Trusted Subscription Management Platform for Virtual SIM Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a unified end-to-end system and methods for creating, distributing, and managing virtual SIM cards in conjunction with specific software and hardware configurations for mobile stations operating in multi-SIM, multi-active mode with Voice over IP (VoIP) capability, particularly for consumer devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a secure mobile equipment with an enhanced phone application integrated with VoIP functionality, connected to a backend server for secure provisioning, storage, display, and management of virtual SIM cards, allowing users to download, manage, and use multiple concurrent virtual SIM cards without physical SIM cards, utilizing an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) and a trusted subscription management platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used for multiple mobile network operators, then network access is enabled, but device complexity and user inconvenience increase due to carrying and managing multiple physical SIM cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple virtual SIM card profiles into a single eUICC device, allowing users to access multiple mobile networks without carrying multiple physical SIM cards. The eUICC stores and manages multiple operator profiles internally, merging the functionality of several SIM cards into one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of SIM card functionality through software-based virtual SIM cards that can be downloaded and stored on the mobile device. These virtual SIM profiles replicate the authentication and network access capabilities of physical SIM cards without requiring physical media.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical SIM cards are distributed to users, then network coverage is improved, but logistical complexities and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes virtual SIM card profiles as digital files that can be downloaded over the air to users' devices, eliminating the need for physical SIM card manufacturing, packaging, and distribution logistics. The virtual profiles can be provisioned remotely and activated without physical media exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with a software-based virtual SIM system. Instead of physically inserting and removing SIM cards, the system uses digital downloads and software installation to provision network access, eliminating mechanical handling and distribution infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If physical SIM cards are produced in large quantities, then network operator requirements are met, but environmental harm increases due to manufacturing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of SIM card functionality that can be replicated and distributed without physical manufacturing. Virtual SIM profiles can be generated and distributed indefinitely without consuming additional physical materials, eliminating the environmental impact of producing billions of physical SIM cards annually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy provisioning and deprovisioning of virtual SIM profiles without physical waste. When virtual SIM cards are no longer needed, they can be digitally deleted or revoked without creating physical waste, and the underlying eUICC hardware can be reused for different operators.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and computer readable storage media are provided for implementing a trusted subscription management platform. An example server device is configured to transmit, to a trusted UI client of a mobile station, information regarding a set of virtual SIM cards associated with the mobile station, and receive, from the trusted UI client of the mobile station, a request to provision a particular virtual SIM card. The server device is further configured to initiate, by an SM-SR module and via a trusted baseband client of the mobile device, a secure proxy channel between the server device and a profile manager that hosts the particular virtual SIM card, and transmit, via the secure proxy channel and to the profile manager, an instruction regarding the particular virtual SIM card. Corresponding methods and computer readable storage media are provided.