Method for operating a mobile station in a plurality of mobile communication network cell environments

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a mobile station in a radio environment comprising a plurality of radio cells of a plurality of mobile communication networks, each of these radio cells being respectively associated with at least one mobile communication network of this plurality of mobile communication networks, wherein this mobile station is connected or registered to a first mobile communication network of this plurality of mobile communication networks and is additionally able to be connected or registered to a second mobile communication network of this plurality of mobile communication networks, wherein, as a result of a main network selection process performed taking into account this radio environment and network selection data stored in a memory module of this mobile station, this mobile station is connected or registered to this first mobile communication network, wherein at least a part of this network selection data relates to or indicates this first mobile communication network, wherein, in order to cause this mobile station to be additionally connected or registered to this second mobile communication network, this method comprises the following steps: - in a first step, this mobile station comprises or receives secondary network selection data which is at least partially related to this first mobile communication network and which indicates at least this second mobile communication network, - in a second step, in addition to being connected or registered to this first mobile communication network, as a result of a secondary network selection process performed taking into account this radio environment and this secondary network selection data, this mobile station is connected or registered to this second mobile communication network.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a mobile station in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells of multiple mobile communication networks, each of the radio cells being associated with at least one of the multiple mobile communication networks, wherein the mobile station is connected to or registered with a first mobile communication network of the multiple mobile communication networks as a primary connection of the mobile station, and additionally as a secondary connection of the mobile station, the mobile station is capable of connecting to or registering with a second mobile communication network of the multiple mobile communication networks.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mobile station for operating in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells including multiple mobile communication networks, each of which is associated with at least one of the multiple mobile communication networks, wherein the mobile station is connected to or registered to a first mobile communication network among the multiple mobile communication networks as a primary connection of the mobile station, and additionally as a secondary connection of the mobile station, the mobile station is capable of connecting to or registering to a second mobile communication network among the multiple mobile communication networks.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mobile station for receiving network selection data from the home network of a mobile station and / or for storing network selection data, particularly according to the invention, wherein the mobile station is configured to perform a master network selection process using network selection data that is at least partially associated with or instructs a first mobile communication network, so as to connect to or register with the first mobile communication network as the mobile station's master connection.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system or mobile communication network for operating a mobile station in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells of multiple mobile communication networks, each of which is associated with at least one of the multiple mobile communication networks.

[0005] Specifically, as the primary connection of the mobile station, the mobile station connects to or registers with the first mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks, and additionally as the secondary connection of the mobile station, the mobile station is able to connect to or register with the second mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a program and a computer-readable medium for operating a mobile station in a radio environment according to the method of the present invention.

[0007] In currently deployed mobile communication networks, mobile stations (typically user equipment) typically experience a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells. One such radio cell is usually provided by a base station entity. In this case, the mobile station's radio environment includes the radio cell under consideration. Multiple radio cells (i.e., multiple radio cells of a base station entity) are typically part of a mobile communication network within a cellular mobile communication network. Therefore, multiple radio cells in a mobile station's radio environment are typically part of multiple mobile networks. Consequently, by selecting a radio cell, the mobile station also selects a mobile communication network. However, before a mobile communication network is considered a network selection candidate, the mobile station needs to find suitable radio cells within the mobile communication network or public terrestrial mobile network to camp on. The criteria for considering a radio cell as a suitable radio cell (to camp on) depend on the network technology (or radio access technology) under consideration as defined in or by means of relevant standardization documents (mostly referring to 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) documents).

[0008] The (initial) selection of a mobile network by a mobile station or user equipment (network selection after the device is powered on or loses connection) is defined in TS 23.122 (and others); a list of multiple networks is defined to determine the priority of network selection for a particular network, wherein the highest priority for network selection is given to the home network (or multiple equivalent home networks).

[0009] In particular, due to the 5G specifications in 3GPP, mobile stations or user equipment may be registered in two different networks (or even may need to be registered in two different networks), for example, TS 22.261 defines "multi-network connectivity and service delivery across operators" (Term 6.18 of TS 22.261 V16.16.0) or "providing access to local services" (Term 6.41 of TS22.261 V18.7.0).

[0010] However, the registration process for mobile stations in additional networks (in addition to the mobile station's main connection) is not precisely defined or prioritized. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of this invention is to provide a technically simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution for operating a mobile station in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells and multiple mobile communication networks. The mobile station is connected to a first mobile communication network as a primary connection and is additionally capable of connecting to a second mobile communication network. A further object of this invention is to provide a corresponding mobile station, system, or mobile communication network, as well as corresponding programs and computer-readable media.

[0012] The object of the present invention is achieved by a method for operating a mobile station in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells of multiple mobile communication networks, each of which is associated with at least one of the multiple mobile communication networks.

[0013] Specifically, as the primary connection of the mobile station, the mobile station connects to or registers with a first mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks, and additionally as a secondary connection, the mobile station is able to connect to or register with a second mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks.

[0014] As a result of a master network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and network selection data stored in the mobile station's memory module, the mobile station connects to or registers with a first mobile communication network, wherein at least a portion of the network selection data relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network.

[0015] In order to additionally connect or register the mobile station to the second mobile communication network, the method includes the following steps:

[0016] -- In the first step, the mobile station includes or receives secondary network selection data regarding the secondary connection of the mobile station, the secondary network selection data being at least partially related to the first mobile communication network and indicating at least a second mobile communication network.

[0017] -- In the second step, in addition to connecting to or registering with the first mobile communication network, the mobile station connects to or registers with the second mobile communication network as a result of a sub-network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and the sub-network selection data.

[0018] In particular, by using secondary network selection data, which is at least partially related to the first mobile communication network, it is advantageously possible according to the invention to provide a mechanism for selecting a priority-ordered network for an additional connection (secondary network) that runs parallel to the existing connection to the network (primary network).

[0019] Therefore, according to the invention, it is advantageous to provide not only the definition and / or priority ordering of network selection for additional or secondary connections to a mobile station (to a second mobile communication network), but also the coordination of the secondary network selection process with the primary network selection process and / or the first mobile communication network.

[0020] According to the invention, it is assumed that a mobile station (particularly user equipment, i.e., mobile equipment including mobile equipment with a USIM or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) subscriber identity module), or mobile equipment (particularly in cases involving independent, non-public networks)) is used in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells including multiple mobile communication networks. Each of the multiple radio cells is typically associated with at least one mobile communication network. At a certain point (in time and at the current location of the user equipment), according to the invention, it is assumed that the mobile station is already connected to a mobile communication network. In the context of the invention, this connection is also referred to as the mobile station's primary connection, and the corresponding mobile communication network is also referred to in the context of the invention as the first mobile communication network (among the multiple mobile communication networks available to the mobile station). In addition to the primary connection to the first mobile network (i.e., besides the primary connection), the mobile station is capable of connecting to or registering with a second mobile network (among the multiple mobile networks). In the context of the invention, this possible connection to the second mobile network is also referred to as the mobile station's secondary connection.

[0021] The selection of the first mobile communication network is the result of the network selection process, also referred to below as the main network selection process (i.e., the initial network selection process performed – according to the relevant standardized documents, such as TS 23.122 (etc.), particularly Clause 4.4 of V18.0.0 regarding the selection of a network by a mobile station in an available public land mobile network (in the case where the mobile station is not operating in SNPN access mode) or Clause 4.9 regarding the selection of a network by a mobile station in an available independent non-public network (in the case where the mobile station is operating in SNPN access mode) – in the case where the mobile station has no connection to any mobile communication network at all, i.e., typically after power-on and / or after connection loss).

