WO2014071974A1

WO2014071974A1 - Mechanism for controlling a mobile communication with assured communication quality

Info

Publication number: WO2014071974A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/072089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Premnath KANDHASAMY NARAYANAN; Lakshminarasimham GOPALADESIKAN; Ramakrishnan Pa; Siva MOORTHY
Original assignee: Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date: 2012-11-08
Filing date: 2012-11-08
Publication date: 2014-05-15

Abstract

There is provided a mechanism for controlling a mobile communication with an assured communication quality level, such as a certain QoE or QoS. When a request is received for a specific service with quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service, it is determined whether the requested service can be provided with the requested parameters. If this is the case, a service plan is provided. According to this service plan, when the service provision is started, the parameters for the provision of the service in particular with regard to the communication quality are monitored. If the assured communication quality is not achieved, parameters of the communication are changed for improving the communication quality, including optimization procedures and handover procedures.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE

MECHANISM FOR CONTROLLING A MOBILE COMMUNICATION WITH ASSURED

COMMUNICATION QUALITY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a mechanism for controlling a mobile communication with an assured communication quality. Specifically, the present invention is related to apparatuses, methods and a computer program product which allow, for example, that a communication quality, such as a certain QoE or QoS level or range, is assured for a communication via at least one communication network for providing a service when the service consumer or receiver is moving.

The following meanings for the abbreviations used in this specification apply:

AN: access node

BS: base station

CM: configuration management

CPU: central processing unit

eNB: evolved node B

FM: fault management

GIS: geographic information system

GPS: global positioning system

HD: high definition

HO: handover

ICSU: International Council of Scientific Unions LBS: location based service

LTE: Long Term Evolution

LTE-A: LTE Advanced

MQA: mobile quality analyzer

NMS: network management system

NPO: fulfillment assurance application and tools

PM: performance management

QAM: quality assurance module

QoE: quality of experience

QoS: quality of service

SDP: service delivery platform

SON: self organizing network

TV: television

UE: user equipment

In the last years, an increasing extension of communication networks, e.g. of wire based communication networks, such as the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), DSL, or wireless communication networks, such as the cdma2000 (code division multiple access) system, cellular 3rd generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) communication networks like the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), enhanced communication networks based e.g. on LTE or LTE-A, cellular 2nd generation (2G) communication networks like the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), the General Packet Radio System (GPRS), the Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), or other wireless communication system, such as the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN),

Bluetooth or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), took place all over the world. Various organizations, such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Telecoms & Internet converged Services & Protocols for Advanced Networks (TISPAN), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the IEEE (Institute of

Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the WiMAX Forum and the like are working on standards for telecommunication network and access environments. As mobile broadband technologies evolve, traditional content providers are exploring possible new business models based on mobile broadband. For example, it is contemplated to provide mechanisms allowing to share revenues in return for a determined level of service quality, for example when a user having a smart phone or the like (i.e. a terminal device allowing to consume services with high data amounts) wishes to access applications and/or services with an assured quality level. Examples of such services are HD video calls, HD voice, video and live streaming.

That is, present day "on demand" content delivery solutions are likely to transform into "on demand and on the move" solutions. In other words, in mobile broadband networks or the like, the demand for a certain quality level, which is also referred to as QoE and/or QoS increases wherein subscribers may also demand for a guaranteed QoE on the move i.e. during mobility.

In order to enable such a guaranteed QoE, it is required that the content provider can assure a desired QoE. However, this becomes more challenging when the requesting subscriber expects the guaranteed QoE on the move, for example in different networks.

Generally, for properly establishing and handling a communication connection between the terminal device such as a user equipment (UE), like a smart phone or the like, and another communication network element or user equipment, a database, a server, a content provider etc., one or more intermediate network elements such as communication network control elements, such as base stations, control nodes, support nodes or service nodes are involved which may belong to different communication network.

