Multi-SIM Lock Enforcement via Sequential Module Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a multi-SIM environment, existing SIM lock mechanisms struggle to effectively manage and enforce subscription locks across multiple SIM cards or embedded chips, particularly in devices that can download and use additional subscriptions, compromising operator business models and contractual agreements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that continuously check for an active SIM lock across multiple subscriber modules during the startup of telecommunication applications, using a SIM lock flag to enforce operator policies and prevent usage of unauthorized SIMs, while allowing secure module usage for other applications like banking or ticketing during contractual periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a SIM lock mechanism is implemented in a multi-SIM environment, then operator contract enforcement is improved, but device functionality and user flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the SIM lock enforcement by checking each subscriber module individually during telecommunication application startup. The lock mechanism is applied selectively to specific SIMs rather than globally to all SIMs, allowing the device to maintain functionality with multiple SIMs while enforcing operator contracts on subscribed SIMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM lock status is checked locally for each subscriber module rather than applying a global lock. Each SIM can have its own lock status independent of others, allowing differentiated enforcement where some SIMs are locked to specific operators while others remain unlocked, preserving both contract enforcement and device versatility.
2Reliability
If SIM lock checking is performed for every telecommunication application startup, then operator policy compliance is improved, but system performance and startup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM lock status is checked preliminarily during the telecommunication application startup process before full application execution begins. This early verification ensures operator policy compliance is established before resource-intensive application operations commence, maintaining compliance without significantly impacting overall system performance.
3Ease of operation
If multiple SIMs are allowed in a device, then user convenience and service continuity are improved, but SIM lock management complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the SIM lock checking functionality into the existing telecommunication application startup routine. Rather than implementing a separate complex management system, the lock verification is integrated into the normal application initialization process, simplifying the overall management architecture while supporting multiple SIMs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each telecommunication application performs its own SIM lock verification during startup without requiring external management intervention. The system automatically checks the lock status of the associated SIM and either permits or blocks application execution based on operator policy, enabling self-service lock management that reduces overall system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus that includes a processor and a memory including computer program code. The memory and computer program code are configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus at least to start an application in a wireless communication device; to read a file from a first subscriber module and to determine if there is an active subscriber module lock of the first subscriber module; in response to determining that there is an active subscriber module lock of the first subscriber module executing the application using the first subscriber module; otherwise if it is determined that there is not an active subscriber module lock of the first subscriber module, to determine if there is an active subscriber module lock of a second subscriber module and continuing until an active subscriber module lock of another subscriber module is determined, and then using executing the application using that subscriber module having the active subscriber module lock, otherwise terminating the method without executing the application if no active subscriber module lock of any other subscriber module is determined to be present. A method to operate the apparatus is also disclosed.