Automated transfer of wireless provisioning parameters between existing and new devices

A method, computer program, apparatus and system that permits provisioning information and service account authorization on a wireless network to be transferred from an existing wireless device to a new wireless device by operation of the wireless devices. The method includes transferring provisioning information from the existing wireless device to the new wireless device; establishing a communication link with the wireless network; sending a service transfer request from the existing wireless device to the wireless network; and, in response to the transfer request, activating the new wireless device for service on the network.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wireless communications devices, such as wireless telephones and wireless-enabled personal computers (PCs) or personal digital assistants (PDAs), and more particularly to methods for provisioning and activating a new wireless device for service on a wireless network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to make a new wireless device usable for communications over a wireless network operated by service provider, it is customarily required to have the wireless service provider associate the device's unique identifier (e.g., an electronic serial number (ESN) for a cellular telephone or a media access control (MAC) address for a personal computer) with a service plan stored in the service provider's system, so that voice and/or data communications services of various types may be made over the service provider's system to and from the device and so that services contracted for and used by the device may be properly accounted for and billed by the service provider. Where the device is a mobile telephone, calls are made by entering a unique access number or identifier (such as a telephone number, a mobile identification number (MIN) or an IP address) that has been assigned to the device by the service provider's network, which also may be used to uniquely associate the device with services in a service plan. Where a new device is substituted for an existing device, it is also customarily required to have the wireless service provider transfer stored personal information (e.g., data constituting an existing personal telephone directory, photographs or music or other files) from the old device to the new device, and then to take further steps to deprovision or deactivate the old device.

A problem with this arrangement is that it requires the service provider to know in advance that an exchange of devices is to take place and to be involved as an active participant at every key step, with the service provider often supplying the new wireless device, or at the very least dictating conditions or imposing fees whenever it is desired to place a new device in service. The user often has little if any freedom of choice or control over the exchange, including its timing.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method for enabling a new wireless device to be placed into service that can be initiated by and is under the control of the user of an existing device. There is a further need to provide for transfer of activation which allows the user to select the device to which the transfer is to be made, to select the time at which the transfer is to be made, and to select personal information to be transferred, and to effect the transfer largely without the active intervention of the service provider and without interaction with the service provider's employees.

There is a further need to provide wireless devices and wireless communications systems arranged and configured to allow such a self-provisioning method to be employed.

There is a further need to provide computer programs residing in or downloaded to wireless devices, and residing in wireless networks, to allow such a self-provisioning method to be employed substantially automatically by the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention is a method, apparatus, computer program product and system for transferring wireless provisioning parameters between existing and new devices and for activating the new device.

The method includes using an existing wireless device having an existing service account with a network service provider to provision a new wireless device for service on the wireless network by transferring information relating to the service account from the existing wireless device to the new wireless device; establishing a communication link between the existing wireless device and the wireless network; sending a service transfer request from the existing wireless device to the wireless network service provider; and, in response to the transfer request, activating the new wireless device for service on the network with the existing service account.

In further aspects of the method according to the invention, the existing wireless device may be deactivated as the new device is activated, and in response to the transfer request, a service plan stored in the network previously associated with a unique identifier, e.g., the ESN or MAC of the existing wireless device, may be associated with the unique identifier of the new wireless device. A communication link between the existing wireless device and the new wireless device may be established through a network, such as the wireless network providing service to the existing device or another network accessible by the existing and new wireless devices, such as the Internet. Alternatively, the communication link may be established over a short range connector such as a cable, an infrared (IR) link, or a short range radio frequency (RF) link, such as a Bluetooth link. The communication link established between the existing and new wireless devices may be used to transfer information including the access number of the existing device, and personal information such as a personal telephone directory, photographs or music or other files, to the new wireless device.

In another aspect of the invention, the existing wireless device has a service transfer computer program with code that performs the steps of sending a unique identifier for the new wireless device, receiving an acknowledgment from the new wireless device, transferring of information to the new device, receiving acknowledgment of receipt of information, and sending to the wireless network a request for service transfer from the existing wireless device to the new wireless device. The new wireless device has a service transfer computer program with code that performs the steps of receiving a unique identifier sent by the existing wireless device, verifying the unique identifier as one associated with the new wireless device, sending an acknowledgement signal upon verifying the unique identifier, receiving and storing information, and communicating with the wireless network. The service transfer computer programs may reside in the wireless devices, or may be downloaded to the devices from the wireless network or the Internet in response to a request to provision a new wireless device. The wireless network has a service transfer computer program with code that performs the steps of receiving a transfer request from an existing wireless device, and transferring service on the network from the existing wireless device to the new wireless device to which service account information has been transferred by the user.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention includes a system comprising a wireless network, an existing wireless device and a new wireless device, and service transfer computer programs with code as described above to transfer wireless provisioning parameters, including account or personal information or service activation requests or both, from the existing wireless device to the new wireless device under the control of a user.

