PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8346255-B2
Application Number: US-76564810-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Method and apparatus for using a wireless communication device with multiple service providers

Abstract:
Configuring a mobile wireless communication device using a carrier service configuration profile selected from a set of stored carrier service configuration profiles. Carrier service configuration profiles are selected based on one or more combinations of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device. Carrier service configuration profiles are priority ranked based on a specificity of the one or more combinations of identifier values.

Claims:
1. A method of configuring a mobile wireless communication device the method comprising:
 accessing a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device; 
 selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values; 
 configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles; 
 assigning a priority ranking to each of the selected carrier service configuration profiles based on a specificity of combinations of identifiers; 
 wherein configuring the mobile wireless communication device uses a carrier service configuration profile with the highest priority ranking, and wherein when at least two carrier configuration profiles have the same priority ranking; and 
 determining an update time for each of the at least two carrier service configuration profiles having the same priority ranking; and 
 configuring the mobile wireless communication device with a most recently updated carrier service configuration profile. 
 
     
     
       2. the method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein determining an update time comprises evaluating a version number for each of the at least two carrier service configuration profiles having the same priority ranking. 
     
     
       3. the method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the set of identifier values is derived from a serial number stored in the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
     
       4. the method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the set of identifier values is stored in a memory unit in the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
     
       5. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the set of identifier values include a country code value, a network code value, and at least one additional identifier value stored in a memory unit in the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
     
       6. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each carrier service configuration profile in the set of carrier service configuration profiles is a file labeled with at least one identifier value in the set of identifier values. 
     
     
       7. A mobile wireless communication device, comprising:
 a processor; and 
 a memory unit coupled with the processor, wherein the processor configures the mobile wireless communication device by: 
 accessing a set of identifier values stored in memory unit, 
 selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values, 
 configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles; 
 assigning a priority ranking to each of the selected carrier service configuration profiles based on a specificity of combinations of identifiers; 
 wherein configuring the mobile wireless communication device uses a carrier service configuration profile with the highest priority ranking, and wherein when at least two carrier configuration profiles have the same priority ranking; and 
 determining an update time for each of the at least two carrier service configuration profiles having the same priority ranking; and 
 configuring the mobile wireless communication device with a most recently updated carrier service configuration profile. 
 
     
     
       8. the mobile wireless communication device as recited in  claim 7  further comprising:
 wherein the processor further configures the mobile wireless communication device by: 
 assigning a priority ranking to each of the selected carrier service configuration profiles based on a specificity of combinations of identifiers, and 
 wherein configuring the mobile wireless communication device uses a carrier service configuration profile with the highest priority ranking. 
 
     
     
       9. the mobile wireless communication device as recited in  claim 7  further comprising:
 a second memory unit coupled to the processor, wherein the set of carrier service configuration profiles are stored in the second memory unit. 
 
     
     
       10. The mobile wireless communication device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the set of carrier service configuration profiles stored in the second memory unit are a set of files labeled with at least one identifier value in the set of identifier values. 
     
     
       11. The mobile wireless communication device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the processor is configured to derive at least part of the set of identifier values from a serial number stored in the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
     
       12. The mobile wireless communication device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the set of identifier values includes a country code value, a network code value, and at least one additional identifier value stored in the memory unit in the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
     
       13. A non-transitory computer readable medium for tangibly storing computer program code executable by a processor for configuring a mobile wireless communication device comprising:
 computer program code for accessing a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device; 
 computer program code for selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values; 
 computer program code for configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles; 
 computer program code for assigning a priority ranking to each of the selected carrier service configuration profiles based on a specificity of combinations of identifiers; 
 computer program code for configuring the mobile wireless communication device using a carrier service configuration profile with the highest priority ranking; 
 computer program code for determining if at least two carrier service configuration profiles have the same priority ranking; 
 computer program code for evaluating a version number for each of the at least two carrier service configuration profiles having the same priority ranking; and 
 computer program code for using a most recently updated carrier service configuration profile. 
 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the set of identifier values includes a country code value, a network code value, and at least one additional identifier value stored in a rewritable memory unit in the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the set of carrier service configuration profiles are a set of files labeled with at least one identifier value in the set of identifier values. 
     
