WO2013003610A1

WO2013003610A1 - Pre-paid local number without local number

Info

Publication number: WO2013003610A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/044678
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Yue Jun Jiang
Original assignee: Roamware, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-06-28
Filing date: 2012-06-28
Publication date: 2013-01-03
Also published as: EP2727327A4; EP2727327A1

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems for facilitating mobile communications of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network. The method includes receiving, at a service node, a registration message by the subscriber to register with the visited network. The method further includes facilitating, via the service node, completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network. Further, the method includes facilitating, via the service node, a mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network using a local number.

Description

PRE-PAID LOCAL N UMBER WITHOUT LOCAL NUMBER

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No,

61/502,071 titled PRE-PAID LOCAL WITHOUT LOCAL NUMBER filed on June 28, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein,

FIELD OF THE INVENTIO

The present invention generally relates to mobile communication of roaming subscribers, More specifically, the invention relates to facilitating the subscriber's mobile communication at local rates even when they are roaming in a visited network.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication services to roaming subscribers are becoming increasingly popular with increasing number of roamers. Network operators across the world tend to earn maximum revenues from these roamers. The roaming subscribers who visit different countries or states add to the majority of this roaming revenue. Hence, many of these network operators offer international roaming (or national roaming) to inbound roamers visiting their coverage area. Moreover, these network operators also offer national or international roaming to their outbound roaming subscribers. Additionally, they provide various value added services (VAS) such as Prepaid Local Number (PLN). Missed Call Alert (MCA), and GPRS roaming services to entice these national or international roamers, in order to increase their overall revenue.

In order to provide these services, a visited network (VPMN) operator needs possess a roaming agreement with a home network (HPMN) operator in order to be able to offer the PLWLN services to its inbound roaming subscribers from the HPMN operator. This service allows the VPMN operator to offer its inbound roaming subscribers a Prepaid Local Number (i.e. PLN) without changing their home network's SIM card. However, the system does not provide the inbound roaming subscribers with the PLN in the non-partner visited networks, which do not have a roaming agreement with the home network operator. This prohibits the subscribers roaming in the non-partner networks from receiving or making calls on their HPMN MSISDN. Moreover, the inbound roaming subscribers, using their respective PLNs, are charged for their mobile communication activities at rates that are less than international roaming rates. However, these charges are still close to national roaming rates, and hence the facility is not entirely at local dialing rates.

In accordance with the foregoing, there is a need in the art of a system and a method that allows the VPMN operator to provide the PLWLN service in the VPMN to its inbound roaming subscribers of the HPMN, provisioning the subscriber to enjoy MO activities while keeping his home service intact without changing his SIM or handset.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a method for facilitating mobile communication of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network. The method includes receiving at a service node, a registration message by the subscriber to register with the visited network. The method further includes facilitating by the service node, completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network. Further, the method includes facilitating by the sendee node, mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network using a local number.

Another aspect of the invention presents a system that uses a service to node to facilitate mobile communication of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network. The service node receives a registration message by the subscriber to register with the visited network. The service node further facilitates the completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network. Further, the service node facilitates mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network using a local number.

F DESC1

In the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. FIG. 1 represents a system for providing Prepaid Local Number Without Local Number (PLWLN) service to a subscriber of Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) roaming in a Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN), in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG, 2 represents a flowchart for providing the PLWLN service to the subscriber in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram representing a registration process of the subscriber attempting to register with the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing a registration process of the subscriber attempting to register with the VPMN where the subscriber profile has Roaming Not Allowed (RNA), in accordance with an aspect of the present invention:

FIG. 5 represents a flow diagram for activation / top-up of the PL WLN service for the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) call from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) SMS from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