[0022] When performing the primary network selection process, the mobile station, of course and must consider the radio environment at its current location, but it also considers the network selection data stored in the mobile station's memory module (typically in the network list used for network selection) (usually a USIM in the case where the mobile station is user equipment, or stored in another memory portion of the mobile equipment or mobile station in the case where the mobile station does not include a USIM). When it is assumed that the mobile station is already connected to a mobile communication network (i.e., a primary connection to a first mobile communication network), at least a portion of the network selection data (of the mobile station under consideration) relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network.

[0023] To enable a mobile station (in the case of a mobile station connected to a first mobile communication network) to additionally connect to or register with another mobile communication network (i.e., a second mobile communication network), the method according to the invention includes the following steps:

[0024] -- In the first step, the mobile station includes or receives secondary network selection data regarding the secondary connectivity of the mobile station, the secondary network selection data being at least partially related to a first mobile communication network and indicating at least a second mobile communication network.

[0025] -- In the second step, in addition to connecting to or registering with the first mobile communication network, the mobile station also connects to or registers with the second mobile communication network as a result of a sub-network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and the sub-network selection data (at least in part related to the first mobile communication network).

[0026] Therefore, according to the present invention and with regard to network selection for secondary connections (to the second mobile communication network) of a mobile station, it is proposed that the secondary network selection process is influenced to some extent by the results of the primary network selection process. In other words, a mechanism is proposed to select priority-ranked networks for additional connections (secondary connections to the second mobile communication network) that run parallel to existing (primary) connections in the network (first mobile communication network).

[0027] In conventionally known telecommunications or mobile communication networks, a mobile station (typically a user equipment) typically experiences a radio environment comprising at least a number of radio cells that can be detected and / or received by the respective mobile station or user equipment (i.e., a mobile station – at its current location or position – is potentially able to receive different radio frequency signals on different frequencies and / or frequency bands and / or at different times or time intervals or time slots and / or depending on different radio access technologies).

[0028] A single radio cell is typically provided by a base station entity; that is, the antenna assembly of a particular base station entity transmits radio frequency signals that enable a mobile station at its current location or position to receive such radio frequency signals with sufficient quality (typically with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio). In this case, the radio environment of the mobile station includes the radio cell in question. Multiple radio cells (i.e., multiple radio cells of a base station entity) are typically part of a mobile communication network within a cellular mobile communication network.

[0029] Therefore, multiple radio cells in the radio environment of a mobile station are typically part of multiple mobile communication networks, and each of these radio cells is usually associated with one or more of these mobile communication networks.

[0030] Therefore, by selecting a radio cell (from multiple radio cells present or receivable in the radio environment at the considered location or position of the mobile station), the mobile station also selects a mobile communication network (associated with the radio cell).

[0031] However, before a mobile communication network is considered a network selection candidate (i.e., a candidate mobile communication network), a mobile station needs to find a suitable radio cell to occupy within the mobile communication network or the public terrestrial mobile network. The criteria for determining whether a radio cell is suitable for occupation depend on the network technology (or radio access technology) under consideration as defined in or with the aid of relevant standardization documents (mostly referring to 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) documents).

[0032] The (initial) selection of a mobile network by the mobile station or user equipment (network selection after the equipment is powered on or the connection is lost) – also referred to below as the mobile station's primary connection – is specified in TS 23.122(etc.):

[0033] During the primary network selection process, several network lists are defined to determine network priority. These lists are part of the mobile station's network selection data and, for example, are stored on the USIM (UMTS Subscriber Identity Module) card or subscriber identity module or general-purpose integrated circuit card of the user equipment (i.e., the mobile equipment ME or the mobile station including a USIM), and / or those lists or the corresponding network selection information may also be stored in the mobile equipment ME (which is an end-user equipment without a USIM, as the equipment does not necessarily need a USIM for use in the SNPN), especially for standalone non-public networks.

[0034] In conventionally known mobile communication networks, that is, networks that conform to currently defined standards or standard documents, in such a primary network selection process, the highest priority for network selection is given to the home network or multiple home networks or multiple networks in the so-called equivalent home PLMN-EHPLMN list.

[0035] Regarding the selection of mobile communication networks by user equipment or mobile station (network selection), the mobile station uses network selection data, which is usually a list of (mobile communication) networks that specifies the priority order of network selection (or assigns priority to such networks in these lists).

[0036] TS 23.122 (e.g., V18.0.0), for example – in Clause 4.4 for public land mobile networks and in Clause 4.9 for independent non-public networks, specifies – multiple lists stored in the mobile station (e.g., on the user's USIM card) to determine the priority of network selection: as already mentioned, (after the device is powered on or coverage is lost) the highest priority is given to the home network (or the home network (if any) stored in the so-called equivalent home public land mobile network – EHPLMN); the next priority is given in order of entries in these lists to networks in the user list of preferred networks with access technologies (UPLMNwAcT); and finally to networks in the operator list of access technologies (OPLMNwAcT); the specifications of the access technologies (or radio access technologies) in these lists are generally optional.

[0037] If no available network is entered into one of these lists, the mobile station or user equipment searches for a (mobile communication) network with a high signal level (high quality) and then searches for the network with the highest signal level among the remaining networks.

[0038] A similar mechanism has been defined for network selection using SNPNs (i.e., based on network selection data), requiring the mobile station or user equipment to be in SNPN access mode to select a standalone non-public network. In this case, the list can also be stored in the ME (Mobile Equipment, which is a UE without a USIM), as the device does not necessarily need a USIM for use with standalone non-public networks. In addition to the SNPN identity, a group ID (GIN) can be used for network selection, which groups several SNPNs into a group.

[0039] After the initial network selection (after power-on or after the UE returns to coverage after losing network access) – and especially in cases where the mobile station or user equipment is not connected to a network from the group of highest priority networks (i.e., the home network or equivalent home PLMN) – depending on the timer settings on the USIM (or also on the ME for SNPN devices), higher priority networks (i.e., networks ranked higher on the list) can be searched periodically. However, apart from satellite networks, only networks from the same country as the current network (identified by the Mobile Country Code, MCC) are considered.

[0040] Typically, this network selection data (i.e., these lists of home networks and networks preferred by the operator) is easily updated by the operator – usually the home operator of the mobile station or the operator operating the home mobile network – via mobile connection.

[0041] Similarly, in conventionally known mobile communication networks, especially due to the 5G specifications in 3GPP, a mobile station or user equipment can also register in two different networks (or may even need to register in two different networks), that is, in addition to the primary connection to the first mobile communication network, the mobile station can connect to a second mobile communication network.

[0042] In particular, TS 22.261 version 16 defines “multi-network connectivity and service delivery across operators” (Term 6.18 of TS 22.261 V16.16.0). For example, industrial communication networks may only support a limited number of services (e.g., data transmission only, but not voice services). To provide a complete service package to a user, cooperation with another network providing the remaining services is required; the mobile station or user equipment then connects to the home network to obtain basic services and simultaneously roams to another network to receive additional services. Other use cases may include (according to TS 22.261 V18.7.0, Term 6.41) mobile stations or user equipment connected to a local network (e.g., in a stadium, to receive services from there, such as the streaming of an ongoing sports broadcast that is only available locally on that network), in addition to their existing connections to the (macro) network. In contrast to public networks (Public Land Mobile Network, PLMN), a local network can also be an independent non-public network (SNPN). Connections to the local network are only temporarily permitted when the mobile station or user equipment is in a specific location. Authentication in a local network can be based on access data from the home network (roaming) or use the local network's own access data.

