WO2006085107A1

WO2006085107A1 - Mobile telecommunications with multiple identification modules

Info

Publication number: WO2006085107A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/000496
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Etheridge Barnes
Original assignee: Primus Telecommunications Limited
Priority date: 2005-02-14
Filing date: 2006-02-14
Publication date: 2006-08-17
Also published as: GB0503028D0

Abstract

A mobile communications device arranged to retain a plurality of identification modules where each module has a unique communications network identity, is described. The device comprises a plurality of holders engageable with the plurality of identification modules; and control means for controlling, in use, the supply of power to each identification module via a corresponding holder selectively without loss of power to the rest of the mobile communications device. The control means is arranged on actuation to selectively switch the supply of power from a holder of an active identification module to a holder of an inactive identification module, thereby in use to transfer control between the identification modules.

Description

MOBILE TELECOMMXJNICATIONS WITH MULTIPLE IDENTIFICATION MODULES

Field of the Invention The present invention concerns improvements relating to mobile telecommunications and more particularly, though not exclusively, to mobile telecommunications devices which have multiple SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) capability.

Background to the Invention If a mobile phone user wishes to use multiple SIM cards in a single mobile phone, for example, in order to use a first SIM card in a first country and a second SIM card in a second country to avoid excessive roaming charges, they currently have to turn off their mobile phone and manually swap the SIM card in the phone for the other SBVI card. This process is inconvenient, time consuming, awkward and is prone to the user losing the small SIM which is not in the phone. Even if a user uses an international SEVI card to avoid roaming charges, such as those offered by United Mobile (www.united-mobile.com) for example, they must manually swap the SEVI card in their mobile phone.

This problem is not limited to mobile phone users who use their phones internationally. In some countries, for example India, the coverage of some mobile network operators is not nationwide and therefore a person who travels throughout such a country will require multiple SBVI cards to prevent the cost of mobile calls from escalating.

Attempts to address the above problems are provided in "dual SEVI" mobile handsets and adapters. These handsets and adapters have been developed for two principle reasons. Firstly, to allow the consumer to have two different mobile numbers operating in one mobile telecommunications device; and secondly, to allow consumers to take advantage of low-cost global-roaming SEVI solutions whilst travelling, but still remain contactable on their primary home country SEVI on the same mobile telecommunications device. An example of a dual SIM handset is the Benefon Twin+ mobile phone 1 (http://benefon.com/products/twin), as shown in Figure 1. Mobile handsets such as the Twin+ are designed to accommodate two SIM cards. If a user of such a handset wishes to swap from one SIM to the other they must turn the handset off and then on again and select the other SIM, which is inconvenient and time consuming.

Dual SIM adapters are devices that connect to the SIM card slot of a standard mobile handset, i.e. a mobile handset which is designed for a single SBVI card, and allow two SEVI cards to be used in a standard mobile handset. There are several types of dual SBVI adapters which are available. For example, Figure 2 shows an adapter 3a which has been built into a battery 3 for a standard mobile handset.

In another example of an adapter known as a "ghost SBVI" 5 adapter, as shown in Figure 3, a facsimile of a SBVI card 5a is designed to be inserted into the SBVI card slot of a standard mobile handset. A cradle 5b is connected to the ghost SIM 5 by a flat electrical cable 5c, which holds two SEVI cards 5i, 5ii. The electrical cable 5c is of sufficient length so that the cradle 5b resides conveniently within the mobile phone housing. However, if no such space is available within the handset, it is necessary to suspend the cradle 5b from the handset by is associated electrical cable 5c, which is impractical due to the risk of damage to the cable 5c, cradle 5b and SBVI cards 5i, 5ii. In use, one of the SBVI cards, 5i or 5ii, is mechanically selected, thereby creating electrical connections between that SBVI card, 5i or 5ii, and the ghost SBVI 5a. Consequently, the handset in which the ghost SBVI 5a is inserted uses the selected SBVI card, 5i or 5ii, to connect to that SEVI card's corresponding network. As will be appreciated, adapters such as these are difficult to use and awkward to install.