However, a content provider has usually no or very little control over the resources of communication networks necessary for achieving a certain QoE that is delivered to the subscriber or consumer of the service/content. The QoE is determined and controlled by network operators. The content provider has no knowledge of the network conditions and may thus stream a content which can not be delivered properly to the subscriber, e.g. because of reasons such as network congestion, buffering failures, jitter etc. Furthermore, conventionally, provisions of services like HD video and live streaming are tightly coupled to a single network operator. That is, in case of a subscriber accessing services with limited mobility, the subscriber can be served by a single operator. However, when the subscriber accesses services during a travel, it is likely that the network operator may not be able to provide guaranteed QoE through all segments of the travel route that the subscriber might take. Further, if the services during a travel are provided by multiple operators, the task to provide or ensure a guaranteed QoE to the subscriber and provide services without interruption is even more difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome at least some of the above described problems and to provide a mechanism for controlling a mobile communication with an assured communication quality (e.g. a specific quality level or a range of acceptable quality). Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatuses, methods and a computer program product which allow, for example, that a communication quality, such as a certain QoE or QoS or a range thereof, is assured for a communication via at least one communication network for providing a service when the service consumer or receiver is moving.

These objects are achieved by the measures defined in the attached claims.

According to an example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a request receiving function configured to receive a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during consumption of the service, a request processing function configured to process the information comprised in the request and to determine whether or not the requested service can be provided, on the basis of the information of the request, and a request responding function configured to generate, on the basis of the determination, a response to the received request and to cause transmission of the response.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, a method comprising receiving a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during consumption of the service, processing the information comprised in the request, determining whether or not the requested service can be provided, on the basis of the information of the request, generating, on the basis of the determination a response to the received request, and causing transmission of the response.

According to further refinements, these examples may comprise one or more of the following features: -the request for the service may comprise at least one of the following information: at least one of an indication of a quality of service and an indication of a quality of experience as the quality information, at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of the service consumption as the time information, at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device as the mobility information, and a cost related information indicating a threshold for an allowable cost level for the requested service;

- the determining of whether or not the requested service can be provided may further comprise at least one of checking whether or not communication resources are available in at least one communication network, checking a capability of the service consuming device with regard to the expected communication quality, checking at least one of a capacity, a coverage and a network characteristic of at least one communication network with regard to a provision of the service on the basis of the quality information, time information and mobility information, considering at least another request for a service to another service consuming device, said another request indicating overlapping time and mobility information, and considering policies of an operator of a communication network; - in case the determining results that the requested service can be provided in at least one communication network, a response indicating the ability to accept the request may be generated, the response further comprising at least one service plan, each service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication may comprise, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment;

- in case the determining results that the requested service can not be provided, a response indicating an inability to accept the request and a refusal of the request may be generated, or a response indicating an inability to accept the request and a proposal for negotiating may be generated, the proposal comprising at least one alternative service plan, each alternative service plan comprising: an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication may comprise, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment;

- an accepted service plan may be received and processed, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication may comprise, for each segment: an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality; - the above described functions may be implemented in one of a service broker entity and a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, wherein the request for the service to be provided to the service consuming device may be received from a service requesting device, wherein the service consuming device may comprise a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element may be a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service requesting device may be combined with the service consuming device in the communication element or separated from the service consuming device.

Moreover, according to another example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: an information obtaining function configured to obtain information regarding a service plan for providing a service to a service consuming device in at least one communication network according to quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of the service consuming device during the consumption of the service, a parameter monitoring function configured to monitor parameters indicated in the service plan with regard to an assured communication quality when the service is provided, a decision function configured to decide whether the actual communication quality for providing the service to the service consuming device is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, and a parameter changing function configured to change settings of parameters for the provision of the service, wherein the decision function is further configured, in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is sufficient, to allow to continue the provision of the service, and in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is not sufficient, to cause the parameter changing function to change the settings of the parameters for improving the actual communication quality. Furthermore, according to the another example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, a method comprising obtaining information regarding a service plan for providing a service to a service consuming device in at least one communication network according to quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of the service consuming device during the consumption of the service, monitoring parameters indicated in the service plan with regard to an assured communication quality when the service is provided, deciding whether the actual communication quality for providing the service to the service consuming device is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, and in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is sufficient, allowing to continue the provision of the service, and in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is not sufficient, changing settings of the parameters for the provision of the service for improving the actual communication quality.