[0043] Furthermore, regarding mobile stations, in addition to the primary connection, having a secondary connection can provide the possibility of splitting and / or switching the data stream of such mobile stations between two networks (if connected via both networks) to provide optimal coverage. As a typical application, consider parallel connections via terrestrial cellular networks and satellite cellular networks; see the FS_DualSteer study (TR 22.841, in draft form).

[0044] Such secondary connections to the second telecommunications network of the mobile station also require selection among the mobile communication networks available to the mobile station (at its current location and at the point in time considered). According to the invention, and as already stated, the network selection (to the second mobile communication network), i.e., the secondary network selection process, is influenced by the result of the primary network selection process (based on the network selection data), i.e., the secondary network selection data is at least partially related to the first mobile communication network and indicates at least the second mobile communication network (i.e., the result of the secondary network selection process); in particular, the “selection” in the secondary network selection process can be reduced and / or its priority modified relative to the primary network selection process.

[0045] According to the invention, advantageously and preferably, the network selection data includes a list or list entries as primary network selection data regarding the mobile station's primary connection. This primary network selection data is used by the mobile station during a primary network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment, particularly by means of radio frequency parameter measurements performed by the mobile station, which results in the mobile station connecting to or registering with a first mobile communication network.

[0046] In particular, the secondary network selection data is also part of the network selection data, and in particular, a specific portion of the secondary network selection data is part of or assigned to the primary network selection data, and in particular, each specific portion corresponds to one of the mobile communication networks that can be selected as the first mobile communication network.

[0047] Therefore, according to the invention, it is advantageously possible that the list or list entries used – as part of the network selection data – as the main network selection data (regarding the main connection of the mobile station) can be supplemented (or extended) by means of the secondary network selection data, wherein in particular the secondary network selection data (which is also part of the network selection data and / or assigned to the main network selection data) or portions thereof provide an extension to the (main) network selection data in relation to one of the mobile communication networks that can be selected as the first mobile communication network.

[0048] Therefore, in particular, according to the invention, it is advantageous to provide an extension of the list for network selection using sub-network selection data, such that for each entry in the EHPLMN, UPLMNwAcT, and / or OPLMNwAcT network list (or its equivalent for SNPN network selection), one or more entries can be prioritized for the sub-network (or sub-network group) using the access technology. Specifically, the Public Land Mobile Network Identity (i.e., PLMN ID) used for network selection, as well as the SNPN identity and group identity, can be part of the sub-network selection data.

[0049] According to the invention, it is further advantageous and preferred that the primary network selection process corresponds to the PLMN selection process or the SNPN selection process, and wherein the secondary network selection process corresponds to another PLMN selection process or another SNPN selection process, wherein in particular the mobile station corresponds to user equipment having or including a subscriber identity module or USIM or a universal integrated circuit card, or corresponds to mobile equipment (in particular without USIM).

[0050] Therefore, advantageously, it is possible that the secondary connection (of the mobile station) is to an independent non-public network (i.e., the second mobile communication network is an independent non-public network), while the primary connection (of the mobile station) is to a public land mobile network (i.e., the first mobile communication network is a public land mobile network), or vice versa. This also means that the mobile station can connect to the independent non-public network (as the second mobile communication network) while not in SNPN access mode (because it is connected to the public land mobile network as its primary connection). Of course, this also applies to another scenario, where the mobile station can connect to the public land mobile network (as the second mobile communication network) while in SNPN access mode (because it is connected to the independent non-public network as its primary connection).

[0051] According to the invention, it is further advantageous and preferred that the network selection data is stored on a subscriber identity module, USIM, or universal integrated circuit card associated with the mobile station, which in particular corresponds to a storage module of the mobile station, or wherein the network selection data is stored on the mobile device.

[0052] In particular, the network selection data – especially the primary network selection data for the mobile station's primary connection and the secondary network selection data for the mobile station's secondary connection – includes lists or entries for different categories of mobile communication networks, especially lists or entries for the following:

[0053] -- Equivalent home public terrestrial mobile network or equivalent home independent non-public network, and / or

[0054] -- User-defined public terrestrial mobile network or user-defined standalone non-public network, and / or

[0055] -- Operator-defined public terrestrial mobile networks or operator-defined standalone non-public networks.

[0056] -- Independent, non-public network group identity,

[0057] In particular, such lists or list entries include priority ordering instructions for different radio access technologies.

[0058] Therefore, the method of the present invention can be advantageously implemented and carried out in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0059] According to the invention, it is further advantageous, possible, and preferred that,

[0060] -- The secondary network selection process is performed directly after the mobile station connects to or registers with the first mobile communication network, and / or

[0061] -- The sub-network selection process is performed periodically according to a timer that implements a periodic sub-time interval, wherein, in particular, the value of the start of the sub-time interval and / or the timer is stored in the mobile station's memory module.

[0062] In particular, the timer and / or the time interval of the secondary network selection process are independent of when the primary network selection process is repeated.

[0063] Therefore, the method of the present invention can be advantageously implemented and carried out in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is advantageous and preferred that a specific portion of the secondary network selection data corresponding to the first mobile communication network – or, a specific portion of the secondary network selection data corresponding to a mobile communication network that can be selected as the first mobile communication network – includes or corresponds to a set of information items, each information item corresponding to or referring to a mobile communication network that can be selected as the second mobile communication network.

[0065] Specifically, this set of information items regarding each specific portion of the sub-network selection data can verify one or more of the following:

[0066] -- Each information item refers to at least one mobile communication network that can be selected as a second mobile communication network, and in particular, each information item refers to one mobile communication network that can be selected as a second mobile communication network.

[0067] -- The information item includes instructions for authentication purposes to access the designated corresponding mobile communication network. In particular, the instructions for authentication purposes indicate whether local credential information or the home network credential information of the mobile station is used, and in particular, the instructions for authentication purposes include the credential information to be used to access the designated corresponding mobile communication network.

[0068] -- The information item includes a validity indication (in particular, in addition to indications used for authentication purposes), wherein, by means of the validity indication, the validity of the information item, particularly with respect to time and / or with respect to the location of the mobile station, can be restricted or permitted, particularly...

[0069] -- Regarding time-related validity indications, specifically defined time intervals, particularly those occurring only once or repeatedly and / or periodically and / or at specific events,

[0070] -- Regarding the validity indication related to the location of the mobile station, apply the granularity of the tracking area level of the first mobile communication network, and / or

[0071] -- A valid indication relating to the location of the mobile station, indicating one or more geographic coordinates, particularly having a radius defined by multiple geographic coordinates or, in particular, a polygon.

[0072] -- Regarding multiple validity indicators, these validity indicators can be chained together using logical operators, thereby specifically enabling combined validity indicators for both time and mobile station location.

[0073] -- During the secondary network selection process, all information items are considered and taken into account, especially independently of the country indication or mobile country code, and particularly independently of the country indication or mobile country code of the primary mobile communication network.

[0074] -- The set of information items is prone to be empty, which leads to the avoidance of sub-network selection, and in particular, the non-occurrence of sub-network selection.

