WO2011080635A2 - A system wherein costs of identifying sim cards to gsm systems is reduced - Google Patents
A system wherein costs of identifying sim cards to gsm systems is reduced Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2011080635A2 WO2011080635A2 PCT/IB2010/055710 IB2010055710W WO2011080635A2 WO 2011080635 A2 WO2011080635 A2 WO 2011080635A2 IB 2010055710 W IB2010055710 W IB 2010055710W WO 2011080635 A2 WO2011080635 A2 WO 2011080635A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sim card
- imsi
- eir
- unit
- real
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
- H04W8/265—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support for initial activation of new user
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/70—Administration or customization aspects; Counter-checking correct charges
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/70—Administration or customization aspects; Counter-checking correct charges
- H04M15/715—Activating new subscriber or card
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system which reduces costs of identifying IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier) numbers to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) systems.
- IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identifier
- GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
- SIM cards Before distributing the new SIM cards to their subscribers, operators first identify these SIM cards to the GSM systems and then distribute the cards to the dealers. In this situation, if the numbers desired by the subscribers are not available at that dealer, the subscriber has to go to another dealer or purchase another number apart from the number that s/he desires. In order to solve this problem, after the SIM cards identified to the GSM systems are sent to the dealers, the information (IMSI) in the SIM card is changed in accordance with the number desired by the subscriber and they are re-identified to the GSM system.
- IMSI information
- the Chinese patent document CN 1444414 in the state of the art discloses a method wherein subscribers can change the IMSI codes by their own telephones.
- US5765105 discloses a system which enables the same IMSI number to be used in a plurality of mobile devices.
- the United States patent document US6556820 discloses a system which uses a single TMSI (temporary mobile subscriber identification) number.
- TMSI temporary mobile subscriber identification
- authentication of a SIM card is postponed if there is an ongoing authentication process of another SIM card at the same time.
- IMSI codes In order for the desired numbers to be identified to the SIM card over the air, there need to be dummy IMSI codes in the SIM cards and the said codes should be identified to the GSM system. Operators intend to identify a specific IMSI series to new SIM cards by using it cyclically, with the purpose of reducing the cost of identifying these IMSI codes, which are going to be used only during subscription phase, to the GSM system.
- the objective of the present invention is to realize a system which uses the IMSI numbers in the SIM cards, which are stored by the GSM operators to distribute new SIM cards, cyclically to reduce the costs of identifying these temporarily used IMSI numbers to the GSM systems.
- Another objective of the present invention is to realize a system wherein the number of dummy IMSI codes, which are provided to the field in SIM card subscriptions made OTA (Over The Air) by the operators, is reduced.
- a further objective of the invention is to realize a system wherein the identification costs in HLR (Home Location Register) are reduced by preventing a dummy IMSI code from connecting to the network while another dummy IMSI code whose SIM card is sold is being processed.
- Another objective of the invention is to realize a system wherein the dummy IMSI codes are replaced with real IMSI codes as soon as the SIM card is sold and thus the unique IMSI code is enabled to circulate within the network.
- Figure 1 is the block diagram of the inventive system.
- FIG. 1 is the flowchart of the inventive system.
- SCPC SIM Card Personalization Center
- HLR Home Location Register
- the inventive system (1) essentially comprises a device (2) having a SIM card (21), an EIR unit (3), a SIM card personalization center (4), an HLR (5) and CAS systems (6).
- the device (2) is a mobile phone.
- the inventive system (1) in order for the subscription operations to be carried out in the field via OTA (Over the Air), the dummy IMSI codes are cyclically identified to the SIM cards (21) by the SIM card producer.
- the EIR unit (3) which is the location in the network where the initial control of IMSI in addition to IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is performed, is customized.
