Automatic network selection methods and apparatus using a steered PLMN
Methods and apparatus for automatically selecting a wireless communication network by user equipment using a “steered” PLMN are disclosed. A home network identification, a list of prioritized roaming network identifications, and a steered network identification are stored in memory (e.g. a SIM or USIM) of the user equipment. In an automatic network selection procedure, a scanning operation is performed to receive one or more network identifications corresponding to one or more available wireless communication networks in a coverage area. The user equipment attempts to select a wireless communication network in the coverage area by comparing the received network identifications from the scanning operation with the steered network identification. If a match between a received network identification and the steered network identification is identified, a wireless communication network corresponding to the received network identification that matches the steered network identification is selected and registered with by the user equipment. This procedure is performed in lieu of use of the list of prioritized roaming network identifications of the user equipment. By setting the steered network identification via an over-the-air programming procedure when necessary (e.g. on a per region basis), a home network operator may “steer” user equipment to any desired network immediately and efficiently.
1. A method of network selection by a user equipment including a memory storing prioritized network identifications, comprising a home network identification, a user-controlled list of network identifications, and an operator-controlled list of network identifications, the method comprising:
selecting a first network identified by a first network identification having a priority for selection on the operator controlled list of the prioritized network identifications;
receiving a steered network identification over-the-air for use in lieu of the first network identification on the operator-controlled list without receiving replacing the entire operator-controlled list of prioritized network identifications;
storing the steered network identification in the memory with a lower priority for selection than the home network identification and the identifications on the user-controlled list of network identifications; and
automatically selecting a second network identified by the steered network identification.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein upon receiving the steered network identification, attempting to select the wireless communication network corresponding to the steered network identification.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the operator controlled list is stored in a Subscriber Identity Module or Universal Subscriber Identity Module of the user equipment.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the prioritized network identifications, the steered network identification, and the first network identification each correspond to a Public Land Mobile Network “PLMN.”
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the steered network identification is received from a home network.
6. A mobile equipment comprising:
a wireless transceiver;
a memory storing prioritized network identifications comprising a home network identification, a user-controlled list of network identifications, and an operator-controlled list of network identifications;
one or more processors coupled to the wireless transceiver configured to select a first network identified by a first network identification having a priority for selection on the operator controlled list of the prioritized network identifications;
the one or more processors being further configured to receive over-the-air via the wireless transceiver a steered network identification for use in lieu of the first network identification on the operator-controlled list without receiving and replacing the entire operator-controlled list of prioritized network identifications and to store the steered network identification in the memory with a lower priority for selection than the home network identification and the identifications on the user-controlled list of network identifications; and
the one or more processors being further configured to automatically select a second network identified by the steered network identification.
7. The mobile equipment of claim 6 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to upon receiving the steered network identification, attempt to select the wireless communication network corresponding to the steered network identification.
8. The mobile equipment of claim 6 , wherein the operator controlled list is stored in a Subscriber Identity Module or Universal Subscriber Identity Module of the user equipment.
9. The mobile equipment of claim 6 , wherein the prioritized network identifications, the steered network identification, and the first network identification each correspond to a Public Land Mobile Network “PLMN.”
10. The mobile equipment of claim 6 , wherein the steered network identification is received from a home network.