Secondary eSIM Provisioning for MVNO Network Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to provision a secondary electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) to a wireless device for accessing a limited deployment wireless network managed by a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to supplement and offload select services from a primary wireless network managed by a mobile network operator (MNO).
Innovation Solution
The wireless device includes a first wireless protocol stack for the primary SIM/eSIM for MNO network access and a second wireless protocol stack for the secondary eSIM for MVNO network access, with provisioning triggered upon booting or SIM/eSIM installation, involving authentication, obtaining information, binding, and downloading the secondary eSIM onto an eUICC, facilitated by an entitlement server or device services server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a MVNO uses only an MNO's cellular wireless network for service delivery, then network coverage is extensive, but network costs and traffic load on the MNO network increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network infrastructure into two parts: the MNO's extensive cellular wireless network for broad coverage, and the MVNO's localized wireless network for specific geographic areas. This segmentation allows the MVNO to offload select services (particularly packet data communication) to its own network while maintaining reliance on the MNO network for comprehensive coverage, thereby reducing costs on the MNO network while preserving extensive coverage capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless device uses only a primary SIM for MNO network access, then network access is simple, but service offloading to MVNO network is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of a primary SIM (for MNO network access) with a secondary eSIM (for MVNO network access) within a single wireless device. The device maintains both SIMs simultaneously and can automatically switch between them based on service requirements, enabling service offloading to the MVNO network while preserving simple user interaction through automatic selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless device is designed with multi-functionality to support both MNO and MVNO network access through different SIMs. The device can perform multiple functions: accessing the MNO network for broad coverage, accessing the MVNO network for localized services, and automatically selecting the appropriate network based on service type and location, thereby achieving versatility without requiring user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary eSIM is provisioned to a wireless device, then service offloading to MVNO network is enabled, but provisioning process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the wireless device with the capability to support a secondary eSIM and establishing binding relationships between the primary SIM and secondary eSIM before actual service usage. The device is pre-programmed with the MVNO's network parameters and authentication mechanisms, so that when a secondary eSIM is provisioned, it automatically integrates with the existing primary SIM configuration, reducing provisioning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary binding mechanism that links the primary SIM and secondary eSIM together. This binding relationship acts as an intermediary that automatically manages the interaction between the two SIMs, handling network selection, authentication, and service routing without requiring complex user configuration or manual provisioning steps.
4Ease of operation
If automatic secondary eSIM provisioning is implemented, then user experience is seamless, but authentication and provisioning system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the wireless device to automatically initiate and complete the secondary eSIM provisioning process without user intervention. The device autonomously authenticates with the MVNO's provisioning system using credentials from the primary SIM, retrieves the secondary eSIM configuration, and installs it automatically. This self-service capability provides a seamless user experience while the underlying authentication system handles the complexity of verifying and binding multiple SIMs.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes provisioning a secondary electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) to a wireless device to access a cellular wireless network of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to supplement and offload from a cellular wireless network of a mobile network operator (MNO) that provides cellular wireless services to users of the MVNO. Provisioning of the secondary eSIM can be triggered after i) boot up of the wireless device or ii) insertion of a primary SIM/eSIM that provides MVNO cellular service access via the MNO cellular wireless network. Provisioning can be anchored by an MVNO entitlement server or by a manufacturer device services server. Provisioning can also be triggered by the MNO cellular wireless network after attachment of the wireless device. Authentication and authorization of the wireless device to obtain the secondary eSIM can be based on the primary SIM/eSIM or on secure communication with the manufacturer device services server.