The present invention has several advantages. It enables an owner of an existing wireless device to transfer information, including stored personal data such as address books, pictures, music and data files, to a new wireless device, and to have the new wireless device activated with a service plan stored on a service provider's wireless network, without involving the active intervention of the service provider operating the wireless network or its employees. The service provider need participate in the process only to the extent of passively responding to a request made electronically by a customer to transfer service to new identified device.

The present invention enables a user to control the source and identity of the new wireless device (so long as it is compatible with the network coding system, e.g., GSM or CDMA), and to control the timing of the transfer. Another advantage is that the network can make the transfer automatically under program control and the user may escape the imposition of fees and charges associated with having personnel in the employ of the service provider perform the transfer. Still other advantages include enabling the user to control the nature and quantity of the personal information transferred from one device to the other. These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention are set forth in the attached description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a wireless communication system100arranged in accordance with the present invention for transferring wireless provisioning parameters between existing and new wireless devices.

The system100includes a wireless network110under the control of a service provider, with a base station112, a mobile switching center (MSC)114, a service control point (SCP)116, and a database118. An existing wireless device120, such as a wireless phone120P or a wireless computer120C, is connected to base station112via wireless communication links140. Wireless computer120C may be, for example, a personal computer (PC) with a wireless card, or a personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless capability. The wireless network110is shown connected to public switched telephone network (PSTN)122and also may be connected to the Internet124, other wireless networks126and other communication systems. The structure and function of wireless network elements112,114,116and118are well known in the communication arts, as are the structure and function of the PSTN122and Internet124.

Database118stores a set of profiles P associated with each wireless device120authorized by the service provider to use the wireless network110. Typically, in a cellular network, a wireless phone120P has an electronic serial number (ESN) uniquely associated with the device, and also has a unique access number or mobile identification number (MIN) assigned to the phone120P by the service provider and associated with the ESN, both of which are uniquely associated with the profile P for that device and both of which typically are used to authenticate a device when it attempts to connect to network110. The MIN assigned to a cellular phone is the calling number or access number associated with the phone, i.e., the number that is dialed, keyed or otherwise entered to access or reach the user of wireless phone120P. In certain circumstances the wireless phone120P may also have an extended MIN (EMIN) which includes an extension code so that a number of phones may share the same MIN, as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,946. Alternatively, in a network that is IP-based, a device will be accessed by entering an IP address uniquely associated with the device, and with service parameters or profile P being associated with the device's IP address. The IP address may be entered directly or as a translation of a conventionally formatted telephone access “number” entered by a user.

In the case of wireless computer120C, the computer's MAC address is analogous to the ESN and is used to access the device and to associate the computer with a profile P for that device.

The profile P can be stored at a network-based service control point116, at a mobile switching center114, or elsewhere within the network110. The profile identifies the services that can be executed and/or used by the wireless devices120. It is in this network-based profile that the services assigned to the device are kept, monitored, updated, and the like. Typically, the profile is accessible to the user of a wireless device120P or120C by means of a security protocol, such as a password-protected logon procedure, which permits the user to enter a user ID and password to access the account, and to add, subtract or change services, preferences and the like in the account the user maintains with the service provider that operates wireless network110. Other security protections, such as a proximity detector, may be used in lieu of or in addition to a password-protected logon procedure. As will be described below, in the present invention the user is also able to direct the service provider to transfer the account to a new wireless device that has been selected by the user and appropriately identified to the account with its unique identifiers and security entry. Also, as will be described below, the service provider may determine from the unique ESN of the new wireless device various capabilities of the device, such as the ability to take photographs or videos or to store music or to connect with the Internet, and may propose to the user new network services related to new capabilities that it detects, such as image transfer services.

The profile can contain conventional information, such as user name and billing information and choice of calling plan or data plan subscribed to. The profile can contain a variety of other information regarding calling limitations such as area code, time of day, day of the month, and the like. Likewise, the calling can be restricted to local, national instead of international, or merely restricted to a certain predetermined set of telephone numbers. These calling limitations can be placed on outbound calls and/or inbound calls based on data such as automatic number identification (ANI). The profile can also limit the functions of the handset itself based on parameters such as time of day. For example, the profile can specify that the handset should not ring for incoming calls received late at night. As another example, the profile can specify alternative destinations based on time of day. For example, the profile can specify that all calls received at a business extension after business hours be routed directly to voice mail or to a supervisor's phone number. From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that the profile may require extensive information input if were required to be recreated for a new device.

