Abstract:
The present disclosure relates generally to electronics systems, and more specifically to mobile communications systems and devices and including subscriber identification modules to which mobile currency, i.e. airtime minutes converted into mobile currency in pre-paid denominations from a telecommunications service provider, may be uploaded and used for payment transactions in a manner that is easier and more secure by providing a system and method related to a mobile phone having one or more subscriber identification module cards.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This patent application is a Non-Provisional patent application and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/001,507, titled “System And Method For Providing Online Registrations For Subscriber Identity Module Cards” filed May 21, 2014. The entire disclosure of the afore-mentioned patent application is incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronics systems, and more specifically to mobile communications systems and devices and including subscriber identification modules to which mobile currency, i.e. airtime minutes converted into mobile currency in pre-paid denominations from a telecommunications service provider, may be uploaded and used for payment transactions in a manner that is easier and more secure by providing a system and method related to a mobile phone having one or more subscriber identification module cards. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Mobile currency comes in different flavors. The sophisticated sort allows account-holders to transfer legal tender electronically to fellow account-holders by entering commands on a mobile phone. Popular though such services are, they have not stopped an older form of mobile currency from flourishing. This form uses pre-paid mobile-airtime minutes as a de facto currency that can be transferred between phones, exchanged for cash with dealers who rent mobile phones, or bartered for goods and services where the pre-paid mobile-airtime minutes may be swapped for cash or spent in shops. 
     In some instances establishing a mobile-money account typically requires waiting for days for approval after presenting identification. In contrast, mobile-airtime minutes can often be purchased and sent immediately and anonymously using a service which often allows nationwide transfers free of charge. This gives rise to the popularity of mobile-airtime minutes in certain countries as it is especially useful for settling small debts. For example in certain countries, shoppers are tired of receiving sweets in lieu of change, so shopkeepers who offer airtime minutes in lieu of yet another “$0.63-worth of chocolates” have a competitive advantage. The use of airtime minutes as currency is fuelled by the growing ease of sending airtime minutes abroad and its ease of use. However, the expanding use is largely unregulated as network operators are, in effect, issuing their own currency, trading in unregulated volumes and setting their own exchange rates, providing a loophole for criminals and extremist groups to use airtime minutes to covertly move money. Thus there is a need to have secure mobile currency when dealing with the use and issuance of airtime minutes to be used as currency. The within invention satisfies this long felt need in a new and novel manner an additional security layer to protect the subscriber&#39;s assets from fraud. 
     For a further and more fully detailed understanding of the present invention, various objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Additional objectives of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention contemplates a computer implemented system and method wherein a telecommunications service provider would sell bundles of cellular airtime minutes and data packages to merchants, and convert these cellular airtime minutes to mobile currency (MC) in various monetary units (e.g. $5; $10, $25, $50, and $100) that are offered for sale to participating merchants. Each participating merchant may purchase a series from the block of mobile currency, which is designated for a range of purchasable subscriber identity module cards (“SIM”) cards for use in a SIM card system that includes one or more subscriber identification modules, where at least one SIM card is used for transacting in mobile currency. 
     When a subscriber purchases the mobile currency SIM card from a participating merchant, using a graphical user interface, subscriber may load mobile currency in the pre-paid denomination unto the SIM card in the denomination purchased using e.g. SMS text messaging service for the customer&#39;s mobile currency transactions, wherein the subscriber may authorize the transaction with the a server that interfaces through the gateway to the telecommunications billing and profile management servers. The merchant&#39;s account will credit the subscriber account balance once the SIM card purchase transaction is authorized and verified. 
     Once the SIM card is inserted into the mobile cellular device and loaded with the mobile currency, the subscriber may initiate a financial transaction that will debit the SIM card for the transaction&#39;s cost and transfer the mobile currency amount for the transaction&#39;s cost to the merchant&#39;s account or a third-party recipient. The graphical user interface (“GUI”) may provide certain prompts, e.g. amount being transferred, the subscriber&#39;s account number, and authenticating inquiries, e.g. a security question. The merchant&#39;s account will be credited from the subscriber account balance once the transaction is authorized and verified. 
     This solution provides a secure means for the customer to conduct financial transactions without having to deal in paper currency and worry about theft. The wide-spread usage of 2G cellular phones and the ease of integration of using a proprietary SIM card that is loaded with mobile currency credits allows this solution to be easily deployed and provides an additional layer of security to safeguard the subscriber&#39;s account. 