     
       16. A method, comprising:
 providing a mobile communication device having at least a first authentication code for authenticating a user of a mobile wireless communication device to a primary wireless communication service and a second authentication code for authenticating the user of the mobile wireless communication device to a secondary wireless communication service, wherein the primary and the secondary wireless communication services are different from each other and wherein the primary wireless communication service is the user&#39;s home wireless communication service; 
 accessing a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device associated with the secondary wireless communication service when the user is in an area serviced only by the secondary wireless communication service; 
 selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values; 
 configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles; and 
 operating the mobile communication device in the area serviced only by the secondary wireless communication service without roaming. 
 
     
     
       17. The method as recited in  claims 16  further comprising:
 assigning a priority ranking to each of the selected carrier service configuration profiles based on a specificity of combinations of identifier values; 
 wherein configuring the mobile wireless communication device uses a carrier service configuration profile with the highest priority ranking. 
 
     
     
       18. The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein when at least two carrier configuration profiles have the same priority ranking,
 evaluating a version number for each of the at least two carrier service configuration profiles having the same priority ranking; and 
 using a most recently updated carrier service configuration profile. 
 
     
     
       19. The method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the each carrier service configuration profile is a file labeled with at least one identifier value in the set of identifier values and stored in a rewritable memory of the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
     
       20. the method as recited in  claim 19  further comprising:
 updating at least one carrier service configuration profile stored in rewritable memory of the mobile wireless communication device. 
 
     
     