FIG. 2is a functional block diagram of a wireless device120such as wireless phone120P or wireless computer120C according to the invention. As shown, an antenna202connects through a transceiver204to a processor206, which is in turn coupled to input-output devices208, such as keypad208K and a connection port208P (e.g., a USB port), and a memory210. Memory210includes a section212, that cannot typically be altered by other than the service provider/phone manufacturer, and that stores authentication information including the device's ESN and MIN, or MAC address, or IP address. Memory210further includes a memory section214that stores user-supplied/alterable information such as an address book216, pictures218, music220and user files222that may include email, text messages, word processing files, spreadsheets, etc.

The wireless devices120as well as network elements MSC and SCP include a programmable processor, such as processor206shown inFIG. 2. For purposes of illustration,FIG. 3shows the elements of a computer system300which may be used as the processor in any of these devices. The computer system300includes one or more processing units, such as processing unit304. The processing unit304is connected to a communication bus306. Various software embodiments are described in terms of this illustrative computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement the invention using other computer systems and/or computer architectures.

Computer system300also includes a main memory308, preferably random access memory (RAM), and can also include a secondary memory310. The secondary memory310can include, for example, a hard disk drive312and/or a removable storage drive314, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive314reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit318in a well known manner. Removable storage unit318, represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive314. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit318includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory310may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system300. Such means can include, for example, a removable storage unit322and an interface320. Examples of such include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units322and interfaces320which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit318to computer system300.

Computer system300can also include a communications interface324. Communications interface324allows software and data to be transferred between computer system300and external devices. Examples of communications interface324can include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface324are in the form of signals which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface324. These signals326are provided to communications interface324via a channel328. This channel328carries signals326and can be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link and other communications channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program product”, “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as removable storage device318, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive312, and similar media external to computer system300having program code transferrable to computer system300via communications interface324and signals326. These computer program products are means for providing software to computer system300.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory308and/or secondary memory310. Computer programs can also be received (i.e., downloaded) via communications interface324. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system300to perform the methods of the present invention. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor304to perform the features of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system300.

In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system300using removable storage drive314, hard drive312or communications interface324. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor304, causes the processor304to perform the functions of the invention as described herein.

The present invention permits the user of an existing wireless device120with an existing service account and profile P on the wireless network110to provision or program a new wireless device that the user has obtained from a source of the user's choosing.

FIG. 4Ais a schematic diagram showing a wireless communication link L120established between network110and an existing wireless device120which has an existing profile P stored on database118in wireless network110. A wireless communication link L420is established between network110and a new wireless device420which is to have wireless provisioning parameters transferred to it according to the invention. As shown inFIG. 4, the communications links L120and L420and the network110form a communications link between existing wireless device120and new wireless device420to permit the transfer of information between the existing and new devices. Preferably, the link is established by authenticating the existing wireless device120with the network in the usual fashion (by activating it, e.g., by turning on the device) to create link L120. The new wireless device420is linked to network110over link L420by activating the device, which sends the device's ESN or MAC address to network110, but the new device will not be provided service because the new device's ESN or MAC address is not yet associated with a service profile stored in the network. The network110will recognize the new device420provided the device420and the network110are compatible, i.e., use the same wireless signalling format such as GSM (global system for mobile) or CDMA (code division multiple access). Once the link between the network and the existing and new devices is established, the network110, preferably using security entries to assure authorized access, may permit the existing and new devices to communicate, and information may be transferred between the devices as will be explained in further detail below.

FIG. 4Billustrates an alternative communication link established between existing wireless device120and new wireless device420over a short range connector440. The short range connector440may be provided by a cable connected to the two devices, an infrared link between infrared sensors on the two devices, or a short-range RF link between antennas on the two devices such as a Bluetooth® link between Bluetooth® transceivers on the two devices. Other short range communication links may occur to those of skill in the art. Such short range links permit provisioning information to be transferred from the existing device120to the new device420without any involvement of the service provider operating network110. Alternatively, also as shown inFIG. 4B, a communication link between the existing device120and new device420may be established through the Internet124, using WiFi links460for example.

