PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7885654-B2
Application Number: US-54816206-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dynamic carrier selection

Abstract:
Systems, methods, computer software for providing access to wireless communication services are provided. The invention, in one embodiment, can involve storing a network address on a mobile device and sending a request for network operator data from the mobile device to a mobile virtual network operator server associated with the network address. In response, network operator data is received, and, based on the received network operator data, a network operator is selected. Communications are thereafter conducted using the selected network operator. In some situations, bids are received from multiple network operators for rates at which communication services using each network operator can be obtained. Preferences among the network operators are identified using the received bids, and the preferences are used to select the network operator for the mobile device to use in conducting communications.

Claims:
1. A method for providing access to a wireless cellular communication network, the method comprising:
 storing a network Internet Protocol (IP) address on a mobile device, the IP address identifies a server associated with a mobile virtual network operator in an IP network, the mobile virtual network operator serves as a home location register (HLR) for the mobile device and receives bids for communication services from each of a plurality of different network operators, the plurality of different network operators own infrastructures that service communication services, the mobile virtual network operator being different from owners of the infrastructure; 
 transmitting, to the mobile virtual network operator through a cellular network and the IP network, a request for network operator data of the plurality of different network operators using the IP address, the request identifying a location of the mobile device; 
 receiving, on the mobile device, network operator data from the mobile virtual network operator server in response to the request, the network operator data based on identifying rates for communication services from the plurality of different network operators and the location of the mobile device; 
 presenting the rates for the plurality of different network operators using the mobile device; 
 receiving a user selection of a network operator from the plurality of different network operators for communication services; 
 conducting communications with the selected network operator; 
 receiving network operator data for additional network operators in response to receiving subsequent bids after initiation of the communications; 
 presenting rates associated with the subsequent bids from the additional network operators; and 
 receiving a user selection to update the network operator with a network operator in the additional network operators; and 
 conducting communications with the updated network operator. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the mobile device is not associated with a particular home network operator. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising
 receiving bid data from the plurality of different network operators for rates at which communication services using each network operator can be obtained; and 
 identifying preferences among the different network operators using the received bid data, wherein the preferences are used to select the network operator for the mobile device to use. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3  wherein the preferences are further based on at least one factor selected from the group consisting of the location of the mobile device, quality of service offered by the network operator, and type of communication. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 receiving rate information relating to rates at which communication services using each network operator can be obtained; and 
 sending the rate information to the mobile device, wherein the network operator is selected using the rate information. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 receiving rate information relating to rates at which communication services using each network operator can be obtained; 
 sending the rate information to the mobile device; 
 displaying the rate information on a user interface of the mobile device; and 
 receiving a user selection of the network operator. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 registering the mobile device with a network operator for a limited purpose of sending the request and receiving the network operator data in response to the request; and 
 registering the mobile device with the selected network operator for conducting communications after receiving the network operator data. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7  further comprising negotiating with at least one network operator to provide access for the limited purpose of sending the request and receiving the network operator data in response to the request. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  further comprising dynamically updating the network operator data in the mobile virtual network operator server based on parameters associated with a plurality of network operators. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  wherein the mobile device is preprogrammed with a carrier identifier associated with the mobile virtual network operator server. 
     
     
       11. A tangible apparatus comprising a non-transitory machine-readable storage device storing instructions for causing data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:
 receiving, from a mobile device at a mobile virtual network operator in an IP network, bids for communications services from each of a plurality of different network operators, the mobile virtual network operator servers as an HLR for the mobile device, the plurality of different network operators own infrastructures that service communication services, the mobile virtual network operator being different from owners of the infrastructure; 
 receiving a request for network operator preference data from an activated mobile device identifying a current location of the mobile device; 
 determining network operator preference data based, at least in part, on the received bids and the mobile-device location, the network preference data identifies a set of preferences from the plurality of different network operators; 
 sending the network operator preference data to the mobile device including rates for each of the plurality of different network operators; 
 receiving, from the mobile device, a user selection of a network operator from the plurality of different network operators for communication services; 
 updating the network operator preference data based, at least in part, on at least one of updated bid data or an updated location of the mobile device to identify a second set of preferences from the plurality of different network operators; 
 sending the updated network operator preference data to the mobile device; 
 receiving subsequent bids from additional network operators after initiation of the communications; 
 transmitting, to the mobile device, rates associated with the subsequent bids from the additional network operators; and 
 receiving a user selection to update the network operator with a network operator in the additional network operators; and 
 updating the network operator preference data in response to at least the updated user selection. 
