Wireless telecommunications system utilizing CDMA radio frequency signal modulation

A method and apparatus for operating a wireless telecommunication system utilizing code division multiple access (CDMA) over-the-air with a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) A-interface based network is described. A CDMA radio frequency (RF) signal interface provides a bi-directional interface to a subscriber unit, and a Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications A-interface SS7 transport provides a bi-directional interface with GSM mobile services switching center (MSC). Additionally, a transparent message transport is provided over which signaling messages defined in the GSM A-interface protocol are exchanged between the GSM MSC and a subscriber unit. Other signaling message generating by the GSM MSC and subscriber unit are processed and various actions are taken in response, including the configuration and control of signal processing resources. This configuration and control includes the allocation of vocoding and devocoding resources in accordance with the requested type of service, and the invocation of CDMA based encryption capabilities. Other actions include the allocation of CDMA traffic channel processing resources and selection resources at the start of a signaling exchange between the subscriber unit and the BSS or MSC. These resources process both voice and data calls, and signaling messages, such as registrations, from the subscriber unit. The CDMA traffic channel resources are used to perform the IS-95 style CDMA signal processing functions including modulation and demodulation.