Dynamic SIM Identity Provisioning for Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless systems are limited by the permanent association of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) with local regions or networks, leading to high roaming charges and restricted equipment sales across multiple regions and networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for provisioning a new subscriber identification to wireless terminals while roaming, allowing them to operate as locals within visited networks by selecting a new subscriber identification based on the visited network, using a control center and server database to manage authentication keys and identities, enabling seamless connectivity with minimal roaming charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a SIM card is permanently tied to a local region or network, then authentication and service access are simplified within that region, but roaming charges increase and equipment cannot be sold across multiple regions
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card dynamically switches between different subscriber identities (IMSI) based on the detected visited network. When the terminal enters a roaming area, the SIM card automatically selects an appropriate IMSI from its stored identities that matches the visited network operator, enabling seamless roaming without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card stores multiple IMSI parameters corresponding to different network operators. Upon detecting a roaming scenario, the system changes the active IMSI parameter to match the visited network, allowing the terminal to authenticate locally without incurring roaming charges by presenting a local network identity.
2Reliability
If a SIM card is permanently tied to a local region or network, then network security and authentication are strengthened, but equipment vendors cannot sell the same equipment in multiple regions
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card is designed with multi-functionality by storing multiple subscriber identities (IMSI1, IMSI2, etc.) corresponding to different network operators and regions. A single SIM card can serve multiple functions across different networks and geographical areas, enabling equipment vendors to sell the same terminal equipment globally without region-specific SIM restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card dynamically adapts its identity based on the operational environment. When the terminal detects it is operating on a specific network operator's infrastructure, the SIM card activates the corresponding IMSI, maintaining secure authentication while enabling the same equipment to operate reliably across multiple regions and networks.
3Device complexity
If a SIM card uses a single subscriber identification, then the system complexity is reduced, but roaming service charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card employs dynamic identity selection, storing multiple IMSI values and automatically selecting the appropriate one based on the detected visited network. This dynamic approach allows the terminal to operate as a local subscriber on visited networks, avoiding roaming charges while maintaining a relatively simple SIM structure that only requires additional storage capacity for multiple identities.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card changes its active subscriber identification parameter (IMSI) based on the operational context. By switching between different IMSI parameters stored in the SIM, the system enables the terminal to access visited networks under local subscription terms, reducing or eliminating roaming service charges while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is method comprising: storing in a home location register (HLR) at least one subscription record of a mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices, the mobile device having a subscriber identity module (SIM) identified by a currently activated first international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), the currently activated first IMSI belonging to a set of IMSIs allocated to the system, wherein the provisioning server is operative to: receive a notification that the mobile devices has moved into a first one of the wireless networks; confirm that an allocation rule is satisfied; add and activate a second one of the IMSIs in the set of IMSIs to the HLR and remove the currently activated first IMSI from the HLR; and send the second IMSI to the mobile device to enable the mobile device to communicate wirelessly in the first wireless network as a local device.