WO2014183193A1

WO2014183193A1 - Method of and system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber

Info

Publication number: WO2014183193A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/000408
Authority: WO
Inventors: On Hung Wu
Original assignee: On Hung Wu
Priority date: 2013-05-13
Filing date: 2014-05-13
Publication date: 2014-11-20
Also published as: CA2851678A1; EP2997752A1; CN105379320A

Abstract

A method of digital communication for a mobile subscriber comprises registering information related to the mobile subscriber. In use, when mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, communication is established over the Internet between the mobile digital communication device and server. A virtual telephone number is provided to the home service provider as the active call forwarding telephone number. The call forwarding feature for the telephone number is activated. The essential mechanism is set up at the server and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device. Digital data sent to the telephone number registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat the mobile virtual communication software uses the digital data to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device.

Description

METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR ENACTING DIGITAL COMMUNICATION FOR A MOBILE

SUBSCRIBER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of and system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and more particularly to such a method and system wherein a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider is communicated with over the Internet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of mobile devices in conjunction with conventional mobile operators provides subscribers with two types of data and voice communication services, namely local and roaming communication services.

[0003] Local communication service provides the connectivity service in home location where the service is registered. The home operator delivers the local communication service and enables the subscribers to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, including home data services within the geographical coverage area of the home network.

[0004] Roaming communication service provides the extension of connectivity service in a location other than the home location where the cellular service is registered, through a third party cellular service provider, commonly referred to as a "visited network". Such extension of connectivity service ensures that the wireless device is kept connected to the home network each time the cellular telephone is turned on, and on an ongoing basis. It enables cellular customer to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, including home data services, when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of the home network.

[0005] Local communication service is technically supported by the mobility management, authentication, and authorization process that arc implemented within the mobile network of the home operator. When a mobile device is turned on, the home network "sees" the device and notices that it is registered with its own system. With the successful completion of authentication and authorization, the home network updates the subscriber information and location inside the home network so that any data and voice call sent to that device can be correctly routed.

[0006] Roaming communication service is technically supported by mobility management, authentication, authorization and billing procedures within the roaming agreement between the home and the visited network operator. At present, the roaming is generally executed in the following steps.

[0007] When the mobile device is turned on or is transferred via a hand-over to a visited network, the visited network communicates with the device, and determines that the device is not registered with its own system. The visited network attempts to identify the home network of the mobile device. If there is no roaming agreement between the two networks, maintenance of service is impossible and the visited network denies service.

[0008] If the home network can be identified, the visited network contacts the home network and requests service information about the roaming device using the IMSI number, including permission to allow roaming. The IMSI number is found in the SIM card resided at the mobile device.

[0009] If the necessary information is obtained and the roaming permission is granted, the visited network begins to maintain a temporary subscriber record for the mobile device. Likewise, the home network updates its information to indicate that the cell phone is on the visited network so that any data and voice calls sent to that device can be correctly routed. [00010] The overall system that allows roaming of mobile digital communication devices to take place is quite sophisticated and is used by millions of cellular telephone subscribers worldwide, on an overall basis. However, it is quite well known that it is prohibitively expensive to use, unless necessary. Indeed, many cellular network subscribers leave their digital communication devices at home when traveling internationally.

[00011 ] There is no international organization in place to govern the charges for local and roaming communication services. The charge for local communication service is defined by the home operator with the approval from the local government agency. The charge for roaming communication service is merely suggested by the home and the visited network operator in their roaming agreement, and is very expensive compared to other telecommunication service charges.

[00012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber.

[00013] It is an object of the present invention to provide method of and system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber, wherein the subscriber can communicate via the Internet using a mobile digital communication device including cellular telephones registered on a cellular network.

[00014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber, wherein the subscriber can communicate via the Internet using a mobile digital communication device, with land-line type wireless telephones and wireless telephones registered on a cellular network.

[00015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber, wherein the subscriber can place ingoing and outgoing telephone calls via the Internet using a mobile digital communication device, with the resulting charges for roaming communication service being relatively inexpensive compared to present roaming service charges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00016] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel method of digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, the method comprising the steps of registering on a server system information related to the mobile subscriber, wherein the information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with the home service provider; and subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, the steps of: enacting communication over the Internet between the mobile digital communication device and the server system; obtaining a virtual telephone number from the server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device; providing the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; storing on the server system the virtual number currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for the mobile digital communication device; activating the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with the home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; setting up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device; wherein the mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of the digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to the telephone number registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat the digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device.

[00017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, the system being programmed to register on a server system information related to the mobile subscriber, wherein the information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with the home service provider; and subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, to: establish communication over the Internet between the mobile digital communication device and the server system; obtain a virtual telephone number from the server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; update on the server system the virtual number currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for the mobile digital communication device; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with the home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; set up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device; wherein the mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of the digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to the telephone number registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat the digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device. [00018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel computer readable medium for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, the computer readable medium being programmed to register on a server system information related to the mobile subscriber, wherein the information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with the home service provider; and subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, to: establish communication over the Internet between the mobile digital communication device and the server system; obtain a virtual telephone number from the server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; update on the server system the virtual number currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for the mobile digital communication device; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with the home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; set up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device; wherein the mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of the digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to the telephone number registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat the digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device.

