Remote initiated messaging in a wireless data communications network

A two-way communications system provides ubiquitous wireless data communication services, such as throughout the continental United States, by using a network of only a few, widely distributed radio base station (RBS) sites and the existing paging network infrastructure. A network hub or mission operation center (MOC) coordinates the operation of the paging systems and RBSs from a central location. The paging network infrastructure is used as an outbound link over which each of the field units is regularly provided with a outbound data message containing information on the available frequencies and time slots the field units can use to transmit inbound data messages to the RBSs. If any of the field units desires to transmit data to MOC, the field unit selects an available frequency from the outbound data message, and transmits its data at the selected available frequency and time. At least one of the RBSs will receive the inbound message and route it to the MOC which then sends an outbound acknowledgment message, via the paging network, to the field unit which sent the inbound message.