Patent ID: 7167707
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for selecting a GSM network service provider comprising: scanning at least one frequency band; receiving a Location Area Code (LAC); selecting a network service provider to attempt to perform a location update based on the LAC; and providing a plurality of files in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) of a mobile station (MS), wherein at least one of the plurality of files is used in selecting the network service provider, and wherein the plurality of files includes a first file dictating in what order to scan frequency bands when the MS powers up, a second file containing location areas that are to be considered as a part of a home network, a third file dictating which frequency bands to scan when the MS is in a home MCC but not within home network LACs, a fourth file dictating in what order to scan frequency bands within the home MCC, a fifth file dictating which frequency bands to scan when the MS is not in the home MCC, and a sixth file containing location areas of preferred networks.