     Upon receipt, merchant may use the GUI to confirm the transfer amount upon authentication of the merchant&#39;s account, e.g. answer a security question, providing for the crediting of the merchant&#39;s account. In some embodiments merchants access the GUI to conduct various other transactions, e.g. cash out their mobile currency, purchase mobile airtime minutes, pay cell phone bill and the like. 
     In some embodiment, the computer implemented system and method provides for customers to transfer mobile currency to a recipient in an easy seamless manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the sender purchases airtime minutes from a telecommunications provider and specifies the recipient of the funds, for which the payment transfer transaction may be assigned a unique code. This process is completed using the mobile device from a participating telecommunications provider, wherein the user will be able to authorize payment from their mobile device using the SIM card configured for conducting mobile currency transactions. Once the transaction is completed, customer may remove the SIM card and/or otherwise either use the same SIM card to access and use their regular telecommunications data service for telephone calls, SMS texts and the like or use another of the plurality of SIM cards to do the same. The recipient will receive notification of the incoming mobile currency transaction and can accept receipt of the mobile currency. In some embodiments, the recipient may be required to provide a unique code in order to receive the mobile currency, wherein the unique code may comprise of the unique code previously assigned to the specific money transfer transaction and/or a unique code assigned to the customer for receipts of money transfer transactions from any source, i.e. not just the sender. 
     In some embodiments, in order for the recipient to receive and accept the mobile currency, the recipient may be required to have the mobile currency SIM card. Recipients may use mobile currency with participating merchants until depleted whether to procure merchandise from vendors and/or telecom services from telecom service providers. In some embodiments, standard applicable SMS charges may occur for the services and/or transaction fees may apply to send mobile currency to recipients. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further objectives and advantages of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures. 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exemplary process flow chart according to aspect(s) of embodiment(s) of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exemplary system of the invention according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows a block diagram depicting a method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a block diagram depicting a method  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6 , a block diagram depicting a non-transitory computer readable medium is shown in accordance with one embodiment 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram representing an apparatus according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following discussion describes in detail an embodiment of the various methods as described below. However, this discussion should not be construed, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, as practitioners skilled in the art will appreciate that an apparatus and system may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that a method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. Similarly, the elements described herein may be implemented separately, or in various combinations without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views. 
     Systems 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary system  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. System  100  comprises at least one computer processor  102  that includes a processing module  104 , at least one communications module  106  electronically connected to at least one processor  102 , wherein said communications module  106  is operative to connect to a wireless communications network, at least one means  108  for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110 . In some embodiments, the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is one of a plurality of subscriber identification modules  110 ,  110 ′ and is configured primarily for use with mobile currency while any remaining subscriber identification module(s)  110 ′ is primarily used for traditional telecommunication services including voice and data services and the like (hereinafter referred to as “telecom services”). In some embodiments, the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is configured for processing both mobile currency transactions as well as traditional telecom services. 
     System  100  also comprises a registration module  112  in electronic communication with the at least one subscriber identification module  110 , wherein the registration module  112  is configured for enabling registration of the at least one subscriber identification module  110  to the system  100  and for enabling at least one subscriber registration; and computer executable instructions  114  readable and executable by the at least one processor  102  that when executed by the at least one processor  102  cause the at least one processor  102  to perform the following: detect the presence of the at least one subscriber identification module  110  in the at least one means  108  for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110 , wherein the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is configured for managing mobile currency transaction requests; determine whether incoming or outgoing communications to or from a mobile communication device  116  implicate a financial transaction requiring mobile currency; selecting and enabling the at least one subscriber identification module  110  for performing financial transactions involving mobile currency; determining the presence of the at least one second subscriber identification module  110 ′ in the at least one second means  108 ′ for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110  in a second mobile device  116 ; and enabling operation of an application program  118  comprising of computer executable instructions  114  readable and executable by the at least one processor  102  that when executed by the at least one processor  102  causes the at least one application program  118  to perform the following: provide a graphical user interface for accepting and receiving user commands for selective control of the management of the mobile currency on the at least one subscriber identification module  110 . 