According to further refinements, these examples may comprise one or more of the following features:

- the information regarding the service plan may include at least one of information regarding an acceptable threshold for the communication quality, an indication of predefined actions for changing a setting of a parameter, and an indication of at least one segment of a travel path for providing the requested service, the indication may comprise, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from one segment to another segment;

- the quality information may be related to at least one of a quality of service and a quality of experience, the time information may be related to at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of a consumption of the service, and the mobility information may be related to at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device; - for monitoring the parameters indicated in the information regarding the service plan, an actual communication quality may be determined on the basis of at least one of measurements collected from at least one of network elements and the service consuming device involved in a communication for providing the service, drive tests logs or measurements in at least one communication network, live probing of a performance of at least one communication network, and tracing of a location of the service consuming device in at least one communication network;

- for deciding whether the actual communication quality is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, the actual communication quality may be compared with a threshold;

- for changing the settings of the parameters for the provision of the service, at least one of initiating a handover to another cell of the at least one communication network or of another communication network, and changing a setting of a communication in a cell of the at least one communication network used for providing the service may be conducted, the changing comprising at least one of a beam forming, an antenna tilt change, a load balancing procedure, a coverage optimization procedure and a capacity optimization procedure;

- results obtained in the monitoring of the parameters may be stored, and the stored monitoring results may be processed, the processing comprising at least one of reporting the stored monitoring results to at least one of a service broker entity providing the information regarding the service plan, and a network operator of at least one communication network involved in providing the service to the service consuming device, and using the monitoring results for conducting a charging processing for the provision of the service; - the above functions may be implemented in a quality assurance module, the quality assurance module being part of one of a service broker entity, a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, and the service consuming device, wherein the service consuming device may comprise a communication element communicating in the at least one communication network, wherein the communication element may be a terminal device or user equipment. Furthermore, according to still another example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a request creating function configured to create and cause transmission of a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service, and a response processing function configured to receive and process a response to the request.

Furthermore, according to the still another example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, a method comprising creating a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service, causing transmission of the request, and receiving and processing a response to the request.

- the request for the service may comprise at least one of the following information: at least one of an indication of a quality of service and an indication of a quality of experience as the quality information, at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of the service consumption as the time information, at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device as the mobility information, and a cost related information indicating a threshold for an allowable cost level for the requested service; - the response may comprise one of an indication regarding the ability to accept the request, and at least one service plan, each service plan comprising, an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication may comprise, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment, and an indication regarding an inability to accept the request, and one of a refusal of the request, or a proposal for negotiating, the proposal comprising at least one alternative service plan, each alternative service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication may comprise, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment;

- the at least one received service plan or alternative service plan may be processed for deciding on accepting or not accepting one of the received at least one service plan or alternative service plan, and in case the decision results in an acceptance of one service plan or alternative service plan, causing a transmission of information regarding the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality;

- above function may be implemented in a service requesting device, wherein the request may be sent to one of a service broker entity and a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, wherein the service consuming device may comprise a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element may be a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service requesting device may be combined with the service consuming device in the communication element or separated from the service consuming device. In addition, according to yet another example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a service initiation function configured to start to consume a requested service and to inform a communication network to initiate the provision of the service to a service consuming device the on the basis of an accepted service plan, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

Moreover, according to the yet another example of an embodiment of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, a method comprising starting to consume a requested service, informing a communication network to initiate the provision of the service to a service consuming device the on the basis of an accepted service plan, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

According to further refinements, these examples may comprise one or more of the following features: - a synchronization of an external navigation device with data contained in the accepted service plan may be initiated;

- measurements related to an actual communication quality during the consumption of the service according to the accepted service plan may be conducted, and results of the measurements may be reported to at least one of a communication network control element of the at least one communication network and a quality assurance module; - the above functions may be implemented in the service consuming device, wherein the service consuming device may comprise a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element may be a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service consuming device may be combined with a service requesting device in the communication element or separated from the service requesting device.