 
     
     
       12. The tangible apparatus of  claim 11  wherein updating the network operator preference data is performed dynamically based on parameters associated with the plurality of network operators. 
     
     
       13. The tangible apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the parameters comprise data relating to the network operators in an area corresponding to the current location of the mobile device. 
     
     
       14. The tangible apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the parameters comprise rate information for different communication services available from each network operator. 
     
     
       15. The tangible apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the updated network operator preference data enables a user of the mobile device to select among a plurality of network operators. 
     
     
       16. The tangible apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the updated network operator preference data enables the mobile device to automatically select among a plurality of network operators. 
     
     
       17. A system comprising:
 a mobile virtual network operator server in an IP network operable to serve as an HLR for mobile devices and receive location data from the mobile devices, in response to the received location data, send network operator preference data to each mobile device including rates for each of a plurality of network operators, receive a user selection of a network operator from the plurality of network operators for communication services, and update the selected network operator in response to a user selection of a different operator associated with subsequent bids from additional network operators, wherein the network operator preference data comprises at least one of data indicating preferences among the plurality of network operators or data for use in determining preferences among a plurality of network operators, the plurality of different network operators own infrastructures that service communication services, the mobile virtual network operator being different from owners of the infrastructure; and 
 an interface with each of a plurality of network operators for receiving location data from each of the mobile devices and for sending network operator preference data to each of the mobile devices. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17  wherein the mobile virtual network operator server comprises a home location register. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 17  wherein the mobile virtual network operator server is further operable to generate the network operator preference data based on parameters relating to the plurality of network operators. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 19  wherein the parameters comprise pricing information for each of the plurality of network operators. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 20  wherein the mobile virtual network operator server is further operable to dynamically update the network operator preference data using the pricing information.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to dynamically selecting mobile carriers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A typical mobile phone or other cellular communication device is preprogrammed with a carrier or network operator that serves as the home network for the device. Normally, the device communicates over the home network when it is in an area served by the home network. When the device is outside of the home network area (or is roaming), the device typically uses a preferred roaming list to determine which network operator or carrier to use. In other words, the phone is programmed with a preferred roaming list, which is a list of identifiers for carriers that can be used, in order of preference, when the home carrier cannot be used. 
     In some cases, a service subscriber is served by a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). An MVNO is a mobile operator that does not own communications spectrum and typically does not possess any network infrastructure. Instead, MVNO&#39;s contract with traditional mobile operators to buy service (e.g., usage minutes) for their own customers. An MVNO is typically tied to a specific carrier (e.g., Sprint or Verizon, which does own spectrum and has its own network infrastructure). Accordingly, primary service to an MVNO customer is provided through that specific carrier (i.e., the carrier is the “home” carrier). 
     SUMMARY 
     This invention relates generally to the dynamic updating of carrier preference data for a mobile device. For example, carrier preference data can be updated in accordance with or to reflect bids from actual carriers as to the cost of network access (i.e., usage minutes). 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, access to a wireless cellular communication network can be provided by storing a network address on a mobile device. The network address can identify a mobile virtual network operator server storing mobile network operator data for use by the mobile device. A request for network operator data can be sent from the mobile device to the mobile virtual network operator server, and, in response to the request, network operator data can be received. A network operator for the mobile device can be selected based on the received network operator data, and communications can be conducted using the selected network operator. 