[00019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel server platform for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, the server platform being programmed to register on a server system information related to the mobile subscriber, wherein the information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with the home service provider; and subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, to: establish communication over the Internet between the mobile digital communication device and the server system; obtain a virtual telephone number from the server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; update on the server system the virtual number currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for the mobile digital communication device; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with the home service provider for the mobile digital communication device; set up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device; wherein the mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of the digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to the telephone number registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat the digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device.

[00020] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of various structures of the method and system, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00021] The novel features which arc believed to be characteristic of the method of and system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. Tt is expressly understood, however, that the drawings arc for the purpose of illustration and description only, and arc not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[00022] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of the method and system according to the present invention, illustrating the connectivity of the various servers of the mobile virtual communication infrastructure and the mobile virtual communication software installed on a mobile digital communication device;

[00023] Figure 2 is a process flow diagram of the of the method and system of Figure 1 , illustrating the decision process for processing incoming calls; and,

[00024] Figure 3 is a process flow diagram of the method and system of Figure 1 , illustrating the decision process for processing outgoing calls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[00025] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 3, which show an illustrated embodiment of the method and system according to the present invention. In brief, illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of and system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 100, for enacting digital communication for a MVC subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communication device 1 10 responsive to a telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14, also known as a home cellular operator 1 14, or a home operator 1 14. The illustrated embodiment of the invention includes an App-bascd Mobile Virtual Communication (MVC) Platform 104 consisting of Mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 downloaded to and installed on mobile digital communication devices 1 10, such as cellular telephones, tablets, and even personal computers, and also includes the backend infrastructure such as a server system 103, also known as a server platform. They arc denoted as MVC Apps 1 1 1 and MVC Infrastructure 103 respectively. The local and roaming communication services arc established with the coordination between the MVC Apps 1 1 1 and the MVC Infrastructure 103. The MVC Platform 104 is operated in terms of subscription model. The MVC subscriber 102 of the MVC Platform 104 is denoted as the MVC subscriber 102 and is a subscriber to a service that utilizes the present invention and also a subscriber to a home service provider 1 14, or in other words the home cellular operator 1 14.

[00026] The local and roaming communication service arc established by instructing the home operator

1 14 to exercise "call forward" feature that call forward the mobile number of MVC subscriber 102 to a virtual number 120. The virtual number 120 docs not tic to the actual telephone number 1 12 of the MVC subscriber 102. The virtual number 120 in turn tics to the MVC App 1 1 1 that is installed at the mobile digital communication device 1 10 of the MVC subscriber 102. When the home operator detects an incoming call to the mobile number of the MVC subscriber 102, the home operator 1 14 will forward the call to the virtual number 120. The MVC Infrastructure 103 then routes the call through the virtual number 1 0 to the MVC App 1 1 1. The MVC subscriber 102 picks up the call through the Apps. The local communication service with MVC App 1 1 1 and MVC Infrastructure 103 bypasses the exclusive end-to-end involvement of the home operator 1 14 and generates cost saving with respect to the mobile plan of the MVC subscriber 102. The roaming communication service with MVC App 1 1 1 and MVC Infrastructure 103 bypasses the traditional costly call establishment for roaming service between the home and the third party operator 124 (also known as the roaming operator). [00027] Preferably, the MVC Infrastructure 103, or in other words the App-bascd Mobile Virtual

Communication (MVC) Platform 104, includes a Communication Manager (CM) server 105, a Virtual Number (VN) server 106, an Accounting server 107, a Registration server 108, and a network of VoIP (Voice of IP) servers 109. FIGURE 1 illustrates the architectural diagram that shows the connectivity among the different servers of the MVC Infrastructure 103 as well as the connectivity between the MVC Infrastructure 103 and the MVC App 1 1 1.

[00028] With reference to Figure 1 , the Roaming Infrastructure consists of centralized repository of CM server 105, VN server 106, Accounting server 107, and Registration server 108. There are a multiple of VoIP servers 109. There will be one VoIP server 109 per Point-Of-Prcscnt (POP). The array of VoIP servers 109 is interconnected with dedicated bandwidth in mesh architecture. The mesh network of VoIP servers 109 provides the communication backbone for the MVC App 1 1 1. The centralized repository of CM server 105, VN server 106, Accounting server 107, and Registration server 108 connects to each of the VoIP servers 109 through dedicated bandwidth.

[00029] Also with reference to Figure 1 , the MVC App 1 1 1 connects to the mesh network of VoIP servers

109 through the Internet cloud 1 13. The Internet cloud 1 13 is cither the wireless network operated by the visited or the home network operator or Wi-Fi. In turn, the mesh network of VoIP servers 109 interface with PSTN through SIP Trunk and the Internet cloud 1 13 through dedicated bandwidth.

[00030] More specifically, and in one iispcct, the present invention comprises a method of digital communication for a MVC subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communication device 1 10 responsive to a telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14. The mobile digital communication device 1 10 must also have the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed thereon. The method comprises the step of registering on the server system 103 information related to the MVC subscriber 102, as indicated by reference numeral 130. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the information includes for each MVC subscriber 102 the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14. Preferably, the step 130 of registering the MVC subscribers 102 on a server is performed by the Registration server 108.