In addition, according to examples of the proposed solution, there is provided, for example, a computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of the above defined methods, when said product is run on the computer. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored. Furthermore, the computer program product may be directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.

By virtue of the proposed solutions, it is possible to provide an enhanced mechanism for controlling a mobile communication with an assured communication quality. For example, a communication quality, such as a certain QoE or QoS or a range thereof, can be assured for a communication used for providing a service to a service consumer, for a specific time and a specific travel path of a moving subscriber (service consumer) wherein also more than one communication network or network operator can be involved in the communication. That is, a moving subscriber can be provided with a guaranteed QoE for a particular service by one or more operators. Thus, it is possible, for example, to provide a so-called valued added service by network operators, a service broker or a content provider allowing to guarantee a specific QoE or QoS level or range to a subscriber.

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon referring to the description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating a communication network configuration where some examples of embodiments of the invention are implemented.

Fig. 2 shows a diagram illustrating further details of the communication network configuration where some examples of embodiments of the invention are implemented.

Fig. 3 shows a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network operator system according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a signaling diagram illustrating another procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a signaling diagram illustrating another procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a signaling diagram illustrating another procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a signaling diagram illustrating another procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. Fig. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating a processing executed in a network element acting as a service broker entity according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 10 shows a flowchart illustrating a processing executed in a network element acting as a quality assurance module according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 1 shows a block circuit diagram of a network element acting as a service broker entity including processing portions conducting functions according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 12 shows a block circuit diagram of a network element acting as a quality assurance module including processing portions conducting functions according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 13 shows a block circuit diagram of a communication element including processing portions conducting functions according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, examples and embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. For illustrating the present invention, the examples and embodiments will be described in connection with cellular communication networks based on a 3GPP based communication system, for example LTE-A based systems. However, it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to an application using such types of communication systems, but is also applicable in other types of communication systems and the like. A basic system architecture of a communication network where examples of embodiments of the invention are applicable may comprise a commonly known architecture of one or more communication systems comprising a wired or wireless access network subsystem and a core network. Such an architecture may comprise one or more access nodes (AN), access network control elements, radio access network elements, access service network gateways or base transceiver stations, such as a base station, an eNB or the like, which control a coverage area also referred to as a cell and with which one or more communication elements or terminal devices such as a UE or another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a UE or attached as a separate element to a UE, or the like, are capable to communicate via one or more channels for transmitting several types of data. Furthermore, core network elements such as gateway network elements, policy and charging control network elements, mobility management entities, SON elements and the like may be comprised.

The general functions and interconnections of the described elements, which also depend on the actual network type where some examples of embodiments are implemented, are known to those skilled in the art and described in corresponding specifications, so that a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. However, it is to be noted that several additional network elements and signaling links may be employed for a communication to or from a communication element or terminal device like a UE and a network elements like an AN, a BS, an eNB, operator network elements etc., besides those described in detail herein below.

Furthermore, the described devices, nodes and elements of the communication networks, such as terminal devices like UEs, communication network control elements, like an AN or eNB, operator network control elements, and the like, as well as corresponding functions as described herein may be implemented by software, e.g. by a computer program product for a computer, and/or by hardware. In any case, for executing their respective functions, correspondingly used devices, nodes or network elements may comprise several means and components (not shown) which are required for control, processing and communication/signaling functionality. Such means may comprise, for example, one or more processor units including one or more processing portions for executing instructions, programs and for processing data, memory means for storing instructions, programs and data, for serving as a work area of the processor or processing portion and the like (e.g. ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like), input means for inputting data and instructions by software (e.g. floppy disc, CD-ROM, EEPROM, and the like), user interface means for providing monitor and manipulation possibilities to a user (e.g. a screen, a keyboard and the like), interface means for establishing links and/or connections under the control of the processor unit or portion (e.g. wired and wireless interface means, an antenna, etc.) and the like. It is to be noted that in the present specification processing portions should not be only considered to represent physical portions of one or more processors, but may also be considered as a logical division of the referred processing tasks performed by one or more processors.

