Communication handling in a wireless communications network

Abstract

Systems, methods and computer program products for handling communications in a wireless network are described. A message requesting forwarding of communications for a first user device is received. A location of the first user device is determined. One or more second user devices associated with the first user device is identified. A second user device is selected to receive forwarded communications for the first user device. The selected second user device is located within a predefined distance of the location of the first user device. In example implementations, the one or more second user devices are trusted user devices.

1 . A computer implemented method, comprising:
 receiving a message requesting forwarding of communications for a first user device;   determining a location of the first user device;   identifying a subset of second user devices from a plurality of second user devices associated with the first user device, wherein the first user device indicates that each of the plurality of second user devices is trusted based on a relationship established between the first user device and each of the plurality of second user devices, wherein a trusted user device is uniquely identified by associated user data, and wherein the subset of second user devices is within a predetermined distance of a location of the first user device;   ranking the subset of second user devices based on a parameter associated with a selection priority;   selecting from the ranked subset of second user devices a second user device to receive forwarded communications for the first user device, wherein the selected second user device is located within a predefined distance of the location of the first user device, and wherein selecting the second user device comprises:
 obtaining an identifier for the device; 
 determining a location of the device using the identifier; 
 determining a distance between the location of the device and the location of the first user device; and 
 comparing the determined distance with a predetermined threshold.