       21. the method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the updating is in response to a user of the mobile wireless communication device selecting a particular service feature.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/303,611 entitled WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE by Robert Kukuchka et al., filed Feb. 11, 2010 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to wireless mobile communications. More particularly, a method is described for configuring a mobile wireless communication device by selecting a service configuration profile based on stored identifiers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mobile wireless communication devices, such as a cellular telephone or a wireless personal digital assistant, can provide a wide variety of communication services including, for example, voice communication, text messaging, internet browsing, and electronic mail. Mobile wireless communication devices can also run a variety of applications that can generate and reproduce audio, video, pictures, graphics and text in multiple forms, thus providing a user of the mobile wireless communication device a content rich, multi-media experience. The user of the mobile wireless communication device can subscribe to one or more services offered by a wireless communication service provider that enable the mobile wireless communication device to access different resources through a wireless communications network. Each user&#39;s wireless communication service subscription can be customized to the user&#39;s specific requirements. Some users can prefer a voice communication only service through the mobile wireless communication device, while other users can subscribe to additional data services, such as access to the internet or unlimited text messaging. Services offered to a user can depend on the capabilities of the wireless communication service provider through which the user subscribes. 
     In order for the mobile wireless communication device to provide the user access to services offered by the wireless communication service provider, certain operational parameters can be configured in the mobile wireless communication device. Some mobile wireless communication device manufacturers customize mobile wireless communication devices for particular wireless communication service providers within a country or geographic region. With this customization, the wireless communication service provider can associate the mobile wireless communication device more closely with their brand and with a particular user experience. The mobile wireless communication device can be customized by loading a particular set of operational parameters specific to the wireless communication service provider at the time of manufacture by the mobile wireless communication device manufacturer. This customization method, however, can prove disadvantageous for the mobile wireless communication device manufacturer can be required to configure and ship multiple versions of the same mobile wireless communication device, each customized for a particular wireless service provider. It is preferable instead to manufacture one (or a few) versions of the mobile wireless communication device and to distribute generic versions of the mobile wireless communication device throughout the world. The mobile wireless communication device can then be customized closer to or at the final point of sale. 
     In addition, a user of the mobile wireless communication device can prefer to use the same mobile wireless communication device at different times with different wireless communication service providers. For example, the user can subscribe to a primary wireless communication service provider at home and to a secondary wireless communication service provider when traveling abroad. At present, automatic customization of a wireless communication device&#39;s configuration can depend on a limited set of parameters stored in the wireless communication device, thereby limiting the specificity of customization possible. Current methods cannot conveniently offer the flexibility to offer different groups of users that use the same manufactured wireless communication device on the same wireless communication network a different set of operational parameters, and thus a customized user experience automatically without manual user intervention. Thus there exists a need for a method to configure a wireless communication device based on a combination of identifiers stored in the wireless communication device to provide a customized configuration of the wireless communication device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to methods to configure a wireless communication device. A method to configure a wireless communication device based on a combination of identifier values stored in the wireless communication device to provide a customized configuration of the wireless communication device is described. 
     In one embodiment a method of configuring a mobile wireless communication device the method includes at least the following steps. In a first step, accessing a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device. In a second step, selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values. The carrier service configuration profiles are stored in the mobile wireless communication device separately from the identifier values. In a third step, configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles. 
     In some embodiments the method further includes a step of assigning a priority ranking to each of the selected carrier service configuration profiles based on a specificity of the combination of identifiers used to select the carrier service configuration profiles. Some combinations of identifiers are more generic, while other combinations of identifiers are more specific. The mobile wireless is configured to use a carrier service configuration profile with the highest priority ranking. 
     In another embodiment, a mobile wireless communication device is described. The mobile wireless communication device includes at least a processor and a memory unit coupled with the processor. In the described embodiment, the processor configures the mobile wireless communication device by accessing a set of identifier values stored in memory unit, selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values, and configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles. 
     In yet another embodiment, computer readable medium for tangibly storing computer program code executable by a processor for configuring a mobile wireless communication device is described. The computer readable medium includes computer program code for accessing a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device, computer program code for selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values, and computer program code for configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles. 