     Specific implementations of the invention can include one or more of the following features. The mobile device may not be associated with a particular home network operator. Bids can be received from multiple network operators for rates at which communication services using each network operator can be obtained. Preferences among the network operators can be determined using the received bids, and the preferences are used to select the network operator. Preferences may be further based on a location of the mobile device, the quality of service offered by the network operator, and/or type of communication. Bids from multiple network operators for rate information relating to rates at which communication services using each network operator can be obtained and the rate information can be sent to the mobile device for use in selecting the network operator. The rate information can be displayed on a user interface of the mobile device and a user selection of the network operator can be received from a user. The mobile device can be registered with a network operator for a limited purpose of sending the request and receiving the network operator data in response to the request, and the mobile device can be separately registered with the selected network operator for conducting communications after receiving the network operator data. Negotiations can be conducted with one or more network operators to provide access for the purpose of sending the request and the network operator data can be received in response to the request. The network operator data can be dynamically updated in the mobile virtual network operator server based on parameters associated with multiple network operators. The mobile device is preprogrammed with a carrier identifier associated with the mobile virtual network operator server. 
     According to another specific implementation, a message can be received from a mobile device identifying a current location of the mobile device. Network operator preference data can be sent to the mobile device, and the network operator preference data can identify a first set of preferences among multiple network operators for use by the mobile device in selecting one or more network operators. The network operator preference data can be updated to identify a second set of preferences among the multiple network operators, and the updated network operator preference data can be sent to the mobile device. 
     In addition, updating the network operator preference data can be performed dynamically based on parameters associated with the multiple network operators. The parameters include bids relating to rates at which communication services are available from each network operator, data relating to the network operators in an area corresponding to the current location of the mobile device, and/or rate information for different communication services available from each network operator. Bid information for each of multiple network operators can be received, and the bid information can relate to one or more rates at which communication services are available from each network operator. The network operator preference data can be updated using the bid information. The updated network operator preference data enables a user of the mobile device to select among multiple network operators. The updated network operator preference data can enable the mobile device to automatically select among multiple network operators. 
     A mobile virtual network operator server can operate to receive location data from mobile devices and, in response to the received location data, send network operator preference data to each mobile device. The network operator preference data can include data indicating preferences among multiple network operators and/or data for use in determining preferences among multiple network operators. An interface with each of multiple network operators can enable the mobile virtual network operator server to receive location data from each of the mobile devices and send network operator preference data to each of the mobile devices. 
     In addition, the mobile virtual network operator server can be a home location register. The mobile virtual network operator server may be operable to generate the network operator preference data based on parameters relating to the multiple network operators. The parameters can include pricing information for each of the network operators. The mobile virtual network operator server can operate to dynamically update the network operator preference data using the pricing information. 
     The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system for providing access to mobile or cellular communications services in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a process  200  for providing access to a wireless communication services in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a process  300  for receiving rate bids from network operators to dynamically update network operator preference data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a signaling and flow diagram of a process  400  for dynamically updating network operator selection information in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of system  100  for providing access to mobile or cellular communications services. Mobile device  105  may be capable of establishing voice and/or data communications across wireless interface  110  with base station  115  in one or more operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ). For example, operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ) can be run by different operators and may use different parts of the available spectrum. In one scenario, mobile device  105  can communicate with a home network or, when in an area not served by the home network, with a visited network (i.e., in a roaming mode). 
     In one embodiment, mobile device  105  may not have an available home network. Instead, mobile device  105  can roam and use a carrier ID for a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) associated with MVNO server  125 . The carrier ID can typically be preprogrammed into mobile device  105  and identifies the carrier (the MVNO, in this case) for mobile device  105  both to mobile device  105  and to operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ). To obtain wireless connectivity, mobile device  105  first may be authorized to communicate through at least one of operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ). Mobile device  105  can communicate with MVNO server  125  to receive authorization. For example, when mobile device  105  is powered up or enters a new area with wireless coverage, mobile device  105  registers with at least one of operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ). In some implementations, mobile device  105  may register with operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) for the limited purpose of communicating with the MVNO server  125  to obtain necessary authorizations and/or to receive data from MVNO server  125 . The MVNO may negotiate and contract with operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) to provide such limited purpose communications, such that when operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) receives the initial registration signal, it can selectively allow communications between mobile device  105  and MVNO server  125  based upon recognition of the carrier ID included in the initial registration signal. 
