A cradle for accepts a portable communications device (PCD) that is normally
in
radio communication with a first network. The cradle couples the accepted PCD to
the first network by way of a second network when the PCD is out of radio communication
with the first network. The PCD includes an externally accessible port from which
communications data is accessible, and the cradle is sized to accept the PCD. The
cradle has a port connector for coupling with the externally accessible port of
the accepted PCD, a network connector for coupling the cradle and by extension
the PCD to the second network, and a network communications device for interfacing
between the port connector and the network connector.
