Patent ID: 7689218
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: storing, at a multi-mode wireless communications terminal, at least two system priority lists, each system priority list comprising information identifying a plurality of wireless network system types and a relative priority for each of the identified wireless network system types, where the at least two system priority lists include a default, non-location specific system priority list; obtaining location/network information comprised of at least one of network identity information and geographical location information; selecting, based on the obtained location/network information, an associated system priority list; and selecting from the selected system priority list a wireless network for service based on a priority specified automatically or a priority that is specified for use automatically only during a power-on mode of operation, where selecting the wireless network for service comprises: selecting one of a first or a highest priority wireless system in the selected system priority list; invoking a system-specific network selection procedure to search for an associated priority network system; if the associated priority network system is found in the selected wireless network, invoking a system specific network selection procedure to acquire the associated priority network system; and if the associated priority network system is not found in the selected wireless network, selecting a next highest priority wireless network system and invoking a system-specific network selection procedure to search for an associated priority network.