     Mobile device  105  can send a message to MVNO server  125  through interface  130  between operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) and MVNO server  125 . This message can serve to identify mobile device  105  as well as a current location (e.g., cellular service area) of the mobile device. In response, MVNO server  125  can provide operator network preference information to mobile device  105 . In some cases, the information may be an update to information previously received by mobile device  105  or an indication that there is nothing to update. The operator preference information can be a preferred roaming list that indicates an order of preference for operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) to be used by mobile device  105 . The operator preference information may be based on the current location, current usage rate data, type of communication (e.g., data, voice, packet-switched, or circuit-switched), quality of service information, and/or user preference information stored in MVNO server  125 . In some implementations, the operator preference information may provide data that enables the device itself or a user of the device to select the particular operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) instead of simply listing an order of preference for operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ). For example, MVNO server  125  may send rate information (e.g., cost per minute, cost per unit of data, etc.) and quality of service data that enables software on mobile device  105 : (a) to determine which operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) to use in accordance with criteria stored locally on mobile device  105  or (b) to display a selection on a user interface to allow a user to make a manual selection. 
     After receiving the operator network preference information, mobile device  105  can establish communication sessions based on the operator network preference information. Subsequent communications need not be conducted through the particular operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) with which the mobile device initially registered. As a result, mobile device  105  may register with another operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) for purposes of conducting voice or data communications. The subsequent registration may result in an exchange of data between MVNO server  125  and selected operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) through corresponding interface  130 . For example, such a data exchange may enable operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) to receive authentication information for mobile device  105  from MVNO server  125  and send billing or usage information to MVNO server  125 . In addition, MVNO server  125  may serve as a home location register (HLR) for mobile device  105 . Accordingly, MVNO server  125  may store and/or track additional information relating to mobile device  105  (e.g., user preferences, information about services that mobile device  105  subscribes to, and the like). Such information may be retrieved, as necessary, by operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) for use in providing communication services to mobile device  105 . 
     The subsequent communications may be distinguished from the initial communications with MVNO server  125  using the initial registration because the initial communications involve transmission and exchange of network overhead data, while the subsequent communications may involve both network overhead data (e.g., registration signals, call setup information, handoff messages, location updates, and the like) and user data and signals (e.g., voice communications, user-initiated data requests and transfers, and responses to user data requests). The initial communications may select operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) at random or based on previously stored operator network preference information, while the subsequent communications select operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) based on the most up-to-the-minute operator network preference information. 
     As an example of a typical scenario, mobile device  105  may send an initial registration signal across wireless interface  110  to base station  115  associated with first operator network  120 ( 1 ) for sending a location update message to MVNO server  125 . In response to the location update message, MVNO server  125  may provide updated operator network preference information to mobile device  105 . Based on this preference information, mobile device  105  may select a different operator network  120 ( 3 ) for handling communications. Accordingly, mobile device  105  may send another registration signal to selected operator network  120 ( 3 ) to obtain broader or further communication services. Once mobile device  105  is registered with selected operator network  120 ( 3 ), mobile device  105  can conduct communications over wireless interface  110  with base stations  115  associated with selected operator network  120 ( 3 ). These communications may include voice, data, or other communications with other subscribers, devices, or servers in selected operator network  120 ( 3 ), other operator networks  120 ( 1 ) and  120 ( 2 ), public switched telephone network (PSTN)  135 , or other external networks (not explicitly shown). 
     After registering with selected operator network  120 ( 3 ), the mobile device can operate in a roaming mode. In the roaming mode, the location of mobile device  105  may be periodically updated in MVNO server  125  in case mobile device  105  travels between different service areas in operator network  120 ( 3 ). Thus, MVNO server  125  can periodically or on an as-needed basis send messages to mobile device  105 . In addition to location, other circumstances (e.g., available rates) may change. These changes may impact the operator network preference information. For example, the ordering of operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ) in the preference list may change or there may otherwise be a change in the data that was sent to mobile device  105  for use in selecting operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ). In such a case, MVNO server  125  can dynamically update the operator network preference information by sending an update message to mobile device  105  through currently selected operator network  120 ( 3 ). 