     In still another embodiment, a method is described. The method can be carried out by performing at least the following operations. Providing a mobile communication device having at least a first authentication code for authenticating a user of a mobile wireless communication device to a primary wireless communication service and a second authentication code for authenticating the user of the mobile wireless communication device to a secondary wireless communication service, wherein the primary and the secondary wireless communication services are different from each other and wherein the primary wireless communication service is the user&#39;s home wireless communication service, accessing a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device associated with the secondary wireless when the user is in an area serviced only by the secondary wireless service, selecting a set of carrier service configuration profiles based on combinations of the accessed set of identifier values, configuring the mobile wireless communication device using one of the selected carrier service configuration profiles, and operating the mobile communication device in the area serviced only by the secondary wireless communication service without roaming. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention and the advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a mobile wireless communication device communicating with resources through a communication network. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates components of a mobile wireless communication device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a representative subdivision of a wireless network among multiple wireless communication service providers using a set of identifiers. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate formats of two identifiers stored in mobile wireless communication devices. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate formats of two additional identifiers optionally stored in mobile wireless communication devices. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a representative method for configuring a mobile wireless communication device using a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the concepts underlying the described embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the underlying concepts. 
     Mobile wireless communication devices, such as a cellular telephone or a wireless personal digital assistant, can offer multiple communication services ranging from basic voice connections to text messaging to multi-media internet access. While a single manufactured mobile wireless communication device can include the capability to access a broad variety of services, a wireless service provider can restrict access to a set of services to which a user of the mobile wireless communication device subscribes. Additionally a wireless communication service provider can prefer to customize operational characteristics of the mobile wireless communication device when used on a particular wireless communications network. Customization can include, for example, to which short message service (SMS) or voice mail server the mobile wireless communication device points, or how the mobile wireless communication device connects to internet access. A manufacturer can supply the same mobile wireless communication device to multiple wireless communication service providers, each provider requiring a different customization. Customizing mobile wireless communication devices at the time of manufacture can prove logistically complex; thus it is preferable to customize each mobile wireless communication device closer to the point of sale to the user of the mobile wireless communication device. 
     Universal integrated circuit cards (UICC) are a form of “smart card” used in mobile wireless communication devices on various wireless communication networks. A well-known version of a UICC is a subscriber identity module (SIM) card that can be used in mobile wireless communication devices on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) wireless communication networks. Equivalents of SIM cards also include USIM cards on universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) networks and CSIM cards on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks. SIM cards can be issued by a wireless communication service provider to a user of a mobile wireless communication device. The SIM card can be inserted into the mobile wireless communication device and enable that device to identify a user of the mobile wireless communication device as a subscriber of set of services offered by a particular wireless communication service provider. In some configurations, a SIM card can enable a user to switch between using different wireless communication devices by simply removing the SIM card from a first device and inserting the SIM card into a second device. On some wireless communication networks, a mobile wireless communication device can be locked to a particular wireless communication service provider&#39;s SIM cards, such as when purchasing a mobile wireless communication device with a service subscription contract from a particular wireless communication service provider. 
     The SIM card contains a unique serial number known as an international mobile subscriber identity (ISMI) that can authenticate a user of a mobile wireless communication device to a wireless communication service provider through its wireless communication network. Portions of the IMSI can be accessed from the SIM card in a mobile wireless communication device to configure the device for a particular wireless communication service provider&#39;s network. Multiple wireless communication service providers, however, can share a common wireless communication network infrastructure, and current methods can only distinguish a particular network rather than an individual service provider offering services through that particular network. 
     Thus there exists a need to more flexibly configure a mobile wireless communication device using a combination of stored identifiers within the mobile wireless communication device, thereby enabling greater customization of mobile wireless communication devices for multiple wireless service providers using one or more different wireless communication networks. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a representative mobile wireless communication device for a GSM network labeled as a mobile station (MS)  103  formed using a combination of a mobile equipment (ME)  101  and a SIM card  102 . A plurality of mobile stations  103  can connect to a wireless communication service provider through an access network comprising one or more base station systems  104 , each base station system  104  built from one or more wireless communication radio antennas and base station controllers (not shown). Wireless communication signals from multiple mobile stations  103  can be received and consolidated through the access network of base station systems  104  and routed to one or more resources located across a core “transport” network  105 . Resources that support a wide variety of wireless communication services can include servers for voice mail and email managed by a wireless communication service provider, illustrated for example as an operator server  108 . Other resources can include public data servers  107  available for access through the internet and private data servers  106  available for limited access through an enterprise network. 
