Multi-Identity UICC Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face high roaming charges when using cellular devices outside their home network, and existing solutions require cumbersome processes such as purchasing and substituting smartcards with local identities, which is inconvenient for frequent travelers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a multi-identity UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) to receive and store multiple subscriber identities and roaming policies from a remote server, allowing the device to automatically select the most cost-effective identity for network attachment, thereby reducing roaming costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user uses their home cellular network subscription outside the home network, then they can access network services, but they incur high roaming charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subscriber identity into multiple independent identities stored in the UICC. Instead of using a single home network identity, the system divides the identity into multiple subscriber identities that can be selectively activated. This allows the user to have both home network identity for domestic use and local network identities for roaming, thereby reducing roaming costs while maintaining network access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of subscriber identity by dynamically selecting which identity to use based on the network condition. The system monitors whether the current network is the home network or a visited network and switches the active subscriber identity accordingly. This parameter change enables cost reduction by using local identities for roaming while maintaining home network access when applicable.
2Loss of energy
If a user purchases and substitutes smartcards with local identities for roaming, then roaming costs are reduced, but the process becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple local subscriber identities in the UICC before the user needs to roam. Instead of requiring the user to purchase and install new smartcards when roaming, the system has already prepared multiple identities that can be instantly activated. This eliminates the cumbersome process of physical card substitution while maintaining cost reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically selecting and activating the appropriate subscriber identity based on network conditions. The user does not need to manually intervene in the identity switching process - the system monitors network status and autonomously switches between home and local identities. This maintains cost effectiveness while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single UICC stores multiple subscriber identities, then roaming flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the UICC to serve multiple functions - it stores both home network subscriber identities and multiple local network identities within a single card. This multi-functional design provides roaming flexibility without requiring separate physical cards for different networks. The UICC becomes a universal identity container that handles both domestic and international roaming needs, and the complexity is managed through standardized multi-profile UICC technology.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method at a user equipment including a mobile equipment and a smartcard, the method receiving from a remote server a plurality of subscriber identities and a roaming policy; storing the plurality of subscriber identities and roaming policy on the smartcard; selecting, based on the roaming policy, a subscriber identity; and attaching to a network based on the selected subscriber identity.