     Software residing on MVNO server  125  may include instructions for updating the network operator preference information based on information relating to various available operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ). For example, the software may simply update the network operator preference information and forward the updated information to mobile device  105  as such updated information is received. Alternatively, the software may use received information to calculate new usage rate information or to identify a operator network preferences based on other parameters, such as the location of mobile device  105  or the quality of service available from different operator networks  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ) at the current location. In some implementations, the network operator preference information may be dynamically updated based on bids relating to rates at which communication services are available from each operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ). For example, network operators  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), and  120 ( 3 ) may continuously or periodically bid on usage rates that they each make available to mobile devices  105  associated with MVNO server  125 . In addition, available rates may change as a result of a particular network operator offering only a limited number of minutes of usage at a particular rate or offering a particular rate for only a limited time. When this number of minutes have been used or the limited time has expired, MVNO server  125  may need to update the network operator preference information provided to mobile device  105 . 
     In some cases, the updated operator network preference information may result in a selection of another available operator network  120 ( 2 ) for use by mobile device  105 . As a result, mobile device  105  may register with the new operator network  120 ( 2 ) and cease communications with the previously selected operator network. In some implementations, the updated information may be received during an ongoing communication session (e.g., a voice call), in which case a handoff of mobile device  105  may be initiated by mobile device  105  or one of operator networks  120 ( 2 ) or  120 ( 3 ), assuming such an inter-network handoff is supported by operator networks  120 ( 2 ) and  120 ( 3 ). Thus, the operator network preferences may be dynamically updated (e.g., substantially in real time) as circumstances within overall system  100  change or evolve. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of process  200  for providing access to a wireless communication services. Process  200  involves storing ( 205 ) a network address for MVNO server  125  on mobile device  105 . The network address may be in the form of an IP address, an address in an SS7 network, or simply a carrier ID. The network address can allow operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) to identify and contact MVNO server  125  associated with mobile device  105  and that maintains subscription, authentication, and preference data for mobile device  105 . Using the network address, mobile device  105  can send ( 210 ) a request for network operator data and/or other information to MVNO server  125 . In some cases, the request can be a specific request for updated operator network preference data for use in selecting among multiple available operator networks. In other cases, the request need not be a specific request but can be a location update or other type of message that serves as an implicit request for any information updates or other data. 
     In response to the request, network operator data, such as preferences among operator networks or data identifying usage rates available from the operator networks is received ( 215 ). For example, the network operator data can be sent from MVNO server  125  to mobile device  105 . Alternatively, the network operator data can be received by MVNO server  125  from the operator networks themselves or from other third party data providers. Using the received network operator data, operator network  120 ( 1 ),  120 ( 2 ), or  120 ( 3 ) can be selected ( 220 ) for use by mobile device  105  in conducting communications. In some implementations, the selection can be made by MVNO server  125  and communicated to mobile device  105 . In other implementations, the selection of a particular operator network can be made by the mobile device based on information provided by MVNO server  125 . Thereafter, communications involving mobile device  105  can be conducted ( 225 ) using the selected network operator. 
     In some cases, updated information can be subsequently received ( 230 ). The updated information may relate to the location of mobile device  105  or a change in rates or other circumstances within the available operator networks. In some cases, the updated information can be received by MVNO server  125 , while in other cases the updated information can be received by mobile device  105 . Based on the updated information, a selection of an operator network may be made ( 220 ). In some cases, the selection may be of the same operator network as previously selected. In other cases, the selection may be of a different operator network. In the latter case, communications involving mobile device  105  can be subsequently conducted ( 225 ) using the newly selected network operator. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of process  300  for receiving rate bids from network operators to dynamically update network operator preference data. An MVNO or other entity can solicit ( 305 ) bids from a plurality of network operators for use in providing communication services to subscribers of the MVNO. In response, bids can be received ( 310 ) from the network operators. The bids can indicate rate information and potentially other restrictions or conditions for communication services provided through the respective operator networks. For example, a bid may indicate that a first network operator is willing to provide wireless voice communication services for a first specified per-minute rate. Another bid may indicate that a second network is willing to provide wireless voice communication services for a second specified per-minute rate and data communication services for a particular rate per megabyte of data transferred. Based on the bids and potentially on other information regarding the operator networks, one or more operator networks to be used by a mobile device served by the MVNO can be selected ( 315 ). 
