apparatus via a telephone line of the PSTN. The incoming call is initiated at the message is server, suitably in response to a predetermined condition. For example, the condition is that at least one data message (such as an email or SMS message) awaits delivery from the server to the user apparatus, or a predetermined number of data messages awaits delivery from the server to the user apparatus, or a predetermined quantity of data awaits delivery from the server to the user apparatus, or an announcement is to be delivered from the server to all users or to a group of users, including general information and/or advertising information, or programming of the user apparatus requires updating. Preferably the predetermined condition is set on the server appropriate to each user apparatus and/or each user account held by the user apparatus, in response to data uploaded from the user apparatus.

The calling line identity (CLI) of the incoming call preferably includes calling party number information and/or calling party name information, which is compared with predetermined calling party number information and/or name information, respectively.

The predetermined CLI information is suitably stored s on the user apparatus at the time of manufacture or of installation of the apparatus, or may be input by the user for storage on the user apparatus. The method may include downloading the predetermined CLI information from a remote source for storage on the user apparatus.

Preferably, the user apparatus supports a plurality of users. Suitably the apparatus is arranged to selectively alert one or more users amongst the plurality of users. Ideally the user apparatus determines the user or the is group of users to alert based on a comparison of the calling line identity information. Ideally the CLI information contains information for selecting the user or group of users, and suitably the incoming CLI is compared with each of a plurality of predetermined CLI. Also, the method may be used to receive incoming calls from a plurality of different servers, which may belong to different commercial entities to provide a competitive marketplace. Preferably, a plurality of predetermined CLI information are stored on the user apparatus representing plurality of different servers, and preferably appropriate action is taken in response to a call from that party.

the Any of the methods defined herein may include the step of suppressing a ringing circuit of the telephone line, particularly when the comparing step produces a match with the incoming CLI. Preferably, a ring suppression circuit is coupled across the ringing circuit of a telephone line, 6 in parallel with audible output elements such as a loud speaker circuit tone caller or bell of this or other pieces of user apparatus. The ring suppression circuit preferably comprises a switch and a low impedance. In use, the switch is driven to couple the low impedance across the ringing circuit, such that the audible output elements do not operate. Suitably, the switch is an electronic switch such as a photorelay or a transistor.

Preferably, the ringing circuit is suppressed in a standby state and is only released if the comparing step does not produce a match. Advantageously, this embodiment is suited for use in countries where the PSTN sends a ringing signal prior to the call related information.

is According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a user apparatus comprising: means for receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity information; means for comparing the incoming calling line identity with at least one predetermined calling line identity; means for answering the telephone call in a mode appropriate for the delivery of a data message from a server; and means for notifying a user that a new data message has been delivered from the server.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a user apparatus comprising: a CLI recognition unit for receiving an incoming call, detecting calling line identity information and for comparing the incoming calling line identity with at least one predetermined calling line identity; a call receiving unit for answering the incoming call in a mode appropriate for the delivery of a data message from a server, the call 7 receiving unit being responsive to the CLI recognition unit; and a notifying unit for notifying a user, the notifying unit being responsive to the CLI recognition unit.

Preferably, the CLI recognition unit comprises a memory for storing the or each predetermined calling line identity, and preferably the notifying unit provides an alerting message on a display screen of the user apparatus io and/or provides an audible signal. Preferably the apparatus comprises a ring suppression unit for suppressing a ringing signal of the incoming call. Preferably the user apparatus is an email telephone.

is According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use at a user apparatus for delivery of a data message from a message server to the user apparatus, comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from the server, the incoming call including incoming calling line identity (CLI) information; comparing the incoming CLI with at least one predetermined CLI; and if the comparing step produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message from the server.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use at a message server for delivering a data message from the server to a user apparatus, comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the call including calling line identity (CLI) information, such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the CLI information with at least one predetermined CLI and, if 8 such comparison produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message; and sending the data message from the message server to the user apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a data message server, comprising: means for initiating a telephone call from the server to a user apparatus, the call including calling line identity (CLI) io information, such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the CLI information with at least one predetermined CLI and, if such comparison produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message; and means for sending the is data message from the message server to the user apparatus.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing user apparatus coupled to a telephone line; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a remote server and user apparatus coupled by a PSTN network; Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a user apparatus; Figure 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of a first preferred ring suppression circuit; and 9 Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of a second preferred ring suppression circuit.