     The application program  118  is further configured for displaying on the mobile communication device&#39;s at least one display  120 , the graphical user interface for receiving selective commands for controlling the management of the mobile currency; enabling the loading of prepaid mobile currency on the at least one subscriber identification module  110 ; crediting an account for the at least one registered subscriber with the amount of the prepaid mobile currency as loaded on the at least one subscriber identification module  110 ; and debiting and/or crediting the at least one subscriber&#39;s account based on authorized financial transactions involving mobile currency loaded on the subscriber identification module  110 ; determining and storing a balance for the at least one subscriber&#39;s account pursuant to any financial transactions (debits, credits transfers, and/or cashing out or the like); and preventing any financial transactions involving mobile currency to a second mobile communications device  116 ′ if a second subscriber is not registered and/or at least one subscriber identification module  110 ′ is not present in the at least one means  108  for accepting at least one or more subscriber identification modules  110 ,  110 ′ in the second mobile communications device  116 ′. 
     The term “module,” as used throughout this disclosure, may refer to a unit of distinct functionality that may be presented in software, hardware, and/or combinations thereof. When the functionality of a module is performed in any part through software, the module includes a machine readable medium. In one embodiment of the invention, these computer modules may be self-contained computer hardware resident on the computer processor  102  or resident on the mobile communication device  116 . In another embodiment of the invention, they may be computer hardware on a designated computer chip or separate computer chips. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the processor  102  may include computer processing module  104 , and an instructions module  118 , wherein the processing module  104  may be configured to perform others tasks not undertaken by the other modules. In a further embodiment of the invention, the computer modules may be hardware resident on one chip, component, separate components or any combination thereof. In yet another embodiment of the invention, processing module  104 , display module  122 , instructions module  130 , the communications module  120  and/or the various modules disclosed herein may all be in electronic communication with computer processing module  112 . 
     Instructions module  130  may, in one embodiment of the invention, contain computer executable instructions  114  readable by computer processing module  104  configured for and used to implement the functions, operations, determinations, and the like, contemplated by the invention. In another embodiment of the invention, all of the computer modules may be interconnected with each other in different arrangements and/or combinations in order to implement the functions, operations, determinations, and the like, contemplated by the invention. 
     Computer central processor  102  may comprise any type of processor, such as, but not limited to, a mobile device&#39;s processor, a computer processor, a server processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a video processor, a front end processor, a coprocessor, a single-core central processor, a multi-core processor, and the like. Processor  102  may be operative to communicate electronically with the shared computer processing server and/or the various modules disclosed herein and throughout the present disclosure, and the like. Said electronic communication may comprise any type of electronic communication, such as a network communication, a direct communication, an indirect communication, a wired communication, a wireless communication, and the like. 
     Processor  102  includes a processing module  104  that may comprise of a hardware aspect such as a computer processor  102 , including, but not limited to, any of those previously described herein and throughout the present disclosure. In some embodiments, processing module  104  may comprise of a software aspect, such as, but not limited to, a computer program, such as an operating system, and the like. In yet another embodiment, processing module  104  may comprise both hardware and software aspects, such as those described directly above and elsewhere throughout the present disclosure. In some embodiments, processing module  104  may include software, e.g. computer software program, and hardware components to for example 
     At least one communications module  106  may be any type of communications module, including, but not limited to, a wireless communications module or wired communications module, such as a GSM modem, a WiFi module, a Bluetooth module, a Zigbee module, and any other type of communications module used to communicate directly with another computer network enabled device, or indirectly with another device, such as through a local or wide area network. Accordingly, mobile communication device  116  may include communications module  106 , such as, but not limited to, a wireless or wired communications module, which may include, but is not limited to, a cellular communications modem, a wireless area network communication modem, such as WLAN or WAN, an internet modem, a cable modem, a satellite modem, an antenna, and the like. In another embodiment of the invention, processor  102  (or processing module  104  in another aspect) may be in communication with communications module  106  in order to implement the functions, operations, determinations, and the like, contemplated by the invention. 
     In another embodiment, at least one means  108  for accepting at least one or more subscriber identification modules may comprise a traditional subscriber identification module (SIM) card tray, or multiple SIM card tray, such as a dual-SIM card tray. In some embodiments, the one or more subscriber identification modules  110 ,  110 ′ may comprise traditional SIM cards, micro SIM cards, nano SIM cards, or any other type of subscriber identification module  110  known in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the registration module  112  may comprise of hardware, e.g. biometric verification means for authenticating the identity of the subscriber. Biometric verification means may be disposed in communication with a computer processor  102  and a biometric scanner, for example, a fingerprint scanner, hand geometry scanner, a palm geometry scanner, iris scanner, retina scanner, or a user interface, which includes an audio receiving circuit capable of receiving audio signals at predetermined frequencies and/or with additional hardware complete with electronic circuitry and such other biometric verification means that are known and used in the arts, wherein the computer processor  102  controls the functionality of the biometric scanner, generating the varied algorithms for storage of the initial valid biometric samples stored as biometric identifiers for subsequent validation of biometric samples. 