- the inventive system (1) operates with the steps of
- the device (2) transmitting the dummy IMSI code of the SIM card (21) to the EIR unit (3) by sending "checklMEI” message to the EIR unit (3) (102),
- EIR unit (3) receiving the dummy IMSI code of the SIM card (21) and blocking use of this IMSI code by devices with other IMEIs until activation of the SIM card (21) is completed (103),
- EIR unit (3) transmitting to the SIM card personalization center (4) the information of detection of a new SIM card (21) and the dummy IMSI information of the said card (21) (104),
- SIM card personalization center (4) prompting the device (2) for the serial number of the SIM card (21) by using the IMSI information transmitted thereto (105),
- the SIM card personalization center After obtaining the serial number of the SIM card (21), the SIM card personalization center (4) requesting from the CAS systems (6) the real MSISDN and real IMSI codes corresponding to the serial number of the SIM card (21) (106),
- the SIM card personalization center After obtaining the real MSISDN and real IMSI codes, the SIM card personalization center (4) sending the real IMSI code to the device (2) and writing it into the SIM card (21) (107), SIM card personalization center (4) reporting to the HLR the real MSISDN code assigned to the real IMSI (108),
- the EIR unit (3) deallocating the dummy IMSI code for use by different IMEIs (110). e system (1),
- the IMSI code coming from the identified IMSI numbers range is and the IMEI code values belonging to the device (2) whose SIM card (21) is to be activated are matched in the EIR unit (3), and messages having the same IMSI coming from only this IMEI value is transmitted to the network by the EIR unit (3).
- the EIR unit (3) receives the concerned IMSI information from within the "checkJMEI" message transmitted thereto during activation, blocks use of this IMSI by other IMEIs for a period of time, and transmits the concerned IMSI information to the SIM card personalization center (4).
- SIM card personalization center (4) prompts the SIM card (21) for the serial number by using the IMSI information transmitted thereto.
- the real MSISDN Mobile Station ISDN Number
- IMSI codes corresponding to the SIM card (21) are found from the CAS systems (6) and written into the SIM card (21).
- the concerned dummy IMSI lock on the EIR unit (3) is removed and activation of the other SIM cards having the same IMSI is allowed.
- the identification costs in HLR are reduced by preventing a dummy IMSI code from connecting to the network while another dummy IMSI code whose SIM card is sold is being processed.
- the dummy IMSI codes are replaced with real IMSI codes as soon as the SIM card is sold and thus the unique IMSI code is enabled to circulate within the network.
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system (1), wherein EIR unit (3), which is the location where the initial IMEI and IMSI controls are performed, is customized by using a device (2) having a SIM card (21), an EIR unit (3), a SIM card personalization center (4), an HLR (5) and CAS systems (6), in order to reduce costs of identifying SIM cards to GSM systems.
Description
A SYSTEM WHEREIN COSTS OF IDENTIFYING SIM CARDS TO GSM
SYSTEMS IS REDUCED
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system which reduces costs of identifying IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier) numbers to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) systems. Background of the Invention
Before distributing the new SIM cards to their subscribers, operators first identify these SIM cards to the GSM systems and then distribute the cards to the dealers. In this situation, if the numbers desired by the subscribers are not available at that dealer, the subscriber has to go to another dealer or purchase another number apart from the number that s/he desires. In order to solve this problem, after the SIM cards identified to the GSM systems are sent to the dealers, the information (IMSI) in the SIM card is changed in accordance with the number desired by the subscriber and they are re-identified to the GSM system.
The Chinese patent document CN 1444414 in the state of the art discloses a method wherein subscribers can change the IMSI codes by their own telephones.
The United States patent document US5765105 discloses a system which enables the same IMSI number to be used in a plurality of mobile devices.
The United States patent document US6556820 discloses a system which uses a single TMSI (temporary mobile subscriber identification) number. In the said system, authentication of a SIM card is postponed if there is an ongoing authentication process of another SIM card at the same time.
In order for the desired numbers to be identified to the SIM card over the air, there need to be dummy IMSI codes in the SIM cards and the said codes should be identified to the GSM system. Operators intend to identify a specific IMSI series to new SIM cards by using it cyclically, with the purpose of reducing the cost of identifying these IMSI codes, which are going to be used only during subscription phase, to the GSM system. For example, when 1 million SIM cards with temporary IMSI values are provided to the field, only 1000 IMSI codes are intended to be identified to these SIM cards. However such a situation may cause 1000 SIM cards having the same IMSI code to exist in the field and concurrent activation of SIM cards with the same IMSI code disrupts the system. Thus concurrent activation of SIM cards having the same IMSI code should be prevented.