With regard to Fig. 1 , a diagram illustrating a general configuration of a communication network structure, such as of a mobile broadband network, is shown where some examples of embodiments of the invention are implemented. It is to be noted that the configuration shown in Fig. 1 shows only those devices, network elements and parts which are useful for understanding principles underlying the examples of embodiments of the invention. As also known by those skilled in the art there may be several other network elements or devices involved in a communication between the communication element (UE) and the network which are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

In Fig. 1 , a communication network configuration is illustrated in which some examples of embodiments of the invention are implementable. The network configuration according to Fig. 1 is for example based on 3GPP specifications and implements an LTE-A based network structure. It is to be noted that the general functions of the elements described in connection with Fig. 1 as well as of reference points/interfaces therebetween are known to those skilled in the art so that a detailed description thereof is omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

Reference sign 10 denotes a communication element such as a UE (e.g. a smart phone) capable of communicating with at least one communication network and to use applications and/or services with a broadband connection. For example, corresponding service comprises HD video calls, HD voice, video live streaming etc.. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, it is assumed that the UE 10 represents both of a service requesting device and a service consuming device. In other words, the UE 10 requests a service provision with a certain communication quality level or range with the network, and is also the end point for consuming the service (e.g. where the video stream is delivered and viewed by the subscriber). However, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the service requesting device is separated from the service consuming device. Here, for example, the service consuming device is the UE 10, but the service requesting device is e.g. located in another element or function, such as a web application or the like, contacted by the UE 10 to request the service.

Reference sign 3 indicates a first communication network (core network, access network control etc.), with which the UE 10 can communicate. The network 3 comprises several cells with access nodes 30 (e.g. AN1 to AN5, such as eNBs, BSs etc.) which control the respective cell. Furthermore, reference sign 4 indicates a second communication network (core network, access network control etc.), with which the UE 10 can also communicate and which is different to the first network 3. The second network 4 comprises several cells with access nodes 40 (e.g. AN7, such as eNBs, BSs etc.) which control the respective cell.

Indicated by points A to F, several travel paths of the UE 10 as the service consuming device are indicated, wherein point A represent the starting point and point E represents the end point of the intended travel path (mobility parameters). The two paths between the starting point A and the end point E, which are defined by points B, C and D or points B, F, D, represent two of a plurality of paths selectable for reaching the destination point E. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the respective paths are indicated from a user, while according to some other examples of embodiments of the invention, the path are computed by the network or an external controller, for example a

GIF or GPS based system.

Fig. 2 shows a diagram illustrating further details of the communication network configuration indicated in Fig. 1 according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. In the illustration of Fig. 2, only one cell of the respective first and second communication networks 3 and 4 is show, i.e. the cell belonging to AN1 and the cell belonging to AN7, respectively. AN1 is controlled by and communicating with corresponding elements of the first operator network 3 and, in case the UE 10 is located in its cell, with the UE 10. Similarly, AN7 is controlled by and communicating with corresponding elements of the second operator network 4 and, in case the UE 10 is located in its cell, with the UE 10.

Reference sign 6 denotes a network element which is referred to, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, as a service broker entity (which is e.g. part of a QoE/QoS processing element to be described later). Furthermore, reference sign 7 denotes a content provider which provides the UE 10 with a service, such as live streaming etc.

The content providers (e.g Netflix) is an element, server or service, which offers e.g. multimedia content to subscribers. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a subscriber (i.e. the UE 10) orders a service, e.g. a streaming video, which is to be delivered along a travel path (e.g. one of the paths shown in Fig. 1 ) at a specified date and time (i.e. according to time information indicating a time frame defining a specific (assumed) start and end time for the service consumption, or a time period or interval during which the service is consumed, or an more general indication regarding when the consumption is done (like a day, a daytime etc.)). According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a subscriber profile containing default preferences is stored in the content provider.