DET^ILEB_.D SC PTION

in the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may be omitted or simplified, so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to "one aspect" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic, described in connection with the aspect, is included in at least one aspect of the invention. The appearance of the phrase "in an aspect," in various places in the specification, does not necessarily refer to the same variation. The present invention provides a system and method to facilitate mobile communication of a subscriber associated with a home network and roaming in a visited network. The system enables a VPMN operator to provide a Prepaid Local Number Without Local Number (PLWLN) service to its inbound roaming subscriber to be able perform MO activities at a local rate while keeping their home number service intact and without changing their SIM or handset. The system, in another aspect of the present invention, provides an authentication mechanism to authenticate the subscriber with his home network in case the HPMN has a NRA with the VPMN. In one aspect of the present invention, the visited network may use a sponsoring network of a visited network that has a roaming agreement with the home network to authenticate the subscriber. In another aspect of the present invention, the visited network may utilize the SS7 or non-SS7 (e.g., SS7 SMS based or non-SS7 SMS based) inter- working relationship with the home network to verify the subscriber's identity.

The system further allows the subscriber to receive and make calls from his S IS DM of the home network, in addition to making calls from this home MSISDN at local rates without using a local number or switching his home number, while roaming in the visited network. The system further facilitates the subscriber with an MT SMS services on his home network MSISDN, while he is roaming in the visited network. Additionally, configuration settings at various components in the visited network are used to enable redirection of the subscriber's call control to a service node being deployed in the visited network. The service node upon receiving the call control, allows the subscriber to perform various call and non-call related activities in the visited network.

The present system caters to both postpaid and prepaid subscribers of the home network, while they are roaming in the visited network. Moreover, the PLWLN service offered by the visited network operator complies with BA 30 and BA 47 guidelines, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. This guideline ensures that the subscriber of the home network operator registers with the visited network only when the following criteria are met; the subscriber manually selects the visited network, the subscriber consents to the PLWLN service in the visited network, or there is no other network operator's coverage other than the visited networks' coverage. The system further provides a charging mechanism that charges the subscriber's mobile activities in the visited network, such as calls and SMS at local rates. The system further provides the subscriber with an option whether he wants to avail the PLWLN facility on a temporary basis, or for a longer duration,

FIG, 1 represents a system 100 for providing the PLWLN service to the subscriber of a Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) in a Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN), The system includes an HPMN 102 (i.e. home network) and a VPMN 104 (i.e. visited network). In one aspect of the present invention, HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 are located in the same country. In another aspect of the present invention, HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 are located in different countries. A subscriber 106, who is originally associated with HPMN 102, attempts to register with VPMN 104, The VPMN 104 operator provides the PLWLN service to subscriber 106. In one aspect of the present invention, HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 exchange signaling via a Signaling System 7 (SS7) inter-working relationship. In another aspect of the present invention, HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 exchange signaling using a non-SS7 inter- working via an indirect relationship. The indirect relationship can be an intermediate operator between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104. Moreover, when there exists an SS7 based SMS inter- working or non-SS7 based SMS inter-working between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104, they may also exchange SMSs (like MAP RegisterSS), in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

HPMN 102 includes a Home Location Register (HLR) 108, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center/Signal Transfer Point (GMSC/STP) 1 10, and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 1 12, Since HLR 108, GMSC/STP 110, and SMSC 1 12 reside in HPMN 102, they are hereinafter referred to as HLR-i ! 108, GMSC-H 1 10, and SMSC-H 1 12, respectively. HLR-H 108, GMSC-H 1 10, and SMSC-H 1 12 are interconnected, and communicate with each other over an SS7 link. HLR-H 108 is interchangeably, referred to as home location information database, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

System 100 further includes in VPMN 104 a sendee node 1 14, In one aspect of the invention, the service node 114 intercepts all incoming and outgoing signaling messages from VPMN 104. In another aspect of the invention, the service node 114 uses a monitoring node to probe the international signaling links between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104. In addition, VPMN 104 uses service node 114 to provide the PLWL service to subscriber 106, Hence, service node 1 14 acts as an HLR to the pool of pre-defined local numbers (i.e. PLNs) provisioned by VPMN 104. Various other functionalities of service node 1 14 are described later in context of the present invention.