[0075] Therefore, the method of the present invention can be advantageously implemented and carried out in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is advantageously possible and preferred to use authentication and / or credential information to perform the connection or registration of the mobile station to the second mobile communication network based on one or more of the following:

[0077] -- Depending on the instructions in the network selection data, use the credential information of the mobile station's home network.

[0078] -- Depending on the instructions in the network selection data, the credential information of the second mobile communication network is used.

[0079] -- The credentials to be used are already stored in the mobile station's memory module, specifically in the subscriber identity module or the universal integrated circuit card.

[0080] -- The credential information to be used is transmitted to the mobile station by the first mobile communication network and / or the second mobile communication network.

[0081] -- Instructions on how to perform authentication can be explicit, particularly as part of the secondary network selection data, or the instructions can be implicit, particularly in cases where the credentials of the second mobile network are stored, or in cases where the second mobile network rejects authentication attempts using credentials of the first mobile network and / or the home network of the mobile station.

[0082] Therefore, the method of the present invention can be advantageously implemented and carried out in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is advantageous and preferred that, in cases where a mobile station is connected to or registered with another first mobile communication network – as a result of a subsequent primary network selection process following the termination of the connection with the first mobile communication network that is the primary connection of the mobile station – a secondary network selection process is performed with respect to the secondary connection of the mobile station, taking into account the radio environment and the corresponding portion of the secondary network selection data corresponding to the other first mobile communication network.

[0084] Specifically, this includes terminating the primary connection with the first mobile communication network and terminating the connection with the second mobile network or the secondary connection of the mobile station before the mobile station connects to or registers with the other first mobile communication network.

[0085] Therefore, the method of the present invention can be advantageously implemented and carried out in a relatively simple and efficient manner.

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mobile station operating in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells of multiple mobile communication networks, each of which is associated with at least one of the multiple mobile communication networks.

[0087] Specifically, as the primary connection of the mobile station, the mobile station connects to or registers with a first mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks, and additionally as a secondary connection, the mobile station is able to connect to or register with a second mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks.

[0088] As a result of a master network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and network selection data stored in the mobile station's memory module, the mobile station connects to or registers with a first mobile communication network, wherein at least a portion of the network selection data relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network.

[0089] Specifically, in order for the mobile station to additionally connect to or register with the second mobile communication network, the mobile station is configured such that:

[0090] -- The mobile station includes or receives secondary network selection data regarding the secondary connection of the mobile station, the secondary network selection data being at least partially related to the first mobile communication network and indicating at least a second mobile communication network.

[0091] In addition to being connected to or registered in the first mobile communication network, the mobile station is also connected to or registered in the second mobile communication network as a result of a secondary network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and the secondary network selection data.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mobile station for receiving network selection data from the home network of a mobile station and / or for storing network selection data, particularly according to the present invention.

[0093] The mobile station is configured to perform a primary network selection process using network selection data that is at least partially related to or instructs the first mobile communication network, so as to connect to or register with the first mobile communication network as the primary connection of the mobile station.

[0094] The network selection data includes secondary network selection data, which is at least partially related to the first mobile communication network and indicates at least a second mobile communication network, and the mobile station is configured to use the secondary network selection data to perform a secondary network selection process so as to connect to or register on the second mobile communication network as a secondary connection of the mobile station, in addition to connecting to or registering on the first mobile communication network.

[0095] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system or mobile communication network for operating a mobile station in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells of multiple mobile communication networks, each of which is associated with at least one of the multiple mobile communication networks.

[0096] Specifically, as the primary connection of the mobile station, the mobile station connects to or registers with a first mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks, and additionally as a secondary connection, the mobile station is able to connect to or register with a second mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks.

[0097] As a result of a master network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and network selection data stored in the mobile station's memory module, the mobile station connects to or registers with a first mobile communication network, wherein at least a portion of the network selection data relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network.

[0098] In order for the mobile station to additionally connect to or register with the second mobile communication network, the system or mobile communication network is configured such that:

[0099] -- The mobile station includes or receives secondary network selection data regarding the secondary connection of the mobile station, the secondary network selection data being at least partially related to the first mobile communication network and indicating at least a second mobile communication network.

[0100] In addition to being connected to or registered in the first mobile communication network, the mobile station is also connected to or registered in the second mobile communication network as a result of a secondary network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and the secondary network selection data.

[0101] Additionally, the present invention relates to a program comprising computer-readable program code that, when executed on a computer, and / or on a mobile station, and / or on a network node of a mobile communication network, or partially on a mobile station, and / or partially on a network node of a mobile communication network, causes the computer and / or the mobile station and / or the network node of the mobile communication network to perform the method according to the invention.

[0102] Additionally, the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, and / or on a mobile station, and / or on a network node of a mobile communication network, or partially on a mobile station, and / or partially on a network node of a mobile communication network, cause the computer and / or the mobile station and / or the network node of the mobile communication network to perform the method according to the invention.

[0103] These and other features, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the principles of the invention are illustrated by way of example. This specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings cited below. Attached Figure Description

[0104] Figure 1 The illustration illustrates a mobile station in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells and multiple mobile communication networks.

[0105] Figure 2 The illustration depicts a mobile station that includes network selection data, which is stored, in particular, in the mobile station's memory module (typically USIM in the case of the mobile station being user equipment), or in another memory portion of the mobile equipment / mobile station.

[0106] Figure 3 An example illustrating the structure of network selection data, including primary network selection data and secondary network selection data, is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The invention will be described with respect to specific embodiments and with reference to certain accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but is defined only by the claims. The described drawings are merely illustrative and not restrictive. In the drawings, some elements may be enlarged and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

[0108] Use the indefinite or definite article when referring to a singular noun. For example, unless otherwise specified, “one,” “a,” and “the” include the plural form of the noun.

[0109] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc., used in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe order or chronological sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in an order different from that described or illustrated herein.

[0110] exist Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a mobile station 20 in a radio environment comprising multiple radio cells and multiple mobile communication networks. Figure 1 In the exemplary representation, the first radio cell 11 is associated with or related to the first mobile communication network 100, the second radio cell 12 is associated with or related to the second mobile communication network 200, and the third radio cell 13 is associated with or related to the third mobile communication network 300.

[0111] Schematic, each of the three radio cells 11, 12, 13 detected or “seen” by mobile station 20 represents a base station entity: (typically but not necessarily of the first mobile communication network 100) a first base station entity 111 generates or provides radio coverage of or about the first radio cell 11, (typically but not necessarily of the second mobile communication network 200) a second base station entity 112 generates or provides radio coverage of or about the second radio cell 12, and (typically but not necessarily of the third mobile communication network 200) a third base station entity 113 generates or provides radio coverage of or about the third radio cell 13.

[0112] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, mobile station 20 is shown located within the radio coverage area of ​​first radio cell 11, second radio cell 12, and third radio cell 13 (illustrated by dashed circles). Mobile station 20 typically measures or detects reception status with respect to the plurality of radio cells 11, 12, 13, and subsequently selects and / or registers with a mobile communication network from a plurality of mobile communication networks 100, 200, 300.