The service broker entity 6 is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a logical entity which is a separate entity or located in another element, such as a network element of an operator network or in the content provider 7. The service broker entity 6 interfaces with the content provider 7, at least one communication network (in Fig. 2 with the first and second networks 3 and 4) which provides communication resources or services to the subscriber, and (via the respective network) the UE 10 of the subscriber where the service is consumed. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the service broker entity generates at least one service plan for the delivery of the requested service. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the UE 10 is provided with a function allowing to interact with the service broker entity. This function is referred to, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, as a service management client application which runs on the UE 10. The service management client application provides e.g. interfaces to the subscriber to request and accept a service plan from the service broker (i.e. as a service requesting device). According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the application also provides interfaces for profile management. Furthermore, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the application is used (as part of a service consuming device) for sending periodic measurement reports like QoE related reports during service consumption to a corresponding receiver, such as a QAM module.

The QAM module, which is not explicitly shown in Fig. 2, is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a logical entity which ensures that the service provided by the content provider 7 is delivered to the subscriber according to a service plan generated by the service broker entity 6 and accepted by the UE 10. In particular, the QAM module monitors that an assured communication quality is sufficiently met by the actual communication conditions, i.e. that an actual communication quality, such as an actual QoE etc., is sufficient to fulfill the assured QoE etc..

It is possible to place the QAM module or a corresponding function in one or more of several elements. For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the QAM module is integrated in each of the networks 3 and 4 (e.g. in a corresponding operator system element). According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the QAM module is integrated in the service consuming device, e.g. the UE 10. Moreover, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the QAM module is integrated in the service broker entity 6.

Fig. 3 shows a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network operator system according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. In detail, Fig. 3 shows an example where network elements located in the operator system are involved in ensuring a specific communication quality, i.e. a guaranteed quality for service delivery based on QoE negotiation done by the subscriber (i.e. the service requesting device).

As shown in Fig. 3, the UE 10 communicates via the operator network (here network 1 ) with the network operator system 300, wherein, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a service request with a demand for a certain communication quality (QoE level. QoE range, or the like) is transmitted from the UE 10 via the operator network to the network operator system. The network operator system comprises, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, at least the following elements and functions.

A service access layer 303 forms an access or interface between the network operator system 300 and other elements. For example, the service access layer 303 comprises a web server, a business-to-business system, an external interface to access services of e.g. network 1 (i.e. to corresponding AN communicating with the UE 10), a business-to- consumer system, and the like.

The service access layer 303 provides also a connection to a proactive QoE demand system which is used, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, as a system for demanding specific settings for a QoE, i.e. for a communication quality level, in addition to a corresponding demand from the UE 10 or on behalf of the UE 10.

Connected to the service access layer 303, the network operator system 300 comprises further a service delivery platform SDP 304, NMS tools 305 for providing tools and applications for a network management system, and a QoE/QoS processing element 301.

The QoE/QoS processing element 301 comprises, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, at least one of the service broker entity 6 and the QAM module. Furthermore, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the QoE/QoS processing element 301 is used for path prediction (e.g. in case the UE 10 indicates only a starting point and an end point as mobility information in the service request), and for QoE/QoS estimation in the paths (i.e. which level of communication quality can be achieved in the respective path segments) Connected to the QoE/QoS processing element 301 , an NPO tools element 302 is provided which provides applications and tools for fulfillment and assurance functions, e.g. in connection with a planning of paths for providing requested services, for optimization of communication parameters or resources during the provision of the requested service, and for maintenance purposes for communication equipment employed in segments of the paths. The NPO tools element 302 interacts with the QoE/QoS processing element 301 for fulfilling at least some of the aspects according to some examples of embodiments of the invention.

Connected with the SDP 304, the NMS tools 305, the NPO tools 302 and the QoE/QoS processing element 301 , a data mediation function 306 is part of the network operator system 300, wherein the data mediation function 306 is in turn connected with a CM element 307 for configuration management functions, a PM element 308 for performance management functions, an FM element 309 for fault management functions, and an element 310 representing a knowledge and history base or storage for CM, PM and FM events.

The network operator system 300 is connected via a network mediation function 400 to the ANs of the respective cells, such as AN1 to AN6, but also to AN7 of the other operator network (via corresponding interfaces).