FIG. 5is a flowchart showing a method M in accordance with the present invention for using an existing wireless device120having an existing service account with a network service provider, to provision a new wireless device420for service on the wireless network110. As shown inFIG. 5, in step500a communication link L120is established between the existing wireless device120and the wireless network110. In step502, a communication link L420is established between the new wireless device420and the wireless network110. Communication link L420may be used, for example, to convey identifying information about the new wireless device to network110. Such identifying information may include the new device's unique identifier, such as its ESN or MAC. In step504, information relating to the service account is transferred from the existing wireless device120to the new wireless device420. The transferred account information typically includes the access or calling number or MIN of the existing wireless device120, so that the new device420will be accessible or reachable by dialing or otherwise entering the same number as previously was used to access the existing (replaced) device. The transferred account information may also be provided by the new wireless device420to the network110over the link L420. The account information may be transferred using the links L120and L420and network110, as shown inFIG. 4Aand described in greater detail below, or simply may be transferred to the new wireless device manually by entering it into the memory of new device420using its keyboard208K as shown inFIG. 2, for example, or may be entered using another input device. The account information alternatively could be transferred over short-range link440or Internet link460as shown inFIG. 4B. AlthoughFIG. 5shows the steps500and502occurring before step504, it will be apparent that the sequence of steps may be varied depending on the particular method used for transferring information.

In step506, the existing wireless device120sends a service transfer request to the wireless network service provider over the communication link L120. Such a service transfer request may be accompanied by information needed by the service provider, such as account login entries, or the unique identifier of the new wireless device420, such as its ESN or MAC, if such information has not been provided to the network earlier or if its reentry is deemed important for security. In step508, in response to the service transfer request, the service provider activates the new wireless device for service on the wireless network with the existing service account defined in profile P. The step of activation may be performed by the service provider by associating the account profile P in database118with the unique identifier of the new wireless device420, such as its ESN or MAC. In step510, the service provider deactivates the existing wireless device120, as by disassociating the unique identifier of the existing device120with profile P.

In step512, the service provider uses the unique identifier of the new wireless device to search for new capabilities of the new wireless device that are associated with the unique identifier. Such a search may be performed by automatically scanning an available look up table to see what device features are associated with the new device's unique identifier, and to compare these features with those associated with the existing device120. For example, referring toFIG. 4A, the wireless network110may include a further database128which stores a table of ESNs and/or MACs and associated device features which may be accessed to determine the device features of the new wireless device420, and to compare these features with services or features associated with existing wireless device120. A similar look up table may be located elsewhere and accessed by the wireless network service provider, e.g., over the Internet. When new capabilities are found the service provider in step514proposes to the owner of the device service plan changes to correspond to detected new capabilities. If the new device is found to have a camera, for example, image transfer services may be offered, and may be readily accepted by the new device owner. In step516the new device owner responds to the service provider's proposal, and if the response is one requesting a change, in step518the service provider changes the service account and profile P in accordance with the request. These steps may be performed automatically under program control. In this manner, the service provider may efficiently offer and provide to the new device owner new revenue generating services.

FIG. 6is a flowchart showing in greater detail a method MI for operating a system including an existing wireless device120, a new wireless device420and a network110, by using the existing wireless device120to provision the new wireless device420for service on the wireless network110. As shown inFIG. 6, in step600a communication link is established between the existing wireless device120and the new wireless device420. The communication link may be a wireless transmission link through the network110, as shown inFIG. 4A, or a communication link over a short range connector440, or the Internet124, as shown inFIG. 4B. In step602, the existing wireless device120is prompted to enter a unique security identifier, such as an ESN or MAC address, for the new device420. In step604, the existing wireless device sends the entered security identifier over the established communications link to the new wireless device420. In step606, the new wireless device420verifies that the received security identifier matches that of the new device and sends verification to the existing device120.

In step608, after receiving verification, the existing device120is prompted to transfer one or more elements of stored provisioning information to the new wireless device420. The prompt may be in the form of a menu with selectable items, and the prompts may relate to account related information such as the device's access or calling number or MIN as well as personal information such as a directory, pictures, music or files. If the response to the prompt is “yes”, the method proceeds to step610. If the response to the prompt is “no”, the method proceeds to step614.

In step610the existing device120transfers account information and/or personal information over the communication link to the new device420. In step612, the new device420acknowledges receipt of the information by sending an acknowledgement signal back over the communications link to the existing wireless device120.