[00031 ] The method further comprises the step of downloading the mobile virtual communication software

1 1 1 to the registered mobile digital communication device 1 10, as indicated by the reference numeral 140. Preferably, the step 140 of downloading the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 to the mobile digital communication device 1 10 is performed by a Registration server 108.

[00032] Subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software

1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10 is enabled, there arc also the following steps.

[00033] Communication is enacting over the Internet cloud 1 13 between the mobile digital communication device 1 10 and the server system 103, as indicated by the reference numeral 150. In use, digital data 129 sent to the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14 via the Internet cloud 1 13 is sent via a mesh network of VoIP servers 109. In the event that data routed to the mobile digital communication device 1 10 is unable to route and terminate within the coverage of the mesh network of VoIP servers 109, the call is routed to the third party operator 124 for termination.

[00034] Further, an Accounting server 107 is updated with an indicator that telephone calls will be forwarded to the virtual telephone number, as indicated by the reference numeral 160.

[00035] A virtual telephone number is obtained from the server system 103, preferably from the Virtual

Number server 106, as indicated by the reference numeral 170, when requested by mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 1 . Also preferably, the virtual number 120 is obtained by the Communication Manager server 105. The step 170 of obtaining a virtual telephone number is performed when the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 is activated. [00036] The virtual telephone number is provided, as indicated by the reference numeral 180, to the home service provider 1 14 for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10.

[00037] Further, the step of activating the call forwarding feature for the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14, is performed each time the mobile virtual communication software 11 1 is activated, as indicated by the reference numeral 190.

[00038] The virtual number 120 is released when the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 is disabled, such as when the mobile digital communication device 1 10 is turned off, as indicated by the reference numeral 200.

[00039] The server system 103 is updated with the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered

MVC subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number for the mobile digital communication device 1 10, as indicated by the reference numeral 210. Preferably, the virtual number 120 is stored in the Virtual Number server 106.

[00040] Further, the step 210 of updating said server system 103 with the virtual number 120 currently assigned to said registered MVC subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device 1 10 comprises updating a VoIP server 109 with the virtual number 120 currently assigned to said registered MVC subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device 1 10. The VoIP server 109 is interconnected with the third party operator 124 via dedicated trunk telephone lines 126 for call termination. [00041] The next step is to activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10, as indicated by the reference numeral 220. In order to do this, the home service provider 1 14, also known as the home operator 1 14, activates the "call forward" feature to the virtual number 120.

[00042] Setting up the essential mechanism 1 15 is then performed, as indicated by the reference numeral

230, at the server system 103 and at the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device 1 10. Basically, the step of setting up the essential mechanism 1 15 at the server system 103 and at the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device 1 10 comprises checking the mapping between the virtual number 120 that the incoming call will forward to, and identifying the present IP address 122 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10 that will receive the forwarded call. When the Internet cloud 1 13 is accessed through the service provider/operator, or Wi-Fi provider (router), the unique IP address 122 (fixed or temporary) is granted to facilitate the communication such that the data will be sent to the specific mobile digital communication device 1 10, based on the IP address 122.

[00043] As can be readily seen, the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 provides to the server system 103 the Internet location, or in other words the unique IP address 122, of the mobile digital communication device 1 10. The digital data 129 sent to the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14 is forwarded to the server system 103, and preferably to the Virtual Number server 106 that is part of the server system 103. The digital data 129 sent to the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14 arc subsequently forwarded via the Internet cloud 1 13 to the mobile digital communication device 1 10, whereat the digital data 129 arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10 to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device 1 10.

[00044] The present invention further comprises the step of tracking the voice and data usage of each of the MVC subscribers 102, as indicated by the reference numeral 240. Preferably, the step 240 of tracking the voice and data usage of each of the MVC subscribers 102 is performed by the Accounting server 107. The update is mainly used by the Accounting server 107 to keep track of the utilization of the subscriber 102. In addition, if the MVC subscriber 102 choscs to make a long distance call with MVC App 1 1 1 to a destination that is not covered by the MVC VoIP coverage, then the calls will have to be handed off to the third party operator 124 for termination, the Accounting server 107 will keep track of the long distance cost incurred in this case.

[00045] The CM server 105 interacts with the MVC App 1 1 1 to activate the local and roaming communication service. With the request from the MVC App 1 1 1 , the CM server 105 obtains a virtual number 120 from the VN server 106 and instructs the home operator 1 14 to activate the "call forward" feature to the virtual number 120. The activation also involves sending update to the Accounting server 107 and the VoIP server 109 such that call from the home operator 1 14 will be send to the virtual number 120, then the VoIP server 109 and eventually to the MVC App 1 1 1.

[00046] The VN server 106 keeps track of the pool of the virtual number 120 that is free to be assigned to subscriber 102 with the activation of the local and the roaming communication service. In addition it keeps track of the virtual number 120 currently assigned to each MVC subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number. When the pool of virtual numbers 106 is fully assigned, communication service will not be able to offer to new request from the MVC App 1 1 1. Each virtual number 120 carries a fixed monthly cost.

