WO2013177210A1

WO2013177210A1 - System and methods for extending domestic mobile communication services to foreign mobile networks

Info

Publication number: WO2013177210A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/042091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eddie S. Decurtis; Charles C. MELTON; Carl W. DREUCKHAMMER; Douglas W. DERKATCH; Lonnie D. KING; Joshua A. COLLAZO
Original assignee: Onephone, L.L.C.
Priority date: 2012-05-22
Filing date: 2013-05-21
Publication date: 2013-11-28

Abstract

Systems and methods for extending domestic mobile communication services to a foreign mobile network are provided. A subscriber identification, from a mobile communication device configured with a client application, may be processed. A communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be associated with a home mobile network corresponding to a geographic region. The first subscriber identification, the first communication reference, and device identification may be linked. A home location register associated with the home mobile network may be configured so that communications directed to the communication reference are rerouted to a media gateway. A second subscriber identification from the mobile communication may be processed. A second communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be determined. The second communication reference may be associated with a second mobile network corresponding to a second geographic region. The communication references may be linked.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR EXTENDING DOMESTIC MOBILE

COMMUNICATION SERVICES TO FOREIGN MOBILE NETWORKS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a PCT application of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional

Application No. 61/650,038, filed May 22, 2012, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates in general to wireless mobile communications, and, more specifically, but not by way of limitation, to system and methods for extending domestic mobile communication services to foreign mobile networks.

As value, use, access, and demand corresponding to information continue to increase, consumers demand more of the communication products and services they use than ever before. Companies are expected to compete to provide greater and greater levels of accuracy and more tailored communication offerings.

A problem encountered by many international travelers is that, when traveling to a foreign country, a traveler can incur expensive international roaming charges. For example without limitation, international roaming charges are often incurred when calls to the traveler's home country mobile phone number are delivered to the traveler's mobile phone registered as roaming in a foreign country. International roaming charges also are often incurred if a traveler's mobile phone downloads emails, SMS messages, voicemail notifications, social media notifications, etc. while registered as roaming in a foreign country. News reports have documented, for example without limitation, subscribers traveling from the United States to Canada for a few hours and being billed over $10,000 due to international roaming charges for voice, messaging and data services.

To avoid international roaming charges, a subscriber can purchase mobile phone service from a Mobile Carrier in their destination foreign country to make and receive calls and use mobile data service at local rates. However, calls, SMS messages, voicemail notifications, etc. to the subscriber's mobile phone number from their home country are not delivered unless the subscriber's mobile phone is roaming on a carrier's network in the destination foreign country which incurs international roaming charges. Thus, there is a demand for alternative solutions that offer a more cost effective in response to these challenges faced by international travelers. Travelers are given an off portal option with allows them more choices in how they roam and allows them the opportunity to avoid international mobile phone service roaming bill shock.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure may provide for systems and methods for extending home country service of a subscriber's home mobile network to the subscriber's mobile communication device when used in a foreign mobile network. Accordingly, certain embodiments may extend local carrier service and rates to the subscriber, or otherwise avoid roaming charges by the local carrier service, when the subscriber is in a foreign mobile network. Certain embodiments may provide for routing of calls initially directed to a first mobile telephone number, which is associated with a first geographic region, to a second telephone number, which is associated with a second geographic region. For example without limitation, calls initially directed to a subscriber's home country mobile telephone number may be routed to a second (pseudo) phone number assigned by the serving carrier network in a destination foreign country to which the subscriber has traveled. In addition or in alternative, certain embodiments may provide for routing of messages sent for a first mobile telephone number, which is associated with a first (home) geographic region, onward to a network-capable device configured with a client application, which device may be associated with the second telephone number and the second geographic region. For example without limitation, SMS (Short Message Service) messages, voicemail notifications, etc. initially directed to a subscriber's home country mobile telephone number may be delivered to the subscriber's Internet-connected smartphone or other computing platform, such as a tablet, laptop, desktop, etc. configured with a client application. Certain embodiments may provide for system and methods for extending domestic mobile communication services to foreign mobile networks via an over the top application. In some embodiments, the application may reside solely in and/or on the mobile devices SIM (Subscriber Identification Module or Subscriber Identity Module) card.

In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for extending domestic mobile communication services to a foreign mobile network is provided. A first subscriber identification, received from a mobile communication device configured with a client application, may be processed. A first communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be determined at least partially based on the first subscriber identification. The first communication reference may be associated with a home mobile network corresponding to a first geographic region. A device identification, received via the one or more networks from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the device identification, may be processed. The first subscriber identification, the first communication reference, and the device identification may be linked in one or more repositories. A home location register associated with the home mobile network may be configured so that communications directed to the first communication reference are rerouted to one or more media gateways. A second subscriber identification, received from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the second subscriber identification, may be processed. A second communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be determined at least partially based on the second subscriber identification. The second communication reference may be associated with a second mobile network corresponding to a second geographic region. The first communication reference and second communication reference may be linked in the one or more repositories.

In another aspect, system for extending domestic mobile communication services to a foreign mobile network is provided. One or more network interfaces may be configured to provide access to one or more networks. One or more processors may be coupled to the one or more network interfaces, the one or more processors to execute instructions to perform a method. One or more storage media may be coupled to the one or more processors to retain the instructions. The method may include one or more of the following. A first subscriber identification, received from a mobile communication device configured with a client application, may be processed. A first communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be determined at least partially based on the first subscriber identification. The first communication reference may be associated with a home mobile network corresponding to a first geographic region. A device identification, received via the one or more networks from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the device identification, may be processed. The first subscriber identification, the first communication reference, and the device identification may be linked in one or more repositories. A home location register associated with the home mobile network may be configured so that communications directed to the first communication reference are rerouted to one or more media gateways. A second subscriber identification, received from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the second subscriber identification, may be processed. A second communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be determined at least partially based on the second subscriber identification. The second communication reference may be associated with a second mobile network corresponding to a second geographic region. The first communication reference and second communication reference may be linked in the one or more repositories.

