Dual SIM UE Dynamic Data Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data roaming on different cellular carrier networks is often expensive for users, especially when they are outside their subscribed carrier's network, as existing systems lack efficient methods to dynamically switch to local, cost-effective data plans.
Innovation Solution
A User Equipment (UE) device equipped with two SIM entities, one for the user's subscribed carrier and another for dynamic subscription to local data plans, allowing it to automatically select the most cost-effective network based on service availability, cost, and radio link quality, while maintaining voice functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the UE uses the first SIM entity for data communication while roaming, then voice service continuity is maintained, but data roaming costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by separating circuit-switched voice services (handled by first SIM entity) from packet-switched data services (handled by second SIM entity). This allows independent optimization of each function - voice maintains continuity on the home network while data uses cost-effective local networks, resolving the contradiction between cost and service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE is designed with multi-functionality to support both traditional roaming (first SIM entity) and local network access (second SIM entity). The device can universally handle different network scenarios by selecting appropriate SIM entities based on whether voice or data service is prioritized, eliminating the need to choose between cost and adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the UE dynamically subscribes to local data plans using the second SIM entity, then data roaming cost decreases, but service reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors data service quality on the second network. When degradation is detected, the system can trigger a switch back to the first network for data services, ensuring reliability is maintained while still benefiting from cost savings when local networks perform well.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic switching between different network configurations based on real-time conditions. The UE can dynamically subscribe to local data plans when they provide cost benefits and acceptable service quality, and dynamically revert to traditional roaming when reliability concerns arise, making the system adaptive rather than static.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses dual SIM entities with separate protocol stacks, then network adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack management by creating separate, independent protocol stacks for each SIM entity. This segmentation allows each protocol stack to be optimized for its specific carrier network requirements without interfering with the other, making the complexity manageable through modular design rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network selection mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the dual SIM entities and the external networks. This intermediary intelligently selects which SIM entity and corresponding protocol stack to use based on current needs, shielding the user from the underlying complexity of managing multiple protocol stacks while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a User Equipment (UE) device and associated method performing improved data roaming with reduced cost. The UE may comprise at least one radio, one or more processors, a first SIM entity and a second SIM entity. The first SIM entity may be configured to implement subscriber identity module (SIM) functionality for a subscribed voice and/or data plan of a first carrier. The second SIM entity may be configured to facilitate dynamic subscription to a local data plan of a second carrier when the UE is data roaming outside of a network of the first carrier. As one example, the UE, using the second SIM entity, may be configured to dynamically subscribe to a pay-as-you-go data plan of a second carrier, to which the user is not subscribed, when the user is data roaming outside of the first carrier's network. This dynamic subscribing may operate to reduce cost to the user, since the local data plan of the second carrier likely has less expensive data rates than those available during normal data roaming.