[00047] The mechanism that allows the pool of virtual numbers 120 to be managed efficiently such that communication service is always available in a cost-effective manner is still being developed. As is presently- known, the VN server 106 applies formal mathematics and forecast model to manage the pool of the virtual number 120 to ensure that the availability of communication service is at 99.9%. VN server 106 collects the statistics from the usage of the virtual number pool and determines the availability of communication service and provides ongoing recommendation on the size of the virtual number pool. [00048] The Accounting server 107 keeps track of the voice and data usage of each of the MVC subscribers 102, and supports the reconciliation with the invoices from the third party operators 124 that terminates the traffic outside the coverage of the mesh network of VoIP servers 109. When MVC subscriber 102 purchases the credit related to the voice traffic that is terminated by the third party operator 124 when the voice traffic is not covered by the VoIP network of the MVC Infrastructure 103, the Accounting server 107 is updated accordingly.

[00049] The Registration server 108 is responsible for the registration of MVC subscribers 102 and the download of MVC App 1 1 1 to the mobile digital communication devices 1 10. The Registration server 108 maintains the web portal for the registration and the download of MVC App 1 1 1.

[00050] The VoIP server 109 is equipped with SIP trunk capability for supporting VoIP service with the public network. It is responsible for call routing and supports the transportation of voice and data traffic. There will be one VoIP server 109 per Point-Of-Prcscnt (POP). The array of VoIP servers 109 is interconnected with dedicated bandwidth in mesh architecture. The bandwidth is provisioned and monitored with industry standard to ensure the quality of real time voice and data service. The VoIP server 109 is interconnected with a third party operator 124 or in other words, a third party operator 124, via dedicated trunk telephone lines 126 for call termination. If call is unable to route and terminate within the coverage of the mesh network of VoIP servers 109, the call is routed to the third party operator 124 for termination. The routing is executed with respect to the practice of Least Cost Routing (LC ).

[00051] The MVC App 1 1 1 is designed to run on mobile digital communication devices 1 10 including mobile phone, tablets, and mobile computer. When the MVC App 1 1 1 is hosted on mobile digital communication devices 1 10, it has no dependence on the operating system of the hosting environment as long as data communication is established between the MVC App 1 1 1 and the MVC Infrastructure 103. The data communication is established through the wireless (GSM, CDMA, and Wi-Fi) network. [00052] The MVC App 1 1 1 is the voice and data communication hub for the MVC subscribers 102 when a connection is established between the MVC App 1 1 1 and the MVC Infrastructure 103. The communication services include voice communication, email access, video chat, Internet browsing, and MMS access in terms of different streaming services. The voice communication services of the MVC App 1 1 1 include the incoming and the outgoing calls. An incoming call is defined as a call that is attempting to connect to the telephone number of the roaming mobile digital communication device 1 10. An outgoing call is defined as a call that is initiated at the roaming mobile digital communication device 1 10, via the MVC App 1 1 1 , when connection is established between the MVC App 1 11 and the MVC Infrastructure 103. The data communication services of the MVC App 1 1 1 include email access, video chat, Internet browsing, and MMS access in terms of different streaming services.

[00053] The MVC App 1 1 1 provides subscribers 102 with account management services. The services include purchasing the credit related to the voice traffic that is terminated by the third party operator 124 when the voice traffic is not covered by the VoIP network of the MVC Infrastructure 103, disabling the local and the roaming communication service, activating the local and the roaming communication service, and reporting the current data and voice usage.

[00054] The MVC subscriber 102 enters their mobile plan with the home operator 1 14 into the MVC App

1 1 1. The mobile plan generally includes the monthly maximum voice minutes and data usage, or the unlimited voice and data usage by days of a week and hours of a day. Usage exceeds the mobile plan incurs additional charge to the MVC subscriber 102. With respect to the mobile plan and approval from the MVC subscriber, the MVC App 1 1 1 monitors the usage and avoids exceeding the mobile plan. When the hosted mobile device 1 10 with the MVC App 1 1 1 leaves a Wi-Fi network and discovers that it is under the coverage of the home operator 1 14, the MVC App 1 1 1 executes the following exclusive scenario. [00055] The mobile minute usage does not reach the monthly maximum with respect to the mobile plan from the home operator 1 14, the MVC App 1 1 1 instructs the CM server 105 to stop the call forward by the home operator 1 14 and release the virtual number 120 already assigned.

[00056] The mobile minute usage reaches the monthly maximum but data bandwidth is still available with respect to the mobile plan from the home operator 1 14, the MVC App 1 1 1 instructs the CM server 105 not to stop the call forward by the home operator 1 14. Mobile users continue to use the MVC App 1 1 1 to handle the incoming and the outgoing calls through the available data bandwidth provided by the home operator 1 14.

[00057] Both the mobile minute and data bandwidth reaches the monthly maximum, the MVC App 1 1 1 instructs the CM server 105 to stop the call forward by the home operator 1 14 and release the virtual number 120 already assigned.

[00058] The above scenarios arc pre-approved by the mobile users as part of settings to the MVC App 1 1 1.

[00059] The hosted mobile device with the MVC App 1 1 1 leaves a Wi-Fi network and discovers that it is outside of the coverage of the home operator 1 14. The MVC subscriber 1 10 is in roaming. The MVC App 1 1 1 executes the following exclusive scenario: The MVC App 1 1 1 detects the mobile hotspot like Mi-Fi that it can connect with acceptable signal strength. Mobile users continue to use the MVC App 1 1 1 to handle the incoming and the outgoing calls through the mobile hotspot.