In the following, communication control mechanisms according to some examples of embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the network configurations illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, in order to provide a mechanism capable to control a mobile communication with an assured communication quality, such as a certain QoE or QoS, via at least one communication network for providing a service when the service consumer is moving, a procedure is implemented in which details of mobility, time and expected communication quality (i.e. expected QoE or the like) for a desired service, such as video streaming and the like, is transmitted from a subscriber to a corresponding network element, which in turn determines (based on the received details of the mobility, quality and time) whether the service can be provided as requested, and if so, provides the subscriber (the service requesting device) with at least one service plan for providing the service, possibly with alternative paths for the mobility, associated QoE levels and indicative costs/prizes (i.e. information about the costs or prizes or rates for providing the service which will be charged from the service consumer).

In Fig. 4, a signalling diagram is shown which illustrates a procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. Specifically, in Fig. 4, a procedure for negotiating a communication quality (indicated as a quality information) for the provision and consumption of a service at a specific time (indicated as a time information) along a specific travel path (indicated as mobility information) is explained wherein a configuration as shown e.g. in Fig. 3 is employed.

As indicated above, Fig. 4 illustrates a QoE negotiation for a planned mobility. In step S1 , the subscriber (i.e. the UE 10) creates and sends a request including e.g. the required quality, time and mobility information so as to request the desired QoE or the like for the provision of a service like video streaming or the like along a specific moving path. That is, a request for a service is received at the network 1 from a subscriber (UE 10) wherein the request comprises a required QoE, information about a travel during a specified duration or time window when the service will be accessed/consumed (i.e. time information indicating a time frame defining a specific (assumed) start and end time for the service consumption, or a time period or interval during which the service is consumed, or an more general indication regarding when the consumption is done (like a day, a daytime etc.)). It is to be noted that a corresponding request is provided from the service requesting device which is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the UE 10 or, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, a system or service doing this on behalf of the UE 10 (e.g. in response to a corresponding service request from the UE 10). For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the mobility information comprises an indication regarding a starting point and a destination. According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the mobility information comprises details regarding a predefined path between a starting point and a destination (e.g. information regarding the used vehicle (train, car), or the like).

According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, the request comprises also cost related information regarding a threshold for an acceptable or allowable cost, i.e. information which inform about a maximum price the subscriber is willing to pay for the service provision. This information is used, for example, in order to limit the communication resources of networks available and to exclude those networks which are to expensive, for example.

The network 1 , when processing the request, provides in step S2 a QoE/QoS processing element, such as element 301 , with the corresponding information related to the request, in particular with an indication regarding the quality, time and mobility information, and also with the cost related information if present, in order to let the QoE/QoS processing element determine whether the service can be provided.

In step S3, the QoE/QoS processing element executes a determination whether the request can be served, e.g. whether necessary resources are present at the required time and the required locations in the network for ensuring the required quality level. This determination is based according to examples of embodiments of the invention on the information included in the request, such as the quality, time, and mobility information, or according to some other examples of embodiments of the invention on preset information and parameters which depend e.g. from the requested service.

For example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the determination comprises at least one of the following processings: - a check of capacity, coverage and other predicted network characteristics during the time window, - a consideration of requests of other subscribers demanding a related service with a related QoE during the time window in the same area, i.e. of subscribers having at least partially overlapping travel information

- a consideration of operator policies (e.g. whether and to which amount the network allows to guarantee a certain level of quality, or the like).

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, for the determination processing, the QoE/QoS processing element requests corresponding information from a support system which comprises, for example, the SDP element 304, the NMS tools 305, the NPO tools 302 and other elements, such as SON elements. A request for corresponding information is sent in step S4 from the QoE/QoS processing element to the support system, and a response (with corresponding information) is sent in step S5 from the support system to the QoE/QoS processing element.

In step S6, the QoE/QoS processing element sends, on the basis of a determination result according to steps S3, S4 and S5, to the network 1 an information regarding whether or not the request of step S1 can be served or not. In addition, the response in step S6 comprises according to some examples of embodiments of the invention at least one service plan in which details regarding the provision of the requested service are indicated.

