Multi-Profile UICC for Seamless Carrier Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices are limited to accessing a single carrier network, requiring multiple SIM cards and specialized hardware to access multiple networks, which is inconvenient for international travelers and increases costs due to unknown roaming charges.
Innovation Solution
A multi-profile UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) that stores multiple carrier profiles, allowing a mobile device to access different carrier networks without the need for multiple physical SIM cards, enabling users to select and switch between plans through an online marketplace, with provisioning done wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIM cards are used to access multiple carrier networks, then access to multiple networks is enabled, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple carrier profiles into a single SIM card, allowing the device to access multiple carrier networks through one integrated SIM card rather than requiring multiple separate SIM cards. This merging approach enables multi-network access while maintaining simple hardware requirements with a single SIM card slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card is designed to perform multiple functions by storing and managing multiple carrier profiles simultaneously. This universal SIM card can switch between different carrier networks as needed, providing multi-functionality without requiring specialized hardware for each network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used for each carrier network, then network access is achieved, but convenience and cost increase due to frequent SIM card purchases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple carrier profiles are merged into a single SIM card, eliminating the need for users to purchase and physically swap multiple SIM cards when traveling or switching networks. This consolidation significantly improves ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically inserting and removing SIM cards with an electronic system that allows software-based switching between carrier profiles stored on the SIM card. This substitution eliminates the need for physical SIM card handling.
3Loss of energy
If international travelers use local SIM cards, then roaming costs are reduced, but the process of purchasing and installing new SIM cards becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card merges multiple carrier profiles from different countries and networks into a single device, allowing travelers to access local networks abroad without physically purchasing and installing new SIM cards. This reduces both roaming charges and the complexity of SIM card management.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple carrier profiles are pre-loaded onto the SIM card before travel, enabling users to immediately switch to appropriate local networks when arriving in different countries without needing to purchase SIM cards at their destination.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for accessing a carrier network by a client device. The method includes: receiving a selection of a first plan from a carrier marketplace that includes at least the first plan and a second plan, wherein the first plan corresponds to a first set of services provided by a first carrier network, and the second plan corresponds to a second set of services provided by a second carrier network; downloading a carrier profile from the server device to a multi-profile UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) included in the client device, wherein the carrier profile is associated with the first plan; and storing the carrier profile in the multi-profile UICC.