VPMN 104 further includes a Gateway Mobile Switching Center/Signal Transfer Point (GMSC/STP) 1 16, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 118, and a Visited Mobile Switching Center/ Visited Location Register (VMSC/VLR) 120, Since GMSC/STP 1 16, SMSC 1 18, and VMSC/VLR 120 reside in VPMN 104, they are hereinafter referred to as GMSC-V 1 16, SMSC-V 1 18, and VMSC-V VLR-V 120, respectively. GMSC-V 1 16, SMSC-V 118, and VMSC-V/VLR-V 120 are interconnected and communicate with each other over an SS7 link. GMSC-V 1 16 is interchangeably, referred to as a gateway switching center, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. In addition, VMSC-V/VLR-V 120 is interchangeably referred to as a switching unit, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. System 100 further includes in VPMN 104, a Prepaid System (PPS-V) 122 for handling billing of the subscribers.

In an aspect of the present invention, as there is NRA or RNA between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104, then VPMN 104 uses service node 114 to authenticate subscriber 106, with HPMN 102 using the SS7 or the non-SS7 based SME inter- working relationship between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104. Alternatively, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, service node 1.14 may use a sponsoring network of VPMN 104 to exchange signaling with HPMN 102, and thereby authenticating subscriber 106 with HPMN 102. Sponsoring network has a roaming agreement with both HPMN 102 and VPMN 104.

As mentioned above, VPMN 104 allocates service node 1 14, the pool of predefined local numbers of VPMN 104 with their corresponding IMSIs. Subscriber 106 can either send a request (i.e. via an. SMS or an USSD request or a Web request) to VPMN 104, or can manually select VPMN 104 in his registration attempt, in order to avail the PLWLN service in VPMN 104. Upon receiving the subscriber's registration attempt at VPMN 104, service node 1 14 retrieves a PLN from the pool of pre-defined local numbers, and sends it to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120.

In an aspect of the present invention, subscriber 106 attempts to register with VPMN 104 when there is no network coverage, from any roaming partner network operator of HPMN 102, in proximity to VPMN 1.04. This is essentially done to ensure that VPMN 104 conforms to BA 30 and B47 guideline, before it allows subscriber 106 to register at VPMN 104. The BA 30 guideline states that: QUOTE:

"With regard to Roaming Subscribers belonging to an HPMN Operator with whom an Operator does not have an Agreement, such Operators are also prohibited from applying any technical network-based method contravening 3 GPP standards which would interfere with the selection of other VPMN(s) with whom an HPMN Operator does have an Agreement, should such other VPMN(s) be available."

UNQUOTE This means that in case there exists other VPMN(s) that possess roaming agreement with HPMN 102, then VPM 104, shall not. provide any services like PLWLN service to these subscribers. However, BA 30 guideline does not restrict VPMN 104 to provide the PLWLN service to these subscribers, if there is no other network operator's coverage in proximity to VPMN 104. Moreover, the guideline does not restrict VPMN 104 to offer the PLWLN service to these subscribers when they have consented to such a service. In an aspect of the present invention, when subscriber 106 attempts to register with VPMN 104, VPMN 104 sends a confirmation request message to subscriber 106, requesting him to opt for the PLWLN sendee. Only when subscriber 106 has confirmed for this service is he allowed to register with VPMN 104,

In an aspect of the present invention, VPMN 104 assigns E.164 Global Title (GT) and Signal Point Code (SPC) to service node 1 14. Service node 114 uses these GT and SPC to replace a Calling Party Address (CgPA) in all signaling messages intended for HPM 102 with its own GT and SPC. The modification of the CgPA with the GT of service node 114 allows receipt of response to all signaling messages with modified CgPA, at service node 1 14. Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, service node 1 14 sends an update message, such as InsertSubscriberData (i.e. ISD) to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120 in order to update trigger profile information at VMSC-V/VLR-V 120. This enables redirection of call control associated with subscriber 106 to service node 114.