The preferred embodiments will be describedwith reference to the example of a method and apparatus for use with a public switched telephone network (PSTN) Other embodiments work with other forms of telephone network, such as a private branch exchange (PBX). Ref erence to a io telephone line is generally intended to mean transmission along a set of physical wires, but where is context is appropriate can also include transmission by other means such as wireless transmission using radio signals, light signals or other signals.

is Figure 1 shows three sets of user apparatus 31, 32 and 33 coupled to a user telephone line 30. For example, a first user apparatus 31 might be an e-mail telephone, while other apparatus (in this case the second and third apparatus 32 and 33) might be an ordinary voice telephone, an answering machine, a fax machine or a computer apparatus. In most environments, including a domestic or small office (SoHo) environment the telephone line 30 is the responsibility of the user, and is coupled to a local telephone line of the PSTN through a connection box 40.

Figure 2 shows a server 11 coupled via a local telephone line 10 to a telephone network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 20. allowing a call to be routed through to a called number corresponding to a particular user telephone line 30 having a user apparatus 31 coupled thereto. In this example the user apparatus is an e-mail telephone. An e-mail telephone 31 is an apparatus for making and receiving normal voice calls using the telephone line 30, and also for sending and receiving data typically in the form of text messages in a format suitable for e-mail transmissions. To send and receive e-mail messages the user apparatus 31 is coupled through the PSTN 20 to the server 11 of an internet service provider or equivalent. Messages prepared off line at the e-mail telephone 31 are then transmitted to the server 11 for forwarding across data communication lo networks as appropriate including the PSTN 20 or otherwise. Messages intended for the user(s) of the e-mail telephone 31 are received at the server 11 and wait at the server ready for delivery to the e-mail telephone 31 (or other apparatus) at the request of the user across is the PSTN 20. The user apparatus 31 initiates a call to the se rver 11 in order to send and receive e-mail messages.

Normally, the user apparatus 31 must initiate a call to see if mail is waiting on the server 11 ready for delivery. If no mail is waiting then potentially this call is wasted. It is desired to provide a fast, efficient and simple method of delivering to the user apparatus 31 a message that is waiting on the server 11 ready for delivery.

In the preferred embodiment, the server 11 initiates an outgoing call to the user apparatus 31 across the PSTN 20 in response to a predetermined condition. Ideally the condition is that at least one e-mail message is waiting at the server 11 for delivery to the user. However, other conditions can be used such as waiting for a predetermined number of messages or a predetermined quantity of data before initiating the outgoing call. These conditions can 11 be set by the ISP operating the server 11, or optionally can be set by the user such as by dialling into the server 11 using the user apparatus 31. Other conditions include, for example, important announcements that the ISP wishes to transmit to all users or a selected group of users. This may include information concerning services available on the server 11 and may include advertising information. Further, the outgoing call may be initiated in order to update information stored on the user apparatus 31.

The telephone call initiated by the server 11is routed by the PSTN 20 to the user's telephone line 30.

The call connection sequence includes the transmission of a ringing signal received in common by the or each user apparatus 31 coupled to the telephone line 30. In the example arrangement shown in Figure 1, the ringing signal from the PSTN is received by each of the user apparatus 31, 32 and 33 coupled to the user telephone line 30. The ringing signal will continue until one piece of user apparatus 31, 32 and 33 answers the call such that the call connection sequence is continued and completed to establish the call connection with the calling party.

In the example situation described above, the PSTN 20 generates call related information including a calling line identifier information for identifying the calling party which is transmitted to the called party, in this case the user apparatus 31.

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the user apparatus 31. The user apparatus includes a number recognition unit 311, a notifying unit 312, and a ring suppression unit 313. In use the number recognition unit 12 311 is coupled to the user telephone line 30 and receives the call related information transmitted from the PSTN 20 when trying to connect a new call.

The user apparatus includes a memory, suitably part of the number recognition unit 311, for storing one or more predetermined calling line identifiers, ideally the calling party number or name information. In use the number identifier unit 311 decodes the call related information and extracts the calling line identity (CLI) information. The CLI information is compared with the stored CLI information to determine whether the incoming caller is a recognised caller. If the incoming caller is recognised as the server 11 (or other equivalent source) is then the incoming call is determined as, for example, a call to deliver e-mail messages (or similar) that are waiting for delivery at the server 11. The user apparatus 31 then provides appropriate notification to the user via the user notification unit 312. In other preferred embodiments the notification unit 312 takes action automatically in response to the call from a recognised caller. For example, in the preferred embodiment where the user apparatus is an e-mail telephone, the user apparatus automatically answers the call to provide for 2s delivery of waiting e-mail messages. In other preferred embodiments other action may be taken as appropriate in response to the notifying call. For example, the user apparatus may arrange for that apparatus or another connected apparatus to switch on or off or be programmed as appropriate. For example, the call in one embodiment might be used to turn on a video cassette recorder or a domestic appliance such as a washing machine or cooker.