Summary of the Invention
The objective of the present invention is to realize a system which uses the IMSI numbers in the SIM cards, which are stored by the GSM operators to distribute new SIM cards, cyclically to reduce the costs of identifying these temporarily used IMSI numbers to the GSM systems.
Another objective of the present invention is to realize a system wherein the number of dummy IMSI codes, which are provided to the field in SIM card subscriptions made OTA (Over The Air) by the operators, is reduced. A further objective of the invention is to realize a system wherein the identification costs in HLR (Home Location Register) are reduced by preventing a dummy IMSI code from connecting to the network while another dummy IMSI code whose SIM card is sold is being processed.
Another objective of the invention is to realize a system wherein the dummy IMSI codes are replaced with real IMSI codes as soon as the SIM card is sold and thus the unique IMSI code is enabled to circulate within the network. Detailed Description of the Invention
The system realized to fulfill the objective of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is the block diagram of the inventive system.
Figure 2 is the flowchart of the inventive system.
The parts in the figures are each given a reference numeral where the numerals refer to the following:
1. System
2. Device
21. SIM card
3. EIR unit (Equipment Identity Register)
4. SIM Card Personalization Center (SCPC)
5. HLR (Home Location Register)
6. CAS systems (Customer Application Systems)
A. Subscriber The inventive system (1) essentially comprises a device (2) having a SIM card (21), an EIR unit (3), a SIM card personalization center (4), an HLR (5) and CAS systems (6).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device (2) is a mobile phone.
In the inventive system (1), in order for the subscription operations to be carried out in the field via OTA (Over the Air), the dummy IMSI codes are cyclically identified to the SIM cards (21) by the SIM card producer. In order for the said SIM cards (21) not to connect to the network concurrently and affect each other, the EIR unit (3), which is the location in the network where the initial control of IMSI in addition to IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is performed, is customized.
The inventive system (1) operates with the steps of
Operating the device (2) after a SIM card (21) is purchased from a dealer and inserted into the subscriber's device (2) (101),
The device (2) transmitting the dummy IMSI code of the SIM card (21) to the EIR unit (3) by sending "checklMEI" message to the EIR unit (3) (102),
EIR unit (3) receiving the dummy IMSI code of the SIM card (21) and blocking use of this IMSI code by devices with other IMEIs until activation of the SIM card (21) is completed (103),
EIR unit (3) transmitting to the SIM card personalization center (4) the information of detection of a new SIM card (21) and the dummy IMSI information of the said card (21) (104),
SIM card personalization center (4) prompting the device (2) for the serial number of the SIM card (21) by using the IMSI information transmitted thereto (105),
- After obtaining the serial number of the SIM card (21), the SIM card personalization center (4) requesting from the CAS systems (6) the real MSISDN and real IMSI codes corresponding to the serial number of the SIM card (21) (106),
- After obtaining the real MSISDN and real IMSI codes, the SIM card personalization center (4) sending the real IMSI code to the device (2) and writing it into the SIM card (21) (107),
SIM card personalization center (4) reporting to the HLR the real MSISDN code assigned to the real IMSI (108),
- Completing activation of the SIM card (21 ) ( 109),
- Upon completion of the SIM card (21) activation, the EIR unit (3) deallocating the dummy IMSI code for use by different IMEIs (110). e system (1),
- Ranges of the cyclic IMSI numbers available in the field are identified in the EIR unit (3).
- The IMSI code coming from the identified IMSI numbers range is and the IMEI code values belonging to the device (2) whose SIM card (21) is to be activated are matched in the EIR unit (3), and messages having the same IMSI coming from only this IMEI value is transmitted to the network by the EIR unit (3).
If a message of the same IMSI comes from an IMEI code of a different SIM card, this message is rejected by the EIR unit (3). Thus a dummy IMSI lock is established at the EIR unit (3) for the SIM cards having the same IMSI. If the said message is not rejected and activation of the other SIM card is not blocked, the message flows to the SIM card (21) which is principally attempted to be activated will be distorted. This step prevents occurrence of this situation.