     In today&#39;s deregulated telecommunications environment, equipment in each region can be owned and managed by different entities. Thus an endpoint mobile station  103  can be purchased by a user through a retail outlet, for example an Apple iPhone™ manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The mobile station  103  can include a SIM  102  configured to operate through base station systems  104  of a particular access network owned by a wireless network service provider, such as AT&amp;T in the United States. Alternatively an identically manufactured end point mobile station  103  can be purchased by a user with a different SIM  102  configured to operate on a different wireless network service provider&#39;s infrastructure, such as Rogers Wireless in Canada. Each mobile station  103  can be identified and authenticated for use on a particular wireless infrastructure network based on identifiers stored in the SIM  102  installed in the mobile station  103 . The limited set of identifiers used today, however, cannot distinguish between different wireless service providers that use the same wireless infrastructure network, nor can a particular wireless service provider differentiate between different groups of subscribers. 
     Wireless communication network providers can choose to offer different services to different types of wireless communication subscribers, such as those that subscribe to a monthly pay service versus a pre-paid service. Subscribers can have access to different resources through a wireless communication service provider&#39;s network based on their particular subscription. In some cases, users can be required to modify operational parameters of the mobile wireless communication device to access certain services by manually changing settings on the device, which can be inconvenient for the user and prone to error. Wireless communication network providers can also increase the use of their wireless network infrastructure through partnerships with mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) that do not own or operate a wireless network. An MVNO partner can share the same wireless infrastructure access network as the wireless communication network provider, and thus an MVNO cannot be distinguished from the wireless communication network provider partner when only a limited set of identifiers stored in the wireless mobile communication device are used. Expanding to customizing the operation of a wireless mobile communication device based on a wider set of identifiers can provide a mechanism to distinguish among different wireless service providers and among different groups of subscribers. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a representative mobile wireless communication device  200  that includes a processor  201  that can access information, such as a set of identifiers, stored in the SIM  102 . The processor  201  can retrieve carrier service configuration profiles  205 , also known as carrier bundles, stored in a directory of system files  203  and/or in a directory of user files  204  located in memory  202  of the mobile wireless communication device  200 . Each carrier service configuration profile  205  can include settings customized for configuring the mobile wireless communication device  200  to operate on a particular wireless communication service provider&#39;s network. Carrier service configuration profiles  205  can be general, such as for any user of a wireless communication service provider&#39;s infrastructure network, or specific, such as for a select group of subscribers that can access a subset of services offered by an MVNO through a particular wireless communication service provider&#39;s infrastructure network. The mobile wireless communication device  200  can store many different carrier service configuration profiles  205  at the same time. When the mobile wireless communication device  200  recognizes a “new” SIM  102 , such as when powering on the device or when inserting a SIM  102 , a set of identifiers in the SIM  102  can be accessed to determine one or more carrier service configuration profiles  205  stored in the system files  203  or user files  204  that can be used to configure the mobile wireless communication device  200 . 
     One mechanism to select which carrier service configuration profile  205  to configure a mobile wireless communication device  200  can be based on a portion of the IMSI, namely the mobile country code (MCC) and the mobile network code (MNC), stored in the SIM  102 . Values for MCC and MNC are defined in international communication standards including ITU-T recommendation E.212. For example MCC value  310 =US and MNC value  410 =AT&amp;T Mobility. An MCC/MNC combination can define a physical wireless infrastructure network. As more than one wireless network service provider, e.g. multiple MVNOs, can use the same physical wireless infrastructure network, a value for the MCC/MNC combination cannot identify a wireless network service provider with sufficient specificity. Additional identifiers to the MCC/MNC can be used to specify a particular wireless network service provider that offers service through a wireless infrastructure network. Similarly identifiers can be used to specify a group of subscribers having a particular service, or to whom a wireless network service provider wants to offer a particular “user experience.” Rather than require a user to configure manually the mobile wireless communication device  200 , it is preferred that configuration can occur automatically based on combinations of identifiers stored in the SIM  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates conceptually that a common wireless network infrastructure  300  can be shared among two different wireless network service providers A and B, and a combination of identifiers can be used together to specify a particular set of operating characteristics of a mobile wireless communication device. The pair of identifiers MCC and MNC described earlier can be common to both providers A and B, including different service options offered by providers A and B. A first additional identifier, (elementary file group identifier 1) labeled EF GID1 , can be used to specify provider A or B, while a second additional identifier, labeled EF GID2 , can be used to specify between two different feature sets offered by provider B. Representative operational service characteristic customizations can include changing what information displays on a “home screen” of the mobile wireless communication device  200  when connected to a particular wireless network service provider, such as AT&amp;T or Rogers Wireless. A wireless network service provider can also require a particular application be loaded on the mobile wireless communication device  200  when using their service.  FIG. 3  illustrates a simple representative embodiment, but additional identifiers and/or more complex combinations of identifiers can be used to specify a set of operational characteristics for a mobile wireless communication device. