Patent ID: 8417243
Filing Date: 2013-04-09
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A radio communications node in a first radio communications network operated by a primary public land mobile network (PLMN) operator to provide first radio communications service to first mobile user equipment terminals subscribed to the primary PLMN operator during a first normal mode of operation, the node comprising: radio circuitry configured to broadcast a primary radio network code associated with the primary PLMN operator which indicates that the first mobile user equipment terminals may obtain the first radio communications service provided from the primary PLMN operator; and a receiver configured to receive an instruction to broadcast a standby radio network code, wherein a second different PLMN operator provides second radio communications service during the first normal mode of operation to second mobile user equipment terminals subscribed to the second PLMN operator, wherein the second mobile user equipment terminals are not allowed to obtain normal subscription service from the primary PLMN operator during the first normal mode of operation, wherein the receiver is configured, in response to the received instruction, to enter a standby mode of operation and to cause the radio circuitry to broadcast both the primary radio network code and the standby radio network code to permit one or more of the second mobile user equipment terminals to obtain the first radio communications service from the primary PLMN operator during the standby mode of operation.