     In some embodiments, the registration module  112  may comprise of software aspects as previously disclosed herein and in some embodiments registration module  112  comprise of both hardware and software aspects. In some embodiments, the registration module may be stored in the subscriber identification module  110  and/or on a computer readable storage medium. 
     In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, system  100  may also include a processing module  104  for controlling and/coordinating all operations of system  100 . Processing module  104  may also be responsible for making all determinations for system  100 . Processing module  104  may also perform the operation(s) of system  100  which are not performed or covered by the other modules of system  100 . Processing module  104  may also have access to computer program product having computer executable instructions  114  necessary for the execution/implementation of all operations disclosed in aspect(s) of embodiment(s) of the present invention. In one aspect, the computer program product may be resident on processing module  104 , each respective modules of system  100  or in a combination of locations. The computer program product may also be loaded onto any or all of system  100 &#39;s modules. 
     Computer executable instructions  114  may be loaded directly on the processor&#39;s processing module  104 , or may be stored in mobile device&#39;s non-transitory computer readable medium  126 , that includes but is not limited to, computer readable media, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, a solid state drive, a flash memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and the like. Computer executable instructions  114  may be any type of computer executable instructions  114 , which may be in the form of a computer program, the program being composed in any suitable programming language or source code, such as C++, C, JAVA, JavaScript, HTML, XML, and other programming languages. The computer executable instructions  114  may be or may include any type of computer executable instructions, such as but not limited to, computer coded instructions, a computer application, a computer program, a downloadable computer application, and the like. In some embodiments, computer executable instructions  114  may be stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium  126  readable and executable by the processor  104 , wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium  126  may comprise of computer memory, computer storage, and the like. 
     The non-transitory computer readable medium  126  may be part of the same device of which processor  104  is a part. Computer readable medium  126  may comprise of a storage device and may include memory, such as, but is not limited to, read-only memory, such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, floppy disks, and the like, read and write memory, such as a hard drive, floppy disc, CD-RW, DVD-RW, solid state memory, such as solid state hard drives, flash memory, and the like, and random access memory. Computer readable medium  126  may be used to store information, such as subscriber&#39;s registration information, account balances for the mobile currency, history of mobile currency transactions, and the like. Information stored on the computer readable medium  126  may be retrieved using the computer processor  104  and may be published by push notification on for example the mobile device&#39;s display device  120  or published over the mobile device&#39;s speaker using the type and configuration of speakers that are well known and used in the arts for mobile communication devices. 
     In some embodiments as shown in the exemplary system in  FIG. 1 , the at least one processor  102 , at least one communications module  106 , and the at least one subscriber identification module  110  and various other modules and hardware disclosed herein are part of, or integrated into a mobile communications device  106 . Mobile communication device  116  may be any type of electronic computing device configured with means for communicating wirelessly and/or wired with other networked enabled devices, such as but not limited to, cellular phones (e.g., an iPhone, Android, Palm, Blackberry, or any “smart phone” as are generally known and used in the arts), location-aware portable phones (such as GPS), a personal computer, server computer, or laptop or netbook computer, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) such as a Palm-based device or Windows CE device, a laptop computer, a tablet personal computer, a portable screen, a portable processing device and/or any other portable device capable of communicating wirelessly over a computer network, local area network, wide area network such as the Internet, or any other type of network device that may communicate over a network  128 . 
     System  100  may include any kind of displaying means  124 , such as, but not limited to: a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen, a plasma display, a light emitting diode (“LED”) display, touchpad or touch screen display, and/or any other means known in the arts for emitting a visually perceptible output. The at least one processor  102  is in electronic communication with the displaying module  122  that controls the display  120  on the displaying means  116 . In other embodiments, displaying means  124  is wirelessly connected to processor  104 . Displaying means  124  may include a control means, such as, but not limited to, a touch screen, a stylus, and the like. In some embodiments, displaying means  124  may be electronically connected to a client device  102 ′ according to the hardware and software protocols that are known and used in the arts. Processor  104  controls the mobile device&#39;s displaying means  116 , which is configured for displaying for example, the security question, amounts to be transferred, balance remaining and the like. 