     As additional bids are received over time ( 320 ), network operator preference information can be dynamically updated ( 325 ), and a determination can be made ( 330 ) as to whether to select a different operator network. The selection of operator networks can be made by either the mobile device itself using information provided by the MVNO server or by the MVNO server, where the selection is communicated to the mobile device. In some implementations, the selection of the operator network can be made by the user in response to viewing a display on the mobile device of the rate information and/or other data relating to the operator networks. In addition to the rate information, the selection may also be based on a current location of the mobile device, the quality of service offered by the various network operators, and/or the type of communication. 
       FIG. 4  is a signaling and flow diagram of process  400  for dynamically updating network operator selection information. Mobile device  405  can register ( 410 ) with first operator network  415 ( 1 ). After registering, message  420  identifying a current location of mobile device  405  can be sent from mobile device  405 , through first operator network  415 ( 1 ) to server  425  associated with mobile device  405 . Server  425  can determine ( 430 ) a set of network operator preference data for the current location of mobile device  405  and sends response  435  to mobile device  405 , again through first operator network  415 ( 1 ). Based on processing or reading of the information in the received response, mobile device  405  can select ( 440 ) second operator network  415 ( 2 ) for conducting additional communications. Accordingly, mobile device  405  can register ( 445 ) with second operator network  415 ( 2 ). 
     Subsequently, server  425  can receive ( 450 ) new information reflecting new circumstances in the overall environment. For example, the new information may relate to rates offered by one or more network operators, a location of the mobile device, or any other data that may have an impact on the selection of a network operator. Using the new information, the server can send message  455  to mobile device  405  to dynamically update the set of network operator preference data. Based on processing or reading of the information in message  455 , mobile device  405  can select ( 460 ), in this example, first operator network  415 ( 1 ) for conducting further communications. Accordingly, mobile device  405  can again register ( 465 ) with first operator network  415 ( 1 ). As will be understood to persons of ordinary skill, process  400  may continue indefinitely, with the network operator preference data being repeatedly dynamically updated to result in selections among any number of available operator networks. 
     The described invention can be implemented in the context of a mobile device that is not associated with a particular home network (i.e., a device that continuously operates in roaming mode), or in the context of a mobile device that is associated with a home network. In the latter case, the techniques described herein can be used by the mobile device while roaming. 
     Using the techniques described herein, a mobile device is not limited to a particular operator network, but can constantly roam among different operator networks depending upon a current set of network operator preferences. Furthermore, the techniques allow an MVNO to provide the cheapest available rates, to provide the cheapest rates with an acceptable quality of service, and/or to allow users to tailor their selection of operator networks according to their own parameters. Moreover, the techniques allow network operators to establish better network utilization. For example, if a network operator has excess capacity, the network operator can offer low rates to an MVNO for a limited period of time to fill some of the excess capacity and provide an additional revenue stream. Similarly, if there are times of day when or locations where network utilization is low, the network operator can attempt to improve utilization by offering low rates to an MVNO. At the same time, the network operator has greater control over rates by being able to bid for providing service. As a result, the described techniques can be used to establish increased liquidity of network resources. 
     The invention and all of the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, or in combinations of them. The invention can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. 
     The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the invention, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the invention can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). 
     Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry. 
     To provide for interaction with a user, the invention can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
     The invention can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the invention, or any combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet. 
     The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, the described techniques may be implemented in systems with a different architecture than that shown and described. Furthermore, some operations performed in the described processes can be reordered, omitted, or supplemented with additional operations. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20061010
Publication Date: 20110208
Grant Date: 20110208
Priority Date: 20061010
Inventors: FADELL TONY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04W48/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W8/065", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39218008