The only way to change between SBvIs when using dual SBVI handsets and adaptors is to power down the handset, mechanically switch over to the new SBVI, wait and power up the handset so that the new SBVI registers with its network. Typically, this process takes 30 to 45 seconds and is cumbersome. During this time the user has no option but to wait for the mobile handset to power up again before using the handset.

The reason why it is necessary to power down the handset before switching between SBVIs is because the new SEVI needs to register its telephone number with its particular network before it can operate. Also, mobile devices are configured to allow only one SIM to use an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and be actively connected to a mobile telephone network at any one time.

In a further method of installing multiple SEVIs in a standard mobile handset, multiple SDVI identities are cloned onto a single SIM card. This has the advantage that special equipment does not have to be added to a standard mobile handset as the multiple-in- one SEvI simply fits into the existing single SIM card slot. Furthermore, powering down of the mobile handset is not required as application software can be used to switch between different SBvI identities provided within the single SBvI card. However, the process of copying an BVISI is not simple nor straightforward. It takes approximately four hours to copy one EVISI (a SBVI identity) onto a multiple-in-one SBVI card. In any case, to do so would be a breach of contract as no SEVI manufacturers have agreed to allow this to happen at present as there are technical and commercial biases against this. Moreover, the copying of data within SEVIs could constitute breach of copyright in certain territories and would thus be prohibited by law.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the above described problems and provide an enhanced solution which enables a user to use multiple SEVIs in a single mobile telecommunications device without the associated problems.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile communications device arranged to retain a plurality of identification modules, each module having a unique communications network identity, the device comprising a plurality of holders engageable with the plurality of identification modules; and control means for controlling, in use, the supply of power to each identification module via a corresponding holder selectively without loss of power to the rest of the mobile communications device, the control means being arranged on actuation to selectively switch the supply of power from a holder of an active identification module to a holder of an inactive identification module, thereby in use to transfer control between the identification modules.

There are many benefits to the present invention over the existing prior art. For example, the switching between identification modules is much faster, in that it only takes around 15 seconds to switch rather than the typical 30-45 seconds of the prior art. This is because in selectively switching off the power to one identification module and turning on the power to another, the vast majority of the applications running on the mobile communications device do not have to be switched off and any data contained in volatile memory does not have to be saved. The control means is preferably arranged to be actuated by selection of an option in the user interface.

Preferably, the plurality of holders are arranged to be engageable with the plurality of identification modules which comprise subscriber identity modules (SIMs). Most of the time switching between SEvIs is taken up in the re-registering of the newly activated SBVI with the local communications network. Since the control means is preferably arranged, in use, to control the supply of power to the rest of the device, another advantage of the present invention is that during this time, the mobile communications device is not powered down such that any non-SEVI related functions can still be carried out, thereby presenting to the user an almost seamless switching. Thus, the user can update their address book, play a game or write a text message whilst the control is being switched to a different SBVI in the device. The importance of this feature cannot be understated as this is a significant benefit of the present invention with has not previously been available.

Another significant benefit is that unlike the multiple-in-one SEVI cards, the present solution is completely legal and still retains the user's ability to chose any particular combination of SEVIs to be used. Such an ability means that the same mobile telecommunications device can be used where there are benefits to be had in multiple SEVI use such as with country-to-country roaming and internal roaming (different regional operators within a single country) for example. Significantly, this therefore provides a global, operator-independent solution. This may be a dual SEVI solution, a triple SEVI solution or a greater multiple SEVI solution. The device may further advantageously comprise an actuator for triggering the switch of the supply of power between the holders of the identification modules, and the actuator may be a manually-controllable actuator provided on the device. Preferably, the actuator is arranged to enable the active identification module to control disconnection from a communications network before power is switched to the inactive identification module. This assists in making the switching between different SEvIs easier and quicker for the user which is one of the primary advantages of the present invention. The mobile communications device may further comprise a menu- driven user interface.

