Methods and apparatus for contingency communications

Abstract

Methods and systems for contingency communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing emergency services may be performed by a base station operating in a communication system. In an embodiment, the method for providing emergency services includes transmitting a beacon signal to indicate an emergency status to enable portable devices to operate in a stress mode. A distress signal may be transmitted by a mobile device in response to the beacon signal to the base station, wherein the distress signal carries information at least comprising user identity associated with the mobile device, geolocation of the mobile device, or biometrics of a user of the mobile device.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for providing communication by a base station in a network comprising base stations and portable devices, the method comprising:
 transmitting a beacon signal indicating an emergency status to a portable device, the beacon signal usable by the portable device to determine whether to enter a stress mode;   receiving an acknowledgement signal from the portable device in response to the beacon signal; and   deriving, from the received acknowledgement signal, information associated with the portable device or a user of the portable device.