Methods and apparatus for producing a user-controlled plmn list for a SIM/USIM card with use of a user agent application

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for producing a user-controlled PLMN list for a SIM / USIM card with use of a user agent application are disclosed. Selection indication data corresponding to at least one of a plurality of network attribute type preferences is received at the user agent application. The selection indication data may be received through a user interface of the user equipment, a user application of the user equipment, or both. The at least one selected network attribute type preference is indicative of a preference to prioritize network selection based on at least one network attribute type of a plurality of network attributes types (e.g. cost, bandwidth, quality, number of available features, etc.). A list of network identifications associated with a plurality of wireless communication networks is ranked in accordance with a ranking of network attributes of the at least one selected network attribute type made available by the plurality of wireless communication networks. The ranked list of network identifications is then stored as a user-controlled PLMN list in the SIM / USIM. An automatic network selection process may then be performed with use of the user-controlled PLMN list. As apparent, network selection may be controlled and facilitated by the end user in a more conceptual fashion. Other additional and alternative advantageous features are described in the detailed description.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to wireless network selection techniques for mobile stations operating in wireless communication networks, and in particular to a method for generating a list of public land mobile networks (PLMNs) controlled by a user using a user agent application in such a mobile station and device. Background technique [0002] It is difficult for end users of user equipment to understand telecommunication concepts and thus to properly configure their user equipment. For example, it is difficult for end users to understand how to control the network selection process in their user equipment to achieve the best results. Due to lack of this knowledge, end users are not able to effectively utilize all possible communication services available to them. [0003] Therefore, there is a need for methods and apparatus that overcome these deficiencies in the prior art. Contents of the invention [0004] A method and method for gen...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0002] Difficulty for end users of user equipment to understand telecommunication concepts and thus to properly configure their user equipment

For example, it is difficult for end users to understand how to control the network selection process in their user equipment to achieve the best results

Due to lack of this knowledge, end users are not able to effectively utilize all possible communication services available to them

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