[0113] According to the present invention, it is assumed that mobile station 20 (particularly user equipment, i.e., mobile equipment including a USIM or subscriber identity module, or mobile device) is already connected to a mobile communication network. This connection is referred to as the primary connection of mobile station 20, and the corresponding mobile communication network is the first mobile communication network 100 (among multiple mobile communication networks 100, 200, 300 available to the mobile station). In addition to the primary connection to the first mobile communication network 100, mobile station 20 is capable of connecting to or registering with a second mobile communication network 200 (among multiple mobile communication networks 100, 200, 300). This possible connection to the second mobile communication network 200 is also referred to as a secondary connection of mobile station 20.

[0114] The selection of the first mobile communication network 100 is based on the network selection data 25 stored in the mobile station 20 (in the case where the mobile station 20 is user equipment and therefore includes a USIM, especially stored in the USIM) and is the result of a main network selection process (i.e., the initial network selection process performed – according to the corresponding standardized document – ​​in the case where the mobile station 20 does not have any connection to the mobile communication network at all, i.e., usually after power-on and / or after connection loss), i.e., at least a portion of the network selection data 25 relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network 100.

[0115] According to the present invention, in order for a mobile station 20 to additionally connect to or register with a second mobile communication network 200, the mobile station 20 includes or receives secondary network selection data regarding the secondary connection of the mobile station 20 and the second mobile communication network 200 (the second mobile communication network 200 to which the mobile station 20 is able to connect as a result of the secondary network selection process, in addition to being connected to or registered with the first mobile communication network 100), such that the secondary network selection data is at least partially related to the first mobile communication network 100 (and at least indicates the second mobile communication network 200).

[0116] exist Figure 3 The structure of network selection data 25 – particularly including secondary network selection data 252 – is schematically shown. Network selection data 25 includes primary network selection data 251. Primary network selection data 251 is specifically provided – according to the relevant standardized document – ​​in the form of a network list, such as an equivalent list of Home Public Land Mobile Networks (EHPLMN), a list of users of preferred networks with access technologies (UPLMNwAcT), and / or a list of operators with access technologies (OPLMNwAcT), wherein different networks are ranked in order of priority by means of these lists. This is in Figure 3The main network selection data 251 is represented schematically and exemplaryly by including a network list (at least as a part of it) (in particular, any network list, i.e., not specified whether this corresponds to the EHPLMN or UPLMNwAct or OPLMNwAcT list, or its equivalent for independent non-public network selection), including a first main network entry 2511 (e.g., associated with “PLMNA, E-UTRAN of France”) and a second main network entry 2512 (e.g., associated with “PLMN X of the United Kingdom”).

[0117] Sub-network selection data 252 preferably (but not necessarily) also includes network entries; this in Figure 3 The sub-network selection data 252 includes a first sub-network entry 2521 (e.g., associated with "PLMN B, NG-RAN of France"), a second sub-network entry 2522 (e.g., associated with "SNPN C"), a third sub-network entry 2523 (e.g., associated with "PLMN D of Spain"), and a fourth sub-network entry 2524 (e.g., associated with "SNPN Y, UTRAN") to illustrate and exemplify the following.

[0118] Therefore, network selection data 25 specifically includes primary network selection data 251 and secondary network selection data 252, and particularly as a list or list entries. Thus, as part of network selection data 25, primary network selection data 251 is used in a primary network selection process (i.e., regarding or for establishing a primary connection for mobile station 20) performed taking into account the radio environment, particularly by means of radio frequency parameter measurements of mobile station 20. The primary network selection process results in mobile station 20 connecting to or registering with the first mobile communication network 100.

[0119] exist Figure 3In the exemplary case shown, the sub-network selection data 252 is also part of the network selection data 25, and the sub-network selection data 252 is shown as including specific portions 252' and 252'' (i.e., the first specific portion 252' – including the first sub-network entry 2521, the second sub-network entry 2522 and the third sub-network entry 2523 of the sub-network selection data 252 – and the second specific portion 252'' – including the fourth sub-network entry 2524 of the sub-network selection data 252). Specific portions 252', 252'' of the secondary network selection data 252 are part of the primary network selection data 251 (or portions thereof), or they are assigned to the primary network selection data 251 (or portions thereof), such that each specific portion 252', 252'' is assigned to or belongs to a specific primary network entry 2511, 2512 that is part of the primary network selection data 251, that is, assigned (in the primary network selection process) to a mobile communication network that can be selected as the first mobile communication network 100.

[0120] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the first specific portion 252' is assigned to or belongs to the first main network entry 2511 of the main network selection data 251, and the second specific portion 252'' is assigned to or belongs to the second main network entry 2512 of the main network selection data 251.

[0121] According to the present invention, preferably, specific portions 252', 252'' of the secondary network selection data 252 (which correspond to a mobile communication network that can be selected as the first mobile communication network 100) include or correspond to a set of information items 255, 256, 257, 258, each information item 255, 256, 257, 258 corresponding to or referring to a mobile communication network that can be selected as the second mobile communication network 200.

[0122] This is Figure 3The diagram is illustrated schematically and exemplary by means of a first specific portion 252' (of the secondary network selection data 252 corresponding to the first primary network entry 2511 of the primary network selection data 251), which includes a set of information items: a first information item 255, a second information item 256, and a third information item 257. Each of these information items 255, 256, and 257 (in this set of information items) includes or refers to one of the first network entry 2521, the second network entry 2522, and the third network entry 2523 of the secondary network selection data 252, i.e., specifies the mobile communication network that can be selected as the second mobile communication network 200 (during the secondary network selection process). In particular, according to the invention, the order of information items 255, 256, and 257 within the set of information items signifies a priority ranking among the information items, particularly a priority ranking among the corresponding network entries; or in other words, the order of the network entries signifies a priority ranking of the corresponding (secondary) network, i.e., a priority ranking to be followed during the secondary network selection process. Similar to the first specific portion 252', the second specific portion 252'' (the second primary network entry 2512 of the secondary network selection data 252 corresponding to the primary network selection data 251) includes a fourth information item 258 (also as a set of information items (in this case only one information item)), the fourth information item 258 includes or refers to the fourth secondary network entry 2524 of the secondary network selection data 252, that is, specifies (in the secondary network selection process) the mobile communication network that can be selected as the second mobile communication network 200.

[0123] Right now, Figure 3 Each of information items 255, 256, 257, and 258 is shown to relate to at least one mobile communication network (or sub-network entries 2521, 2522, 2523, and 2524) that can be selected as the second mobile communication network 200. In particular, each information item 255, 256, 257, and 258 refers to a mobile communication network that can be selected as the second mobile communication network 200.

[0124] also, Figure 3 Each set of information items (i.e., the set of information items 255, 256, 257 concerning the first specific portion 252'', and the set of information item 258 concerning the second specific portion 252'') – and potentially each individual information item 255, 256, 257, 258 – includes the possibility of an indication 253 for authentication purposes in order to access the corresponding mobile communication network (in the corresponding sub-network entries, i.e., 2521 for information item 255, 2522 for information item 256, 2523 for information item 257, and 2524 for information item 258).

[0125] Specifically, instruction 253 for authentication purposes indicates whether to use local credential information or credential information of the home network of mobile station 20 (in order to access the network indicated by the corresponding sub-network entries 2521, 2522, 2523, 2524), and in particular, this instruction for authentication purposes includes credential information to be used for accessing the corresponding mobile communication network referred to. For example, instruction 253 for authentication purposes may correspond to "Use home network authentication" and / or "Home network authentication parameters / credentials are as follows (...)" regarding first information item 255, third information item 257, and fourth information item 258, and "Use local network authentication" and / or "Local network authentication parameters / credentials are as follows (...)" regarding second information item 256.