The present invention also permits a 'priority SIM' to be more easily accessible on a dual SBvI handset. A priority SIM has an IMSI which has been awarded priority service on a network, for example for use by an emergency worker. Therefore, it is possible for an emergency worker to use the present invention to have separate SIM cards and mobile phone lines for emergency and non-emergency/personal calls. Also, with the introduction of domestic priority mobile services (i.e. where a higher quality mobile service that is less likely to drop calls and more likely to connect first time, for example, is offered for a premium rate) a priority user can use their priority SEVI card and a normal SIM card easily in a single mobile handset.

Similarly, it is possible to use a separate SEvI card as a data only SEVI card. For example, a user could use one SEVI card for voice calls on one network and another SEvI card for GPRS usage on another network, making it possible to utilise preferential tariffs from different network providers on the same handset.

A major problem with SG telecommunications networks is their coverage which is not as extensive as for other types of mobile telecommunications networks. The present invention allows a 3G user to conveniently swap from a 3G SEVI card to another SEVI card which operates on a 2G network, for example, when they are unable to obtain a 3G signal, which would be useful in minimising cost. The invention could also be used with a secondary SIM card which is used as a "mobile wallet". This can be used in conjunction with a mobile money transfer application (for example, m-pay). Therefore, the primary SIM card can be used for voice and text communications and the secondary SEVI card as a mobile bank.

The plurality of holders are preferably arranged such that at least one holder is accessible without disassembly of the device, and the device may further comprise detection means for detecting engagement of an inserted identification module with a holder.

This means that the device may be arranged such that the SEVI holders are accessible without disassembling the mobile communications device, for example removing the battery, which means that it is possible to change a SDVI without powering down the device. For example, if the currently inactive SIM has no power provided to it by the controller, it can simply be replaced without disconnecting the battery. Preferably, the controller is arranged to co-operate with the detection means to switch power from the holder of the active identification module to the holder of the inserted identification module in response to detection of the inserted identification module. This provides further utility and convenience to the user when using the phone on the move. It also means that the option to replace a SEVI card advantageously may be a menu-driven user-selectable option whilst the phone is still being used. In such cases, the SEVI holders may be made much more accessible by use of pop-out drawers, for example, rather than requiring removal of the back cover of the mobile communications device (which is the conventional way at present).

The device may further comprise a communications module for establishing a wireless connection to a communications network, and the device may be arranged to inhibit operative connection of an inactive identification module with the communications module upon switching of the power supply to the holder of the inactive identification module. Preferably, the device is arranged to inhibit operative connection by not supplying power to the communications module. This allows a user of the device to power up and access information stored on a SEVI card without connecting to a communications network. A further advantage of powering up the SEVI and not connecting to the network is that no roaming charges are incurred. Since the transmitter and receiver do not use any power in this condition, a significant amount of power is saved.

The device may also further comprise monitoring means for monitoring a plurality of communications networks, the monitoring means being arranged to select an identification module associated with one of the monitored communications networks in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion. The at least one predetermined criterion may be the current tariff of a communications network. The at least one predetermined criterion may also be the current strength of a communications network's signal. The monitoring means is preferably arranged to switch the supply of power from a holder of an active identification module to the holder of a selected inactive identification module if the communication network of the selected inactive identification module meets the at least one predetermined criterion. The monitoring means may be arranged to be activated by a user-selectable option in the menu of the device.

The monitoring means allows the provision of two different SEVIs to enable the user to periodically activate the inactive SIM so that it can be updated for voicemail/SMS/MMS message alerts. The activation can be for a short period of time and the phone can revert back (reactivate) to its previous SIM automatically, if there are no messages/updates, or under user control. This may be a user-defined function, for example, the user may elect to activate the inactive SDVI to check voicemail messages.

The device is preferably arranged to store information regarding a preferred communications network for each identification module and may further comprise a memory storing a list of barred communications networks, wherein the device is arranged to prevent connection to any of the barred networks. Each identification module preferably comprises a memory for storing the unique communications network identity which can be used by the mobile communications device.

The invention further resides in a method of controlling enablement of selected ones of a plurality of identification modules provided in a mobile communications device, the method comprising selectively switching power from an active identification module to an inactive identification module, without loss of power to the other parts of the mobile communications device.

