Patent ID: 8886187

Claim:
A method of selecting a network operator in a shared network, the method comprising the steps of: entering the shared network having only one mobile network code by a roaming user equipment (UE); querying the UE with a selection of two network operators operating within the shared network; selecting a desired network operator from the two network operators includes sending an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) string to a node, associating the USSD string to a specified USSD application of a plurality of USSD applications providing the selection of the desired network operator and triggering the USSD application upon receipt of the USSD string within the node, the plurality of USSD applications include transfer of USSD operations towards a Home Location Register (HLR), standard denial of USSD application, indication of tariff area to mobile subscriber, and handling of account information, the USSD application is connected in accordance with the operator via a command that allows defining digit series in a General Purpose Digit Analysis application; sending a selection of the desired network operator to the node in the shared network, wherein the node is a first Visitor Location Register (VLR); storing the selection in the node; initiating a call by the UE in the shared network; routing the call in accordance with the selected network operator; and charging the call in accordance with tariffs of the selected network operator and storing the selection of the desired network operator in a Mobile Originating and Call forwarding call detail record.