Patent ID: 6081731
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A cellular communications system having a home location register, a plurality of visitor location registers in communication therewith, and a mobile station in communication with a respective one of said visitor location registers through a mobile switching center, circuitry within said cellular communication system for carrier denial, said circuitry comprising:a carrier restriction database, within said home location register, for indicating the carrier restrictions applicable for said mobile station; andselective carrier restriction means, in communication with said carrier restriction database of said home location register, for selectively restricting a carrier-access cellular call of said mobile station, wherein said selective carrier restriction means comprises:an indicator flag, within said respective visitor location register, for indicating a carrier restriction for said mobile station, said indicator flag being set through communication with said home location register; andcarrier restriction function means, within said home location register, for determining whether said carrier-access cellular call of said mobile station is restricted by the applicable carrier restrictions within said carrier restriction database, carrier information associated with said carrier-access cellular call being forwarded to said home location register for said determination when said indicator flag is set, said carrier restriction function means matching said carrier information against the applicable carrier restrictions within said carrier restriction database.