The EIR unit (3) receives the concerned IMSI information from within the "checkJMEI" message transmitted thereto during activation, blocks use of this IMSI by other IMEIs for a period of time, and transmits the concerned IMSI information to the SIM card personalization center (4).
SIM card personalization center (4) prompts the SIM card (21) for the serial number by using the IMSI information transmitted thereto. By means of this SIM card serial number, the real MSISDN (Mobile Station ISDN Number) and IMSI codes corresponding to the SIM card (21) are found from the CAS systems (6) and written into the SIM card (21).
- After the process is completed, the concerned dummy IMSI lock on the EIR unit (3) is removed and activation of the other SIM cards having the same IMSI is allowed. By means of the inventive system (1), the identification costs in HLR are reduced by preventing a dummy IMSI code from connecting to the network while another dummy IMSI code whose SIM card is sold is being processed. The dummy IMSI codes are replaced with real IMSI codes as soon as the SIM card is sold and thus the unique IMSI code is enabled to circulate within the network.
It is possible to develop a wide variety of embodiments of the inventive system (1). The invention cannot be limited to the examples described herein and it is essentially according to the claims.
Claims
A system (1) employing a device (2) having a SIM card (21), an EIR unit (3), a SIM card personalization center (4), an HLR (5) and CAS systems (6), and characterized in that it carries out the steps of
operating the device (2) after a SIM card (21) is purchased from a dealer and inserted into the subscriber's device (2) (101),
the device (2) transmitting the dummy IMSI code of the SIM card (21) to the EIR unit (3) by sending "checklMEI" message to the EIR unit (3) (102),
EIR unit (3) receiving the dummy IMSI code of the SIM card (21) and blocking use of this IMSI code by devices with other IMEIs until activation of the SIM card (21) is completed (103),
EIR unit (3) transmitting to the SIM card personalization center (4) the information of detection of a new SIM card (21) and the dummy IMSI information of the said card (21) (104),
SIM card personalization center (4) prompting the device (2) for the serial number of the SIM card (21) by using the IMSI information transmitted thereto (105),
after obtaining the serial number of the SIM card (21), the SIM card personalization center (4) requesting from the CAS systems (6) the real MSISDN and real IMSI codes corresponding to the serial number of the SIM card (21) (106),
after obtaining the real MSISDN and real IMSI codes, the SIM card personalization center (4) sending the real IMSI code to the device (2) and writing it into the SIM card (21) (107),
SIM card personalization center (4) reporting to the HLR the real MSISDN code assigned to the real IMSI (108),
completing activation of the SIM card (21) (109),
upon completion of the SIM card (21) activation, the EIR unit (3) deallocating the dummy IMSI code for use by different IMEIs (110).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TR2009/09977A TR200909977A2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2009-12-30 | It is a system where the promotion costs of sim cards to gsm systems are reduced. |
TR2009/09977 | 2009-12-30 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2011080635A2 true WO2011080635A2 (en) | 2011-07-07 |
WO2011080635A3 WO2011080635A3 (en) | 2011-11-10 |
Family
ID=44246944
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2010/055710 WO2011080635A2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2010-12-10 | A system wherein costs of identifying sim cards to gsm systems is reduced |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
TR (1) | TR200909977A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011080635A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2547130A1 (en) * | 2011-07-12 | 2013-01-16 | Giesecke & Devrient GmbH | Method and identification module for network selection |
EP3231205A4 (en) * | 2014-12-10 | 2018-11-07 | Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) | Methods providing wireless device subscription information and related network nodes and wireless devices |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5765105A (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1998-06-09 | Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. | Communication system capable of using a plurality of subscriber identity media sharing a single subscriber identity information |
US6556820B1 (en) | 1998-12-16 | 2003-04-29 | Nokia Corporation | Mobility management for terminals with multiple subscriptions |
CN1444414A (en) | 2002-03-12 | 2003-09-24 | 斯伦贝谢神码(北京)信息技术有限公司 | User identification module card, method for activating user identification module card in sky and its system |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7266371B1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2007-09-04 | Cingular Wireless Ii, Llc | Activation and remote modification of wireless services in a packet network context |