[00060] The MVC App 1 1 1 detects the roaming data SIM at the hosted mobile device and the mobile users continue to use the MVC App 1 1 1 to handle the incoming and the outgoing calls through the roaming data connection. [00061 ] The MVC App 1 1 1 detects that the roaming function of the hosted mobile device is disabled, the

MVC App 1 1 1 will stop its data and voice communication service. In response to the communication failure with the assoc iated MVC App 1 1 1 , CM server 105 stops the call forwarding by the home operator 1 14 and releases the assigned virtual number 120.

[00062] The MVC App 1 1 1 detects that the roaming function of the hosted mobile device is enabled. With respect to the setting by the MVC subscriber 1 10, the MVC App 1 1 1 instructs the CM server 105 not to stop the call forward by the home operator 1 14. The MVC subscribers continue to use the MVC App 1 1 1 to handle the incom ing and the outgoing calls through the roaming data bandwidth provided by the third party operator 124. Or the MVC App 1 1 1 instructs the CM server 105 to stop the call forward by the home operator 1 14 and release the virtual number 120 assigned before and the MVC subscriber 102 is in voice and data roaming with the third party operator 124.

[00063] The above scenarios arc pre-approved by the mobile users as part of settings to the MVC App 1 1 1.

[00064] The MVC App 1 1 1 contains the list of contacts that their mobile devices arc installed with the

MVC App 1 1 1 . This contact list with MVC App 1 1 1 installed is extracted from the contact list within the hosted mobile device. MVC App 1 1 1 also highlights the ones from the MVC App 1 1 1 installed list that arc currently active in call forward by their home operators 1 14. Calling the contact with MVC App 1 1 1 active will not incur roaming charge or long distance charge on cither side.

[00065] For example, Brad and Kate arc both subscribers to a Canadian mobile network, and to a service utilizing the present invention. Both of their mobile digital communication devices 1 10 have the MVC App 1 1 1 installed thereon. Brad is on business travel across Europe. Kate is sitting inside a coffee shop in Canada. Kate activates her MVC App 1 1 1 with the Wi-Fi network inside the coffee shop and sees Brad is active with his MVC App 1 1 1 . By simple selecting Tom on the MVC App 1 1 1 contact list, Kate is talking to Brad with her MVC App 1 1 1 no matter where Brad is in Europe, with no roaming charges being incurred and no long distance charges incurred, to cither Brad or Kate.

[00066] The MVC App 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10 of the MVC subscriber 102 automatically contact the MVC server system 104 when data communication at the mobile digital communication device 1 10 is enabled. The MVC App 1 1 1 then sets up the communication service with MVC server and the MVC server provides the virtual number 120, activate call forwarding, registering the mapping between the virtual number 120 and the mobile number, and setting up the essential mechanism 1 15 at the server and the Apps to support the call routing. One party is not required to search the other across the Internet cloud 1 13. The MVC App 1 1 1 at the mobile digital communication device 1 10 knows its own location or IP address 122 and the location or IP address of the MVC server system 103, and takes the initiative to set up the communication service.

[00067] The step of activating the call forwarding feature is performed each time the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 is enabled and then dc-activatcd when the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 is disabled. For each activation of the MVC App 1 1 1 , a new virtual number 120 is extracted from the pool at the server for call forwarding the mobile number to the new virtual number 120. For each dc-activation at the MVC App 1 1 1 , the virtual number 120 assigned will be returned to the pool for new assignment at the server system 103, and stop the call forwarding accordingly.

[00068] The MVC App 1 1 1 that is enabled on the mobile device mobile digital communication device 1 10 of the MVC subscriber 102 automatically contacts the MVC server 104 when data communication at the mobile digital communication device 1 10 is enabled. The MVC App 1 1 1 then sets up the communication service with MVC server system 103 and the MVC server system 103, specifically the Virtual Number (VN) server 106, provides the virtual number 120, activates call forwarding, registers the mapping between the virtual number 120 and the mobile number, and sets up the essential mechanism 1 15 at the server and the MVC App 1 1 1 to support the call routing. The MVC App 1 1 1 at the mobile device knows the location or IP address 122 of the MVC server and takes the initiative to set up the communication service.

[00069] When the MVC subscriber 102 disables the local and the roaming communication service, the

MVC App 1 1 1 will turn off the communication service. The MVC subscriber 102 will be informed when the communication service is turned off and the MVC subscriber 102 is handed off to the communication service by the home operator 1 14 or the third party operator 124. With respect to this "hand-off event, the MVC App 1 1 1 informs the CM server 105 to turn off the call forwarding to the assigned virtual number 120 and the VN server 106 will put the assigned virtual number 120 into the pool for free assignment.

[00070] When the MVC subscriber 102 activates the local and the roaming communication service, the

MVC App 1 1 1 turns on the monitoring of Wi-Fi network. The MVC App 1 1 1 monitors the communication environment of the host mobile device constantly. When the MVC App 1 1 1 detects accessible Wi-Fi network with acceptable signal strength, MVC App 1 1 1 automatically connects to the CM server 105 to instruct the home operator 1 14 to forward the incoming calls to the MVC App 1 1 1. The mobile data and voice services of the MVC App 1 1 1 arc then offered through the connected Wi-Fi network.

