Patent ID: 11304125

Abstract:
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for intelligently switching from public land mobile network (PLMN) assigned identification (ID) to UE manufacturer assigned ID. An example method includes receiving a registration request message comprising information related to location registration to an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a mobility management entity (MME) through a radio access network (RAN), obtaining an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) or Permanent Equipment Identifier (PEI) of a user equipment and extracting from the IMEI or PEI a type allocation code (TAC). The method then obtains a user equipment radio capability ID associated with the user equipment and determines whether the UE shall use a user equipment manufacturer ID or PLMN assigned ID in order to determine an appropriate registration accept message having instructions to operate based on the user equipment manufacturer ID or the PLMN assigned ID.