e-SIM Subscription Mechanism for Remote M2M Operator Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional SIM cards limit user choice and flexibility in selecting preferred operators for mobile devices, especially in machine-to-machine (M2M) applications where devices are often remotely located and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A SIM-less subscription mechanism using e-SIM technology allows mobile devices to obtain and manage subscription information through user equipment (UE), enabling users to choose their preferred operator by sending subscription requests to an e-SIM platform, which triggers remote provisioning and enables the device for network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SIM cards are used for mobile devices, then network subscription is enabled, but user choice of preferred operator is limited and device management becomes problematic for remotely located M2M devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM card functionality from the physical device by implementing e-SIM technology. The SIM profile is separated from the physical SIM card and stored in the e-SIM module within the device, allowing remote provisioning and management of subscription information without requiring physical SIM card changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a subscription information management system that acts as an intermediary between the user/device and the network operator. This system enables remote provisioning, allows users to select preferred operators, and simplifies management of M2M devices by handling subscription changes without physical intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SIM cards are physically changed to switch operators, then operator selection is possible, but the process becomes problematic for hermetically sealed and remotely located devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM profile from the physical SIM card and stores it in the e-SIM module within the device. This allows the device to be hermetically sealed during manufacturing without compromising future operator switching capability, as subscription changes can be performed remotely through over-the-air provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of the e-SIM module during device manufacturing, enabling the device to be sealed and deployed without physical SIM cards. The e-SIM can subsequently be provisioned with subscription information remotely, eliminating the need for physical SIM card insertion or device opening.
3Ease of operation
If e-SIM is enabled through automatic selection at first boot, then device activation is simplified, but user control over preferred operator selection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic e-SIM provisioning system that can operate in multiple modes. The system can perform automatic selection at first boot for simplified activation, but also allows users to later select their preferred operator through a user interface, providing flexibility and adaptability based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a user interface that provides feedback to users about available operators and subscription options. This allows users to make informed decisions about their preferred operator while maintaining the capability for automatic selection when appropriate, balancing ease of operation with user control.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for sim-less subscription mechanism for mobile cellular networks. In novel aspect, the mobile device supporting the e-SIM is provisioned with the assistance the UE by obtaining subscription information from the UE. In one embodiment, UE retrieves an ID from the mobile device. The UE sends a subscription request to the e-SIM platform, wherein the subscription request includes information of the retrieved ID of the mobile device and the subscription information of the UE. In another embodiment, the mobile device retrieves subscription information from the UE. The mobile device sends a subscription request to the e-SIM platform, wherein the subscription request includes information of the subscription information retrieved from the UE and the ID of the mobile device. The mobile device receives a subscription response from the e-SIM platform and enables the mobile device through mobile device's e-SIM based on the subscription response.