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a format of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)  401  specified in the international telecommunications recommendation ITU-T E.212 for a SIM  102 . The first three digits of the IMSI  401  can specify a mobile country code (MCC)  402 . The next two or three digits of the IMSI  401  following the MCC  402  can specify a mobile network code ( 403 ). The final set of not more than 10 digits can specify a mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN)  403 . A country or a region can be associated with one or more MCC  402  values. For example, US can be assigned MCC  402  values between  310  and  316 , while Canada and Mexico can be assigned values  302  and  334  respectively. Mobile network codes  403  can be two digits, such as used in the European Union, or three digits as used in North America. Multiple MNC  403  values can be associated with a wireless mobile network service provider, such as for AT&amp;T Mobility that operates multiple wireless infrastructure networks in different geographic regions of the US. A combination of MCC  402  and MNC  403  values can specify a particular wireless network service provider that owns and manages a physical wireless infrastructure network. The MCC/MNC combination, however, cannot specify an MVNO that uses the same wireless infrastructure network. 
     In addition to the IMSI  401 , a SIM  102  can include a 19-20 digit integrated circuit card identifier (ICC-ID)  410  specified in ITU-T recommendation E.118 as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . The ICC-ID  410  begins with a two digit major industry identifier (MII)  411 , which is assigned the value  89  for telecommunications in the ISO/IEC 7812-1 standard. Following the MII  411  is a 1 to 3 digit country code  412  defined by ITU-T recommendation E.164. These country codes do not have the same values as the MCC  403  values used in the IMSI  401 . After the country code  412 , an issuer identifier  413  of a variable length can be used. Each country or regional zone can use a different length issue identifier  413 , although all issuer identifiers  413  within a country or regional zone can use the same number of digits. The MII  411 , country code  412  and issue identifier  413  together can form a maximum 7 digit prefix  415  for the ICC-ID  410 . A variable length individual account ID  414  can follow the prefix  415 . Each issuer can use the same length individual account ID  414 . While the same identification information included in the MCC  402  and MNC  403  pair can be derived from the country code  412  and issuer identifier  413  in the ICC-ID prefix  415 , there can be some difficulty parsing the ICC-ID prefix  415 . Thus, the ICC-ID prefix  415  can be considered a separate piece of information from the MCC  402  and MNC  403 . A particular MCC  402  and MNC  403  combination of values can specify a physical wireless infrastructure network, while an ICC-ID prefix  415  value can specify a wireless network service provider including an MVNO. Thus the ICC-ID prefix  415  can provide a more specific identification. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  outline formats for two identifiers, optionally stored in SIM  102  cards, described in the 3GPP TS 31.102 wireless communication standard. The first identifier EF GID1    501  (elementary file group identifier 1) can vary in length from 1 to n bytes. Similarly the second identifier EF GID2    502  (elementary file group identifier 2) can range from 1 to n bytes. These two elementary file group identifiers can be used to specify a subset of SIM  102  cards having a particular property, such as a subset of SIM  102  cards associated with a particular wireless network service operator that cannot be specified by an MCC/MNC combination or a subset of SIM  102  cards having a specific set of operational parameters for a service. As the length of these group identifiers is arbitrarily long, a fine degree of specificity can be achieved when selecting a carrier service configuration profile with which to configure a wireless mobile communication device  200 . This specificity can be realized by combining values for these elementary file group identifiers with values for the MCC  402 , the MNC  403  and the ICC-ID prefix  415 . 
     The system files  203  and user files  204  stored in memory  202  on the mobile wireless communication device  200  can include a set of carrier service configuration profiles  205 . In an embodiment, the carrier service configuration profiles  205  can be files labeled with a series of identifiers. For example a file name for a particular carrier service configuration profile  205  can include a combination of values for one or more of MCC  402 , MNC  403 , EF GID1    501 , EF GID2    502  and ICC-ID prefix  415 . Carrier service configuration profiles  205  labeled with only values for MCC  402  and MNC  403  can provide a more generic configuration for the mobile wireless communication device  200 , while carrier service configuration profiles  203  labeled with values for MCC  402 , MNC  403 , EF GID1    501  and EF GID2    502  can provide a more specific configuration. A hierarchy of specificity for carrier service configuration profiles  203  can be ranked from more generic to more specific as follows: MCC/MNC only (more generic), MCC/MNC+ICC-ID prefix, MCC/MNC+EF GID2 , MCC/MNC+EF GID1 , MCC/MNC+EF GID1 +EF GID2  (more specific). 
     A set of candidate carrier service configuration profiles  205  can be determined by searching for any carrier service configuration profile  205  with a matching pair of MCC  402  and MNC  403  values to those contained in the SIM  102  card of a mobile wireless communication device  200 . Matching carrier service configuration profiles  205  can include, for example, those that match with MCC/MNC only, as well as those with greater specificity such as MCC/MNC/EF GID1 /EF GID2 . In order to configure the mobile wireless communication device  200 , one configuration profile from the set of candidate carrier service configuration profiles  205  that match the MCC  402  and MNC  403  pair can be selected by assigning a numerical priority ranking score to each candidate carrier service configuration profile  205  based on specificity. As an example, a carrier configuration service profile  205  that matches on MCC/MNC only can be assigned a priority ranking score of 50 while a carrier service configuration profile  205  that matches on MCC/MNC/EF GID1 /EF GID2  can be assigned a priority ranking score of 90. Other carrier service configuration profiles  205  with intermediate specificity can be assigned priority ranking scores in between. As one example, a carrier service configuration profile  205  that matches based on MCC/MNC/EF GID1  or MCC/MNC/EF GID2  can be assigned a priority ranking score of 80, while a carrier service configuration profile  205  that matches based on MCC/MNC/ICC-ID can be assigned a ranking of 70. Ideally, one carrier service configuration profile  205  has a highest priory score ranking and that carrier service configuration profile  205  can be used to configure the mobile wireless communication device  200 ; however, multiple carrier service configuration profiles  205  can have the same priority ranking, in which case a version number for the carrier service configuration profiles  205  can be read to determine the most recently updated one to use. 