In yet another aspect, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided. The non-transitory machine -readable medium has machine-readable instructions thereon, which, when executed by one or more computers or other processing devices, implements a method for extending domestic mobile communication services to a foreign mobile network. The method may include one or more of the following. A first subscriber identification, received from a mobile communication device configured with a client application, may be processed. A first communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be determined at least partially based on the first subscriber identification. The first communication reference may be associated with a home mobile network corresponding to a first geographic region. A device identification, received via the one or more networks from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the device identification, may be processed. The first subscriber identification, the first communication reference, and the device identification may be linked in one or more repositories. A home location register associated with the home mobile network may be configured so that communications directed to the first communication reference are rerouted to one or more media gateways. A second subscriber identification, received from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the second subscriber identification, may be processed. A second communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device may be determined at least partially based on the second subscriber identification. The second communication reference may be associated with a second mobile network corresponding to a second geographic region. The first communication reference and second communication reference may be linked in the one or more repositories.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating various embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a high-level block diagram of a wireless GSM mobile system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a functional block diagram of a mobile communication device, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a high-level block diagram of a virtual network operator system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram that illustrates certain aspects of a subscriber management lifecycle, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a high-level block diagram of a system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a sequence chart that details steps of a method to provision a subscriber's home mobile phone number with the virtual network operator system and to link a second phone number with the home mobile phone number, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a sequence chart that details steps of a method to register a subscriber's home mobile phone number for call and message delivery to the (domestic) virtual network operator system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a sequence chart there details steps of a method to route calls directed to the home mobile phone number to the virtual network operator system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a special-purpose computer system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ensuing description provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. For example without limitation, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term "storage medium" may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable medium such as storage medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc. Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure may provide for systems and methods for extending home country service of a subscriber's home mobile network to the subscriber's mobile communication device when used in a foreign mobile network. Accordingly, certain embodiments may extend local carrier service and rates to the subscriber when the subscriber is in a foreign mobile network. Certain embodiments may provide for routing of calls initially directed to a first mobile telephone number, which is associated with a first geographic region, to a second telephone number, which is associated with a second geographic region. For example without limitation, calls initially directed to a subscriber's home country mobile telephone number may be routed to a second phone number in a destination foreign country to which the subscriber has traveled. In addition or in alternative, certain embodiments may provide for routing of messages sent for a first mobile telephone number, which is associated with a first geographic region, onward to a network-capable device configured with a client application, which device may be associated with the second telephone number and the second geographic region. For example without limitation, SMS (Short Message Service) messages, voicemail notifications, etc. initially directed to a subscriber's home country mobile telephone number may be delivered to the subscriber's Internet-connected smartphone or other computing platform, such as a tablet, laptop, desktop, etc. configured with a client application. In some embodiments, the client application can be pre-installed by a mobile communication device manufacturer or carrier. In some embodiments, the client application can be downloaded and installed by a subscriber on their mobile communication device.

Certain embodiments may provide for a virtual network operator system that may include one or more servers, gateways, and/or switches, that communicate with a mobile communication device configured with a client application over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. In various embodiments, the virtual network operator system may include or otherwise be communicatively coupled to one or more of a VLR (Visitor Location Register), a MSC (Mobile Switching Center), a HLR (Home Location Register), a SMSC (Short Message Service Center), and/or the other mobile network components.

The virtual network operator system may be VoIP (Voice over IP), data over IP, and TDM (Time -Division Multiplexing) enabled. The virtual network operator system may use a data connection for registration of a mobile communication device. The virtual network operator system may use a data connection to send and receive messages from the mobile communication device. For example without limitation, when a message is directed to the home mobile telephone number, the message may be routed to the virtual network operator system, which may then convert the message into SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and/or another protocol and deliver the message to the client application of the mobile communication device. The user may then respond with the user's home caller identification via the client application.

In some embodiments, the client application may configure the mobile communication device to register on an HLR. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system may handle the registration and/or otherwise facilitate registration on an HLR. When a subscriber, using a mobile communication device configured with the client application, registers with the virtual network operator system, the Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN) that is tied to the device SIM (Subscriber Identification Module or Subscriber Identity Module) may be captured. The client application may gather information from the domestic SIM to be able to register with the home SIM carrier network. A database of the virtual network operator system may be populated with the local number, which may be mapped with unique identification information indicative of the device, subscriber, and/or carrier, which may be pushed or pulled from the mobile communication device, and/or associated service providers, by the virtual network operator system. If information received from the mobile communication device does not match the identification information stored by the virtual network operator system, the device may not be allowed to register, for example, when registration is sought after the mobile communication device is in a new location. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system may communicate with one or more mobile networks via GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) SS7 (Signalling System No. 7) commands. In some embodiments, a registration update may be performed with the home mobile network carrier associated with the mobile communication device. The registration update may indicate that all calls are now handled by the virtual network operator system, for example without limitation, via the SS7 network. In some embodiments, an update to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) on the HLR of the home mobile network carrier may be performed so that calls and/or message are directed to the virtual network operator system. In some embodiments, when a call comes in to the home number, a local switch may query an HLR, and the HLR may direct the call to the virtual network operator system. The virtual network operator system may then request information necessary to route the call to a local switch in a foreign location and then onward to the mobile communication device. The virtual network operator system may then route the call to the telephone number corresponding to the foreign location. In some embodiments, when a mobile communication device communicates with a local mobile switching center in a foreign destination, the local mobile switching center may then send a GSM SS7 air-switched communication message to a home network to indicate the new location of the mobile communication device.

In some embodiments, calls may be connected to an SS7 switch included in or otherwise associated with the virtual network operator system in the home country on an outbound call. In some embodiments, calls may be connected via an SS7 network to a local carrier switch in a foreign mobile network via to deliver the call as a local call to the mobile communication device in the foreign location. The SS7 network may be used to route to the local carrier switch in the foreign mobile network via an international terminal operator.

Various embodiments will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures, beginning with FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 depicts a high-level block diagram of a system 100, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 allows for interaction between a virtual network operator system 106 and a domestic mobile network system 110 in a first region A (150), and foreign mobile network system 120 in a second region B (151). The first region A (150) and the second region B (151) may correspond to different geographical regions and/or geographical service areas that may be specified in terms of radius, city, region, state or national boundary, etc. For the sake of description, in one example, the first region A (150) and the second region B (151) may correspond to different countries where the first region A (150) is a home country for a user of a mobile communication device 102, and the user would incur international roaming charges if the user traveled to the second region B (151) and used the mobile communication device 102 in the second region B (151). The mobile communication device 102 located in the second region B (151) is indicated by the reference label 102-1. Thus, the domestic mobile network system 110 may include the home carrier to which the user is subscribed.

As depicted, various elements of the system 100 may be communicatively coupled or couplable to one or more networks 104. The one or more networks 104 may be any suitable means to facilitate data transfer in the system 100. In various embodiments, the one or more networks 104 may be implemented with, without limitation, one or more of the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a cellular network, such as through 4G, 3G, GSM, CDMA (code division multiple access), etc., another wireless network, a gateway, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), or any other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the communication of signals, data, and/or messages. In various embodiments, the one or more networks 104 may transmit data using any suitable communication protocol(s). In various embodiments, the one or more networks 104 and the various components thereof may be implemented using hardware, software, and communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing and/or the like.

