Patent ID: 7242931
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A system for providing cellular service to a plurality of individuals, with at least one of said individuals being located outside a coverage region of an associated cellular service network, said system comprising: an access segment located sufficiently close to said individual to establish a wireless communications link with a personal cellular communications device of said individual, and for facilitating bi-directional wireless communications with said device; said access segment including: at least one terrestrial segment for interfacing with at least one terrestrial wireless service provider network via a wide area network, said terrestrial segment including a universal visitor location register (VLR) database to maintain user identification information for said individuals in communication with said access segment, said VLR further operating to hold user identification information as said individuals travel through a plurality of distinct service subregions that is able to be accessed by a plurality of independent wireless service providers; a transponded satellite for relaying wireless signals between said access segment and said terrestrial segment; and said terrestrial segment and said wide area network enabling said terrestrial wireless service provider network to be used to provide wireless service to said devices of said individuals that are recognized by said wireless service providers from information held in said VLR, as individuals authorized to access said provider's wireless network.