We recommend our customers review their account on a regular basis. Search Site. Benefits Our Story. Reviews Social. Go to My Account Log Out. Phone Number. Remember Me. When the mobile device leaves the range of the PBS , it then communicates via regular base stations, such as base station When activation of the mobile device is implemented using a PBS configuration, the PBS interacts directly with the activation server , so that the base station and HLR lookup steps may be bypassed.
Communications between the activation server and the PBS could be machine-to-machine, web-based, or chat-based. Other standards that implement a wireless local network using high frequency radio signals or other means to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet may also be used, including Bluetooth, Ultrawideband, ZigBee, etc.
In the illustrated embodiment, a Wi-Fi card or similar component in the mobile device communicates with an access point by sending signals from a transmitting antenna that is linked to the wired access point A domain controller provides access controls over users, accounts, groups, computers, and other network resources, including a communications network of the wireless service provider and an activation component , so that a user of the mobile device can activate the device via the device.
For example, the activation component may include access to a web site or to another feature that allows the user to provide activation information. For example, the activation component may include account set-up applications and an activation network interface that allows access from the activation network or domain controller User help applications provide instructions to a user of a mobile device to help facilitate activation by the user.
An IT network interface allows the activation component to communicate with the IT network , so that, for example, the provisioning server can be directed to write to the HLR and update the device's status to active. Unless described otherwise below, aspects of the invention may be practiced with conventional systems. Thus, the construction and operation of the various blocks shown in FIGS.
One skilled in the relevant art can readily make any modifications necessary to the blocks in FIGS. As described above, in some embodiments, the mobile device, or a module in the mobile device such as a SIM card is configured with a permanent identifier so that the device, even when not yet activated, may be recognized at the service provider network.
In some embodiments, the permanent identifier may be specific to the type of network provided by the service provider. Many different types of mobile identifier may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In the case of wireless phones, the phone number or mobile directory number MDN of the device, traditionally used in the context of public switched telephone networks, may or may not play a role in the activation process.
In some embodiments, the MDN is not known by the device at the time that the activation process takes place. The activation server may also rely on an external database to get an MDN for the device. Like the MDN, the serial number of the device may or may not play a role in the activation process.
The serial number is sometimes referred to as an electronic serial number ESN and is separate and distinct from the permanent identifier described above. Referring to the illustrated example of FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the IMSI includes up to fifteen digits and contains three parts: The mobile country code MCC consists of three numbers used to identify the home country of the device for international applications.
The mobile network code MNC consists of two to three numbers used to identify the network and service provider with whom the subscriber has an account. The mobile station identification number MSIN consists of nine to ten numbers used to uniquely identify the device at the service provider network. In a GSM system, the inactive or active mobile device transmits the IMSI when it is switched on and searching for available base stations. If the network recognizes the device as being inactive, it allows access to the activation network.
If the network recognizes the device as being active, it allows access to additional portions of the network. In some embodiments, once a mobile device has affiliated with the network, the network allocates a temporary IMSI TIMSI , which is used to identify the subscriber in future exchanges as long as the device remains continuously accessible to the network e.
This provides limited security or privacy, as it reduces the number of times the IMSI is transmitted over the air. These flow diagrams do not show all functions or exchanges of data, but instead they provide an understanding of commands and data exchanged under the system. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that some functions or exchanges of commands and data may be repeated, varied, omitted, or supplemented, and other less important aspects not shown may be readily implemented.
At block , the routine receives, from the inactive device, a request for access to the network. For example, the request may be a registration or affiliation request passed on from a base station, such as the base station of FIG.
The request includes a permanent identifier for the device, such as an IMSI. At block the routine performs a lookup based on the permanent identifier. For example, the routine may perform a lookup for a matching record in the HLR of the wireless service provider.
At decision block , if there is no match of the permanent identifier, the routine sends an error message to the mobile device block and then ends. If, however, at decision block there is a match of the permanent identifier, then at block the routine authorizes access to an activation component at the wireless service provider. As described with respect to FIGS. This restricted access to the wireless service provider system allows the user of the device to provide information that facilitates activation of the device, as described in more detail with respect to FIG.
This activation routine assumes that the mobile device currently has access to the activation portion or component of the wireless service provider system.
