Secure Element National Like Network File for Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network operators face challenges in managing national roaming agreements, leading to increased costs and poor user experience due to unnecessary roaming charges and display of roaming logos when users travel abroad, as existing systems either fail to efficiently reconnect to the home network or result in higher costs by staying connected to national roaming partners.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 'National Like Network' file in the secure element, which stores national network codes, allows the terminal to transparently roam to partner operators within the home country, regularly checking for availability of the home network and reconnecting when available, while avoiding the display of roaming logos and enabling data services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal connects to national roaming partners, then connectivity is maintained, but roaming costs increase and roaming logos are displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal proactively stores home network PLMN codes in the EHPLMN file before roaming occurs. When roaming is detected, the terminal immediately checks this pre-stored list and reattaches to the home network, preventing unnecessary roaming costs and logo display while maintaining connectivity readiness
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal implements a periodic checking mechanism that continuously monitors network status and compares current network identity against stored home network codes in the EHPLMN file. This feedback loop enables automatic detection of home network availability and triggers reattachment, optimizing the balance between connectivity and cost
2Loss of energy
If the terminal frequently checks for home network availability, then cost optimization improves, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal changes the parameter of network selection by introducing a new file type (EHPLMN) with specific attributes for storing home network codes. This parameter change simplifies the overall system by providing a dedicated structure for home network information, making the checking mechanism more efficient and less complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the home network identification function from the general network selection process by creating a separate EHPLMN file. This extraction isolates the critical home network codes into a dedicated component, simplifying the terminal's decision-making logic and reducing the complexity of the overall network selection mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a secure element cooperating with a telecommunication terminal is provided. The secure element or the terminal comprises files in which MCC/MNC codes of MNOs are stored. The telecommunication terminal is configured to select the files in order to attach the terminal to the telecommunication network of a MNO. The secure element or the terminal also comprise a file, called National like network file, for storing national network codes (MCC/MNC) of networks of the country of the Home PLMN of the secure element. The terminal selects the National like network file in order to try to connect the terminal to one of the networks referenced in the National like network file. Other embodiments are disclosed.