Patent ID: 8170542
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A mobile communication system comprising: a terminal device to which a plurality of subscriber identity codes are allowed to be assigned to represent the terminal device; a subscriber identity code holding device for holding the plurality of subscriber identity codes including a first subscriber identity code corresponding to a first telecommunications carrier providing a primary contract with the terminal device and a second subscriber identity code corresponding to a second telecommunications carrier, the first subscriber identity code and the second subscriber identity code being allowed to be assigned to the terminal device; and a subscriber identity code notification apparatus for determining whether or not the second subscriber identity code corresponding to the second telecommunications carrier held by the subscriber identity code holding device is available to the terminal device, determining whether or not the terminal device of the second subscriber identity code corresponding to the second telecommunications carrier is to be notified to the terminal device, when the terminal device is detected to be located in a coverage area of the second telecommunications carrier after movement from the first telecommunications carrier, and notifying the terminal device of the second subscriber identity code corresponding to the second telecommunications carrier, when determining that the second subscriber identity code corresponding to the second telecommunications carrier is to be notified; wherein the second subscriber identity code corresponding to the second telecommunications carrier that has been notified to the terminal device is displayed on the terminal device, whereby the terminal device is enabled to communicate in the coverage area of the second telecommunications carrier by use of the second subscriber identity code corresponding to the second telecommunications carrier that has been notified.