Multi-SIM UE Policy for Subsidized Network Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personalization solutions for multi-SIM devices do not effectively ensure that users are subscribed to the subsidized operator's service, allowing users to use different operator's SIM cards and access full 5G services without paying the subsidized operator's bill.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a user equipment (UE) determines the validity of SIM cards in multiple slots, using a preconfigured policy that depends on the validity of a subsidy SIM to allow a non-subsidy SIM to camp on a second network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current personalization solutions are used for multi-SIM devices, then devices can be personalized for subsidized operator networks, but users can still insert different operator's SIM cards and access full 5G services without paying the subsidized operator's bill
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of the subsidy SIM card before allowing the non-subsidy SIM card to access the network. The UE determines whether the subsidy SIM is valid for the subsidized operator network in advance, and only if validation succeeds does it permit the non-subsidy SIM to camp on the network. This preliminary check prevents unauthorized access while maintaining multi-SIM functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsidy SIM card acts as an intermediary that mediates between the non-subsidy SIM card and the subsidized operator network. The presence and validity of the subsidy SIM serves as a gatekeeping mechanism that controls whether the non-subsidy SIM can establish network connection, thus ensuring subscription verification without blocking legitimate multi-SIM usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators personalize devices for both 3GPP (5G-NR) and standalone non-public networks (SNPN), then devices can function on multiple network types, but the complexity of personalization and validation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The subsidy SIM validation mechanism serves multiple network types universally. The same validation logic applies whether the device is connecting to 3GPP networks, SNPN, or other network types. This universal approach allows the system to support multiple network technologies without requiring separate personalization configurations for each network type, thus reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the validation function into independent components: the subsidy SIM validation is handled as a distinct prerequisite step that is independent of the specific network type. This segmentation allows the validation logic to be reused across different network technologies without entangling it with network-specific configurations, simplifying the overall personalization process.
3Ease of operation
If the UE allows non-subsidy SIM to camp on network without validation, then network access is easier and faster, but the subsidized operator cannot ensure users are paying their service bill
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs subscription verification as a preliminary action before granting network access. The UE validates the subsidy SIM card's association with the subsidized operator network before allowing the non-subsidy SIM to camp on the network. This preliminary verification ensures service subscription authenticity while maintaining seamless network access for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously performs the subsidy SIM validation without requiring manual intervention from the user or additional network infrastructure. The device self-verifies the subscription status by checking the subsidy SIM's network credentials, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable subscription verification through automated self-service validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) is configured such that a SIM card inserted in the UE, which is invalid to camp on a network, may be allowed by the UE to camp on the network based on a preconfigured policy. The policy, for example, may require a valid SIM card to be inserted into a second SIM card slot on the UE. In some policies, the valid SIM card may also be required to camp on a network with full service in order to allow the invalid SIM card to camp on a network. In some policies, the valid SIM card may also be required to camp on a specific type of network, for example a standalone non-public network (SNPN) or a 3GPP network.