The invention further resides in a control device for controlling, in use, enablement of selected ones of a plurality of identification modules provided within a mobile communications device, the control means being arranged to selectively switch power from an active identification module to an inactive identification module, without loss of power to the rest of the mobile communications device.

The invention further resides in a method of supplying power to a mobile communications device and a plurality of identification modules located within the device, the method comprising selectively switching the supply of power from an active identification module to an inactive identification module, without loss of power to the rest of the mobile communications device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a photographic representation of a dual SEVI mobile handset according to the prior art;

Figure 2 is a photographic representation of a dual SIM adapter which has been built into a battery for a mobile handset according to the prior art;

Figure 3 is a photographic representation of a ghost SEVI adapter according to the prior art;

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional representation of a mobile telecommunications device suitable for implementing a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective line drawing of a mobile handset provided with a dedicated key for switching SIM cards according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing an overview of a method of switching SIM cards from the user's perspective according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing an overview of the steps taken by the Primus phone when switching SIM cards according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a is a flow diagram showing an overview of additional methods for switching SIM cards according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to Figure 4, the components of a mobile telecommunications device 10 are shown functionally, which in this embodiment is a mobile handset, but which could alternatively be any portable mobile telecommunications device such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) for example.

The mobile handset 10 (hereinafter referred to as the Primus phone) includes a keypad 12 and a graphics display screen 14. The keypad 12 comprises a plurality of keys including dedicated function keys on the side of the phone such as a dedicated hotkey 12a (see Figure 5) referred to hereinafter as the "Primus SIM-key". The purpose of the Primus SIM-key 12a is to facilitate switching between a first SBvI card (SIMl) 16 and a second SBVI card (SBVI2) 18 which are situated in a first SEVI card slot 16b and a second SBVI card slot 18b respectively. The slots 16b, 18b are provided in the Primus phone 10 and each have an electrical contact 16c, 18c for providing power to each of the SBVI cards 16, 18. Each SBVI card slot 16b, 18b is externally accessible which allows SBVI2 18 to be inserted or removed without disassembling the Primus phone 10, namely without removing its cover, battery or facia. Each SIM card, SIMl 16 and SM2 18, has a unique identity, IDl and JD2 respectively, and each SIM card is associated with a first and second mobile telecommunications network respectively (not shown). As such, each SBVI card has a corresponding phone number, telephone directory and a store of SMS messages stored within it. The Primus phone 10 also has a database in memory 20 which stores the programs and data used with the phone 10.

The Primus phone 10 also includes a microprocessor (not shown) within which reside software layers which include an application layer 24, a protocol layer 26, a hardware layer 32, hardware driver 28 and an operating system 30 for running software. A power controller 34 which is connected to the Primus phone's power supply 36 (rechargeable battery and/or direct current voltage input jack (not shown) for receiving power from a mains-connected transformer) controls the electrical power supplied to the Primus phone 10 and in particular to the SIM cards 16, 18. The power controller 34 has a first connection 16a to the first SIM card slot 16b and a second connection 18a to the second SIM card slot 18b. The connections 16a, 18a provide power to each of the SIM card slots 16b, 18b and, consequently, to each SIM card via their respective contacts 16c, 18c.

The operating system (OS) 30 is a program that manages all the application programs running on the Primus phone 10, such as the application for effecting the switching between the SIM cards 16, 18. The protocol layer 26 comprises a set of rules and conventions which govern how the Primus phone 10 communicates with the mobile networks. The hardware layer 32 enables the operating system 30 to communicate with the phone's hardware which includes the display 14, the keypad 12, and also a microphone (not shown), a speaker (not shown) and a telecommunications transmitter and receiver (frequency (RF) module) (not shown) via the hardware driver 28 which provides a direct interface to the hardware.

The application layer 24 provides services for application programs running on the Primus phone 10, and is arranged to receive signals from the keypad 12 which correspond to a user using the keypad 12, and to communicate as appropriate with one of the SIM cards. In particular, the application layer 24 detects a signal relating to the pressing of the Primus SIM-key 12a by the user, and translates this into a switching command for the power controller 34.