13 The notification unit 312 may take any suitable form, depending on the nature of the user apparatus 31. For example, where the user apparatus is an e-mail telephone, the user notification unit 312 generates a message for s display on a screen of the e-mail telephone indicating that new mail awaits delivery. The user apparatus 31 may support more than one user, such as different e-mail accounts within a single e-mail telephone.

notification unit 312 1Drovides Suitably, the notification user selectively to the or each user. In the preferred embodiment the number recognition unit 311 determines the user or users amongst the plurality of users to notify based on information contained in the CLI information. For example, the CLI information may use a different calling line identity appropriate to each user.

It may be inconvenient for the user to hear the incoming call due to the ringing signal reaching other user apparatus such as the apparatus 32 or 33 of Figure 1.

Further, where such other apparatus, is, for example, an answering machine, then the call may be answered where this is not desired. Therefore, the user apparatus 31 preferably further includes a ring suppression circuit 313.

Figure 4 shows a first preferred ring suppression circuit in more detail. The ring suppression circuit 313 is coupled across the signal wires of the user telephone line 30 carrying the ringing signal, in parallel with sound output units such as a tone caller 320. The ring suppression circuit 313 suitably comprises a switch, ideally an electronic switch such as a transistor or a photo relay S1, in series with a low impedance such as a 14 resistor Rl. The low impedance is selected such that when the switch S1 is turned on and current flows through the low impedance Rl, the majority of the current on the ringing circuit of the user telephone line 30 flows s through the low impedance Rl and does not reach any audible output units such as the loud speaker 320.

on three wire telephone systems the ring suppression circuit 313 is applied directly across the ring circuit, lo as shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 shows a second preferred ring suppression circuit for use on two wire telephone systems applied directly across the two wire connection together with a DC block, in this example a capacitor Cl, to prevent auto answering of the call.

is Referring again recognition unit 31 the to Figure 3, when the number recognises the identity of the calling party, ring suppression circuit 313 is operated to suppress ringing on the user telephone line 30. where the call related information is sent prior to the ringing signal, then suitably the ring suppression circuit 313 is engaged to suppress ringing prior to the first ringing signal if the calling party is recognised by the number identification unit 311. However, in other situations the ring suppression unit 313 is normally engaged in a standby mode such that initially ringing tone on the ring circuit of the user telephone line 30. is always suppressed. Only when the number recognition unit 311 determines that the incoming call is not from a recognised calling party is the ringing circuit released for normal operation and the call connection sequence continues. Further still, the ring suppression circuit is 313 can be optionally engaged, under the control of the user apparatus 31 or under control of the user.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is desired to provide a convenient method for delivery of data messages and in particular short message service (SMS) type data packets from a remote server to the user apparatus. Here, it is desirable that the user apparatus receives the incoming io call and recognises the CLI as described above. If the incoming call is determined as coming from an SMS message server, the call is answered (with ring suppression if desired) to enable data packets to be delivered from the SMS server to the user apparatus. Here, the SMS server is makes an outgoing call which is received by the user apparatus and a call connection sequence is desirably completed. However, the SMS data packet is relatively short with messages typically having a free text user data field of only 160 characters, such that the delivery call 20 is of relatively short duration.

A method and apparatus has been described which, advantageously, enables a data message to bedelivered from one piece of apparatus to another, such as f rom a server of an ISP to a user, ideally to an e-mail telephone. The call is quick, efficient and cost effective. Further, the method and apparatus described above advantageously allow the message delivery call to be received without disturbing the user by optionally suppressing the ringing circuit.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to 16 this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, lo except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,

2s abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

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Claims

1. A method for delivering a data message from a server to a user apparatus, comprising the steps of:

(a) initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the call including calling line identity information; (b) receiving the call at the user apparatus; (c) comparing the calling line identity information of the received call with at least one predetermined calling line identity; and is (d) if the comparing step (c) produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising answering the incoming call in a mode appropriate for the delivery of a data message from the server.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising alerting a user that a data message has been delivered.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the alerting step comprises providing a message on a display screen of the user apparatus and/or providing an audible signal from the user apparatus.

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5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, in the step (a), the telephone call is provided via a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, in the step (a), the incoming call is received at the user apparatus via a telephone line coupled to the PSTN.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, in the lo step (a), the calling line identity information includes calling party number information and/or calling party name information and, in the step (c), the calling party number information and/or name information is compared with predetermined calling party number information and/or name is information, respectively.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, in the step (c), the incoming calling line identity information is compared with each of a plurality of predetermined CLI.