     The directories of system files  203  and user files  204  located in memory  202  of the mobile wireless communication device  200  can be updated in the field, for example by synchronizing the mobile wireless communication device  200  through an update from the wireless service network provider to which the user (as identified by the IMSI in the SIM  102 ) subscribes for wireless service. This update can be accomplished automatically in the background, without user intervention, by sending a series of short message system (SMS) messages. Alternatively, an update can occur when synchronizing the mobile wireless communication device  200  with a computing device (such as a personal computer on which backup files are stored). A user can also actively request updates. 
     Typically carrier service configuration profiles  205  in the system files  203  directory can be updated when updating a systems software version for the mobile wireless communication device  200 . Carrier service configuration profiles  205  in the user files  205  directory can be updated through a computing device synchronization or background process with the service provider. As such, both the system files  203  directory and the user files  204  directory can be searched when looking for matching candidate carrier service configuration profiles  205 . In some embodiments, it is preferred that a system reboot of the mobile wireless communication device  200  not be required to change the carrier service configuration profile in use. Certain wireless service functions, for example enabling an advanced service such as video multimedia messaging services (MMS), can require using a new carrier service configuration profile  205 . In some embodiments, a user can select a particular service feature and receive an updated carrier service configuration profile  205  with which to configure the mobile wireless communication device  200  to use the particular service feature. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method of configuring a mobile wireless communication device  200  using a set of identifiers. In step  601  a set of identifier values stored in the mobile wireless communication device  200  can be accessed. In step  602  a set of carrier service configuration profiles  205  stored in the mobile wireless communication device  200  can be selected based on combinations of the accessed identifier values. In step  603  each of the selected carrier service configuration profiles  205  can be priority ranked based on a range of specificity for matching the carrier service configuration profile  205  to the combination of accessed identifier values. In step  604 , the mobile wireless communication device  200  can be configured using the highest ranked wireless service configuration profile  604 . In some embodiments, when more than one wireless service configuration profile  604  have the same highest ranking, a most recent wireless service configuration profile  604  having the highest ranking can be used for configuring the mobile wireless communication device  200 . 
     In addition to differentiating between a wireless service provider that owns and operates its own wireless infrastructure network from an MVNO, the described wireless carrier service configuration method can provide customization for large enterprise customers of a wireless service provider. An enterprise customer can have a contract with a wireless communication service provider to offer specific services to their employees on a set of mobile wireless communication devices. As one example, the carrier service configuration profile  205  specific to the enterprise customer on the particular carrier&#39;s network can direct the mobile wireless communication device  200  to use a specific set of secure servers for electronic mail synchronization. This can be accomplished by including specific values for the identifiers EF GID1    501  and EF GID2    502  stored in the SIM  102  card on the mobile wireless communication devices  200  supplied to the enterprise customer. 
     In some embodiments, a mobile wireless communication device  200  can include multiple IMSI  401  values on the same SIM  102  card. A user of the mobile wireless communication device  200  can, for example, subscribe to a service whereby one wireless infrastructure network can be used as a “home” network (identified by one IMSI  401 ) and a different wireless infrastructure network can be used as a “visiting” network (identified by a second IMSI  401 ), without incurring roaming charges. This dual IMSI  401  arrangement can occur through partnering agreements between the two wireless communication service providers that own and manage the two different wireless communication networks. Certain service features, however, for the user of the mobile wireless communication device  200  can require different operating characteristics for each network on which the mobile wireless communication device  200  is used. As one example, an MMS service can require the mobile wireless communication device  200  to point to a set of MMS servers located on the “home” network rather than a set of MMS servers used by the “visiting” network. The identifiers EF GID1    501  and EF GID2    502  stored in the SIM  102  card can be used to select a carrier service configuration profile  205  that correctly configures the mobile wireless communication device  200 . Thus, in some embodiments, certain services can depend on the MCC  402  and MNC  403  values, while other services can depend on the EF GID1    501  and EF GID2    502  values. As an example, assume Rogers Wireless corresponds to an MCC/MNC value of  302 / 720  and Movistar corresponds to an MCC/MNC value of  334 / 03 . If Rogers Wireless has an agreement with Movistar, whereby subscribers to Rogers Wireless service can access certain services on the Rogers Wireless network, even when the user is operating the mobile wireless communication device  200  on the Movistar network, then the EF GID1    501  and EF GID2    502  values stored in the SIM  102  card can be associated with distinguishing such a service. For example, an EF GID1 /EF GID2  value of 1111/2222 can correspond to access to Rogers Wireless MMS servers when combined with MCC/MNC values of  302 / 720  (on Rogers Wireless network) or  334 / 03  (on Movistar network). 
     Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer program code on a computer readable medium for configuring a mobile wireless communication device. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer program code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100422
Publication Date: 20130101
Grant Date: 20130101
Priority Date: 20100211
Inventors: KUKUCHKA ROBERT
CHATTERJEE SHUVO
MATHIAS ARUN GODFREY
KLAHN MATTHEW
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04W8/22", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W8/18", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W60/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W8/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44354106