Subscription Management via Network Exposure Entity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Third-party service providers are not aware when a mobile phone number (MSISDN) is unsubscribed from a mobile operator, leading to outdated information being associated with new users, causing issues for both individuals and service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine whether a phone number is unsubscribed by sending messages or requests to a network exposure entity, enabling service providers to receive updates on subscription status and take appropriate actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If third-party service providers store user information locally without real-time network verification, then service operation is simple and fast, but information accuracy deteriorates when users unsubscribe or change phone numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the data management entity continuously monitors subscription status changes and automatically sends notifications to the network exposure entity, which then informs third-party service providers. This feedback loop ensures information accuracy without requiring complex verification procedures at each service interaction point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively notifying third-party service providers about subscription status changes before these providers need to query the information. The data management entity detects unsubscription events and pushes notifications in advance, preventing information staleness without requiring reactive verification.
2Reliability
If existing monitoring events (IMSI-IMEI or SUPI-PEI association changes) are used to detect user changes, then device identification is tracked, but subscription status information is not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function by separating device identification tracking (IMSI-IMEI/SUPI-PEI association) from subscription status monitoring. The data management entity independently tracks subscription status changes and generates separate notifications, allowing service providers to receive accurate unsubscription information without relying on device association change events.
3Productivity
If phone numbers are reused after unsubscription, then network resource utilization is improved, but service provider data accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
When a phone number is reused after unsubscription, the feedback mechanism ensures that the new user's association is properly registered and notified to service providers. The data management entity detects the reassociation event and sends updated notifications, preventing the propagation of outdated information to service providers while allowing efficient number reuse.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for subscription management. A method at a data management entity comprises determining whether a phone number is unsubscribed to a user. The method further comprises sending a first message to a network exposure entity, wherein the first message includes an indication which indicates whether the phone number is unsubscribed to the user.