In various embodiments, the domestic mobile network system 110 may include one or more of domestic access point(s) 111, domestic VLR(s) (visitor location register(s)) 112, domestic MSC(s) (mobile switching center(s)) 113, domestic HLR(s) (home location register(s)) 114, domestic SMSC(s) (short message service center(s)) 115, and/or other components necessary to provide communication services in any one or combination of countries. While various components of the domestic mobile network system 110 are depicted separately, it should be appreciated that the components may be combined, coupled (e.g., coupled for direct communication in addition or alternative to coupling via the one or more networks 104), and/or implemented differently in any combination to provide certain features in various embodiments. For example without limitation, the domestic mobile network system 110 may include a home carrier MSC, HLR, and/or SMSC to service and/or interface with the subscriber, and a domestic serving carrier MSC, VLR, and/or SMSC to service and/or interface with the virtual network operator system 106, with inter-carrier SMS service providing for unified service.

Various domestic access points 111 may be used to provide access for the mobile communication device 102 and/or the virtual network operator system 106. A domestic access point 111 may connect the mobile communication device 102 through a wireless link to the one or more networks 104 via a domestic MSC 113, for example. In various embodiments, the domestic access points 111 may be of any suitable type or types such as, for example without limitation, a cellular tower, a cellular base station, an access point for wireless local area network (e.g., a WiFi access point), an access point for wireless personal area network (e.g. , a Bluetooth access point), etc. Various domestic access points 111 could be associated with various mobile network carriers that provide wireless communications services and that own or control the components necessary to sell and deliver services in any one or combination of countries. The virtual network operator system 106 may be communicatively coupled to any one or combination of components of the domestic mobile network system 110 directly and/or via the one or more networks 104. The virtual network operator system 106 may be configured to serve as a cellular phone network Visitor Location Register to extend home country service of the subscriber's home mobile network to the mobile communication device 102-1 in the foreign mobile network system 120. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system 106 and a client application on the mobile communication device 102 may work together to act as a cellular phone network Virtual Location Register to extend home country service of the subscriber's home mobile network to the mobile communication device 102-1 in the foreign mobile network system 120. The virtual network operator system 106 may include one or more media gateways that allow the virtual network operator system 106 to route the home country service to the foreign mobile network system 120. Similar to the domestic mobile network system 110, the foreign mobile network system 120 may include foreign access point(s) 121, foreign VLR(s) 122, foreign MSC(s) 123, foreign HLR(s) 124, and/or other components necessary to provide communication services in the region B (151). The virtual network operator system 106 may service the mobile communication device 102-1 via one or more sponsor carriers in the foreign mobile network system 120. While only one sponsor carrier in the foreign mobile network system 120 may be utilized by the virtual network operator system 106, multiple sponsor carriers could be utilized. However, a minimal number of sponsor carriers in a given region B (151) may allow for minimal negotiation costs, as compared to negotiation with a greater number of sponsor carriers in the given region B (151). Thus, certain embodiments may allow for a simplified coordination effort with sponsor carriers in various countries.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a mobile communication device 102-2, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile communication device 102-2 may be any portable device suitable for sending and receiving information over a network in accordance with embodiments described herein. For example without limitation, in various embodiments, the mobile communication device 102-2 may include one or more variously referenced as a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a smartphone (for example without limitation, a smart phone such as: the iPhone® phone available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California; Android™ operating system-based phones, available from as Google of Mountain View, California; and/or the like), a handheld mobile device, a tablet computer, a web pad, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook computer, a handheld computer, a laptop computer, a vehicle computer, or the like.

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device 102-2 may be provided with a mobile application 251 , which may correspond to the client application, configured to run on the mobile communication device 102-2 to facilitate various embodiments of this disclosure. For example without limitation, the mobile application 251 may transform the mobile communication device 102-2 into a VLR facilitator. The mobile application 251 and the mobile communication device 102-2 may cooperate with the virtual network operator system 106 and to facilitate the service of the virtual network operator system 106 as a cellular phone network base station controller to extend home country service of the subscriber's home mobile network to the mobile communication device 102-2 when in the foreign mobile network system 120. The mobile application 251 may be provided in any suitable way. For non-limiting example, the mobile application 251 may be made available from the virtual network operator system 106, a website, an application store, etc. for download to the mobile communication device 102-2; alternatively, it may be pre-installed on the mobile communication device 102-2.

In various embodiments, mobile communication device 102-2 configured with the mobile application 251 provide one or more display screens that may each include one or more user interface elements. A user interface may include any text, image, and/or device that can be displayed on a display screen for providing information to a user and/or for receiving user input. A user interface may include one or more widgets, text, text boxes, text fields, tables, grids, charts, hyperlinks, buttons, lists, combo boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile communication device 102-2 includes a display 230 and input elements 232 to allow a user to input information into the mobile communication device 102-2. By way of example without limitation, the input elements 232 may include one or more of a keypad, a trackball, a touchscreen, a touchpad, a pointing device, a microphone, a voice recognition device, or any other appropriate mechanism for the user to provide input. Further, the mobile communication device 102-2 the input elements 232 may include a communication component reader 1025 for accepting a communication component such as a SIM card.

The mobile communication device 102-2 includes a memory 234 communicatively coupled to a processor 236 {e.g., a microprocessor) for processing the functions of the mobile communication device 102-2. The mobile communication device 102-2 may include at least one antenna 238 for wireless data transfer to communicate through a cellular network, a wireless provider network, and/or a mobile operator network, such as GSM, for example without limitation, to send and receive Short Message Service (SMS) messages or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) messages. The mobile communication device 102-2 may also include a microphone 240 to allow a user to transmit voice communication through the mobile communication device 102-2, and a speaker 242 to allow the user to hear voice communication. The antenna 238 may include a cellular antenna {e.g., for sending and receiving cellular voice and data communication, such as through a network such as a 2G or 4G network). In addition, the mobile communication device 102-2 may include one or more interfaces in addition to the antenna 238, e.g., a wireless interface coupled to an antenna. The communications interfaces 244 can provide a near field communication interface (e.g., contactless interface, Bluetooth, optical interface, etc.) and/or wireless communications interfaces capable of communicating through a cellular network, such as GSM, or through Wi-Fi, such as with a wireless local area network (WLAN). Accordingly, the mobile communication device 102-2 may be capable of transmitting and receiving information wirelessly through both short range, radio frequency (RF) and cellular and Wi-Fi connections.

Additionally, the mobile communication device 102-2 can be capable of communicating with a Global Positioning System (GPS) in order to determine to location of the mobile communication device 102-2. The antenna 238 may include GPS receiver functionality. In other embodiments contemplated herein, communication with the mobile communication device 102-2 may be conducted with a single antenna configured for multiple purposes (e.g., cellular, transactions, GPS, etc.), or with further interfaces (e.g., three, four, or more separate interfaces).

The mobile communication device 102-2 can also include at least one computer- readable medium 246 coupled to the processor 236, which stores application programs and other computer code instructions for operating the device, such as an operating system (OS) 248. In some embodiments, the mobile application 251 may be stored in the memory 234 and/or computer-readable media 246. In some embodiments, the mobile application 251 may be store and/or the mobile devices SIM card. In some embodiments, mobile communication device 102-2 may have cryptographic capabilities to send encrypted communications and/or messages protected with message hash codes or authentication codes.