9. The method of any preceding claim, comprising comparing the incoming calling line identity information with each of a plurality of predetermined calling line identity information, each calling line identity information corresponding to at least one predetermined user account of the user apparatus; determining the incoming call as a delivery call for a selected one of the predetermined user accounts, or a selected group of the predetermined user accounts, depending upon information in the calling line identity information; and alerting the selected user or group of users that a delivery call has occurred.

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10. The method of any preceding claims, wherein, a plurality of predetermined calling line identity information are stored on the user apparatus,' each representing one of a plurality of different servers.

11. The method of any preceding claim, comprising the step of storing the predetermined calling line identity information on the user apparatus.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined calling line identity information is stored on the user apparatus at the time of manufacture or of installation of the apparatus.

13. The method of claim 11, comprising the step of user inputting the predetermined calling line identity information for storage on the user apparatus.

14. The method of claim 11, comprising the step of downloading the predetermined calling line identity information from a remote source for storage on the user apparatus.

is. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the data message is an email message.

16. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the user apparatus is an email telephone and the server is an email server.

17. The method of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the data message is an SMS message.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the user apparatus is a message terminal and the server is a message server.

19. The method of any preceding claim, comprising the s step of suppressing a ringing circuit of a telephone line when the comparing step (c) produces a match.

20. A user apparatus comprising:

means for receiving an incoming call and detecting calling line identity information; means for comparing the incoming calling line identity with at least one predetermined calling line identity; is means for answering the telephone call in a mode appropriate for the delivery of a data message from a server; and means for notifying a user that a new data message has been delivered from the server.

21. A user apparatus comprising:

a CLI recognition unit for receiving an incoming call, detecting calling line identity information and for comparing the incoming calling line identity with at least one predetermined calling line identity; a call receiving unit for answering the incoming call in a mode appropriate for the delivery of a data message from a server, the call receiving unit being responsive to the CLI recognition unit; and 21 a notifying unit for notifying a user, the notifying unit being responsive to the CLI recognition unit.

22. The user apparatus of claim 21, wherein the CLI recognition unit comprises a memory for storing the or each predetermined calling line identity.

23. The user apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein the CLI recognition unit is arranged to compare the incoming CLI with each of a plurality of predetermined CLI, each CLI corresponding to at least one predetermined user account of the user apparatus.

24. The user apparatus of claim 23, wherein the CLI recognition unit is arranged to determine the incoming call as a delivery call for a selected one of the predetermined user accounts, or a selected group of the predetermined user accounts, depending on the information in the CLI.

25. The user apparatus of claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the notifying unit is arranged to notify the selected user or group of users that a delivery call has occurred.

26. The user apparatus of any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the CLI recognition unit is arranged to store a plurality of predetermined CLI information, each representing one of a plurality of different servers.

27. The user apparatus of any of claims 21 to 26, wherein the notifying unit provides an alerting message on 22 a display screen of the user apparatus and/or provides an audible signal.

28. The user apparatus of any of claims 21 to 27, comprising a ring suppression unit for suppressing a ringing signal of the incoming call.

29. The user apparatus of any of claims 21 to 28, wherein the user apparatus is a message terminal.

is

30. The user apparatus of claim 29, wherein the user apparatus is an email telephone.

31. The user apparatus of claim 29, wherein the user apparatus is an SMS terminal.

32. The user apparatus of any of claims 21 to 31, coupleable to a telephone line of a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

33. A method for use at a user apparatus for delivery of a data message from a message server to the user apparatus, comprising the steps of:

receiving an incoming telephone call from the server, the incoming call including incoming calling line identity (CLI) information; comparing the predetermined CLI; and incoming CLI with at least one 23 if the comparing step produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message from the server.

34. The method of claim 33, comprising answering the incoming call in a mode appropriate for the delivery of a data message from the server.

35. The method of claim 33 or 34, comprising receiving the data message delivered from the server to the user apparatus.

36. A method for use at a message server for delivering a data message from the server to a user apparatus, comprising the steps of:

initiating a telephone call from the server to the user apparatus, the call including calling line identity (CLI) information, such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the CLI information with at least one predetermined CLI and, if such comparison produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message; and sending the data message from the message server to the user apparatus.

37. A data message server, comprising:

means for initiating a telephone call from the server to a user apparatus, the call including calling line identity (CLI) information, such that the user apparatus is operable to compare the CLI information with at least 24 one predetermined CLI and, if such comparison produces a match, then continuing a call connection sequence for delivery of the data message; and means for sending the data message from the message server to the user apparatus.

38. A method for delivering a data message from a server to a user apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore lo described.

39. A user apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

40. A method for use at a user apparatus for delivery of a data message from a message server to the user apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described.

41. A method for use at a message server for delivery of a data message from the message server to a user apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described.

42. A message server substantially as hereinbefore described.