     In yet another embodiment, system  100  may comprise at least one mobile communication device  116 , which houses at least one processor  102 , at least one display device  104 , and at least one communications module  106 . The mobile communication device  116  may be a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a mobile PC, a smart phone, or a standalone mobile device, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary process flow chart  200 , and an exemplary setup of components of system  100 , according to aspect(s) of embodiment(s) of the present invention are shown. A user/subscriber/potential subscriber of the system  100  starts process  200  at step  202  by logging in or attempting to log in to system  100 . System  100  then determines whether he/she is a current registered user in step  202  by authenticating the subscriber using a graphical user interface to, for example, pose security questions, receive user input provided by the display&#39;s control means, authenticate and confirm the subscriber is authorized as an approved subscriber to conduct financial mobile currency transactions using this subscriber identification module  110 . As such, system  100  determines the login method (step  214 ), conducts a search (step  216 ) of the subscriber&#39;s registration information, and retrieves the subscriber&#39;s profile information (step  218 ). 
     However, if the subscriber is not a registered user, the registration module  112  may be in communication with processing module  104  wherein processing module  104  may, using computer execution instructions  114  resident on instructions module  130  instruct the display module  122  to display for instance a graphical user interface that the user may use to provide registration (profile) information, and the display module then displays the registration process on the mobile communication device&#39;s display  120  where the subscriber&#39;s profile information is obtained (step  204 ). Processing module  104  then links the subscriber&#39;s profile information with the subscriber identification module  110  (step  206 ) for future subscriber authentication prior to consummating a financial transaction requiring mobile currency. In some embodiments, system  100  may encrypt the subscriber&#39;s information (step  208 ); or capture biometric identification information, e.g. a fingerprint (step  210 ), wherein the subscriber&#39;s profile including any captured biometric identifiers are stored for future reference. (step  212 ). 
     The registration process is facilitated in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, by the registration module  112 , which provides the interface for the user/subscriber/potential subscriber to log on to the system  200 . In one aspect, registration module  112  may be in communication with processing module  104  wherein processing module  104  may, using computer execution instructions  114  resident on instructions module  130  instruct the display module  122  to display, which then displays the registration process on the mobile communication device&#39;s display  120 . In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, registration may be done on a mobile device having access to system  200 . In one aspect of the present invention, a user may access a mobile phone application program  118  to apply for a SIM card  110  that is configured for financial transactions involving mobile currency, for which the various required registration information may be manually inputted. Additionally, the user may select a finger for which his/her biometric identifier will be stored as art of the registration process, i.e. user may provide a valid biometric sample, which gets stored as a biometric identifier for later verification of the SIM card owner. 
     In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, registration may be completed on and/or at a kiosk or computer terminal etc. In all cases, the devices are in communication with system  100  in a variety of ways including wired connections, wireless connections, the internet, and the like. It should be noted that in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the modules of system  100  may be in communication with one or more of each of the system modules of system  100 . In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, system  100  may also include a processing module  104  for controlling and/coordinating all operations of system  100 . Processing module  104  may also be responsible for making all determinations for system  100 . Processing module  104  may also perform the operation(s) of system  100  which are not performed or covered by the other modules of system  100 . Processing module  104  may also have access to computer program product having computer readable program code necessary for the execution/implementation of all operations disclosed in aspect(s) of embodiment(s) of the present invention. In one aspect, the computer program product may be resident on processing module  104  may, each respective modules of system  200  or in a combination of locations. The computer program product may also be loaded onto any or all of system  200 &#39;s modules. 
       FIG. 3  shows a system  300  in accordance with one embodiment, wherein system  300  comprises at least one first mobile communications device  302  operative to transact and connect with an exemplary merchant&#39;s second mobile communication device  304  via a local wireless communications network  306 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, at least one first mobile communications device  302  comprises any type of mobile communications device  116 , such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a laptop PC and the like, including but not limited to an international mobile phone. In another embodiment, at least one second mobile communications device  304  comprises any type of mobile communications device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a laptop PC and the like, including but not limited to a domestic mobile phone. 