In addition, in order to provide the PLWLN service to subscriber 106 in VPMN 104, which has NRA / RNA with HPMN 102, an operator of VPMN 104 does a configuration at various components residing in VPMN 104. In an aspect, of the present invention, G SC-V 1 16 is configured to redirect all MAP signaling messages associated with subscriber 106's MSISDN that are destined for HPMN 102, to service node 114. This means that all signaling messages, such as Signaling Connection and Control Part (SCCP) messages, with E.214 Called Party Address (CdPA) as HPMN 102, are to be redirected to service node 1 14. Further, service node 114 facilitates completion of registration and authentication process for subscriber 106 at. VPMN 104. In another aspect, of the present invention, the operator of VPMN 104 does a configuration at GMSC-V 116 to redirect all MAP signaling messages with E.164 SCCP CdPA as SMSC-H 1 12 to PLN service node 1 14. Various aspects of sending MO Short Message Service (SMS) from the subscriber's handset are described later in conjunction with FIG.7.

Once subscriber 106 lias successfully registered with VPMN 104, service node 1 14 sends a message to the subscriber I06's handset requesting him to verify his identity as a valid/legitimate subscriber of HPMN 102. Thus, in order to allow subscriber 106 to use the PLWLN service, an authentication procedure (or mechanism) is set forth in context of the present invention. In an aspect of the present invention, service node 1 14 can be used to authenticate subscriber 106 with his HPMN 102, using one or more parameters of the subscriber's profile information. These one or more parameters correspond to an IMSI of the subscriber's HPMN and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) (i.e. provided by VPMN 104 for the subscriber's verification). In another aspect of the present invention, service node 114 can retrieve one or more authenticating parameters, for authenticating subscriber 106 with HPMN 102, These one or more authenticating parameters correspond to triplets and quintuplets. These parameters may also consist of the IMS! of the subscriber's HPMN, depending upon the requirement of VPMN 104 operator. Additionally, the authenticating parameters can be stored in a database, associated with service node 1 14, for subsequent verification of subscriber 106. in addition, the operator of VPMN 104 does a configuration at service node 114, to redirect selected signaling messages, such as SendAuthenticationlnformation (SAI) with CdPA as HPMN 102. to a node in sponsor network. Once VPMN 104 has successfully authenticated subscriber 106 with his

HPMN 102, service node 114 stores a mapping record of the IMSI of the subscriber's home network, an MSISDN of the subscriber's home network, MSISDN and IMSI corresponding to the PLN selected for the subscriber in the visited network, in its database. Since the IMSI of the subscriber's home network and the MSISDN of the subscriber's home network are associated with HPMN 102, they are hereinafter referred to as IMSI-H and MSISDN-H, respectively. Further, the subscriber's IMSI and MSISDN of the PLN in the visited network is hereinafter referred to as MSiSDN- V and IMSI-V. Also, subscriber 106 is interchangeably referred to as subscriber A, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with another aspect, of the present invention, service node 114 updates the PPS -V 122, residing in VPMN 104 with the MSI SDN- V and IMSI-V, to maintain billing records for the subscriber's mobile activities (i.e. using the PLN), in VPMN 104. The Prepaid service control node PPS-V 122, can be either a prepaid SCP or a prepaid service node. For instance, in an ISUP call, service node 1 14 can forward the call to the PPS-V 122, which acts as a prepaid interface handling all billing records. In an aspect of the present invention, the operator of VPMN 104 does not charge the subscriber 106 for any MT calls / SMS when he is subscribed to the PLWLN service,

Once VPMN 104 provides the PLWLN service to subscriber 106, he can initiate and receive calls, and perform non-call related activities on his HPMN MSISDN. Also, subscriber 106 can originate calls / SMS using his MSISDN-H, wherein the service node 1 14 replaces the CgPA address from MSISDN-H to MSISDN-V, corresponding to the PLN for the subscriber 106.

