SIM Card Automatic Provisioning via Browser Menu
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for provisioning SIM cards in mobile networks are cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially when subscribers switch between different mobile terminals or use terminals provided by other network operators, leading to a suboptimal user experience and increased support requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method where the SIM card automatically starts an application upon terminal activation, initiating a timer and displaying a browser-based menu that connects to a backend platform to provision mobile network services, allowing users to select and activate functionalities directly, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional provisioning methods are used where settings are sent to SIM card via OTA platform, then provisioning can be done remotely, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires manual intervention especially when subscribers switch between different mobile terminals or use terminals from other network operators
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal automatically performs provisioning by itself without requiring manual intervention from the subscriber or support staff. The terminal retrieves provisioning data from the backend platform using stored credentials and automatically configures itself, eliminating the need for OTA updates and manual provisioning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal performs provisioning actions automatically as soon as it is switched on or when service functionalities need to be activated, without waiting for manual triggers or OTA commands. This preliminary automatic action streamlines the process and reduces the burden on users and support systems.
2Productivity
If provisioning is done manually or through support lines when subscribers switch terminals or operators, then service can be activated, but it increases manpower requirements and creates a suboptimal user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-provisioning where the mobile terminal independently retrieves and applies provisioning data without requiring support line intervention. This eliminates manual provisioning steps, reduces operational costs, and accelerates service activation significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal automatically detects whether provisioning is needed by checking for the presence of a SIM card and service activation status, then autonomously initiates the provisioning process by communicating with the backend platform, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If the SIM card stores credentials and the terminal automatically retrieves provisioning data, then provisioning becomes automated, but the system requires secure storage and management of authentication information
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication credentials are segmented and stored in two separate secure locations: the SIM card stores the first credential (e.g., authentication key), while the mobile terminal stores the second credential (e.g., certificate). This segmentation enhances security by distributing trust anchors across different secure elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary that securely manages and transmits authentication credentials to the backend platform during provisioning. The terminal's secure element handles the cryptographic operations and credential transmission, mediating between the SIM card's stored credentials and the network's provisioning system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for provisioning of a SIM card by a backend platform of a mobile network, wherein the SIM card comprises an application for activating mobile network service functionalities of a mobile terminal using the SIM card, the application is started automatically when the mobile terminal is switched on and starts a timer of at least up to 10 seconds when the presently used combination of the SIM card and the mobile terminal was not used before, during the timer a browser application on the SIM card is started, which displays data stored in a memory of the SIM card on a display of the mobile terminal and initiates a data connection to the backend platform by using an URL stored in a memory of the SIM card, after the timer has expired the browser application displays data of the URL received from the backend platform as a menu on the display of the mobile terminal, whereby the menu comprises information selectable by a user of the mobile terminal for creating a request for activating mobile network service functionalities of the mobile terminal using the SIM card, and sends a request for activating mobile network service functionalities of the mobile terminal using the SIM card to the backend platform, whereby the request is created corresponding to mobile network service functionalities selected by the user from the menu.Furthermore the present invention relates to a SIM card for usage with a mobile terminal operate-able in a mobile network, which is characterized in that the SIM card comprises an application for activating mobile network service functionalities of a mobile terminal using the SIM card, the application is started automatically when the mobile terminal is switched on and starts a timer of at least up to 10 seconds when the presently used combination of the SIM card and the mobile terminal was not used before, during the timer a browser application on the SIM card is started, which displays data stored in a memory of the SIM card on a display of the mobile terminal and initiates a data connection to the backend platform by using an URL stored in a memory of the SIM card, after the timer has expired the browser application displays data of the URL received from a backend platform as a menu on the display of the mobile terminal, whereby the menu comprises information selectable by a user of the mobile terminal for creating a request for activating mobile network service functionalities of the mobile terminal using the SIM card, and sends a request for activating mobile network service functionalities of the mobile terminal using the SIM card to the backend platform, whereby the request is created corresponding to mobile network service functionalities selected by the user from the menu.