     In some embodiments a consumer purchases the subscriber identification module  110  and mobile currency in varied denomination from a telecom provider. The mobile currency is inactive and unable to be used unless they have been loaded on the subscriber identification module  110  in accordance with the systems and processes of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , respectively. Should the consumer wish to use the mobile currency to pay for a transaction with a merchant (either remotely over the internet or in a brick and mortar store), both parties will need to be registered with the system and methods disclosed herein. As such, the system&#39;s processor module  104  in communication with the processor  102  is configured to detect the presence of the at least one subscriber identification module  110  in the at least one means for  108  accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110 , wherein the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is configured for managing mobile currency transaction requests prior to the transaction being approved to occur. 
     The processor  102  is further configured for using its processing module  104  to control the operations discussed herein including but not limited to any one or more of the following: authenticating the subscriber as an authorized user of the subscriber identification module  110  prior to the purchase transaction being consummated, wherein the authentication process follows steps  202 - 218  of  FIG. 2  to verify and/or register the subscriber&#39;s identification information; enabling the loading of prepaid mobile currency on the at least one subscriber identification module  110 ; selecting and enabling the at least one subscriber identification module  110  for performing financial transactions involving mobile currency; receiving a payment request (e.g. payment transfer of mobile currency) for a requested amount of mobile currency; determining availability of mobile currency, i.e. if the requested amount is less than or equal to the mobile currency loaded on the subscriber identification module  110 , otherwise the payment transaction will be denied; determining the presence of the at least one second subscriber identification module  110 ′ in the at least one second means  108 ′ for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110  in a second mobile communication device  116 ′ which may be accomplished by for example, verifying that the intended recipient&#39;s address is registered with the system  300  as a subscriber (if not, the recipient is not a subscriber) and/or the at least one second subscriber identification module  110 ′ in the at least one second means  108 ′ for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110  in a second mobile communication device  116 ′ is not detected, processor  102  prevents any financial transactions involving mobile currency to the receiving second mobile communications device  116 . 
     In some embodiments, the recipient is a subscriber and/or the at least one subscriber identification module  110 ′ is present in the at least one second means  108 ′ for accepting at least one or more subscriber identification modules  110 ′ in the second mobile communications device  116 ′ accordingly, processor  102  authorizes the transfer of the requested amount for the payment transaction by, for example, SMS text to the merchant recipient and via the computer executable instructions  114  in the instruction module  130  activates the communications module  106  to transmit payment of the requested amount to the merchant&#39;s mobile communication device  116 ′ (personal computer or point of sale system) for which a unique code is assigned for the payment transaction; debits the sending subscriber&#39;s account for the payment and credits the receiving merchant subscriber&#39;s account with the mobile currency. 
     In some embodiments, the recipient may be required to provide a unique code in order to receive the mobile currency, wherein the unique code may comprise of the unique code previously assigned to the payment transaction and/or a unique code assigned to the subscriber for receipts of money transfer transactions from any source, i.e. not just the sender. 
     In some embodiments, the consumer and/or the merchant may be required to pay a fee for using the systems and methods, and/or the transmittal of the mobile currency. In other embodiments, the transmittal is bundled as part of the telecommunications services wherein the mobile communications device  302  may be assessed a fee for accessing local wireless communications network. In some embodiments, the fee may be assessed by a telecommunications provider, such as a cellular phone service provider, and the like. Accordingly, the local wireless communications  306  network may be provided by such a telecommunications provider. 
     In yet another embodiment, at least one communications module  106  comprises a communications module for accessing a web-enabled device, such as a Bluetooth module for accessing a web-enabled smartphone. 
     In another embodiment, at least one means  108  for accepting at least one or more subscriber identification modules may comprise a traditional subscriber identification module (SIM) card tray, or multiple SIM card tray, such as a dual-SIM card tray. In some embodiments, local and global SIM cards  110 ,  112  may comprise traditional SIM cards, micro SIM cards, nano SIM cards, or any other type of subscriber identification module known in the art. 
     In some embodiments, at least one processor  102  is connected to or integrated into a mobile communications device  116 , such as a mobile phone. In some embodiments, the computer executable instructions  114  may be stored locally, in whole or in part, such as in the mobile communications device  116 . In other embodiments, the computer executable instructions  114  may be stored remotely, in whole or in part, such as in a central station. The central station may be a cellular telephone/data service provider. The computer executable instructions may take the form of a downloadable application, such as, but not limited to a mobile application. 
     In some embodiments, a consumer may be provided with at least one subscriber identification module  110 , as well as access to a downloadable application. In another embodiment, the user may be provided access, or rights to purchase, the downloadable application, and upon purchasing, downloading, or accessing the application, may be provided a at least one subscriber identification module  110 . 