[00071 ] For example, John's home operator 1 14 is a Canadian mobile network, and he is also a subscriber to a service utilizing the present invention, and therefore has the MVC App 1 1 1 on his mobile digital communication device 1 10. John has travelled to the UK for business. There is a secure Wi-Fi network inside John's company premise. Once John enters the company's premise with his Samsung Galaxy S4, the MVC App 1 1 1 automatically connects to Wi-Fi network and starts call re-routing. When John works inside the UK office throughout the day, his friends and family in Canada call him with his Canadian mobile number and will be able to talk to him free of roaming charges on John's side, and free of no long distance charge to his friends and family in Canada. Further, if John uses the MVC App 1 1 1 to call his friends and family in Canada without long distance and roaming charges. The incoming and the outgoing calls through the MVC App 1 1 1 bypasses the involvement of the Canadian mobile network.

[00072] The benefit of the MVC Platform technology is designed to significantly reduce the cost of local and the roaming communication services, by bypassing the exclusive participation of the home operator 1 14. The charge of roaming communication service is significantly reduced by by-passing the present tight and pricey collaboration between the home and the visited network operator.

[00073] The MVC Platform 104 is operated in terms of subscription model. Thcuscr has to register the service of the MVC Platform 104 by downloading the MVC App 1 1 1 onto the mobile digital communication device 1 10. The key differentiation of the MVC platform 104 and the prior art is that the mobile user can receive call through the MVC App 1 1 1 and bypass the involvement of the home operator 1 14. In other words, the mobile user is able to keep his/her mobile phone number for incoming and outgoing calls through the MVC App 1 1 1. This differentiation sets the present invention apart from the other communication platform like Skypc and Vibcr.

[00074] The above scenarios arc pre-approved by the mobile users as part of settings to the MVC App 1 1 1.

For example, Julia and her family have a family mobile plan with a U.S. mobile service provider. The family plan covers 1000 mobile minutes and unlimited data. Julia installs wireless routers in her home, as is common in the United States, and elsewhere. Julia and her family installs the MVC App 1 1 1 into their mobile phones. Whenever Julia and her family enter into their home, their MVC App 1 1 1 automatically switch the call connection from the U.S. mobile service provider to their MVC App 1 1 1 , through the wireless router. All their incoming and the outgoing mobile minutes within the house arc not accounted into the monthly 1000 mobile minutes of their family mobile plan.

[00075] The hosted mobile device 1 10 with the MVC App 1 1 1 leaves a Wi-Fi network and discovers that it is outside of the coverage of the home operator 1 14. The MVC subscriber is in roaming. The MVC App 1 1 1 executes the following exclusive scenario. The MVC App 1 1 1 detects the mobile hotspot like Mi-Fi that it can connect with acceptable signal strength. Mobile users continue to use the MVC App 1 1 1 to handle the incoming and the outgoing calls through the mobile hotspot.

[00076] The MVC App 1 1 1 detects the roaming data SIM at the hosted mobile device 1 10 and the mobile users continue to use the MVC App 1 1 1 to handle the incoming and the outgoing calls through the roaming data connection.

[00077] The MVC App 1 1 1 detects that the roaming function of the hosted mobile device is disabled, the

MVC App 1 1 1 will stop its data and voice communication service. In response to the communication failure with the associated MVC App 1 1 1 , CM server 105 stops the call forwarding by the home operator 1 14 and releases the virtual number 120 assigned before.

[00078] The MVC App 1 1 1 detects that the roaming function of the hosted mobile device is enabled. With respect to the setting by the MVC subscriber, the MVC App 1 1 1 instructs the CM server 105 not to stop the call forward by the home operator 1 14. The MVC subscribers continue to use the MVC App 1 1 1 to handle the incoming and the outgoing calls through the roaming data bandwidth provided by the third party operator. Or the MVC App 1 1 1 instructs the CM server 105 to stop the call forward by the home operator 1 14 and release the VN assigned before and the MVC subscriber is in voice and data roaming with the third party operator.

[00079] The above scenario arc pre-approved by the mobile users as part of settings to the MVC App 1 1 1.

[00080] The various data communications discussed above arc supported by the connection between the

MVC App 1 1 1 and the mesh network of VoIP servers 109. The mesh network of VoIP servers 109 is used as the data gateway between the MVC subscriber 102 and the Internet cloud 1 13. [00081] Incoming call is defined as the call that the called number is MVC subscriber's mobile number.

Figure 2 illustrates the decision process for processing incoming calls by the MVC App 1 1 1 and the MVC Infrastructure 103. If the call is generated by the MVC App 1 1 1. the mesh network of VoIP servers 109 checks with the CM server 105 and detects that the MVC subscriber is also using the MVC App 1 1 1. The mesh network of VoIP servers 109 retrieves the assigned virtual number 120 and uses it to call the MVC subscriber 102 through the associated MVC App 1 1 1. For example, John is a registered MVC subscriber with home operator 1 14 in Canada and is using MVC App 1 1 1 in London UK. His friend in London UK is able to call him through MVC App 1 1 1 without long distance and roaming charge by simply dialing his mobile phone number.