FIG. 3 shows a high-level block diagram of a virtual network operator system 106- 1 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 106-1 may correspond to the system 106 of FIG. 1 , but one embodiment of the system 106 is shown in more detail. While engines, repositories, and other components are described separately herein, it should be appreciated that the components may be combined and/or implemented differently in any combination to provide certain features in various embodiments. In various embodiments, different processes running on one or more shared computers may implement some of the components. In various embodiments, the virtual network operator system 106-1 may include any device or set of devices configured to process, send, receive, retrieve, detect, generate, compute, organize, categorize, qualify, store, display, present, handle, or use any form of information and/or data suitable for the embodiments described herein. The virtual network operator system 106-1 may include a single computing device or multiple computing devices, which, in some embodiments, may be implemented in or with a distributed computing and/or cloud computing environment. The virtual network operator system 106-1 may include one or more processing resources communicatively coupled to one or more storage media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and/or other types of memory. The virtual network operator system 106-1 may include any one or combination of various input and output (I/O) devices, network ports, and display devices.

The virtual network operator system 106-1 may include one or more servers that, in various embodiments, may include one or more switches and/or media gateways, such as telephone, messaging, email, application, and/or other types of gateways. One or more network interfaces 118 may be communicatively coupled to processors 116. The network interface(s) 1 18 may include any suitable input/output module or other system/device operable to serve as an interface between one or more components of the service information handling system 106 and the network 104. The virtual network operator system 106-1 may use the network interfaces 118 to communicate over the networks 104 using any suitable transmission protocol and/or standard.

Certain embodiments may provide a multi-channel communication regime to coordinate multiple communication channels to communicate with elements of system 100. Multiple communication pipes within a communication pipe could be implemented according to certain embodiments. Some embodiments may implement a greater number of communication channels. For example without limitation, one set of channels could be used for data communication to the client application, and one set of channels could be used for voice communication. The system can use web communication, text communication, voice communication, e-mail communication, push notification, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, a server may communicate with a mobile communication device 102 via HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and/or other types of communication protocols, such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc. In some embodiments, web server may provide static web pages, dynamic web pages, and/or web services. In some embodiments, a web server may provide web applications to a mobile communication device 102 for execution in a web browser running on the mobile communication device 102; and the web applications may include scripts for execution within an isolated browser environment. In some embodiments, the web server may provide rich-client applications to a mobile communication device 102; and the rich-client application may be programmed to have access to functions of the operating system running on a mobile communication device 102. The virtual network operator system 106-1 may include one or more data repositories 140. In various embodiments, the data repository(ies) 140 may be implemented in various ways. The data repositories 140 may include database(s), database management system(s), server(s) to facilitate management/provision/transfer of information, and/or the like. For example without limitation, one or more data processing systems may store information. One or more relational or object-oriented databases, or flat files on one or more computers or networked storage devices, may store information. In some embodiments, a centralized system stores information; alternatively, a distributed/cloud system, network- based system, such as being implemented with a peer-to-peer network, or Internet, may store information. Various information related to given subscriber/user may be linked in any suitable manner.

In some embodiments, the one or more data repositories 140 may include one or more account information repositories 141. The one or more account information repositories 141 may retain any account information suitable to facilitate provisioning of accounts to users of mobile communication devices. In some embodiments, the one or more data repositories 140 may include one or more authentication information repositories 142. The one or more authentication information repositories 142 may retain any authentication information suitable to facilitate security for embodiments of this disclosure. For example without limitation, the authentication information may unique user identification information, unique device identification information, IMSI information, password information, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the one or more data repositories 140 may include one or more payment information repositories 143. The one or more payment information repositories 143 may retain any information suitable to facilitate provisioning of extended home country services in various embodiments. For example without limitation, the payment information may relate to payment methods, accounting information, credit information, address information, contact information, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the one or more data repositories 140 may include one or more purchase information repositories 144. The one or more purchase information repositories 144 may retain any information suitable to facilitate tracking and handling of purchases of extended home country services according to various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the one or more data repositories 140 may include one or more phone number information repositories 145. The one or more phone number information repositories 145 may retain any information suitable to facilitate tracking, linking, and/or routing of calls and messages according to various embodiments. For example without limitation, the phone number information may include information pertinent to domestic mobile network phone numbers and foreign mobile network phone numbers. Other types of retained information could include information relating to devices that subscriber uses and has used to interface with the system. For example without limitation, information about the specific devices, device configurations, and/or device capabilities that a gives subscriber uses could be tracked and retained in a repository.

The virtual network operator system 106-1 may include one or more of engines 146 and/or modules that may be stored in the one or more memories and may include one or more software applications, executable with the processors, for receiving and processing requests. The one or more of engines 146 and/or other modules may be configured to perform any of the steps of methods described in the present disclosure. The one or more of engines 146 may include interface handling engine(s) 146(a) that may include logic to send, present, and receive information, with one or more of the interfaces to/from one or more subscribers and/or network components. The interface handling engine(s) 146(a), with one or more the processors 116, may utilize one or more network interfaces 118 to transceive information through the network 104. The system 106 may pull and/or push information from those entities in any suitable way. For example without limitation, the system 106 may pull and/or push information from a mobile communication device 102 configured with a client application to facilitate features of embodiments discussed herein.

The one or more of engines 146 may include account management engine(s) 146(b) that may include logic for implementing account features in various embodiments. By way of example without limitation, the account management engine(s) 146(b) may include logic one or more aspects of: handling user registration; managing account creation, updates, authentication, handling; handling purchases of extended home country service; and/or the like. The account management engine(s) 146(b) may be configured for acquiring, processing, formatting, and/or storing account and/or authentication information in the one or more repositories 140.

The one or more of engines 146 may include logging engine(s) 146(c) that may include logic for implementing information logging features in various embodiments. By way of example without limitation, the logging engine(s) 146(c) could process data pulled and/or pushed from various entities. The logging engine(s) 146(c) could handle process, extracting, formatting, and/or storing data may in one or more of the aforementioned repositories.

The one or more of engines 146 may include call handling module(s) 146(d) that may include logic to implement and/or otherwise facilitate any call handling features discussed herein. By way of example without limitation, the call handling module(s) 146(d) may be configured to one or more of decode, route, and redirect calls to subscribers. Similarly, the one or more of engines 146 may include message handling module(s) 146(e) that may include logic to implement and/or otherwise facilitate any message handling features discussed herein. The one or more of engines 146 may include transaction handling engine(s) 146(f) that may include logic for implementing extended service transaction features in various embodiments. The transaction handling engine(s) 146(f) may apply regulation information specifying business rules and/or procedures for controlling transactions. The transaction handling engine(s) 146(f) may be configured for handling payment processing relating to transactions.