     Furthermore, by requiring that at least one subscriber identification module  110  be present in order to use system  100  to communicate, a user is authenticated and security is heightened. 
     Methods 
       FIG. 4  shows a block diagram depicting a method  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, wherein method  400  may comprise using at least one processor  102  to perform any or all of the following steps: detecting the presence of the at least one subscriber identification module  110  in the at least one means  108  for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110 , wherein the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is configured for managing mobile currency transaction requests (step  402 ); authenticating the subscriber as an authorized user of the subscriber identification module  110  (step  404 ), wherein the authentication process follows steps  202 - 218  of  FIG. 2  to verify and/or register the subscriber&#39;s identification information; enabling the loading of prepaid mobile currency on the at least one subscriber identification module  110  (step  406 ); and crediting an account for the at least one subscriber with the amount of the prepaid mobile currency as loaded on the at least one subscriber identification module  110  (step  408 ) after which the loaded mobile currency is available for use in financial transactions that accept mobile currency. As such, method  400  further comprises selecting and enabling the at least one subscriber identification module  110  for performing financial transactions involving mobile currency (step  410 ). 
     In some embodiments the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is especially coded for conducting financial transactions using mobile currency and processor selects the at least one subscriber identification module  110  as one of a plurality of subscriber identification modules  110 ,  110 ′ for example one of two in a dual SIM card mobile communication device  116 , wherein the system  100  uses different subscriber identification module  110  for telecom services. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is specially coded to conduct both financial transactions using mobile currency as well as telecom services. 
       FIG. 5  shows a block diagram depicting a method  500  of using the subscriber identification module  110  in a payment transaction involving mobile currency in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In order to use the mobile currency on the subscriber identification module  110 , this requires subscriber to at least register with the system and method in accordance with the steps described in  FIG. 2  in order to tender the mobile currency in a payment transaction. 
     Method  500  comprises using at least one processor  102  to perform any or all of the following steps detecting the presence of the at least one subscriber identification module  110  in the at least one means  108  for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110 , wherein the at least one subscriber identification module  110  is configured for managing mobile currency transaction requests (step  502 ); authenticating the subscriber as an authorized user of the subscriber identification module  110  (step  504 ), wherein the authentication process follows steps  202 - 218  of  FIG. 2  to verify and/or register the subscriber&#39;s identification information; enabling the loading of prepaid mobile currency on the at least one subscriber identification module  110 . Once the mobile currency is loaded in accordance with steps  406  &amp;  408  of  FIG. 4 , method  500  comprises using at least one processor  102  for selecting and enabling the at least one subscriber identification module  110  for performing financial transactions involving mobile currency (step  506 ); receiving a payment request (e.g. payment or mobile currency transfer) for a requested amount of mobile currency (step  508 ); determining availability of mobile currency (step  510 ), i.e. if the requested amount is less than or equal to the mobile currency loaded on the subscriber identification module  110 . If it is not, then method  500  denies the payment transaction (step  512 ) and issues notification for display of insufficient funds to subscriber that will be displayed on the mobile device&#39;s display  120  (step  514 ). 
     However, if the requested amount is less than or equal to the mobile currency loaded on the subscriber identification module  110 , method  500  comprises determining the presence of the at least one second subscriber identification module  110 ′ in the at least one second means  108 ′ for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110  in a second mobile communication device  116 ′ (step  516 ). The determining step may be accomplished by verifying that the intended recipient&#39;s address is registered with the system as a subscriber. 
     If the recipient is not a subscriber and/or the at least one second subscriber identification module  110 ′ in the at least one second means  108 ′ for accepting at least one subscriber identification module  110  in a second mobile communication device  116 ′ is not detected, method  500  comprises preventing any financial transactions involving mobile currency to the receiving second mobile communications device  116  (step  518 ). 
     If however, the recipient is a subscriber and/or the at least one subscriber identification module  110 ′ is present in the at least one second means  108 ′ for accepting at least one or more subscriber identification modules  110 ′ in the second mobile communications device  116 ′ then method  500  comprises transferring the requested amount (step  520 ) by for example SMS text to the recipient for which method  500  assigns a unique code for the payment transaction; debits the sending subscriber&#39;s account for the payment (step  522 ) and crediting the receiving subscriber&#39;s account with the mobile currency (step  524 ). 