At block , the routine sends a request for activation information to the mobile device. For example, the user may be requested to select from a variety of bucket plan options or service features. The request for activation information may also include a request for billing and personal information e. Various instructions may also be included with the request for activation information. As the inactive device may have permission to send and receive SMS messages, in some embodiments, the instructions and requests for activation information may be in the form of SMS messages.
At block , the routine receives requested information, as input by the user of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the received information may also be transmitted in the form of an SMS message. If additional information is needed based on the received information, the routine may send additional requests not shown.
At block , the routine verifies that all required activation information has been provided. At block , the routine updates the HLR to reflect that the device has been activated. At block , upon being powered on, the mobile device sends a message, which includes its permanent identifier, in a request for affiliation to the network of the wireless service provider.
However, in some embodiments, the mobile device may not send the message until another action is taken e. At block , the inactive mobile device gains access to an activation component at the wireless service provider. At block , the mobile device receives a request for activation information. The device presents this request to the user of the device e. At block , the device transmits inputted activation information to the activation network.
At block , the device receives a message that the activation is complete. At block , the manufacturer receives a permanent identifier code, which will be or is known by a select service provider. The select service provider stores information associated with this identifier code at an appropriate HLR or other network node e.
At block , the manufacturer configures the mobile device to include the permanent identifier code that will allow the device to have access to at least a portion of the network of the select service provider such as an activation component. For example, the manufacturer may program the identifier code into a SIM card in the device. At block , the manufacturer ships the inactive and configured device to a distributor or retailer so it may be purchased from an end user and then activated from the mobile device.
While the routines described in the above flow charts may describe a specific type, source, or destination of information e. In addition, the sources or destinations of information described above as well as the information itself may be combined, modified, or streamlined. For example, certain elements of information may be supplied by the personal base station such as the personal base station of FIG. The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above.
While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.
Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Where the context permits, words in this Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The teachings of the invention provided herein could be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described herein.
The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. The following commonly-owned patents and applications are herein incorporated by reference: U. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.
While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above description appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless this Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims. While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms.
Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention. At a wireless service provider system, a method for facilitating activation of a mobile station so that the mobile station can have less-restricted access to a communications network of the wireless service provider system, the method comprising: receiving, from the mobile station, a request for access to the communications network of the wireless service provider system, wherein the request includes a code corresponding to an international mobile subscriber identifier IMSI permanently associated with a mobile station subscriber identity module SIM card in the mobile station;.
The method of claim 1 , further comprising assigning a temporary international mobile subscriber identifier TIMSI to the mobile station, wherein the mobile station transmits the temporary international mobile subscriber identifier TIMSI in place of the international mobile subscriber identifier IMSI in future exchanges with the wireless service provider system, as long as the mobile station remains continuously accessible to the network of the mobile service provider.
This control signal may be transmitted by the legacy 2G network, e. At this point, mobile device may begin process , during which 3G data transmission techniques are employed. Next, the location of mobile device is updated with GHLR task The location updating may be associated with communications between SGSN , which has received the initial contact from mobile device , and GHLR In accordance with the preferred embodiment, GHLR may assume that any mobile device that requires activation has contacted SGSN in a coverage area maintained by the particular service provider or system operator.
The activation profile contains operating parameters, identifying data, or restrictions associated with the activation procedure. For example, the activation profile preferably includes an IP address associated with an activation center for the system operator and quality of service parameters. In addition, the activation profile may include restrictions that allow mobile device to establish only one packet data channel i.
However, alternate embodiments of the present invention may communicate the activation profile between SGSN and other system support nodes, e.
Eventually, mobile device will be attached or registered to the 3G network task Thereafter, a packet data transmission link is established between mobile device and a network support node such as IBAS procedure —described in connection with FIG.
The establishment of the packet data link may be initiated by SIM , by mobile device , or by the network itself in response to the recognition of the temporary IMSI. Upon activation, the mobile device is connected with the application server or carrier, and may proceed with further activation functions.
While the PDP context is intact, an activation context is created task to enable remote activation of the user's subscription and to remotely program the assigned operating parameters into SIM In connection with task , mobile device may be automatically directed using the IP address included in the activation profile to the system provider site Automatic access to the activation site ensures that the subscriber properly enables services and acquires permanent SIM parameters before attempting to access any other services on the network.