In one aspect of the invention, service node 114 may send a welcome message / initiation message to the subscriber MSISN-H, once he successfully registers and gets verified by VPMN 104, offering him the PLWLN service. As described and mentioned above, in order to provide PLWLN service to the inbound roaming subscribers, VPMN 104 needs to verify these subscribers and allow them to register at their network,

FIG. 2 represents a flowchart for providing PL WLN service to the subscriber 106 in the VPMN 104, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. At step 202, service node 114 (coupled to the visited network VPMN 104) receives a registration message from subscriber 104 (associated with a home network HPMN 102) to register with VPMN 104, Thereafter, at step 204, the service node 1 14 facilitates completion of the registration of subscriber 106 in VPMN 104. in an aspect of the present invention, service node 1 14 sends a registration response message, such as LUP-ACK, to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120, in order to complete the ongoing registration process with VPMN 104, Finally, at step 206, the sendee node facilitates mobile communication of the subscriber 106 in the visited network 104. using a local number. In one aspect, the local number is the PLN selected by the VPMN 104.

In another aspect of the invention, service node 1 14 sends an update message to a switching unit, associated with the visited network, to update trigger profile information at the switching unit, in response to the registration attempt. This is done so as to enable redirection of call control associated with the subscriber to the service node. In an aspect of the present invention, service node 114 sends the trigger profile information in an update message, such as ISD with trigger profile, upon receiving a receipt of the LUP message at service node 114.

Thus, in order to avail the PLWLN service, subscriber 106 first needs to register at VPMN 104. FIG, 3 is a How diagram representing a registration process when the subscriber l()6's handset attempts to register with the VPMN 104, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Subscriber 106 attempts to register at VPMN 104, thus a registration message (i.e. a location update message) is received at VMSC-V/VLR-V 120. Thereafter, VMSC-V VLR-V 120 sends the LUP message on the IMSI-H to service node 114 to register with VPMN 104. The service node 1 14 facilitates completion of registration in the VPMN 104. This is done by relaying the ISD and ISD-ACK messages between VLR-V 120 and HLR-H 108. Service node 1 14 sends a registration response message, such as LUP-AC , to VMSC-V VLR-V 120, allowing subscriber 1.06 to register with VPMN 104. However, since this registration did not involve the authentication of the subscriber, it is considered legitimately incomplete. This verification is required for traceability of unlawful interception and meeting prepaid regulatory requirement of a country. Essentially, VPMN(s) perform the verification of their inbound roaming subscribers, in order to reduce SIM cloning fraud. Moreover, VPMN 104 is required to authenticate subscriber 106, in order to facilitate the subscriber's mobile communication in VPMN 104.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing a registration process for the subscriber attempting to register with VPMN 106 where the subscriber 104 has R A, in accordance with first aspect of the present invention. The complete call flow is very similar to call flow described in Fig. 3. However, since there is RNA between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104, when the HLR-H 108 sends the LUP AC message with RNA as the attribute, then service node 1 14 adds the dummy MSISDN in the ISD response, to enable successful registration at VPMN 104. PLN service node 114 sends a first SMS to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120, using MT FwdSMS on the IMSI-H. This first SMS inquires the subscriber's MSISDN of HPMN 102 (i.e. MSiSDN-H). VMSC-V/VLR- V 120 can thereafter redirect, the first SMS to the subscriber's handset to fetch the required MSISDN-H. In an aspect of the present invention, the first SME may contain the message content that says, "Welcome to XXX Network, To subscribe to our Local Number Service, dial ##000* followed by a PIN available with our dealers". FIG. 5 represents a flow diagram for activation / top-up of the PLWLN service for the subscriber roaming in the VPMN 106, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. When the subscriber is latched to VPMN 106, then the sendee node 1 14 sends a welcome message to subscriber 104. The message may state: "Welcome to XXX Network. All outbound calls are local rate and you. have a balance of $5".

I I Thereafter, VMSC/VLR-V 120 sends a message with PIN details to service node 114. The PIN have the Home IMS! and MSISDN details. Thereafter, service node 1 14 replaces the PIN with Local IMSI and MSISDN corresponding to the local number, for the subscriber 106, Th change in IMSI and MSISDN allows the PPS-V 122 to 5 appropriately handle the billing.