At this point, in step614, the existing wireless device120is prompted to enter a service transfer request to the network110. In step616, the existing wireless device sends the service transfer request to the network110. In step618, the network authenticates the request, and may request the existing device to log onto the service account by entering a user ID and password, and to enter or reenter the security identifier or ESN or unique ID of the new wireless device. In step620, the network110responds to the service transfer request by associating the security identifier of the new wireless device420with the service account and profile P formerly associated with the existing wireless device120, and if not otherwise transferred, by transferring the access or calling number or MIN of the existing wireless device to the new wireless device, thereby completing activation of the new wireless device. Alternatively, as described above with reference toFIG. 5, the access number or MIN may be provided to the new wireless device either by transferring it from the existing wireless device120to the new device over the communication link, or by the user entering it directly into the new wireless device420using a keypad, for example. In step622, the network deactivates the existing wireless device by removing the association of the security identifier (and MIN) of the existing wireless device120from the profile P. At this point in process M1, the new wireless device420is fully authorized for sending and receiving communications over network110in accordance with the permissions defined by profile P.

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing a method M2performed by an existing wireless device120to provision a new wireless device420according to the invention. Such a method may be performed by a software program either permanently residing in existing wireless device120, or downloaded from network110or Internet124only when it is desired to provision a new wireless device. Method M2illustrates steps including a software downloading provision. In step700, the existing device is activated on network110, either automatically upon turning on the device, or with entry of a code. In step702, the user selects a “service transfer” option from a menu displayed on the existing device120. In step704, the device determines whether transfer software programs are resident on the existing device120, and if the answer is “yes” the method proceeds to step708, and if “no” in step706transfer software is downloaded to the existing device before proceeding to step708.

In step708, the user selects the communications link to be used for transferring provisioning information to the new device from a menu which may include, for example, the user may be offered the menu choices of “network”, “cable”, “IR”, “RF”, or “Internet”. In step710, the user is prompted to enter the unique ID of the new device420, for example the ESN of a wireless phone or the MAC address of a computer. In step712, the user enters and sends the unique ID of the new device420, and in step714the device receives an acknowledgement from the new device that the ID is correct.

In step716, the user receives a prompt to transfer provisioning information to the new device420, and may receive a menu of options for the data to be transferred including account related items such as access number or “MIN” and personal items such as “address book”, “pictures”, “music”, “files” and the like. If the user chooses not to transfer such information, the process proceeds to step722. If the user chooses to transfer such information, in step718, the user transfers selected provisioning information to the new device420over the selected communications link. In step720, the existing device receives an acknowledgement or confirmation from the new device420that the transfer of provisioning information is complete.

In step722, after all requested information is transferred, the user is prompted to send a service transfer request to the network, and in step724the service transfer request is sent to the network110. As shown inFIG. 7, the service transfer request of step724may include further steps such as in step726, logging onto the service account of the existing device, in step728, entering the unique identifier of the device to which service is to be transferred (ESN or MAC address), in step730, prompting to confirm that the service transfer is to take place as entered and, in step732, confirming the transfer.

In step734, the existing device receives from network110a message that the new device is activated and the existing device is deactivated. In step734the existing device120may further receive, as part of a deactivation, signals which remove the MIN from the device or otherwise change the configuration of the device.

The steps700through734in method M2, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, will be incorporated in computer program software to be stored in the existing device120, either initially or when downloaded upon request, and performed by processors such as processor206ofFIG. 2or the computer system300ofFIG. 3. A wireless device apparatus according to the invention is one which contains the stored software and devices in the form of processor206or computer system300for executing the software and for performing the method steps of method M2.

FIG. 8is a flowchart showing a method M3performed by a new wireless device420to be provisioned by an existing wireless device120according to the invention. In step800, the new device420is coupled to the network110, for example by turning it on. If the new device is compatible with the network, and uses the same signaling format, the network will recognize the unique security identifier of the device, such as its ESN or MAC address, and can communicate with the device although it will not authorize other service as there is no service account or profile P associated as yet with the new device420. The network may send messages to the new device reflecting its status, or may request the entry of unlocking codes or information necessary to establish service.

In step802, the user of the new device420selects a “service transfer” option on a menu displayed on the device, and in step804the device determines whether transfer software programs are resident on the new device420, and if yes the method proceeds to step808, and if not in step806transfer software is downloaded to the existing device before proceeding to step808. In step808, the new device420receives a request to establish a communications link with existing device120, and in step810receives a signal representing the unique ID of the new device, for example its ESN or MAC address. In step812, the new device verifies the received unique ID, and sends a confirmation of its receipt to the existing device420.