In some embodiments, one computer system implements one or more of the components of the system 106-1. Alternatively, different processes running on one or more shared computers may implement some of the components. For example without limitation, one computing module, thread, or process may implement multiple of the components. In some embodiments, special purpose data processing systems implement the one or more of the components. In some embodiments, processes running according to software instructions on general purpose data processing systems, such as general purpose personal computers or server computers, can implement the components. Thus, the implementations are not limited to particular hardware, software, or particular combinations of hardware and software. FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 that illustrates certain aspects of a subscriber management lifecycle, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Diagram 400 may represent an overview of certain aspects of such a lifecycle. Teachings of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of configurations. As such, the order of the aspects comprising the lifecycle may be shuffled in any suitable manner or omitted, and may depend on the implementation chosen. Moreover, while the following aspects may be separated for the sake of description, it should be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

One aspect of the life cycle may correspond to a set of interactions with a subscriber in an onboarding phase. In some embodiments, the onboarding phase of the life cycle may include an application activation and/or installation stage, as indicated by block 402. In some embodiments, a client application, which may correspond to the mobile application 251, may be installed on the mobile communication device 102. In some embodiments, the client application may have been pre-installed on the mobile communication device 102 and activated. For example without limitation, a user may initiate the client application.

In some embodiments, the onboarding phase of the life cycle may include a subscriber registration stage, as indicated by block 404. When a subscriber registers, unique identification information may be associated with the mobile communication device 102. For example without limitation, the client application may gather the information from the mobile communication device 102. In some embodiments, unique identification information may be gathered from a SIM card 276 or another card of the mobile communication device 102. In some embodiments, unique identification information may be gathered from other components of the mobile communication device 102.

The unique identification information may be sent by the mobile communication device 102 to the virtual network operator system 106. In some embodiments, the unique identifier may include an IMSI. In some embodiments, the unique identifier may be derived from the IMSI such that the actual IMSI is not sent. In some embodiments, a hash code based on the IMSI may be sent. The unique identifier may indicate associated country and/or network location information in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the unique identification information may be sent via an SS7 message. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system 106 may use the unique identification information to obtain or confirm the phone number of the mobile communication device 102. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system 106 may use the unique identification information to obtain or confirm information on the mobile communication device 102 and/or subscriber, for example without limitation, from a HLR 114 or a VLR 112. For example without limitation, the subscriber's IMSI may be used to identify the home network(s) associated with the subscriber. The virtual network operator system 106 may store the unique identification information and associate it with the device.

In some embodiments, unique identification information may include a UUID (universally unique identifier) or IMEI (International Machine Equipment Identifier). The client application may gather the information from the mobile communication device 102 and/or from a manufacturer of the mobile communication device 102. The UUID (universally unique identifier) or IMEI (International Machine Equipment Identifier) may be stored by the virtual network operator system 106 to subsequently uniquely match the UUID (universally unique identifier) or IMEI (International Machine Equipment Identifier) for the device and other unique identification information, such as the IMSI, in order to provide authentication.

In some embodiments, the onboarding phase of the life cycle may include a purchase stage, as indicated by block 404. A user may purchase extended home country service from an online store or through the client application, for example, or in any suitable way. In some embodiments, a flat rate may be charged to use the service for X amount of time (say, seven days, for example). The coverage could be worldwide in some embodiments.

One aspect of the life cycle may correspond to a set of interactions corresponding to an extended home country service phase. In some embodiments, the service phase of the life cycle may include installing a foreign SIM and initializing the service once the traveler is in a foreign location, as indicated by block 408. As discussed further herein, the client application, once launched in the foreign location, may initialize the service. In some embodiments, the service phase of the life cycle may include provisioning and linking of a foreign mobile number, as indicated by block 410. As discussed further herein, the foreign mobile number corresponding to the foreign SIM, a foreign mobile carrier, and a foreign mobile network may be linked to the subscriber, the subscriber's home mobile number, and other information pertinent to the subscriber.

In some embodiments, the service phase of the life cycle may include routing calls to the foreign mobile number via a first channel, as indicated by block 412 and as discussed further herein. In some embodiments, the service phase of the life cycle may include routing messages to the mobile communication device 102 for presentation via the client application, as indicated by block 414. Messages could be routed by way of a second channel. As discussed further herein, the contents of messages may conveyed to the client application in any suitable format. In some embodiments, the format of the messages may be converted for presentation to the subscriber via the client application. Likewise, responses to messages from the subscriber may be converted back into the format of the native sending application. This may be done at the client application or at the virtual network operator system 106.

One aspect of the life cycle may correspond to a set of interactions corresponding to a continuing service phase. In some embodiments, the continuing service phase may include monitoring available extended home country service, as indicated by block 416. When the purchased service coverage X amount of time expires and/or is about to expire, notifications could be provided to the subscriber by way of the client application, for example. The system could gather location information indicative of the user's whereabouts, and notifications may be contingent on the subscriber still being located in the foreign destination, in some embodiments. As indicated by block 418, options for extended coverage could be presented to the user, as needed. For example, if the subscriber stays in the foreign longer than the original coverage extends, the subscriber could purchase more coverage via the application using credit card information on file for the subscriber.

FIG. 5 depicts a high-level block diagram of a system 500, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 500 may correspond to certain embodiments of the system 100. A subscriber may launch a client software application on the mobile communication device 102-3. With the client software application, the mobile communication device 102-3 may be configured to provision an account with the home mobile network phone number.

To provision service, the mobile communication device 102-3 configured with the client application may send provisioning information to the virtual network operator system 106. For example without limitation, as indicated by interfaces 502(a)-(c), the mobile communication device 102-3 may send registration, authentication, and/or phone number information to a home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1, and the home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1 may convey the information to the virtual network operator system 106. The provisioning information may be sent to the virtual network operator system 106 via an Internet Protocol (IP) message via one or more IP networks, such as network(s) 104-3. The provisioning information may include the subscriber's Mobile Directory Number (MDN) for CDMA networks or Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN) for GSM networks associated with the SIM 576-1 for the domestic mobile network of the mobile communication device 102-3. The mobile communication device 102-3 configured with the client application may also send provisioning information that includes the device's unique equipment identity.

When necessary, the virtual network operator system 106 may request the subscriber's unique subscriber identity associated with the MDN or MSISDN. For example without limitation, as indicated by interfaces 504(a)-(c), the virtual network operator system 106 may send a Send Routing Information (SRI) query to the home carrier HLR 110-1 associated with the MDN or MSISDN. The query may be sent via a domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2 and one or more GSM SS7 networks 104-1.