FIG. 6 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) call from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, When the subscriber 106 initiates a MO call to subscriber B, then VLR-V 10 120 sends an IDP message with (Cg N m-Home MSISDN, IMSI, Cd Num- B), The service node 114 modifies the IDP message to replace the Cg Num as MSISDN and IMSI of the PLN number for subscriber 106, This modification aliows the MO calls from subscriber 106 to be charged at local rates.

I S FIG, 7 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) SMS from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The subscriber 106 wants to send SMS to subscriber B. The IDP for SMS reaches service node 1 4. The service node 114 then replaces the Cg Num as MSISDN and IMSI of the PLN number, and sends to PPS-V, Thereafter, the service 0 node 1 1.4 sends Furnish Charging Information (FO) message with specific charging information to the MSG. The billing / mediation process generally filters out such CDRs to ensure that subscriber 106 is not charged for using the PLWLN service. In another aspect of the invention, to ensure that MO SMS is not charged with CAMEL 3 support, the service node 1 14 sends a NAC to avoid charging at switch level, 5 followed by a flash SMS success ACK directly to subscriber 106.

The present invention can take the form of an entirely hardware aspect, an entirely software aspect, or an aspect containing both hardware and software elements. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, software, including 30 but not limited to, fimrware, resident software, and microcode, implements the invention.

Furthermore, the invention can take die form of a computer program product, accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by, or in connection with, a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system,, apparatus, or device,

The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a. random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk -^■ read only memory (CDROM), compact disk - read/write (CD-R/W) and Digital Versatile Disk (DVD),

A visited network operator uses one or more variations of the present invention to allow a VPMN operator to offer its inbound roaming subscriber the PLWLN sendee to initiate MO activities at a local rate, using their home number, without changing their SIM or handset. The present system allows subscribers to perform various call and non-call related activities in the VPMN networks, all at local rates as charged by these VPMNs. It also allows the subscribers to receive calls and SMS on their home network MSISD s. Further, the present system facilitates the subscribers to subscribe to various other services such as Value Added Services (VAS), even when they are in VPMN networks. The VPMN network operators offers these PLWLN service to the inbound roaming subscribers that belong to a network operator that may have NRA / RNA with the VPMN network operator. Furthennore, once these subscribers are registered at the VPMN network a welcome message offering PLWLN service node can be sent to these subscribers' handsets. Once these subscribers accept the offered PLWLN service, they can make calls and SMS at a local rate.

The components of present system described above include any combination of computing components and devices operating together. The components of the present system can also be components or subsystems within a larger computer system, or network. The present system components can also be coupled with any number of other components (not shown), such as other buses, controllers, memory devices, and data input/output devices, in any number of combinations. In addition, any number or combination of other processor-based components may be carrying out the functions of the present, system.

It should be noted that the various components disclosed herein may be described using computer aided design tools and/or expressed (or represented), as data and/or instructions embodied in various computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, register transfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or other characteristics. Computer-readable media in which such formatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sens as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but may not be limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar import refer to thi s application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a. list of two or more items, it covers all of the fill lowing interpretations: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

The above description of illustrated aspects of the present system is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present system to the precise form disclosed. While specific aspects of, and examples for, the present system are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present system, as those skilled in the art will recognize. The teachings of the present system provided herein can be applied to other processing systems and methods, They may not be limited to the systems and methods described above,

The elements and acts of the various aspects described above can be combined to provide further variations. These and other changes can be made in light of the above detailed description.

Other Variations

Provided above for the edification of those of ordinary skill in the art, and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention, are detailed illustrations of a scheme for facilitating mobile communication of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network, Numerous variations and modifications within the spirit of the present invention will of course occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the aspects that have been disclosed. For example, the present invention is implemented primarily from the point of view of GSM mobile networks as described in the aspects. However, the present invention may also be effectively implemented on GPRS, 3G, CDMA, WCDMA, WiMax etc., or any other network of common carrier telecommunications in which end users are nonnall configured to operate within a "home" network to which they nonnally subscribe, but have the capability of also operating on other neighboring networks, which may even be across international borders.

