PLMN Selection Control via User Mode Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks face challenges in managing PLMN selection, particularly at country borders, where automatic selection can lead to high international roaming charges, and manual selection modes can result in service outages unless users manually switch networks.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to indicate their preferred PLMN selection mode, either automatic or manual, to the network, which then uses this information to enhance PLMN selection, avoiding automatic changes between networks and maintaining user preferences, even in network sharing scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic PLMN selection mode is used, then the terminal can automatically connect to available networks, but the subscriber may incur high international roaming charges when crossing country borders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of network selection behavior from fully automatic to user-controllable by introducing a manual selection mode. This allows subscribers to alter the automatic selection parameter when they anticipate crossing borders, thereby avoiding unwanted roaming charges while maintaining ease of operation when automatic selection is appropriate.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual PLMN selection mode is used to avoid roaming charges, then the subscriber can control network selection, but the User Equipment remains unreachable unless a new PLMN is manually selected or the old PLMN becomes available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability between manual and automatic PLMN selection modes. The system can adapt its behavior based on current conditions - maintaining manual mode to avoid roaming charges when appropriate, but switching to automatic mode when the home PLMN becomes unavailable, thereby ensuring service continuity while controlling costs.
3Reliability
If the terminal automatically searches for new PLMNs when the Home PLMN is lost, then service continuity is maintained, but the terminal may automatically roam into PLMNs of neighbour countries incurring high charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the system monitors PLMN availability and automatically adjusts selection behavior. When the home PLMN is lost, the system provides feedback to the user about the situation and allows informed decision-making, rather than blindly automatic roaming. This ensures service continuity through feedback-driven adaptation while preventing unwanted roaming charges.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a program for PLMN selection in a cellular mobile network, wherein a User Equipment is able to attach to its Registered Public Land Mobile Network and to at least one other public land mobile network, wherein the User Equipment comprises an information related to a PLMN selection mode, namely automatic or manual, wherein the method comprises the step of transmitting the information related to the PLMN selection mode to the Registered Public Land Mobile Network of the User Equipment. The received PLMN selection more information is then taken into account by the registered PLMN to control the PLMN selection carried out by the user equipment.