Patent ID: 7379736
Filing Date: 2008-05-27
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for selectively controlling a network selection change between at least two different mobile communication networks in an area covered by the two mobile communication networks, comprising the steps of: providing a central mechanism virtual network operator (VNO) that controls the network selection between said at least two different networks within a user subscriber identification module (SIM) operated with a mobile terminal; while the mobile terminal is logged into a current network in which the terminal is currently registered before logging into another network and without the mobile terminal having to change from one location area to another location area, transmitting a network change message from the VNO to the user identification module (SIM) via a cell broadcast channel, thereby causing a change in configuration of the user identification module (SIM), the change message instructing a change from the current network to another network; the change in configuration of the user identification module (SIM) then causing the terminal to perform a network selection from the current communication network to the other communication network based on the change message received; wherein upon the receipt of a change message a reset of the SIM takes place and a network search is initiated from the terminal; and wherein as a consequence of the change message, network information or local information on the SIM is manipulated and as a result logging into the other mobile communication network takes place automatically.