In step814, the new device420receives provisioning information, including account information such as an access number or MIN and/or personal information such as address book, photos, music and files, from the existing device120over the communications link, and in step816sends a confirmation of its receipt to existing device120.

In step818, the new device420is activated on the network110. Such activation may occur without any action by the user of the new device420. Alternatively, such activation may require, in step818a, logging on to the existing service account and profile P on the network110, and in step818b, confirming activation and receiving an activation message from the network.

In step820, the new device420, after logging in to the service account, may revise the profile P with which it is now associated and may subscribe to different calling plans or data plans or select new services to reflect new device features. For example, the new device420may have camera or messaging features not present in the existing device120for which new or different service offerings by the network would be advantageous. As described with reference toFIG. 5, the service provider may search for device capabilities related to a device's unique identifier such as its ESN or MAC and may propose service offerings to the user of the new device.

The steps800through820in method M3, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, will be incorporated in computer program software stored in the device, either initially or when downloaded upon request, and performed by processors such as processor206ofFIG. 2or the computer system300ofFIG. 3. A wireless device apparatus according to the invention is one which contains the stored software and devices in the form of processor206or computer system300for executing the software and for performing the method steps. While the methods M2for an existing device and M3for a new device have been described separately, it will be apparent that they may be combined in software to be supplied to a wireless device to be available for use either as a transferor or transferee of provisioning parameters.

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing a method M4performed by a wireless network110to transfer provisioning information and service account authorization from an existing wireless device120to a new wireless device420according to the invention. In step900, the network authenticates the existing device, either automatically when the device is turned on or enters a service area, or by entry of a code. In step902, the network110recognizes the new device420when it is turned on within the service area of the network. As indicated above, if the new device is compatible with the network, and uses the same signaling format, the network will recognize the unique security identifier of the device, such as its ESN or MAC address, and can communicate with the device although it will not authorize other service as there is no service account or profile P associated as yet with the new device420. The network may send messages to the new device reflecting its status, or may request the entry of unlocking codes or information necessary to establish service.

In step904, the network110may optionally receive a request to download transfer software from either the existing or new devices, and in step906, in response to such a request, downloads the requested software to one or both of the new and existing devices. In a preferred embodiment, the downloaded software will perform the methods shown inFIG. 7or8.

In step908, the network may receive a request from the existing device120to transfer provisioning information from the existing device120to the new device420. If so, as indicated by the “yes” branch910, the method M4proceeds to step912.

If not, as indicated by the “no” branch916, the method proceeds to step918. The circumstances under which the network will not receive a request to transfer provisioning information include either that the information previously has been transferred, e.g., by means of keyboard entry or one of the short range connection techniques illustrated inFIG. 4B, or that there is no information to transfer or there is no wish to transfer old information to a new device.

If it is desired to transfer provisioning information over a communications link through the network, as illustrated for example inFIG. 4, in step912the network110receives from the existing device120the security identification, such as the ESN or MAC address, of the transferee device, i.e., the new device420to which it is desired that provisioning information be transferred. In step914, the network110authorizes and transfers the desired provisioning information, such as the existing device's access number or MIN, address book, photos, music and files, over the network to the identified new device420, and then transfers a responding acknowledgement signal from the new device420to the existing device120to indicate that the transfer is complete.

In step918, the network110receives a service transfer request from the existing device120, which is a request to the network to transfer the existing service account and profile associated with the existing device120to the new device420and thereby activate the new device420for service on the network. In step920, the network may require the identification of the service account to be verified by requiring, for example, that the existing device log on to the account with a user ID and password. In step922, the network may require the unique identifiers or security ID, such as the ESN or MAC address, of the new device420to be again entered to verify that it is the device to be activated. In step924, the network110associates the service account and profile P with the unique identifiers of the new device and activates the new device for service on the network. In step926, the network110deactivates the existing device120, terminating its ability to use the network for services. The network may further conduct a search to explore the capabilities of the new device420by means of its ESN and propose new service offerings, as described with reference toFIG. 5and incorporated herein by reference.

The steps900through926of method M4, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, will be incorporated in computer program software stored in the network and performed by processors such as processor206ofFIG. 2or the computer system300ofFIG. 3. A wireless network according to the invention is one which contains the stored software and means in the form of processor206or computer system300for executing the software and for performing the steps of method M4.

Thus, a feature for using an existing wireless device to provision a new wireless device for service on a wireless network has been described. The improved feature includes system, apparatus, computer program products and method. While the present invention has been described with reference to preferred and exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.