After the virtual network operator system 106 receives the subscriber's unique subscriber identity associated with the MDN or MSISDN, it may send an SMS message to the subscriber's identity, MDN, or MSISDN containing a confirmation code. For example without limitation, as indicated by interfaces 506(a)-(i), the virtual network operator system 106 may send an SMS message via the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2, the GSM SS7 network 104-1, a domestic serving SMSC 115-1, an intercarrier SMS gateway 112, a home carrier SMSC 115-2, and the home carrier MSC 110-1. Having received the confirmation code at the mobile communication device 102-3, the subscriber may then enter the confirmation code into the client application to confirm that the subscriber's MDN or MSISDN is the correct identity for the mobile communication device 102-3.

The subscriber may travel from region A (150) to region B (151). The mobile communication device 102-3 located in the second region B (151) is indicated by the reference label 102-4. The subscriber may power down the device, remove the domestic SIM card 576-1 from the device, and install a foreign SIM card 576-2 compatible with the foreign mobile network. Powering up the device and launching of the client application may trigger sending of the MDN or MSISDN associated with the foreign SIM card 576-2 and the device's unique equipment identity to the virtual network operator system 106. For example without limitation, as indicated by 508(a)-(c), number and identification information may be sent via an IP message by way of a foreign carrier MSC/VLR/HLR 120-1 and the IP network 104-3. The virtual network operator system 106 may then link the subscriber's unique subscriber identity associated with domestic SIM card 576-1 with the MDN or MSISDN associated with the foreign SIM card 576-2 and the mobile phone's unique equipment identity. The mobile communication device 102-4 configured with the client application may periodically register with the virtual network operator system 106, for example without limitation, via an IP message as indicated by interfaces 510(a)-(c). The virtual network operator system 106 may, in turn, perform a registration notification in a CDMA network or a location update in a GSM network. For example without limitation, periodic registrations may trigger cellular network location update/ registration procedures to the subscriber's home carrier HLR 110-1 associated with the domestic SIM card 576-1, for example without limitation, as indicated by interfaces 512(a)-(c).

After registration, phone calls to the home MDN or MSISDN associated with the domestic SIM card 576-1 may be delivered to the virtual network operator system 106. The virtual network operator system 106 may then route the phone calls over a public switched telephone network 104-2 to the second MDN or MSISDN associated with the subscriber's foreign SIM card 576-2, installed and active in the subscriber's mobile communication device 102-4, for example without limitation, as indicated by interfaces 514(a)-(e). SMS messages to the home MDN or MSISDN associated with the domestic SIM card 576-1 may be delivered to the virtual network operator system 106. The virtual network operator system 106 may then extract and route the SMS message contents to the client application via an IP message addressed using the mobile communication device's unique equipment identity, for example without limitation, as indicated by interfaces 516(a)-(e).

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device configured with the client application may be configured to present a notification of an incoming domestic call or message. A user-selectable option to reject the incoming domestic call or to reroute the incoming domestic call could be presented. Having received a user selection, the mobile communication device configured with the client application may send a message to the virtual network operator system 106 indicative of the selection. And the virtual network operator system 106 may reject the incoming domestic call or reroute the incoming domestic call according to the selection. FIG. 6 depicts a sequence chart that details steps of a method 600 to provision a subscriber's home mobile phone number with the virtual network operator system 106 and to link a second phone number with the home mobile phone number, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Teachings of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of configurations. As such, the order of the aspects comprising the methods described herein may be shuffled in any suitable manner and may depend on the implementation chosen. Moreover, while the following aspects may be separated for the sake of description, it should be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. As indicated by 602, the client application may be installed and launched on the mobile communication device 102-3 when the mobile communication device 102-3 includes the domestic SIM card 276-1. As indicated by 604, the home mobile network phone number and unique device ID for the mobile communication device 102-3 may be provisioned over an IP network. The mobile communication device 102-3 configured with the client application may send phone number and unique device ID information to the virtual network operator system 106. As indicated by 606, routing information for short messaging may be sent over a GSM network. The virtual network operator system 106 may send the routing information to the home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1. As indicated by 608, routing information for short message response may be sent over the GSM network. The home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1 may send the routing information to the virtual network operator system 106.

As indicated by 610, information for the home mobile network number, unique device ID, and home mobile network IMSI may be stored. The virtual network operator system 106 may store the information in any suitable repository. As indicated by 612, a provisioning response may be sent based on successful retrieval of the IMSI. As indicated by 614, a confirmation code may be sent via SMS. The virtual network operator system 106 may send the confirmation code to the mobile communication device 102-3 via the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2, the domestic serving carrier SMSC 115-1, the intercarrier SMS gateway 112, the home carrier SMSC 115-2, and the home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1.

As indicated by 616, the confirmation code may be entered at the mobile communication device 102-3. In some embodiments, a user may enter the confirmation code. In other embodiments, the client application may be configured to automatically extract the confirmation code from the SMS message. As indicated by 618, the mobile communication device 102-3 may send confirmation of receipt of the confirmation code. The confirmation may be sent to the virtual network operator system 106 over the IP network. As indicated by 620, a response may be sent over the IP network to the mobile communication device 102-3 that provisioning of the home mobile phone number is complete. As indicated by 622, the user may power down the mobile communication device

102-3, remove the domestic SIM card 276-1 from the device, and travel to a foreign destination. As indicated by 624, the virtual network operator system 106 may flag that provisioning of the home mobile phone number is complete. As indicated by 626, once at the foreign destination, a foreign SIM card 276-2 compatible with the foreign mobile network may be installed in the mobile communication device, now referenced as 103-4, and the device may be turned on.

As indicated by 628, a foreign mobile number corresponding to the foreign SIM card 276-2 may be linked to the home number. The mobile communication device 102-4 may be configured to send the foreign mobile number to the virtual network operator system 106 to facilitate the linking, and the virtual network operator system 106 may acknowledge, as indicated by 630. In some embodiments, the client application may link the foreign mobile number to the home number and send information indicative of the linking to the virtual network operator system 106. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system 106 may link the foreign mobile number to the home number, as indicated by 632. The virtual network operator system 106 may store the linking information in any suitable manner.

FIG. 7 depicts a sequence chart that details steps of a method 700 to register a subscriber's home mobile phone number for call and SMS delivery to the virtual network operator system 106, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As indicated by 702, registration may be initiated by the mobile communication device 102-4. The client application could initiate the sending of registration information to the virtual network operator system 106.

As indicated by 704, location update processes may be performed. The virtual network operator system 106 may send a location update request to the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2. The domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2 may send an update location request to the home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1. The home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1 may respond with an insert subscriber data message, with the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2 providing a consequent insert subscriber data result. And the home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1 may provide an update location result. As indicated by 706, the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2, as a sponsor carrier VLR, may be configured to not authenticate and not enable ciphering of subscribers associated with the virtual network operator system 106. As indicated by 708, the home carrier MSC/HLR 110-1 may be configured to deliver calls made and SMS messages, which are sent to the home mobile phone number, to the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2 and then to the virtual network operator system 106 for routing. Accordingly, the virtual network operator system 106 may route calls to the foreign mobile number via international VoIP network sessions and route messages to the client application via international data over IP network sessions.