     In some embodiments, the recipient may be required to provide a unique code in order to mobile currency, wherein the unique code may comprise of the unique code previously assigned to the payment transaction and/or a unique code assigned to the subscriber for receipts of money transfer transactions from any source, i.e. not just the sender. 
     In some embodiments, method  500  further comprises notifying recipient of the received mobile currency for which will be published on the second mobile communication device&#39;s displaying means  120 ′. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be part of or integrated into a mobile communications device, such as, but not limited to, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a laptop, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, using at least one processor comprises using computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor. In some embodiments, the computer executable instructions may be stored, in whole or in part, remotely, such as on a server or central station, or locally, such as on a local non-transitory (or transitory) computer readable medium, wherein the local storage means may be connected to, part of, or integrated with the at least one processor and/or the mobile device. In some embodiments, the central station may be a cellular telephone/data service provider. The computer executable instructions may take the form of a downloadable application, such as, but not limited to a mobile application. 
     In some embodiments, a user may be provided with at least one subscriber identification module, as well as access to a downloadable application. In another embodiment, the user may be provided access, or rights to purchase, the downloadable application, and upon purchasing, downloading, or accessing the application, may be provided a at least one subscriber identification module. 
     In some embodiments, method  400  may implement or be a part of the various embodiments of systems and methods described herein, such as those described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a block diagram depicting a non-transitory computer readable medium  600  is shown in accordance with one embodiment, wherein computer readable medium  600  may comprise computer executable instructions  602  readable by at least one processor  604  and operative to perform any or all of the following steps or functions, for example: determine whether incoming or outgoing communications to or from a mobile communication device  116  implicate a financial transaction requiring mobile currency; selecting and enabling the at least one subscriber identification module  110  for performing financial transactions involving mobile currency; and enabling operation of an application program  118  comprising of computer executable instructions  114  readable and executable by the at least one processor  102  such that when executed by the at least one processor  102  causes the at least one application program  118  to perform provide a graphical user interface for accepting and receiving user commands for selective control of the management of the mobile currency on the at least one subscriber identification module  110  and the various functions otherwise listed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one processor  604  may be part of or integrated into a mobile communications device  116 . In some embodiments, the mobile communications device  116  may comprise a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a laptop, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the computer executable instructions  602  may be stored, in whole or in part, remotely, such as in a server or central station, or locally, such as in the mobile communications device  116 . In some embodiments, the central station may comprise any type of central station, such as those described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
     Non-transitory computer readable medium  600  may comprise any type non-transitory computer readable medium, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, a flash drive, a solid state drive, computer memory, a compact disc, a DVD, and the like. Computer readable medium  600  may comprise any of the various embodiments described herein, such as those described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
     In some embodiments, computer executable instructions  602  may comprise the various embodiments of computer executable instructions described herein, such as those described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 . Computer executable instructions  602  may be part of, used in, or be included in the various systems and methods described herein. 
     In aspect(s) of embodiment(s) of the present invention, a software program may be launched from a computer readable medium in computer-based systems to execute the functions defined in the present invention. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement and perform the methods disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively the programs may be structured in a procedure-oriented format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms, such as application program interfaces, or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment. Thus, other embodiments may be realized, as discussed regarding  FIG. 7  below. 
     Hardware and Operating Environment 
     This section provides an overview of example hardware and the operating environments in conjunction with which embodiments of the inventive subject matter can be implemented. 
     A software program may be launched from a computer readable medium in a computer-based system to execute the functions defined in the software program. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement the system  100  disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively the programs may be structured in a procedure-oriented format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms, such as application program interfaces, or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment. Thus, other embodiments may be realized, as discussed regarding  FIG. 7  below. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram representing an apparatus  700  according to various embodiments. Such embodiments may comprise a computer, a memory system, a magnetic or optical disk, some other storage device, or any type of electronic device or system. The apparatus  700  may include one or more processor(s)  704  coupled to a machine-accessible medium such as a memory  706  (e.g., a memory including electrical, optical, or electromagnetic elements). The medium may contain associated information  706  (e.g., computer program instructions, data, or both) which, when accessed, results in a machine (e.g., the processor(s)  704 ) performing the activities previously described herein. 
     The principles of the present disclosure may be applied to all types of computers, systems, and the like, include desktop computers, servers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, microcomputers, and the like. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to the personal computer. 
     While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.