Patent ID: 8908561
Filing Date: 2014-12-09
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of providing improved network connectivity to a wireless device by identifying an alternative cellular network to replace a current cellular network, the device being associated with a Preferred Roaming List (PRL), the method comprising: determining, by the wireless device, while idling on the current cellular network, status of a plurality of preconfigured trigger conditions, wherein combinations of at least two preconfigured trigger conditions define circumstances under which a network acquisition scan is to be undertaken, and wherein a preconfigured trigger condition in each of the combinations is detection of local satellite radio repeaters; initiating, in response to detecting at least one of the combinations of preconfigured trigger conditions is met, a scan of one or more alternative networks, the scan including at least one network that is not listed in the PRL, wherein none of the combinations of preconfigured trigger conditions can be met when no local satellite radio repeaters are detected; identifying, during the scan, an alternative network that supports a service level that is higher than the current cellular network; and disassociating from the current cellular network and acquiring the alternative network.