The location update processes may further include the serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2 sending a location update acceptance message to the virtual network operator system 106. After completion of reallocation of the TMSI (temporary mobile subscriber identity), the virtual network operator system 106 may send a TMSI reallocation complete message to the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110-2. The domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 110- 2 may send a deregistration message, and, after the deregistration is complete, the virtual network operator system 106 may return a completion message.

As indicated by 710, the virtual network operator system 106 may send a registration result message to the mobile communication device 102-4. As indicated by 712, the virtual network operator system 106 may periodically re-register. For example without limitation, if a prior result indicated a registration failure or otherwise a need for re- registration, re -registration may be initiated within a certain registration period. For some mobile communication devices, the virtual network operator system 106 may push a notification to the phone to wake up the device and/or otherwise prompt it to re -register. FIG. 8 depicts a sequence chart there details steps of a method 800 to route calls directed to the home mobile phone number to the virtual network operator system 106 via standard GSM or CDMA signaling procedures, and then route the calls onward to a second phone number via Voice over IP (SIP/RTP) signaling, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more connection servers of the virtual network operator system 106 may be configured to coordinate VoIP calls using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The virtual network operator system 106 may include one or more SIP servers to facilitate call establishment. The virtual network operator system 106 may include a session controller that controls the signaling during setup and teardown. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system 106 may place a separate call to the mobile communication device 104-2 and join the received call with the placed call. In some embodiments, the virtual network operator system 106 may perform signal translation to process the calls in one standard. This may allow the system to interface with various standards used by various geographic regions.

As indicated by 802, a phone call is made (e.g., via ISUP IAM (Integrated Services Digital Network User Part Initial Address Message) to the home mobile phone number. As indicated by 804, a roaming number request may be provided. For example without limitation, the home carrier MSC/HLR 1 10-1 may contact the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 1 10-2. As indicated by 806, a roaming number result may be provided, for example without limitation, by the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 1 10-2. As indicated by 808, the call may be directed to the virtual network operator system 106. Based on the ISUP IAM message from the home carrier MSC/HLR 1 10-1 , the IAM may be directed to the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 1 10-2, which may send a paging request to the virtual network operator system 106. A connection request and paging response from the virtual network operator system 106 may follow.

As indicated by 810, a call may be setup with the virtual network operator system 106. As noted previously, the domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 1 10-2, as a sponsor carrier VLR, may be configured to not authenticate and not enable ciphering of subscribers associated with the virtual network operator system 106. The domestic serving carrier MSC/VLR 1 10-2 may send a setup message to establish a voice call. The virtual network operator system 106 may establish a SIP session with the mobile communication device 102- 4. One example of call coordination between the virtual network operator system 106, the home carrier MSC/HLR 1 10-1 , and the mobile communication device 102-4 is depicted, however such calls could be coordinated in any suitable manner to establish a voice conversation between the mobile communication device 102-4 and the call made through the home carrier MSC/HLR 1 10-1 , as indicated by 812. As indicated by 814, following the voice conversation, call breakdown procedures may be performed in any suitable manner. Referring next to FIG. 9, an exemplary environment with which embodiments may be implemented is shown with a computer system 900 that can be used by a designer 904 to design, for example without limitation, electronic designs. The computer system 900 can include a computer 902, keyboard 922, a network router 912, a printer 908, and a monitor 906. The monitor 906, processor 902 and keyboard 922 are part of a computer system 926, which can be a laptop computer, desktop computer, handheld computer, mainframe computer, etc. The monitor 906 can be a CRT, flat screen, etc. A designer 904 can input commands into the computer 902 using various input devices, such as a mouse, keyboard 922, track ball, touch screen, etc. If the computer system 900 comprises a mainframe, a designer 904 can access the computer 902 using, for example without limitation, a terminal or terminal interface. Additionally, the computer system 926 may be connected to a printer 908 and a server 910 using a network router 912, which may connect to the Internet 918 or a WAN.

The server 910 may, for example without limitation, be used to store additional software programs and data. In some embodiments, software implementing the systems and methods described herein can be stored on a storage medium in the server 910. Thus, the software can be run from the storage medium in the server 910. In another embodiment, software implementing the systems and methods described herein can be stored on a storage medium in the computer 902. Thus, the software can be run from the storage medium in the computer system 926. Therefore, in this embodiment, the software can be used whether or not computer 902 is connected to network router 912. Printer 908 may be connected directly to computer 902, in which case, the computer system 926 can print whether or not it is connected to network router 912.

With reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a special-purpose computer system 1000 is shown. The above methods may be implemented by computer-program products that direct a computer system to perform the actions of the above-described methods and components. Each such computer-program product may comprise sets of instructions (codes) embodied on a computer-readable medium that directs the processor of a computer system to perform corresponding actions. The instructions may be configured to run in sequential order, or in parallel (such as under different processing threads), or in a combination thereof. After loading the computer-program products on a general purpose computer system 426, it is transformed into the special-purpose computer system 1000. Special-purpose computer system 1000 comprises a computer 402, a monitor 406 coupled to computer 402, one or more additional user output devices 1030 (optional) coupled to computer 402, one or more user input devices 1040 {e.g., keyboard, mouse, track ball, touch screen) coupled to computer 402, an optional communications interface 1050 coupled to computer 402, a computer-program product 1005 stored in a tangible computer-readable memory in computer 402. Computer-program product 1005 directs system 1000 to perform the above-described methods. Computer 402 may include one or more processors 1060 that communicate with a number of peripheral devices via a bus subsystem 1090. These peripheral devices may include user output device(s) 1030, user input device(s) 1040, communications interface 1050, and a storage subsystem, such as random access memory (RAM) 1070 and non- volatile storage drive 1080 (e.g., disk drive, optical drive, solid state drive), which are forms of tangible computer-readable memory. Computer-program product 1005 may be stored in non- volatile storage drive 1080 or another computer-readable medium accessible to computer 402 and loaded into memory 1070. Each processor 1060 may comprise a microprocessor, such as a microprocessor from Intel^® or Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.^®, or the like. To support computer-program product 1005, the computer 402 runs an operating system that handles the communications of product 1005 with the above-noted components, as well as the communications between the above- noted components in support of the computer-program product 1005. Exemplary operating systems include Windows^® or the like from Microsoft^® Corporation, Solaris^® from Oracle^®, LINUX, UNIX, and the like.