In this embodiment, the controller 34 provides power to the SIM cards 16, 18 alternately such that only one SIM card receives power (i.e. is operably connected to the power supply) at any one time. The switching of the power supply 36 between the SIM cards is triggered by pressing the Primus SEVI-key 12a. On detection of actuation of the Primus SBVI key 12a, the application layer 24 instructs the power controller 34, via the operating system, to switch power from the active SIM card, say SEVIl 16, to the inactive SEVI, SEVI2 18. This is effected by switching the power supply from the first electrical contact 16c to the second electrical contract 18c. During this process power is continuously supplied to the rest of the Primus phone 10. For example, while power is transferred from SEVIl 16 to SEVI2 18, the user can compose a text message on the Primus phone 10.

The effect of cutting power to SEVIl 16 is that the connection to the network, with which SEVIl is registered, is lost. Applying power to SEVI2 18 by the above process has the same effect as applying power to the SIM card as if the phone 10 itself was being turned on - i.e. this action causes SEVI2 18 to seek to register itself with the local network. The basic steps of the registration process, as set out in the associated GSM standards administered by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and available at www.3gpp.org, are set out below.

When a subscriber makes use of their Primus phone 10, some of the information contained on the active SEVI card is transmitted to a Home Location Register (HLR) database which recognises the subscriber. More particularly, when the Primus phone 10 is switched on, it locks onto the network cell in which it is currently located and is sent the Local Area Identity (LAI) code from the cell's base station. The LAI code is comprised of three codes: a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC) and a Location Area Code (LAC) which together make up the global identity of the area. The Primus phone 10 then contacts a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) and reports its position using information from the LAI. This information is then stored in the Visited Location Register (VLR). The MSC then sends a signal to the HLR reporting that the Primus phone 10 is active in its service area. From the user's perspective, the transition from SlMl 16 to SIM2 18 on the Primus phone is seamless, as illustrated by a method 100 in Figure 6. The first SIM card (SIMl) 16 at step 102 is in use on the Primus phone 10 and registered on a first network. The user presses at step 104 the SIM-key 12a on the Primus phone 10.

The action of switching SIMs is visually confirmed at step 106 by the Primus phone 10 displaying at step 107 "SIM switch in progress. Please wait." on the display 14 of the Primus phone 10. While the SIM switch is in progress the user has access to the functions of the Primus phone 10. For example, it is possible to compose a text message, look up a telephone number in the Primus phone's phonebook or change the Primus phone's settings. Once SIM 2 18 has registered at step 108 on the second network, the Primus phone 10 visually displays confirmation of the registration. After which SEVI2 18 is at step 110 in use and registered on the second network. Accordingly, telephone calls can be made using SIM 2 18 over the second network.

The steps taken by the Primus phone 10 when switching SDVI cards are represented by a method 150 shown in Figure 7. The first SEVI card (SBVIl) 16 is at step 102 in use on the Primus phone 10 and registered on the first network. Activation of the SEVi-key 12a is detected at step 154 by the application layer 24 which sends a signal to the controller 34, via the operating system 30. The controller 34 switches off at step 156 the power to SBVIl 16. Consequently, SBVIl 16 becomes disconnected at step 157 from the first network. In accordance with GSM standards when the power is removed from the first SBVI card (SEVIl) 16 the Primus phone 10 sends a detach message to the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC). The controller 34 then switches at step 158 power to SEVI2 18 which is read by the Primus phone 10 and subsequently connects at step 159 to the second network. SEVI2 18 is at step 160 in use and registered on the second network.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the user is not limited to using the SIM- key 12a to switch between SEVI cards. In order to select and register an inactive SBVI card, the user of the Primus phone 10 also has the option of selecting the inactive SBVI card via the Primus phone's menu, or inserting the inactive SBVI card directly into one of the SEVI card slots 16, 18b. Additionally, the user may wish to access the contents of the inactive SIM card without registering it on a network. These features of the present embodiment are shown as functional events in Figure 8. From a start position 200, one of four possible interaction events relating to the Primus phone 10 can occur which are described below.