These services may include options to select service features, service plans, operational parameters, contractual terms or the like. From the Internet site, promotions, advertisements or operational instructions and the like may also be provided. The remote user may be prompted to enter service enrollment information during the activation process procedure —described in connection with FIG. The present invention may carry out the service enrollment procedure via a wireless IP link or a land line IP link e.
Once the user has completed selecting his service plan and features, the network creates and assigns permanent parameters to replace the temporary parameters that have been pre-loaded into SIM The assigned operating parameters are communicated to SIM over the IP data link and in accordance with the packet data protocol task The detachment of mobile device is completed when the activation context is deleted, the PDP context is deleted, and the mobile device is no longer communicating with the network task SIM preferably stores the assigned operating parameters in one or more suitable memory fields task In addition, a number of network nodes, e.
Task may be performed at any time once the assigned operating parameters have been received by mobile device As described above, the assigned operating parameters may be stored in new memory fields or the temporary parameters may be overwritten with the assigned parameters. After becoming detached from the network, mobile device may generate a reattach request using the assigned or permanent IMSI to establish a normal communication session with the network task Task may be automatically performed in response to a soft resetting of mobile device following the detachment procedure.
Thus, mobile device may be activated and reattached to the 3G network in a relatively seamless manner without any additional feedback from the user. Although the activation procedure described above is carried out by a 3G network, 2G activation parameters may also be communicated in a concurrent manner.
In other words, the 3G transmission techniques may be used to perform 2G activation. Thus, mobile device can be programmed with a MIN for use in a 2G mode during the activation procedure. These are defined for the carrier which will supply service to the mobile station. A nine-digit mobile station identification number MSID is also included. These remaining nine digits are defined to 1 indicate that the identifier is an IMSI for an unprogrammed mobile station, and 2 to provide randomness so that the MSID is unique to identify the mobile station.
Next, upon a mobile device powering up, the mobile station locates an acceptable data control channel DCCH task The DCCH is composed of a number of logical channels in the forward direction from the base station to the mobile station and one logical channel in the reverse direction from the mobile station to the base station.
Then, the mobile device identifies an associated packet control channel PCCH and retunes to it task This channel may be a packet control channel conforming to the EGPRS standard and supported by the acceptable operator.
Once the mobile station is tuned to the PCCH, it initiates packet data attachment procedures task Since the mobile station is unprogrammed, the GHLR will be one that supports unprogrammed mobile stations.
The SGSN then sends an Authentication Request Signal to the mobile station task , which responds with the appropriate authentication response task This signal informs the GHLR of the locations where the mobile is currently residing.
The SGSN is thus instructed that the mobile station is only allowed to activate a PDP context for activations or for maintenance task As previously mentioned, the attach function need not involve the GHLR. While in the attached mode, activation programming can proceed task The SGSN sends a response signal to the mobile station indicating that the context is active.
Once in the active context, the mobile station activation application is initiated task This brings up an IP-based application that the subscriber may use to begin the application process.
This may be in the form of a menu with options to choose from and may be provided via the mobile station or other communication means, such as a computer accessing the Internet via a land-line. The application connects with the IP address of the carrier's activation server, using the pre-programmed IP address in the mobile station's SIM task The IP address dynamically assigned to the mobile station's maintenance context is provided to the activation sever to allow the application server to send data to the mobile station via the IP address of the context task Once the mobile station is connected to the application server, application functions may proceed task This information is passed over the IP network between the mobile station and the activation server.
Once the application level is complete of the activation process, the application level connection is terminated task Once activation is complete, the mobile station deactivates from the activation context task Once detached, the mobile station resets and commits the downloaded information to memory. This request may provide a temporary operating parameter, e. The request from SGSN may provide a temporary operating parameter, e. The network support nodes may exchange appropriate acknowledgement messages at any time to establish an IP link between such nodes.
In the currently preferred embodiment, an IP address is obtained for mobile device task using a suitable technique such as the dynamic host configuration protocol DHCP. Thereafter, IBAS and mobile device can transmit data in a reciprocal manner over the IP link in accordance with a packet data protocol.