[0126] also, Figure 3 Also shown are each set of information items (i.e., the set of information items 255, 256, 257 concerning the first specific portion 252'', and the set of information item 258 concerning the second specific portion 252'') – and potentially each individual information item 255, 256, 257, 258 – including the possibility of a validity indication 254 regarding the access (or permitted access) to the corresponding mobile communication network (in the corresponding sub-network entries, i.e., 2521 for information item 255, 2522 for information item 256, 2523 for information item 257, and 2524 for information item 258). In particular, the validity indication 254 indicates conditions that must be met (e.g., regarding time and / or regarding the location of mobile station 20) so that mobile station 20 has permission to access the network indicated by the corresponding sub-network entries 2521, 2522, 2523, 2524 (or – if met – exclude mobile station 20 from accessing the indicated network). For example, regarding the first information item 255, the third information item 257, and the fourth information item 258, the validity indication 254 may be empty (i.e., to avoid specifying a positive condition regarding permission to access the corresponding network, or alternatively, regarding denial of access to the corresponding network), and regarding the second information item 256, it may correspond to "on Sunday and if located in a specific location or geographical area, for example, a city such as Paris".

[0127] Therefore, according to the present invention, preferably, by means of validity indication 254, the validity (or applicability) of information items 255, 256, 257, 258, particularly with respect to time and / or with respect to the location of mobile station 20, can be restricted or permitted, wherein in particular

[0128] -- Regarding time-related validity indications, specifically defined time intervals, particularly those occurring only once or repeatedly and / or periodically and / or at specific events,

[0129] -- Regarding the validity indication related to the location of mobile station 20, the granularity at the tracking area level of the first mobile communication network 100 is applied, and / or

[0130] -- Regarding the validity indications related to the location of mobile station 20, indicating one or more geographic coordinates, particularly having a radius defined by multiple geographic coordinates or, in particular, a polygon.

[0131] -- Regarding multiple validity indicators, such validity indicators can be linked by logical (e.g., Boolean) operators, thereby specifically implementing combined validity indicators for both time and the location of mobile station 20.

[0132] Furthermore, according to the invention, preferably, – as part of the set of information items considered corresponding to specific portions 252', 252'' of the sub-network selection data 252, – all information items 255, 256, 257, 258 (in such a set of considered information items) are considered and taken into account during the sub-network selection process, and this is particularly independent of the country indication or mobile country code of the first mobile communication network 100 (i.e., the network referred to by the corresponding main network entries 2511, 2512). Furthermore, the set of information items 255, 256, 257, 258 (corresponding to specific portions 252', 252'' of the sub-network selection data 252) is prone to be an empty set, in which case this leads to the avoidance of sub-network selection, and in particular, the non-occurrence of sub-network selection.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is preferred that the secondary network selection process be performed directly after the mobile station 20 connects to or registers with the first mobile communication network 100, and / or the secondary network selection process be performed periodically according to a timer that implements a periodic secondary time interval, wherein, in particular, values ​​relating to the secondary time interval and / or the start of the timer are stored in the memory module of the mobile station 20. Such timers and / or secondary time intervals for the secondary network selection process are particularly independent of when the primary network selection process is repeated.

[0134] According to a further variation of the invention, the mobile station 20 performs connection to or registration with the second mobile communication network 200 by using authentication and / or credential information based on one or more of the following:

[0135] -- Depending on the instructions in network selection data 25, the credential information of the home network of mobile station 20 is used.

[0136] -- Depending on the instructions in network selection data 25, the credential information of the second mobile communication network 200 is used.

[0137] -- The credentials to be used are already stored in the memory module of the mobile station 20, specifically in the subscriber identity module or the universal integrated circuit card.

[0138] -- The credential information to be used is transmitted to the mobile station 20 by the first mobile communication network 100 and / or by the second mobile communication network 200.

[0139] -- Instructions on how to perform authentication can be explicit, particularly as part of the secondary network selection data 252, or the instructions can be implicit, particularly in cases where credential information of the second mobile communication network 200 is stored, or in cases where the second mobile communication network 200 rejects authentication attempts using credential information of the first mobile communication network 100 and / or the home network of the mobile station 20.

[0140] Additionally, the present invention provides a solution in the case where the connection to the first mobile communication network 100 (as the primary connection of the mobile station 20) is terminated: in this case (i.e., assuming the mobile station 20 was previously connected to the first mobile communication network 100 as its primary connection and the second mobile communication network 200 as its secondary connection, and – for some reason – the primary connection to the first mobile communication network 100 is terminated (i.e., the secondary connection to the second mobile communication network 200 remains active or available): if in such a case, the mobile station 20 (by means of re-performing the primary network selection process) connects to or registers with another first mobile communication network (i.e., a network different from the first mobile communication network 100 with which the primary connection was previously established) – as a result of a subsequent primary network selection process after the termination of the connection with the first mobile communication network 100 as the primary connection of the mobile station 20 – Considering the radio environment and the corresponding portion of the secondary network selection data 252 corresponding to the other first mobile communication network, an additional secondary network selection process is performed for the secondary connection of mobile station 20 (i.e., different specific portions of the secondary network selection data 252 are typically used and correspondingly different sets of information items are used); furthermore, in such cases, particularly after terminating the primary connection with the first mobile communication network 100 and before mobile station 20 connects to or registers with the other first mobile communication network, the connection with the second mobile communication network 200 or the secondary connection of mobile station 20 is terminated.

[0141] Therefore, according to the present invention – in order to implement the present invention and the method according to the present invention – mobile station 20 – basically only needs to receive network selection data 25 (typically from its home network) and / or needs to store network selection data 25 constructed according to the present invention, i.e., secondary network selection data 252 is at least partially related to the first mobile communication network 100 (mobile station 20 is connected to the first mobile communication network 100 – as its primary connection – since the primary network selection process has been performed) and indicates at least the second mobile communication network 200.

[0142] Therefore, according to this understanding of the invention, the mobile station 20 only needs to be configured to perform a primary network selection process using network selection data 25 that is at least partially associated with or instructs the first mobile communication network 100, so as to connect to or register with the first mobile communication network 100 as the primary connection of the mobile station 20.

[0143] The network selection data 25 additionally includes secondary network selection data 252, which is at least partially related to the first mobile communication network 100 and indicates at least the second mobile communication network 200, and wherein the mobile station 20 is configured to use the secondary network selection data 252 to perform a secondary network selection process so as to connect to or register in the second mobile communication network 200 as a secondary connection of the mobile station 20, in addition to connecting to or registering in the first mobile communication network 100.

[0144] Therefore, according to the invention, the sub-network selection data 252 specifically corresponds to an extension of the list used for network selection, such that for each entry of the EHPLMN, UPLMNwAcT, and / or OPLMNwAcT (or its equivalent for SNPN network selection), multiple entries for priority ordering of the sub-network (or sub-network group) – potentially having access technologies – are possible. The PLMN identity, as well as the SNPN identity and group identity for network selection, can be entered there, i.e., as part of the sub-network selection data 252.

[0145] If entries exist for one or more secondary networks—regarding the primary network (i.e., the first telecommunications network 100) (or related to that primary network) that the user equipment (or mobile station) is currently logged into—as part of secondary network selection data 252, then the user equipment (or mobile station) 20 subsequently searches for these (secondary) networks and also logs into its highest priority network. The search for these (secondary) networks is performed, for example, immediately after logging into a new primary network, or periodically according to a timer value on the USIM (or, for SNPN devices, also in the ME). This timer is specifically independent of the timer used for periodic searches in the primary network.