[00082] With respect to the decision process in Figure 2, if a landlinc or mobile device within the coverage of the home operator 1 14 generates the call, the home operator 1 14 will forward the incoming to call the virtual number 120. The CM server 105 and the VoIP server 109 will then pass the call to the MVC subscriber 102 through the associated MVC App 1 1 1. For example, John is a registered MVC subscriber with home operator 1 14 in Canada and is using MVC App 1 1 1 in London UK. His friend in Canada is able to call him through regular mobile phone without long distance and roaming charge by simply dialing his mobile phone number.

[00083] With respect to the decision process in Figure 2, if landlinc or mobile device outside of the coverage of the home operator 1 14 generates the call, the call is first routed to the home operator 1 14 from the third party operator 124 for termination. The home operator 1 14 will forward the incoming to call the virtual number 120. The CM server 105 and the VoIP server 109 will then pass the call to the MVC subscriber through the associated MVC App 1 1 1. For example, John is a registered MVC subscriber with home operator 1 14 in Canada and is using MVC App 1 1 1 in London UK. His friend in London UK is able to reach him through regular landlinc or mobile phone by simply dialing his mobile phone number. The call is first routed from the UK operator to the home operator 1 14 in Canada, then it is routed from the home operator 1 14 to the MVC Infrastructure 103 for call termination through the assigned virtual number 120. In this case, John's friend in UK will have to pay for the long distance charge while John will not pay for the roaming charge. [00084] An outgoing call is defined as the call originated by MVC subscriber when a connection is established between the MVC App 1 1 1 and the MVC Infrastructure 103. Figure 3 illustrates the decision process for processing outgoing calls by the MVC App 1 1 1 and the MVC Infrastructure 103. A registered MVC subscriber is calling another registered MVC subscriber that is also connecting to a Wi-Fi network. VoIP server 109 checks the called number with the CM server 105 and detects that the called subscriber is also using MVC App 1 1 1. The VoIP retrieves the virtual number 120 that is assigned to the called subscriber and uses it to call the registered MVC subscriber through the associated MVC App 1 1 1. For example, John is a registered MVC subscriber with home operator 1 14 in Canada and is using MVC App 1 1 1 in London UK. His friend Luke, with a home operator 1 14 in US, is also using MVC App 1 1 1 in HK. John is able to call Luke through MVC App 1 1 1 without long distance and roaming charge by simply dialing Luke's mobile phone number.

[00085] With respect to the decision process in Figure 3, a registered MVC subscriber 102 is calling someone that is not registered with the MVC Infrastructure 103. The VoIP server 109 and the CM server 105 first check if the called number is within the coverage of VoIP mesh network 109. If it is covered within the VoIP mesh network 109, the call will be terminated as local call. For example, John is a registered MVC subscriber with home operator 1 14 in Canada and is using MVC App 1 1 1 in London UK. His friend Luke with home operator 1 14 in Canada is presently in Canada. John is able to call Luke through the MVC App 1 1 1 without long distance and roaming charge by simply dialing Luke's mobile phone number. On the other hand, if the called number is not covered within the VoIP mesh network 109, the call will be hand-off to third party operator 124 for call termination. Least Cost Routing (LDR) is applied to minimize the termination cost. For example, John is a registered MVC subscriber 102 with home operator 1 14 in Canada and is using the MVC App 11 1 in London UK. His friend Luke with home operator 1 14 in Russia is presently in Russia. The MVC Infrastructure 103 docs not have VoIP installed at Russia. The closest VoIP server 109 to Russia is in Europe. The MVC Infrastructure 103 first routes the call to the VoIP server 109 in Europe and passes to third party operator 124 for call termination. John is able to call Luke through the MVC App 1 1 1 by simply dialing Luke's mobile phone number and the long distance charge is minimized with respect to the MVC Infrastructure 103.

[00086] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a system 100 for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communication device 1 10 responsive to a telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14, and having mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed thereon. The system 100 is programmed to register on a server system 103 information related to the mobile subscriber 102. The information includes for each mobile subscriber 102 the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14. Subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the digital communication device 1 10 is enabled, to establish communication over the Internet 1 13 between the mobile digital communication device 1 10 and the server system 103; obtain a virtual telephone number 120 from the server system 103 when requested by mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10; provide the virtual telephone number 120 to the home service provider 1 14 for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; update on the server system 103 the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number 1 12 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; and set up the essential mechanism 1 15 at the server system 103 and at the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device 1 10. The mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 provides to the server system 103 the internet location of the digital communication device 1 10. Digital data sent to the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server system 103, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet 1 13 to the mobile digital communication device 1 10, whereat the digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10 to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device 1 10. [00087] In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a computer readable medium 1 16 for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communication device 1 10 responsive to a telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14, and having mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed thereon. The computer readable medium 1 16 is programmed to register on a server system 103 information related to the mobile subscriber 102. The information includes for each mobile subscriber 102 the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14. Subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the digital communication device 1 10 is enabled, to establish communication over the Internet 1 13 between the mobile digital communication device 1 10 and the server system 103; obtain a virtual telephone number 120 from the server system 103 when requested by mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10; provide the virtual telephone number 120 to the home service provider 1 14 for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; update on the server system 103 the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number 1 12 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; and set up the essential mechanism 1 1 at the server system 103 and at the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device 1 10. The mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 provides to the server system 103 the internet location of the digital communication device 1 10. D igital data sent to the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server system 103 , and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet 1 13 to the mobile digital communication device 1 10, whereat the digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10 to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device 1 10. [00088] In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a server platform 104 for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communication device 1 10 responsive to a telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14, and having mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed thereon. The server platform 104 is programmed to register on a server system 103 information related to the mobile subscriber 102. The information includes for each mobile subscriber 102 the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14. Subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the digital communication device 1 10 is enabled, to establish communication over the Internet 1 13 between the mobile digital communication device 1 10 and the server system 103; obtain a virtual telephone number 120 from the server system 103 when requested by mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10; provide the virtual telephone number 120 to the home service provider 1 14 for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number 1 12 registered with a home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; update on the server system 103 the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number 1 12 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider 1 14 for the mobile digital communication device 1 10; and set up the essential mechanism 1 15 at the server system 103 and at the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 to support call routing to the mobile digital communication device 1 10. The mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 provides to the server system 103 the internet location of the digital communication device 1 10. Digital data sent to the telephone number 1 12 registered with the home service provider is forwarded to the server system 103, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet 1 13 to the mobile digital communication device 1 10, whereat the digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software 1 1 1 installed on the mobile digital communication device 1 10 to establish communications with the mobile digital communication device 1 10.