The examples under the system of present invention detailed in the illustrative examples contained herein are described using terms and constructs drawn largely from GSM mobile telephony infrastructure. However, use of these examples should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to those media. The system and method can be of use and provided through any type of telecommunications medium, including without limitation: (i) any mobile telephony network including without limitation. GSM, 3 GSM, 3G, CDMA, WCDMA or GPRS, satellite phones or other mobile telephone networks or systems; (ii) any so-called WiFi apparatus normally used in a home or subscribed network, but also configured for use on a visited or non- home or non-accustomed network, including apparatus not dedicated to telecommunications such as personal computers, Palm-type or Windows Mobile devices; (iii) an entertainment console platform such as Sony Playstation, PSP or other apparatus that are capable of sending and receiving telecommunications over home or non-home networks, or even (iv) fixed-line devices made for receiving communications, but capable of deployment in numerous locations while preserving a persistent subscriber id such as the eye2eye devices from Dlink; or telecommunications equipment meant for voice over ΪΡ communications such as those provided by Vonage or Packets.

In describing certain aspects of the system under the present invention., this specification follows the path of a telecommunications call, from a calling party to a called party. For the avoidance of doubt, such a call can be a normal voice call, in which the subscriber telecommunications equipment is also capable of visual, audiovisual or motion-picture display. Alternatively, those devices or calls can be for text, video, pictures or other communicated data.

In the foregoing specification, specific aspects of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and the figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur, or to become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims. APPENDIX

MSRN \ Mobile Station Roaming Number

SRI MAP Send Routing Information

Teefenieal refers nces, the entirety of esefe of whkh Is incorporated by refer enee herein:

Providing muliipl e MSISDN numbers in a mobile device with a single IMSI, Ui lited

States Patent App lieation Serial No. 10/782,681 ;

Dynamic originating CAMEL approach for Implementing Call Control Services for Inbound Roamers, United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/679,444; Signal Packet Relay System PCT/US 2004/004333;

Fixed-line Missed Call Alert, United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No, 60/631,337;

BA 30 New Binding PRD BA.30 - Steering of Roaming Operational Guidelines; GSM 902 on MAP specification

GSM 340 on SMS GSM 378 on CAMEL GSM 978 on CAMEL Application Protocol

GSM 379 on CAMEL Support of Optimal Routing (SOR) GSM 318 on CAMEL Basic Call Handling

ITU-T Recommendation Q.1214 (1995), Distributed functional plane for intelligent network CS-1 ;

ITU-T Recommendation Q.1218 (1995), interface Recommendation for intelligent network CS-1 ;

ITU-T Recommendation Q.762 (1999), Signaling system No. 7 - ISDN user part general functions of messages and signals: ITU-T Recommendation Q.763 (1999), Signaling system No. 7 - ISDN user part formats and codes;

ITU-T Recommendation Q.764 (1999), Signaling system No. 7 - ISDN user part signaling procedures; ITU-T Recommendation Q.766 (1993), Performance objectives in the integrated services digital network application; ITU-T Recommendation Q.765 (1998), Signaling system No. 7 - Application transport mechanism;

ITU-T Recommendation Q.769.1 (1999), Signaling system No, 7 - ISDN user part enhancements for the support of Number Portability

Claims

1. A method for facilitating mobile communications of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network, the method comprising: receiving at a service node associated with the visited network, a registration message from the subscriber to register with the visited network; facilitating, via the service node, completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network: and

facilitating, via the service node, a mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network, using a local number.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sendee node either detects the registration message or receives the registration message,

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

receiving an approval from the subscriber for subscribing to Prepaid Local number Without Local Number (PLWLN) service to facilitate the subscriber's mobile communication in the visited network.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

sending, via the service node, a notification message confirming the subscription to the PLWLN service.