[0146] In particular – unlike the network selection used for the main network – all entries used for the sub-network are considered, regardless of the country.

[0147] Furthermore, specifically, if there is no entry for the secondary network for the primary network (i.e., an empty set of information items), a search for the secondary network is not performed; that is, the mobile station 20 does not attempt a secondary connection.

[0148] To authenticate within the selected secondary network, the user equipment or mobile station 20 uses access data (credentials) from the home network or from the secondary network, depending on an instruction. This access data may already be stored on the USIM or in the terminal device, or it may be loaded onto the device only during the access attempt. This instruction may be explicit – an information element in a list indicating which credentials to use – or implicit if secondary network credentials are stored or if the secondary network denies access using home network credentials.

[0149] Alternatively or cumulatively, according to the invention, if a new primary network is selected (because the original primary network's coverage is lost or because a higher-priority network is discovered during periodic scanning), a secondary network is also selected again.

[0150] Alternatively or cumulatively, according to the present invention, if a secondary network is lost, a new search for it is performed based on the entries in the list. Connection to the primary network remains unaffected.

[0151] Furthermore, according to the invention, alternatively or cumulatively, the extended list (i.e., the list of network selection data 25 extended by means of sub-network selection data 252) should also be able to include entries for the validity of sub-network selection, such as time restrictions (start date + time, end date + time; periodic validity - valid at a certain time within a certain time period on a certain day of a week / month / year), or location restrictions (valid only when the user equipment or mobile station 20 is, for example, in a certain tracking area of ​​the main network or in a certain area specified by coordinates). Validity specifications are logically linked to each other (AND, OR, NOT) (e.g., valid if a time AND local condition is met). Validity specifications trigger a search for sub-networks.

[0152] In the following text, refer to Figure 3 Provide application examples (e.g., connections to local networks in stadiums) (but the difference is that the first subnet entry 2521 deals more with "SNPN B, e.g., in France, NG-RAN"):

[0153] The football stadium is served by SNPNB B, designed to be available only in the stadium stands. The stadium network transmits video streams from different camera perspectives (goalkeeper's view, coach's view, etc.) during the match, as well as replays of key events. This content is only available via SNPNB B.

[0154] The operator of PLMN A has an agreement with SNPN B that allows user equipment or mobile stations from PLMN A to roam to SNPN B during the daily prime time hours of 18:00 to 22:00 to watch local content.

[0155] Operator A updates its customers' EHPLMN list (regarding secondary network selection data 252): the primary network is PLMN A, the secondary network is SNPN B, the access data (i.e., the indication 253 for authentication purposes) is the access data of PLMN A, and the validity (i.e., the validity indication 254) is restricted to the tracking area where the stadium is located between 18:00 and 22:00 daily. The timer for the secondary network is set to 10 minutes.

[0156] User equipment or mobile stations 20 outside the stadium area log into their home network PLMNA (as their primary connection or first mobile communication network 100), but do not periodically search for other networks because the validity of a single entry for a secondary network (located within the stadium) is not given. Therefore, there is no negative impact on the battery life of such user equipment or mobile stations 20 outside the stadium, as there is no additional network search. The same applies to user equipment or mobile stations 20 within the stadium area but outside their validity period.

[0157] If the user equipment or mobile station 20 enters the stadium's tracking area during the validity period, a search for the secondary network begins. If the user equipment or mobile station 20 detects the secondary network SNPN B, it additionally attempts to register there.

[0158] This ensures that the user equipment or mobile station 20 selects an additional network (as its secondary connection or second mobile communication network 200) to receive streaming content without any further user interaction, but the search only occurs when it is meaningful, so it does not unnecessarily consume energy.

Claims

1. A method for operating a mobile station (20) in a radio environment comprising a plurality of radio cells (11, 12, 13) including a plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300), each of the radio cells (11, 12, 13) being associated with at least one of the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300), in, As the primary connection of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) is connected to or registered in a first mobile communication network (100) among the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300), and additionally as a secondary connection of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) is able to connect to or register in a second mobile communication network (200) among the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300). As a result of a master network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and network selection data (25) stored in the memory module of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) connects to or registers with the first mobile communication network (100), wherein at least a portion of the network selection data (25) relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network (100), wherein the network selection data (25) includes a list or list entries of master network selection data (251) as the master connection of the mobile station (20), the master network selection data (251) being used by the mobile station (20) during the master network selection process, the master network selection process causing the mobile station (20) to connect to or register with the first mobile communication network (100). In order to additionally connect or register the mobile station (20) to or register with the second mobile communication network (200), the method includes the following steps: -- In the first step, the mobile station (20) includes or receives secondary network selection data (252) regarding the secondary connection of the mobile station (20), the secondary network selection data (252) being at least partially related to the first mobile communication network (100) and indicating at least the second mobile communication network (200), wherein the secondary network selection data (252) is also a part of the network selection data (25), wherein portions (252', 252'') of the secondary network selection data (252) are assigned to the primary network selection data (251), and each portion (252', 252'') corresponds to one of the mobile communication networks that can be selected as the first mobile communication network (100). -- In the second step, in addition to being connected to or registered in the first mobile communication network (100), the mobile station (20) is connected to or registered in the second mobile communication network (200) as a result of a sub-network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and the portion (252, 252'') of the sub-network selection data (252) corresponding to the first mobile communication network (100).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the primary network selection process corresponds to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection process or a Standalone Non-Public Network (SNPN) selection process, and wherein the secondary network selection process corresponds to another PLMN selection process or another SNPN selection process, wherein the mobile station (20) corresponds to user equipment having or including a subscriber identity module or a general integrated circuit card, or corresponds to mobile equipment.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the network selection data (25) is stored on a subscriber identity module or a universal integrated circuit card associated with the mobile station (20), the subscriber identity module or the universal integrated circuit card corresponding to the memory module of the mobile station (20), or wherein the network selection data (25) is stored on the mobile device. The network selection data (25) mentioned therein includes lists or list entries for different categories of mobile communication networks, and lists or list entries for the following items. -- Equivalent home public terrestrial mobile network or equivalent home independent non-public network, and / or -- User-defined public terrestrial mobile network or user-defined standalone non-public network, and / or -- Operator-defined public terrestrial mobile networks or operator-defined standalone non-public networks. -- Independent, non-public network group identity, Such lists or list entries include priority ordering instructions for different radio access technologies.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein -- The secondary network selection process is performed directly after the mobile station (20) connects to or registers with the first mobile communication network (100), and / or -- The secondary network selection process is performed periodically according to a timer that implements a periodic secondary time interval, wherein the value of the start of the secondary time interval and / or the timer is stored in the memory module of the mobile station (20). The timer and / or the secondary time interval of the secondary network selection process are independent of when the primary network selection process is repeated.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a portion (252', 252'') of the secondary network selection data (252) corresponding to the first mobile communication network (100), or a portion (252', 252'') of the secondary network selection data (252) corresponding to a mobile communication network selectable as the first mobile communication network (100), comprises or corresponds to a set of information items (255, 256, 257, 258), each information item (255, 256, 257, 258) corresponding to or referring to a mobile communication network selectable as the second mobile communication network (200), in, The set of information items (255, 256, 257, 258) for each portion (252', 252'') of the sub-network selection data (252) can verify one or more of the following: -- Information items (255, 256, 257, 258) refer to at least one mobile communication network that can be selected as the second mobile communication network (200), and each information item (255, 256, 257, 258) refers to one mobile communication network that can be selected as the second mobile communication network (200). -- Information items (255, 256, 257, 258) include an instruction (253) for authentication purposes to access the designated corresponding mobile communication network, the instruction (253) for authentication purposes indicating whether to use local credential information or credential information of the home network of the mobile station (20), and the instruction (253) for authentication purposes including credential information to be used for accessing the designated corresponding mobile communication network. -- Information items (255, 256, 257, 258) include, in addition to the indication (253) for authentication purposes, a validity indication (254), wherein, by means of the validity indication (254), the validity of the information items (255, 256, 257, 258) relative to time and / or relative to the location of the mobile station (20) can be restricted or permitted, wherein -- Regarding time-related validity indications, specifically defined time intervals, whether an event occurs only once or repeatedly and / or periodically and / or at a specific event location, -- Regarding the validity indication related to the location of the mobile station (20), apply the granularity of the tracking area level of the first mobile communication network (100), and / or -- A validity indication relating to the location of the mobile station (20), indicating one or more geographic coordinates, having a radius or polygon defined by the multiple geographic coordinates, -- Regarding multiple validity indications, such validity indications can be linked by logical operators to achieve a combined validity indication relative to both time and the position of the mobile station (20). -- During the secondary network selection process, all information items (255, 256, 257, 258) are considered and taken into account, independent of the country indication or mobile country code and independent of the country indication or mobile country code of the first mobile communication network (100). -- The set of the information items (255, 256, 257, 258) is likely to be an empty set, which in this case leads to the avoidance of secondary network selection.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile station (20) performs connection to or registration in the second mobile communication network (200) using authentication and / or credential information based on one or more of the following: -- Depending on the indication in the network selection data (25), the credential information of the home network of the first mobile communication network (100) and / or the mobile station (20) is used. -- Depending on the indication in the network selection data (25), the credential information of the home network of the mobile station (20) and / or the second mobile communication network (200) is used. -- The credential information to be used has been stored in the memory module of the mobile station (20). -- The credential information to be used is transmitted to the mobile station (20) by the first mobile communication network (100) and / or by the second mobile communication network (200). -- Instructions on how to perform authentication can be explicit as part of the sub-network selection data (252), or instructions on how to perform authentication can be implicit in cases where the credentials of the second mobile communication network (200) are stored, or in cases where the second mobile communication network (200) rejects authentication attempts using the credentials of the first mobile communication network (100) and / or the home network of the mobile station (20).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the case where the mobile station (20) is connected to or registered in another first mobile communication network, as a result of a subsequent primary network selection process following the termination of the connection with the first mobile communication network (100) which is the primary connection of the mobile station (20), an additional secondary network selection process is performed with respect to the secondary connection of the mobile station (20), taking into account the radio environment and the corresponding portion of the secondary network selection data (252) corresponding to the other first mobile communication network. The connection with the second mobile communication network (200) or the secondary connection of the mobile station (20) is terminated after the primary connection with the first mobile communication network (20) is terminated and before the mobile station (20) connects to or registers with the other first mobile communication network.