If the user wishes to select the SBVI2 18 via the Primus phone's interactive menu they can simply choose at event 206 the relevant option from the menu. The Primus phone 10 disconnects the power from SIMl 16 and connects at event 208 the power to SIM2 18 to obtain at event 210 information for registration of SIM2, as described above as if the SBVi-key 12a had been actuated. Telephone calls can then be made from the Primus phone 10 using SEVI2 18 on the second network. Thus SBVI switching can be triggered by either pressing the Primus SBVI-key 12a or selecting the relevant option from the menu.

Rather than selecting one of the SBVI cards, say SIM2 18, by actuation of the SBVI-key 12a or menu option, the user can simply insert at event 204 SEVI2 18 into the second SEVI card slot 18b, which event can be detected and used to trigger switching. This can occur in two ways. If SBVI2 18 is inserted when the Primus phone 10 is turned off, then on activation of the Primus phone 10, it can detect the presence of SEVI2 18 in the second SBVI card slot 18b. The Primus phone 10 can also detect the insertion of SEVI2 18 into the second SBVI card slot 18b when the Primus phone 10 is active and using SBVIl 16. In either case, the Primus phone 10 disconnects the power from SBVIl 16 and connects at event 208 the power to SBVI2 18 to obtain at event 210 information for registration of SEVI2 as if the SBVI-key 12a had been actuated, as described above. Telephone calls can then be made from the Primus phone 10 using SBVI2 18 on the second network.

If the user wishes to select the inactive SBVI card, for example SBVI2 18, and carry out at event 212 some functions involving that SBVI card which do not involve the SBvI card seeking to be registered to the local mobile telecommunications network, they can do so by selecting at event 202 to switch the SBVI2 18 without connecting to the network. An example of the type of function that can be performed at event 212 without connecting to the network is retrieving data from the address book stored on SEVI2 18. Other non-network actions are carried out by simply powering up the inactive SIM card but suppressing any registration with the local telecommunications network.

Selection at event 202 of the option to switch the SEVI2 18 without connecting to the network is detected by the application layer 24 which sends a signal to the hardware layer 32, via the operating system 30. As a consequence, the hardware layer 32 disconnects the power to the telecommunications transmitter and receiver (frequency

(RF) module) and instructs the controller 34 to switch power from SEVIl 16 to SEVI2

18. Thus, the user can access the contents of SEVI2 18 without it connecting to the network.

The present embodiment of the invention also has the ability to monitor the available mobile telecommunications networks and to auto select the inactive SIM card if a network is detected that provides a better or a more economical service than that currently being used with the active SEvI.

The user of the Primus phone 10 selects the auto select feature from the menu of the Primus phone 10 which then monitors the available mobile telecommunications networks. For example, SEvIl 16 is registered and in use with the first network and the Primus phone 10 detects at event 214 the second network which provides a comparatively better service when used in conjunction with SEVI2 18. The Primus phone 10 auto selects at event 216 SIM2 18 and proceeds to disconnect the power from SEVIl 16 and connect the power to SEVI2 18 at step 208 to obtain information at event 210 for registration of SEVI2 18, as described above as if the SEVI-key 12a had been actuated. Telephone calls can then be made from the Primus phone 10 using SIM2 18 on the second network.

In a roaming environment, for example when a SEvI card is being used on a network which is not its home network, that SEVI card may experience forced network selection. This is where a partner network of the SEvI card's home network, for example when that SEVI card is being used abroad, detects that the SEVI card is being used in a cell of the partner network and 'forces' the SEVI card to register with that network. It is not necessarily the case that that network will be the optimal network for that SEVI card. As a consequence, the present invention allows for the selection of a preferred network, via the Primus phone's menu, for each of the SIM cards. Additionally, a non-preferred list, or "black list", of network operators can be programmed into the Primus phone 10. Any networks in this list are prevented from being used regardless of whether they employ forced network capture.