[00089] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who arc knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations arc considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and implementation of the method and system according to the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A method of digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, said method comprising the steps of: registering on a server system information related to said mobile subscriber, wherein said information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with said home service provider; and, subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when said mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, the steps of: enacting communication over the Internet between said mobile digital communication device and said server system; obtaining a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; providing the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; updating said server system with the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device; activating the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with said home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; setting up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of said digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat said digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to establish communications with said mobile digital communication device.

2. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of tracking the voice and data usage of each of the mobile subscribers.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein the step of tracking the voice and data usage of each of the mobile subscribers is performed by an accounting server.

4. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of registering said mobile subscribers on a server is performed by a registration server.

5. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of downloading said mobile virtual communication software to the registered mobile digital communication device.

6. The method of Claim 5, wherein the step of downloading said mobile virtual communication software to said mobile digital communication device is performed by a registration server.

7. The method of Claim 1 , wherein, in the step of obtaining a virtual telephone number, the virtual number is obtained from a virtual number server.

8. The method of Claim 1 , wherein, in the step of obtaining a virtual telephone number, the virtual telephone number is obtained by a communication manager server.

9. The method of Claim 1 , wherein, in the step of obtaining a virtual telephone number is performed when said mobile virtual communication software is activated.

10. The method of Claim 1 , wherein, in the step of updating the virtual number currently assigned to each mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number, the virtual number is stored in a virtual number server.

1 1 . The method of Claim 1 , wherein, the step of activating the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with said home service provider, is performed each time said mobile virtual communication software is activated.

12. The method of Claim 1, wherein the virtual number is released when the mobile virtual communication software is disabled.

13. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of updating an accounting server with an indicator that telephone calls will be forwarded to the virtual telephone number.

14. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said VoIP server is interconnected with a roaming operator via dedicated trunk telephone lines for call termination.

15. The method of Claim 1 , wherein, in use, digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider via the Internet is sent via a mesh network of VoIP servers.

16. The method of Claim 15, wherein, in the event that data routed to said mobile digital communication device is unable to route and terminate within the coverage of the mesh network of VoIP servers, the call is routed to the third party operator for termination.

17. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of updating said server system with the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device comprises updating a VoIP server with the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device.

18. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is forwarded to a virtual number server.

1 9. The method of Claim I , wherein the step of setting up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to said mobile digital communication device comprises checking the mapping between the virtual number that the incoming call will forward to, and identifying the present IP address for the mobile digital communication device that will receive the forwarded call.

20. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said server system comprises a Communication Manager (CM) server, a Virtual Number (VN) server, an Accounting server, and a Registration server.

21. A system for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, said system being programmed to: register on a server system information related to said mobile subscriber, wherein said information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with said home service provider; and, subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when said mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, to: establish communication over the Internet between said mobile digital communication device and said server system; obtain a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; update on said server system the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device; activating the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with said home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; set up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of said digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat said digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to establish communications with said mobile digital communication device.

22. A computer readable medium for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, said computer readable medium programmed to: register on a server system information related to said mobile subscriber, wherein said information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with said home service provider; and, subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when said mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, to: establish communication over the Internet between said mobile digital communication device and said server system; obtain a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; update on said server system the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with said home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; set up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of said digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat said digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to establish communications with said mobile digital communication device.

23. A server platform for enacting digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device responsive to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, said server platform programmed to; register on a server system information related to said mobile subscriber, wherein said information includes for each mobile subscriber the telephone number registered with said home service provider; and, subsequent to the above step, wherein, in use, when said mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, to: establish communication over the Internet between said mobile digital communication device and said server system; obtain a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual telephone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the active call forwarding telephone number for the telephone number registered with a home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; update on said server system the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number for said mobile digital communication device; activate the call forwarding feature for the telephone number registered with said home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; set up the essential mechanism at the server system and at the mobile virtual communication software to support call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides to the server system the internet location of said digital communication device, and wherein digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is forwarded to the server system, and is subsequently forwarded via the Internet to the mobile digital communication device, whereat said digital data arc received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to establish communications with said mobile digital communication device.