5. The method of claim 1, wherei facilitating the mobile communication using the local number further comprises:

sending, via the service node, a Prepaid Local Number (PLN) to facilitate the subscriber's mobile communication in the visited network.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the PLN is selected from a pool of local numbers of the visited network with corresponding International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) and Mobile Station Internationa! Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs),

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising: updating, via the service node, a prepaid service control node associated with the visited network with at least one of the Fi . and the subscriber's IMS I of the visited network, to maintain hilling records for the subscriber's mobile communication in the visited network,

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subscriber manually selects the visited network in a registration attempt.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein a gateway switching center associated with the visited network is configured to redirect all signaling messages destined for the home network, corresponding to the subscriber, to the service node,

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the subscriber is authenticated by sending a confirmation request message, via the service node, to the subscriber's handset for verifying the subscriber's MSISDN associated with the home network, as one of the one or more parameters of the subscriber's profile information.

1 1. The method of claim 1, wherein the sendee node authenticates the subscriber with the home network, by redirecting an authentication request message to the home network via a sponsoring network,

12. The method of claim 1 1, wherein the service node receives one or inore authenticating parameters for authenticating the subscriber with the home network.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subscriber is authenticated with the home network using an SS7 inter-working relationship with the visited network, by sending a routing information query from the service node to a home location information database associated with the home network for obtaining an IMS1 associated with the subscriber's MSISDN of the home network.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: correlating, via the service node, the IMSI obtained in response to the routing information query with an IMSI retrieved from the subscriber's registration message. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

sending a PIN to the subscriber's handset via the service node, wherein the PIN is used for any subsequent verification of the subscriber.

16. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

facilitating Mobile Originated (MO) calls and MO Short Message

Service (SMS) for the subscriber by replacing calling party MSISDN and IMSI with the PLN MSISDN and PLN IMSI.

17. A system for facilitating mobile communications of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network, the system comprising: a service node for receiving a registration message from the subscriber to register with the visited network;

wherein the service node is associated with the visited network;

wherein the service node facilitates the completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network; and

wherein the service node facilitates a mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network using a local number.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the service node either detects the registration message or receives the registration message.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the sendee node receives an approval from the subscriber for subscribing to Prepaid Local number Without Local Number (PLWLN) service to facilitate the subscriber's mobile communication in the visited network,

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the service node sends a notification message confirming subscription to the PLWLN service.

21. The system of claim 17. wherein the service node sends a Prepaid Local Number (PLN) to facilitate the subscriber's mobile communication in the visited network,

2.2. The system of claim 21, wherein the PLN is selected from a pool of local numbers of the visited network with, corresponding IMSis and MSISDNs.

23. I he system oi claim 22, wherein the service node updates a prepaid service control node associated with the visited network with at least one of the PLN and the subscriber's IMSI of the visited network, to maintain billing records for the subscriber's mobile communication in the visited network.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the subscriber manually selects the visited network in a registration attempt.

25. The system of claim 17, further comprising:

a gateway switching center associated with the visited network, the gateway being configured to redirect all signaling messages destined for the home network, corresponding to the subscriber, to the service node.

26. The system of claim 17, wherein the service node authenticates the subscriber with the home network, by redirecting an authentication request, message to the home network via a sponsoring network.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the sendee node receives one ^' or more authenticating parameters for authenticating the subscriber with, the home network.

28. The system of claim 17, wherein the service node authenticates the subscriber with the home network using a Signaling System number 7 (SS7) inter- working relationship with the visited network, by sending a routing information query to a home location information database associated with the

2.6 home network for obtaining an IMSI associated with the subscriber's MSISDN of the home network. , The system of claim 28, wherein the service node correlates the IMS! obtained in response to the routing information query with an IMSI retrieved from the subscriber's registration message, , A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having control logic stored therein for causing a computer to facilitating mobile communications of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network, the control logic comprising:

computer readable program code means for receiving at a service node associated with the visited network, a registration message from the subscriber to register with the visited network;

computer readable program code means for facilitating, via the service node, completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network; and computer readable program code means for facilitating, via the service node, a mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network, using a local number.