Mobile Service Continuity via Donor Device MSISDN Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users who lose or have their mobile devices face a lengthy wait for replacement, during which they are without a functioning phone, and existing solutions do not allow temporary use of another device while maintaining their original account and number.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a subscriber to access telecommunications services on a donor device by reassigning their MSISDN and generating a secret key, allowing temporary use until a replacement device is obtained, with billing and authentication processes integrated into the network operator's core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a subscriber reports their mobile device as lost or stolen and waits for a replacement, then data security is protected, but the subscriber loses access to communication services for days to weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a donor device as an intermediary that temporarily hosts the subscriber's MSISDN and authentication credentials. This mediator allows the subscriber to access communication services on a borrowed device while the original device remains secured and blocked, resolving the contradiction between data security and service accessibility during the replacement period
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the donor device with the subscriber's MSISDN, authentication credentials, and billing information before the subscriber needs to use it. The Network Operator System proactively sets up the temporary service assignment, so when the subscriber reports loss, they can immediately authenticate and use the donor device without waiting for complex setup procedures
2Reliability
If existing backup and restore solutions are used, then data loss is prevented, but the subscriber cannot use a temporary device with their original account and number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mobile service into two independent components: the subscriber's identity credentials (MSISDN, authentication keys) and the physical device. By separating these elements, the subscriber's identity can be temporarily assigned to a donor device while the original device remains blocked, allowing service continuity without data transfer or device replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The donor device is designed to be universally compatible with any subscriber's credentials. The same donor device can serve multiple subscribers who have lost their devices, as the Network Operator System dynamically assigns and reassigns MSISDNs and authentication credentials. This multi-functionality allows a single donor device pool to serve many subscribers, providing versatile temporary service restoration
3Loss of time
If the MSISDN is reassigned to a donor device, then immediate service access is enabled, but network authentication and billing systems must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The Network Operator System implements self-service mechanisms where the donor device automatically authenticates itself with the network using pre-configured credentials. The system autonomously handles MSISDN reassignment, authentication token generation, and billing account linkage without requiring manual intervention from network operators, reducing the operational complexity despite the enhanced functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method can allow a first subscriber who is unable to use his mobile device due to theft, damage, loss, or any other reason to authenticate himself on a telecommunications network using a second subscriber's mobile device. The system and method can also allow the first subscriber to continue to make and receive calls and messages with the second subscriber's mobile device. Any charges incurred by usage of the second subscriber's mobile device by the first subscriber can be billed to an account associated with the first subscriber.