Virtual SIM Card Roaming Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
International roaming data service tariffs are high, leading to cautious usage by terminal users, and existing solutions require inconvenient card replacement or complex operator agreements.
Innovation Solution
A method for data service transmission using a virtual SIM card, where a terminal receives identification information from a network operator in a roaming region, downloads and authenticates the virtual SIM card, and uses it for service transmission without card replacement, leveraging over-the-air messages and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If card replacement is used to access roaming network, then network access is achieved, but operation convenience deteriorates due to requiring physical card replacement and business hall visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through a virtual SIM card application that can be downloaded and installed on the terminal device. This virtual copy replicates the authentication and network access functions of a physical SIM card, eliminating the need for physical card replacement while maintaining network access capability in roaming regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical card insertion/removal system with a software-based virtual SIM card system. The virtual SIM card uses digital authentication mechanisms instead of physical card interfaces, allowing network access to be obtained through software download and installation rather than mechanical card handling operations
2Ease of operation
If traditional roaming data service is used, then network access is achieved, but service cost increases due to high international roaming tariffs
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual SIM card creates a digital replica that can be configured to access local networks in roaming regions, allowing users to obtain more favorable local tariffs instead of expensive international roaming rates. The virtual SIM card copies the functionality needed to authenticate and access the local network infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the network access parameter from international roaming mode to local network mode by using the virtual SIM card to authenticate with the local operator's network. This parameter change transforms the service cost structure from high international roaming tariffs to more economical local network tariffs
3Ease of operation
If virtual SIM card is downloaded and used, then operation convenience improves and card replacement is eliminated, but device complexity increases due to software-based authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual SIM card application is designed to be universally compatible with different terminal devices and network operators. It provides multi-functional capability by supporting authentication with multiple operators and managing multiple virtual SIM profiles, thereby reducing the need for separate solutions for different scenarios while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual SIM card system enables users to self-manage their roaming service needs by downloading, installing, and configuring the virtual SIM card themselves without requiring visits to business halls or assistance from operators. The system automatically handles authentication and network selection, reducing perceived complexity for the user
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for data service transmission. The method includes: when arriving in a roaming region, receiving, by a terminal, a first message sent by a network operator in the roaming region, where the first message carries identification information of a virtual subscriber identity module SIM card of the network operator in the roaming region; after succeeding in network authentication of the network operator in the roaming region, downloading, by the terminal, virtual SIM card information according to the identification information of the virtual SIM card in the first message; and using, by the terminal by utilizing the virtual SIM card, a service provided by the network operator in the roaming region to perform service transmission. The present invention resolve a problem of data service use for a roaming terminal user and reduces tariffs for use of a roaming data service.