Method and apparatus for selecting systems, mode, and function in an adaptive terminal

1. A mobile station, configured for use as a software radio having the capability for universal adaptive use within independent, globally dispersed cellular communication networks, comprising:

a transceiver for receiving data over a common system parameter channel from a local one of said independent, globally dispersed networks into which the mobile stations has traveled, wherein said data is received directly without reliance on any local area network or wireline system;

a first processor for compiling and storing network characteristic data relating to said local one of said independent, globally dispersed cellular communication networks, received over said common system parameter channel, relating to operational capabilities of said cellular networks;

a second processor for compiling and storing subscriber identification data relating to operational capabilities of said mobile station;

a third processor for combining said network characteristic data and said subscriber identification data into an addressable matrix of operational capabilities; wherein said third processor further generates an operational configuration based on said matrix and predetermined criteria.

2. A mobile station, according to claim 1 , wherein said mobile station further comprises a main microprocessor controller and said first, second, and third processors are modules within said main microprocessor controller.

3. A mobile station, according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of said operational characteristics of said mobile station are programmed into said second processor at the time of manufacture.

4. A mobile station, according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of said operational capabilities of said mobile station are programmed into said second processor at the time of activation with a home cellular service.

5. A mobile station, according to claim 3 , wherein said second processor further comprises a read only memory unit for storing said operational capabilities of the mobile station entered at the time of manufacture.

6. A mobile station, according to claim 4 , wherein said second processor further comprises a programmable read only memory unit for storing said operational capabilities of the mobile station entered at the time of activation.

7. A mobile station, according to claim 1 , wherein said first processor comprises an erasable, programmable read only memory.

8. A method for use in a mobile station, according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criteria comprise at least one of cost, speed, and volume of data.

9. A method for use in a mobile station, configured for use as a software radio having the capability for universal adaptive use within independent, globally dispersed cellular communication networks, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving data over a common system parameter channel from a local one of said independent, globally dispersed networks, wherein said data is received directly without reliance on any local area network or wireline system;

compiling and storing network characteristic data relating to said local one of the independent, globally dispersed cellular communication networks, received over said common system parameter channel, relating to the operational capabilities of said cellular networks;

compiling and storing subscriber identification data relating to the operational capabilities of said mobile station;

combining said network characteristic data and said subscriber identification data into an addressable matrix of operational capabilities;

generating an operational configuration based on said matrix and predetermined criteria.

10. A method for use in a mobile station, according to claim 9 , wherein the predetermined criteria comprise at least one of cost, speed, and volume of data.