Having described a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is to be appreciated that the embodiment in question is exemplary only, and that variations and modifications, such as those that will occur to those possessed of the appropriate knowledge and skills, may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the present embodiment has been described in a mobile telecommunications handset utilising two SHvI cards. However, it is to be appreciated that any multiple of SBvI cards can be used the only constraint being the physical size of the phone and whether there is enough space to accommodate the different SIM cards. It is also to be appreciated that other types of wireless communications identification means can be used. For example, rather than SBVI cards, mobile connect 3G/GPRS data cards can be used such as those suitable for use with laptop computers.

Claims

1. A mobile communications device arranged to retain a plurality of identification modules, each module having a unique communications network identity, the device comprising: a plurality of holders engageable with the plurality of identification modules; and control means for controlling, in use, the supply of power to each identification module via a corresponding holder selectively without loss of power to the rest of the mobile communications device, the control means being arranged on actuation to selectively switch the supply of power from a holder of an active identification module to a holder of an inactive identification module, thereby in use to transfer control between the identification modules.

2. The mobile communications device of Claim 1, wherein the control means is arranged, in use, to control the supply of power to the rest of the device.

3. The mobile communications device of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the device further comprises an actuator for triggering the switch of the supply of power between the holders of the identification modules.

4. The mobile communications device of Claim 3, wherein the actuator is a manually-controllable actuator provided on the device.

5. The mobile communications device of Claim 3 or 4, wherein the actuator is arranged to enable the active identification module to control disconnection from a communications network before power is switched to the inactive identification module.

6. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, wherein the plurality of holders are arranged such that at least one holder is accessible without disassembly of the device.

7. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, further comprising detection means for detecting engagement of an inserted identification module with a holder.

8. The mobile communications device of Claim 7, wherein the controller is arranged to co-operate with the detection means to switch power from the holder of the active identification module to the holder of the inserted identification module in response to detection of the inserted identification module.

9. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, further comprising a communications module for establishing a wireless connection to a communications network, and the device is arranged to inhibit operative connection of an inactive identification module with the communications module upon switching of the power supply to the holder of the inactive identification module.

10. The mobile communications device of Claim 10, wherein the device is arranged to inhibit operative connection by not supplying power to the communications module.

11. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, further comprising monitoring means for monitoring a plurality of communications networks, the monitoring means being arranged to select an identification module associated with one of the monitored communications networks in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion.

12. The mobile communications device of Claim 11, wherein the at least one predetermined criterion is the current tariff of a communications network.

13. The mobile communications device of Claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one predetermined criterion is the current strength of a communications network's signal.

14. The mobile communications device of any of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the monitoring means is arranged to switch the supply of power from a holder of an active identification module to the holder of a selected inactive identification module if the communications network of the selected inactive identification module meets the at least one predetermined criterion.

15. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, further comprising a menu-driven user interface.

16. The mobile communications device of Claim 15 as dependent on any of Claims 11 to 14, wherein the monitoring means is arranged to be activated by a user- selectable option in the menu of the device.

17. The mobile communications device of Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the control means is arranged to be actuated by selection of an option in the user interface.

18. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, wherein the device is arranged to store information regarding a preferred communications network for each identification module.

19. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, further comprising a memory storing a list of barred communications networks, wherein the device is arranged to prevent connection to any of the barred networks

20. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, wherein each identification module comprises a memory for storing the unique communications network identity which can be used by the mobile communications device.

21. The mobile communications device of any previous claim, wherein the plurality of holders are arranged to be engageable with the plurality of identification modules which comprise subscriber identity modules (SIMs).

22. A method of controlling enablement of selected ones of a plurality of identification modules provided in a mobile communications device, the method comprising: selectively switching power from an active identification module to an inactive identification module, without loss of power to the other parts of the mobile communications device.

23. A control device for controlling, in use, enablement of selected ones of a plurality of identification modules provided within a mobile communications device, the control means being arranged to selectively switch power from an active identification module to an inactive identification module, without loss of power to the rest of the mobile communications device.

24. A method of supplying power to a mobile communications device and a plurality of identification modules located within the device, the method comprising selectively switching the supply of power from an active identification module to an inactive identification module, without loss of power to the rest of the mobile communications device.