Virtual SIM Platform Dynamic APN Activation for Split Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently managing and billing for personal and work-related data usage on mobile devices, as existing systems struggle to distinguish between different usage types, leading to complex resource allocation and billing issues in BYOD and COPE environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Virtual Subscriber Identity Module (VSP) platform that allows for multiple billing plans on a single device, enabling split billing between personal and work usage by activating and deactivating data networking access points based on configuration information, ensuring accurate resource allocation and billing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular data network is continuously activated on mobile devices, then data connectivity is always available, but resource allocation becomes inefficient and billing accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish personal and work usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cellular data network into multiple Access Point Names (APNs), where each APN corresponds to a specific billing plan (personal or work). The system activates only the APN associated with the currently running application's billing plan, thereby segmenting network resources to match usage patterns and enabling accurate billing while maintaining connectivity reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIM profiles are pre-loaded on devices, then carrier selection flexibility is improved, but device complexity and resource allocation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic APN selection and activation based on the running application and billing plan requirements. Instead of statically configuring multiple SIM profiles, the system dynamically determines which APN to activate based on real-time usage context, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability through on-demand network configuration.
3Reliability
If cellular network resources are allocated before service activation, then network availability is ensured, but resource waste increases due to unnecessary allocations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple APN configurations in advance within the device, but only activates the specific APN corresponding to the billing plan required by the currently running application. This preliminary preparation of configurations combined with selective activation ensures network availability when needed while avoiding resource waste by keeping other APNs inactive.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method at a user equipment to facilitate activation and splitting of data billing between at least two parties, the method including starting, at the user equipment, a virtual subscriber identity module platform ('VSP') service on the user equipment; verifying VSP configuration information with a network server; upon verification, starting a data networking access point name ('APN') based on the configuration information on the user equipment; and setting a status indicator on the user equipment to indicate the VSP service is enabled.