Method and apparatus for data transmission to a remote communication device

Method and apparatus for transmitting data from a central communication station (104) to a mobile communication device (106) using a pre-selected data protocol if the central communication station (104) cannot initiate data communication with the mobile communication device. The central communication station (104) contacts the mobile communication device (106) in a manner other than the pre-selected data protocol, such as by placing a wireless telephone call to the mobile communication device (106). The mobile communication device (106) contains means for determining the origin of the wireless telephone call (202, 200). If the mobile communication device (106) determines that the wireless telephone call originated from the central communication station (104), data communications are initiated by the mobile communication device (106) to the central communication station (104). Data is then transmitted from the central communication station (104) to the mobile communication device (106).