8. A mobile station (20) operating in a radio environment comprising a plurality of radio cells (11, 12, 13) including a plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300), each of the radio cells (11, 12, 13) being associated with at least one of the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300). in, As the primary connection of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) is connected to or registered in a first mobile communication network (100) among the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300), and additionally as a secondary connection of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) is able to connect to or register in a second mobile communication network (200) among the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300). As a result of a master network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and network selection data (25) stored in the memory module of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) connects to or registers with the first mobile communication network (100), wherein at least a portion of the network selection data (25) relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network (100), wherein the network selection data (25) includes a list or list entries of master network selection data (251) as the master connection of the mobile station (20), the master network selection data (251) being used by the mobile station (20) during the master network selection process, the master network selection process causing the mobile station (20) to connect to or register with the first mobile communication network (100). In order for the mobile station (20) to be additionally connected to or registered in the second mobile communication network (200), the mobile station (20) is configured such that: -- The mobile station (20) includes or receives secondary network selection data (252) regarding the secondary connection of the mobile station (20), the secondary network selection data (252) being at least partially related to the first mobile communication network (100) and indicating at least the second mobile communication network (200), wherein the secondary network selection data (252) is also a part of the network selection data (25), wherein portions (252', 252'') of the secondary network selection data (252) are assigned to the primary network selection data (251), and each portion (252', 252'') corresponds to one of the mobile communication networks that can be selected as the first mobile communication network (100). -- In addition to being connected to or registered in the first mobile communication network (100), the mobile station (20) is connected to the second mobile communication network (200) as a result of a sub-network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and the portion (252', 252'') of the sub-network selection data (252) corresponding to the first mobile communication network (100).

9. A system or mobile communication network (100, 200) for operating a mobile station (20) in a radio environment comprising a plurality of radio cells (11, 12, 13) including a plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300), each of the radio cells (11, 12, 13) being associated with at least one of the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300). in, As the primary connection of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) is connected to or registered in a first mobile communication network (100) among the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300), and additionally as a secondary connection of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) is able to connect to or register in a second mobile communication network (200) among the plurality of mobile communication networks (100, 200, 300). As a result of a master network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and network selection data (25) stored in the memory module of the mobile station (20), the mobile station (20) connects to or registers with the first mobile communication network (100), wherein at least a portion of the network selection data (25) relates to or indicates the first mobile communication network (100), wherein the network selection data (25) includes a list or list entries of master network selection data (251) as the master connection of the mobile station (20), the master network selection data (251) being used by the mobile station (20) during the master network selection process, the master network selection process causing the mobile station (20) to connect to or register with the first mobile communication network (100). In order for the mobile station (20) to be additionally connected to or registered in the second mobile communication network (200), the system or mobile communication network (100, 200) is configured such that: -- The mobile station (20) includes or receives secondary network selection data (252) regarding the secondary connection of the mobile station (20), the secondary network selection data (252) being at least partially related to the first mobile communication network (100) and indicating at least the second mobile communication network (200), wherein the secondary network selection data (252) is also a part of the network selection data (25), wherein portions (252', 252'') of the secondary network selection data (252) are assigned to the primary network selection data (251), and each portion (252', 252'') corresponds to one of the mobile communication networks that can be selected as the first mobile communication network (100). -- In addition to being connected to or registered in the first mobile communication network (100), the mobile station (20) is connected to or registered in the second mobile communication network (200) as a result of a sub-network selection process performed taking into account the radio environment and the portion (252', 252'') of the sub-network selection data (252) corresponding to the first mobile communication network (100).

10. A computer program product comprising computer-readable program code, which, when executed on a computer, and / or on a mobile station (20), and / or on a network node of a mobile communication network (100), or partially on a mobile station (20), and / or partially on a network node of a mobile communication network (100), causes the computer and / or the mobile station (20) and / or the network node of the mobile communication network (100) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, and / or on a mobile station (20), and / or on a network node of a mobile communication network (100), or partially on a mobile station (20), and / or partially on a network node of a mobile communication network (100), cause the computer and / or the mobile station (20) and / or the network node of the mobile communication network (100) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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