US6879825B1 (en) * | 2000-11-01 | 2005-04-12 | At&T Wireless Services, Inc. | Method for programming a mobile station using a permanent mobile station identifier |
WO2009053918A2 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Cell C (Proprietary) Limited | Method and system for on demand provisioning in a mobile communication network |
EP2114063A1 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2009-11-04 | Nokia Siemens Networks Oy | Advanced pre-provisioning |
DE102008024798A1 (en) * | 2008-05-23 | 2009-12-17 | T-Mobile International Ag | Method for over-the-air personalization of smart cards in telecommunications |
-
2009
- 2009-12-30 TR TR2009/09977A patent/TR200909977A2/en unknown
-
2010
- 2010-12-10 WO PCT/IB2010/055710 patent/WO2011080635A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5765105A (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1998-06-09 | Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. | Communication system capable of using a plurality of subscriber identity media sharing a single subscriber identity information |
US6556820B1 (en) | 1998-12-16 | 2003-04-29 | Nokia Corporation | Mobility management for terminals with multiple subscriptions |
CN1444414A (en) | 2002-03-12 | 2003-09-24 | 斯伦贝谢神码(北京)信息技术有限公司 | User identification module card, method for activating user identification module card in sky and its system |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2547130A1 (en) * | 2011-07-12 | 2013-01-16 | Giesecke & Devrient GmbH | Method and identification module for network selection |
WO2013007375A1 (en) | 2011-07-12 | 2013-01-17 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Method and identification module for network selection |
US9119140B2 (en) | 2011-07-12 | 2015-08-25 | Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh | Method and identification module for network selection |
EP3231205A4 (en) * | 2014-12-10 | 2018-11-07 | Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) | Methods providing wireless device subscription information and related network nodes and wireless devices |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TR200909977A2 (en) | 2011-07-21 |
WO2011080635A3 (en) | 2011-11-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6445914B1 (en) | Method to perform subsidy protection for TDMA mobile stations | |
CN108475322B (en) | Method and apparatus for enhanced machine type communication | |
US8718710B2 (en) | Method for automatic provisioning of a SIM card | |
US8346214B2 (en) | Self provisioning of wireless terminals in wireless networks | |
US8498615B2 (en) | Self provisioning of wireless terminals in wireless networks | |
EP2835994B1 (en) | Methods and devices for performing a mobile network switch | |
CA2442623A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for anonymous network access in the absence of a mobile subscriber identity module | |
CN103765938B (en) | The stolen detecting system of mobile terminal | |
EP2141887B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for determining validity of mobile subscriber identifier in mobile communication terminal | |
US9271148B2 (en) | Authentication in a wireless telecommunications network | |
US8706101B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for associating a subscriber directory identifier to a subscriber identifier | |
CN101494854A (en) | Method, system and equipment for preventing SIM LOCK from being unlocked illegally | |
CN102711096A (en) | Method, device and terminal for card personalization over the air | |
KR100326484B1 (en) | Process and communication system for the first registration of data concerning a mobile subscriber into a central subscriber data base | |
CN101321351B (en) | Method for dynamically implementing one-card multi-number of mobile terminal | |
WO2011080635A2 (en) | A system wherein costs of identifying sim cards to gsm systems is reduced | |
KR100964246B1 (en) | Lost mobile management system for out bound roaming and method thereof | |
EP3054712B1 (en) | A method for changing a subscription for a mobile telecommunications network on a security module | |
WO2011080636A2 (en) | A system wherein costs of identifying sim cards to gsm systems is reduced | |
CN100442940C (en) | Method for eliminating same wireless terminal | |
CN109088975B (en) | Method and apparatus for changing mobile phone card | |
EP2387263B1 (en) | Authenticating a mobile device | |
CN104254057A (en) | Short message transmission method, system and equipment | |
CN101277533A (en) | Method, apparatus and system for reinforcing communication security | |
FI120022B (en) | Method of opening a connection in a mobile telecommunications network |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 10834074 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 10834074 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |