eUICC Profile Deletion via Signed Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote SIM provisioning technologies do not effectively communicate the deletion of user profiles to the network side, leading to inactive subscriptions and resource wastage, requiring users to manually terminate subscriptions through operator points of sale, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves a device with an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) sending a signed confirmation of profile deletion to a network entity, which then sends a command to the Subscription Manager Data Preparation entity for deletion, ensuring the subscription is terminated on both the device and network sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If profile deletion is performed locally in the device only, then user control and simplicity are improved, but network resource allocation and billing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the device sends a delete confirmation message to the network entity after local profile deletion. This feedback loop ensures the network is informed of the deletion, allowing proper resource allocation and billing cessation while maintaining user-friendly local operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity acts as an intermediary between the device and the SM-DP+ entity. When the device requests profile deletion, the network entity coordinates the deletion process by communicating with both the device and the SM-DP+ entity, ensuring all parties are synchronized without requiring direct device-to-SM-DP+ communication.
2Reliability
If manual subscription termination at operator point of sale is required, then subscription management control is improved, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform subscription termination themselves through automated device-to-network communication. The device can autonomously send deletion requests and confirmations to the network entity, eliminating the need for users to physically visit operator points of sale while maintaining reliable subscription management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of visiting a physical point of sale with an electronic communication system. The deletion confirmation message is transmitted digitally from the device to the network entity, substituting the physical interaction at the operator's location with automated electronic messaging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If profile deletion is not communicated to the network side, then device autonomy is improved, but resource allocation and billing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides feedback to the network entity about profile deletion status through structured messages containing profile identifiers. This enables the network to track which profiles are deleted and reclaim associated resources like IMSI numbers, improving resource allocation efficiency while preserving device autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity serves as an intermediary that receives deletion notifications from the device and coordinates with the SM-DP+ entity to complete the deletion process. This intermediary role ensures proper resource reclamation and billing updates without restricting the device's ability to manage its own profiles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of ending a subscription performed in a network entity is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, from a device comprising an Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card, eUICC, a signed confirmation of a profile having been deleted in the device, the profile being associated with a subscription for the device; sending, to a Subscription Manager Data Preparation entity, a command for deletion of the profile; and deleting the user subscription and related profile in case an acknowledgement of the deletion of the profile is received from the Subscription Manager Data Preparation entity. Method in a device, method in a Subscription Manager Data Preparation entity, devices and entities, computer programs and computer program products are also provided.