(19)

(11)

EP 1 051 877 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 15.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/46 (21) Application number: 99904201.3 (22) Date of filing: 21.01.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H04Q 11/04, H04Q 3/58 (86) International application number: PCT/US9901/372 (87) International publication number: WO 9938/352 (29.07.1999 Gazette 1999/30)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT SE (30) Priority: 27.01.1998 US 14427 (71) Applicant: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P. Plano, TX 75075 (US)	(72) Inventors: PLUMMER, William, M. McKinney, TX 75069 (US) KLECKA, Rudolph, B., III Dallas, TX 75206 (US) (74) Representative: Schäfer, Wolfgang, Dipl.-Ing.  Dreiss, Fuhlendorf, Steimle & BeckerPostfach 10 37 62 70032 Stuttgart 70032 Stuttgart (DE)