As described briefly above, the user of mobile device may be allowed to select or modify service features, options, and preferences during the activation process. In this respect, service operation can be better tailored to a user's needs. The IP link enables the system operator or the service provider to efficiently and effectively communicate information directly to the remote user without having to rely on technicians or sales personnel.
In addition, the packet data transmission technique enables a large amount of data to be transmitted in a substantially seamless manner in contrast to short message service techniques that are limited to the transmission of distinct byte messages. Such user preference information may be initially provided or updated by the user without intervention by the system operator or service provider personnel. Examples of user preference information are provided below.
Conventionally, international calls are not permitted from mobile devices, due to the high incidence of fraud. With the inventive techniques, a user may establish a list of countries for which international calls are permitted, and for which the user agrees to pay the costs. Advantageously, the user has more flexibility in the service, while fraud is deterred since the fraudulent user is unlikely to know the permitted countries for a user.
Conventionally, service providers support roaming throughout the United States. With the inventive techniques, a user may establish a list of areas for which roaming is permitted or prohibited.
In addition, service providers can offer different billing packages for different geographical areas. Most conventional mobile service billing plans are based on total calling volume, time of day, and day of the week.
Newer billing plans enable a user to establish a list of calling numbers, but setting up and maintaining the list requires intervention by service provider personnel. With the inventive techniques, yet more flexibility in billing plans can be provided. Conventionally, a user's telephone number is established when the user enrolls in a mobile service plan; the user is not able to change the assigned number.
With the inventive techniques, a user can review available telephone numbers and modify the assigned number to any available number. Conventionally, users are not provided with billing information in real time. With the inventive techniques, a user can specify that he or she desires provision of real time billing information, and can also vary the method of provision.
For example, if the user has a telecommunication device with a display, the display can show estimated cost updated every predetermined time period, such as every minute. Alternatively or additionally, the user can specify that the system provide an audio indication of cost, for example, an announcement audible only to the user at every ten dollars of cost which will be billed to the user. As another alternative, the communication network can provide a cost estimate for an incoming call, e. An exemplary service enrollment process see FIG.
Enrollment process can be accomplished in a wholly automated fashion, by interacting with service provider personnel via a telephone call or an online session, or by consulting an appropriate online web page. In the preferred embodiment, enrollment process is performed in a remote and wireless over-the-air manner via mobile device itself.
Initially, information regarding available service terms is provided to the user task Such information is preferably transmitted to mobile device via the previously established IP link. In a practical embodiment, the information is associated with the service provider site maintained by the system operator or the service provider. In an alternate embodiment, the user may be interacting with land-line equipment located at a point of sale office or at the user's home. As described above, the IP address of this Internet site can be transmitted to mobile device in the activation profile.
The Internet site may provide the user with menu options to enable or select service features, service plans, operational parameters, contractual terms, or the like. The Internet site may also provide additional content regarding the details of the services, promotions, use of devices, etc. After making the appropriate selections, the user will provide user preference information to the service provider.
In the preferred embodiment, the user enters his choices at an interface of mobile device e. The information, or other data indicative of a number of service features selected by the user, is transmitted over the IP link. Eventually, SGSN receives this information task for processing in an appropriate manner. For example, the user information may be verified by the system operator or the service provider using any number of methodologies, e.
In addition, the system registers the user preference information task by making appropriate entries in database see FIG. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an enrolled and activated user of mobile device can modify one or more service features using an over-the-air technique. Process may be prompted by the user or by the system operator. Initially, a suitable communication link is established for mobile device task In a practical embodiment, a wireless IP link can be established between mobile device and an appropriate network support node such as SGSN Alternatively, the communication link may employ conventional digital data transmission techniques, cellular techniques, or land-line connection techniques.
Thereafter, information regarding new or available service terms or features is provided to the user task The user can browse such terms and features and decide whether to modify his existing service. As described above in connection with task , the preferred embodiment utilizes the IP link to communicate such information directly to mobile device In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the system operator or service provider is capable of providing existing service terms to individual users of the network.
Consequently, an appropriate network support node, e. International Calling Cards:. United States. Helena St. Helena - Cellular St. Kitts and Nevis St. Kitts and Nevis - Cellular St. Lucia St. Lucia - Cellular St. Pierre and Miquelon St.
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