Mobile Network Data Roaming Service Block Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of mobile devices may not be aware that they are prevented from using mobile data services due to device configurations, such as user settings, and lack the knowledge to overcome these restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine devices prevented from using mobile data services by analyzing network usage data available to mobile telecommunications network operators, and send communications to these devices to inform users of the configuration preventing data service use and provide instructions to enable data services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If default device settings are configured to block data services to prevent unwanted billing, then billing control is improved, but user accessibility to data services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebilling controlVSAvoiduser accessibility to data services
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by detecting when a device is blocked from data services and automatically sending notifications to the user explaining the blockage and providing instructions on how to resolve it. This feedback mechanism ensures users are informed of the situation without requiring them to actively check or guess why data services are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If device configuration prevents data service use, then billing control is improved, but user awareness of the prevention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebilling controlVSAvoiduser awareness of prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects configuration blocks and sends notifications to users, providing feedback about why data services are prevented. This eliminates information loss by ensuring users are explicitly informed about the blockage reason and resolution steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system provides users with self-service capabilities by including instructions on how to change their device settings to enable data services. Users can independently resolve the issue without requiring customer support intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If network operators monitor data service usage to identify blocked devices, then service quality improvement is achieved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages existing network data and automated detection mechanisms to identify blocked devices and send notifications. This self-service approach allows network operators to improve service quality without requiring complex additional monitoring infrastructure or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4518436A1Detecting prevention of data roaming services
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 VODAFONE GROUP SERVICES LTD
  • EP4518436A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4518436A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4518436A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for notifying a user equipment attached to a mobile telecommunications network that a configuration of the user equipment prevents mobile data services. Network usage data indicative of an amount of data which has been exchanged by the user equipment whilst attached to the mobile telecommunications network is received. It is determined, in dependence on the received network usage data, that a configuration of the user equipment prevents mobile data services. A communication is sent to the user equipment, in dependence on the determination that a configuration of the user equipment prevents mobile data services. The communication indicates that the configuration of the user equipment prevents mobile data services.