User input devices 1040 include all possible types of devices and mechanisms to input information to computer system 402. These may include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a scanner, a digital drawing pad, a touch screen incorporated into the display, audio input devices such as voice recognition systems, microphones, and other types of input devices. In various embodiments, user input devices 1040 are typically embodied as a computer mouse, a trackball, a track pad, a joystick, wireless remote, a drawing tablet, a voice command system. User input devices 1040 typically allow a user to select objects, icons, text and the like that appear on the monitor 406 via a command such as a click of a button or the like. User output devices 1030 include all possible types of devices and mechanisms to output information from computer 402. These may include a display (e.g., monitor 406), printers, non-visual displays such as audio output devices, etc. Communications interface 1050 provides an interface to other communication networks 1095 and devices and may serve as an interface to receive data from and transmit data to other systems, WANs and/or the Internet 418. Embodiments of communications interface 1050 typically include an Ethernet card, a modem (telephone, satellite, cable, ISDN), a (asynchronous) digital subscriber line (DSL) unit, a FireWire^® interface, a USB^® interface, a wireless network adapter, and the like. For example without limitation, communications interface 1050 may be coupled to a computer network, to a FireWire^® bus, or the like. In other embodiments, communications interface 1050 may be physically integrated on the motherboard of computer 402, and/or may be a software program, or the like.

RAM 1070 and non- volatile storage drive 1080 are examples of tangible computer- readable media configured to store data such as computer-program product embodiments of the present invention, including executable computer code, human-readable code, or the like. Other types of tangible computer-readable media include floppy disks, removable hard disks, optical storage media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, bar codes, semiconductor memories such as flash memories, read-only-memories (ROMs), battery-backed volatile memories, networked storage devices, and the like. RAM 1070 and non- volatile storage drive 1080 may be configured to store the basic programming and data constructs that provide the functionality of various embodiments of the present invention, as described above.

Software instruction sets that provide the functionality of the present invention may be stored in RAM 1070 and non- volatile storage drive 1080. These instruction sets or code may be executed by the processor(s) 1060. RAM 1070 and non-volatile storage drive 1080 may also provide a repository to store data and data structures used in accordance with the present invention. RAM 1070 and non- volatile storage drive 1080 may include a number of memories including a main random access memory (RAM) to store of instructions and data during program execution and a read-only memory (ROM) in which fixed instructions are stored. RAM 1070 and non- volatile storage drive 1080 may include a file storage subsystem providing persistent (non- volatile) storage of program and/or data files. RAM 1070 and nonvolatile storage drive 1080 may also include removable storage systems, such as removable flash memory.

Bus subsystem 1090 provides a mechanism to allow the various components and subsystems of computer 402 communicate with each other as intended. Although bus subsystem 1090 is shown schematically as a single bus, alternative embodiments of the bus subsystem may utilize multiple busses or communication paths within the computer 402. Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example without limitation, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps and means described above may be done in various ways. For example without limitation, these techniques, blocks, steps and means may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described above, and/or a combination thereof. Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a swim diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a depiction may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, scripting languages, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, and/or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, scripting language, and/or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable medium such as a storage medium. A code segment or machine-executable instruction may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a script, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, and/or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, and/or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

For a firmware and/or software implementation, the methodologies may be implemented with modules {e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions may be used in implementing the methodologies described herein. For example without limitation, software codes may be stored in a memory. Memory may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor. As used herein the term "memory" refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.

Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term "storage medium" may represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and/or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and/or data.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A computer-implemented method for extending domestic mobile communication services to a foreign mobile network, the computer-implemented method comprising:

processing a first subscriber identification received from a mobile communication device configured with a client application to provide the first subscriber identification;

determining, at least partially based on the first subscriber identification, a first communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device, wherein the first communication reference is associated with a home mobile network corresponding to a first geographic region;

processing a device identification received via the one or more networks from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the device identification;

linking the first subscriber identification, the first communication reference, and the device identification in one or more repositories;

configuring a home location register associated with the home mobile network so that communications directed to the first communication reference are rerouted to one or more media gateways;

processing a second subscriber identification received from the mobile communication device configured with the client application to provide the second subscriber identification;

determining, at least partially based on the second subscriber identification, a second communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device, wherein the second communication reference is associated with a second mobile network corresponding to a second geographic region; and

linking the first communication reference and second communicaion reference in the one or more repositories.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an indication of a communication directed to the first communication reference; and routing the communication to the mobile communication device.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the communcation corresponds to a telephone call, and the computer-implemented method further comprises:

initiating a communication session with the mobile communication device based at least in part on the second communication reference.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the routing the communication to the mobile communication device further comprises:

coordinating the communication session with the mobile communication device with a sponsor carrier corresponding to the second mobile network.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the communcation corresponds to a message, and the computer-implemented method further comprises:

extracting contents of the message; and

conveying the contents of the message via a data network to the mobile communication device for presentation via the client application.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device is configured with the client application to determine the first subscriber identification based on a first subscriber indentity module card installed in the mobile communication device.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first subscriber identification corresponds to an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).

8. A system for extending domestic mobile communication services to a foreign mobile network, comprising:

one or more network interfaces configured to provide access to one or more networks; one or more processors coupled to the one or more network interfaces, the one or more processors to execute instructions to perform a method comprising:

linking the first communication reference and second communicaion reference in the one or more repositories; and

one or more storage media coupled to the one or more processors to retain the instructions.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving an indication of a communication directed to the first communication reference; and routing the communication to the mobile communication device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the communcation corresponds to a telephone call, and the method further comprises:

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the routing the communication to the mobile communication device further comprises:

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the communcation corresponds to a message, and the method further comprises:

extracting contents of the message; and

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the mobile communication device is configured with the client application to determine the first subscriber identification based on a first subscriber indentity module card installed in the mobile communication device.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the first subscriber identification corresponds to an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).

15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium having machine-readable instructions thereon which, when executed by one or more computers or other processing devices, implements a method for extending domestic mobile communication services to a foreign mobile network, the method comprising:

processing a first subscriber identification received from a mobile communication device configured with a client application to provide the first subscriber identification; determining, at least partially based on the first subscriber identification, a first communication reference for directing communications to the mobile communication device, wherein the first communication reference is associated with a home mobile network corresponding to a first geographic region;

16. The non-transitory machine -readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving an indication of a communication directed to the first communication reference; and

routing the communication to the mobile communication device.

17. The non-transitory machine -readable medium of claim 16, wherein the communcation corresponds to a telephone call, and the method further comprises:

18. The non-transitory machine -readable medium of claim 17, wherein the routing the communication to the mobile communication device further comprises:

19. The non-transitory machine -readable medium of claim 16, wherein the communcation corresponds to a message, and the method further comprises:

extracting contents of the message; and

20. The non-transitory machine -readable medium of claim 15, wherein the mobile communication device is configured with the client application to:

present a notification of an incoming domestic call or message; present a user-selectable option to reject the incoming domestic call or to reroute the incoming domestic call;

wherein the method further comprises:

receiving an indication of a selection of the user-selectable option; and rejecting the incoming domestic call or rerouting the incoming domestic call based on the indication of the selection.