In step S7, a response to the request is sent from the network 1 to the service requesting device, e.g. the UE. The response comprises, for example, an indication regarding acceptance or non-acceptance of the request, e.g. by means of an indication regarding the ability or inability to support or not support the requested QoE. In case the requested

QoE is not supported, the response comprises, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, an indication for at least one alternatively supported QoE (e.g. in form of at least one further, alternative service plan provided by the QoE/QoS processing element), and/or for one or more travel paths. Furthermore, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the response comprises also in case of an acceptance of the request for the service more than one service plan (e.g. more than one travel paths), each based on an indication from the QoE/QoS processing element. With regard to the service plan, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, at least some of the following information is comprised. For example, an indication regarding one or more path segments with corresponding network indication (i.e. which operator network is communicating in the segment) and at least an average QoE level or plural possible quality levels (for example low, medium, high, etc.) being assured during at least one time duration within the requested time window is indicated. Furthermore, path segment characteristics such as mode, distance, topology, traffic, toll zones etc. are included. Moreover, in case the travel path comprises plural segments, a respective supported QoE in the various segments is indicated for each possible communication network. In addition, information indicative of the prize/cost of the service provision for each of the segment is included, wherein the information is further detailed with regard to a respective quality and a respective communication network (i.e. which quality costs how much in which network along the proposed path at the respective time).

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, when the subscriber accepts at least one of the service plans indicated in the response of step S7, the service requesting device sends a corresponding indication of acceptance to the network 1 in step S8. This acceptance comprises also information regarding the accepted service plan, i.e. an indication of a respective chosen communication network, of a respective chosen communication quality, details regarding the path selected, etc.. That is, in case more than one service plan or alternative service plan are included, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the selection at the subscriber side is indicated (e.g. the chosen travel path). In step S9, the accepted service plan is acknowledged by the network 1.

In Fig. 5, a signaling diagram is shown which illustrates a further procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. Specifically, in Fig. 5, a procedure for ensuring a guaranteed communication quality (QoE or the like) during the provision of a service at a specific time along a specific travel path is explained wherein a configuration as shown e.g. in Fig. 3 is employed. It is to be noted that parts of the procedure shown in Fig. 5, in particular those involving the UE, are executed in a service consuming device. As indicated above, Fig. 5 illustrates a procedure for monitoring a communication (service consumption/provision) and ensuring a guaranteed QoE negotiation for providing the service for a mobile subscriber. It is assumed that the UE (i.e. a service requesting device) has negotiated the service provision with the network beforehand, e.g. in accordance with the procedure indicated in Fig. 4.

In step S1 1 , the service consuming device (i.e. the UE) initiates the start of the consumption of the service with the assured communication quality, e.g. the start of a video streaming or the like with guaranteed QoE. The service consuming device (UE) sends a corresponding initiation message to the communication network 1 and thus to a corresponding service delivery and LBS system, content provider or the like, which identifies the present service usage area (i.e. the location of the UE) and triggers the provision of the service with the guaranteed communication quality.

The network 1 receiving the initiation message further informs in step S12 the QoE/QoS processing element (e.g. element 301 in Fig. 3) about the initiation. The notification message in step S12 is a trigger for starting monitoring of the actual communication quality presented to the service consuming device (the UE) in comparison to the guaranteed communication quality.

That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the QoE/QoS processing element conducts in step S13 a monitoring processing which includes, for example, to receive and process information indicating the current QoE offered (during travel) to the subscriber. This comprises, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, also an exchange of information (steps S14 and S15) with a support system comprising e.g. the SDP element 304, the NMS tools 305, the NPO tools 302 and other elements, such as SON elements. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the monitoring comprises for example at least one of the following measures: using measurement collected from the service consuming device (UE) and/or by the network (for example using Mobile Quality Analyzer (MQA), NetAct PM, NetAct Global Reporter, ICSU logs etc.)

using a measure based on Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) logs or measurements (for example using NetAct Traceviewer, NetAct Megamon etc.)

using live probing of network performance (for example using probing solutions NetAct Traffica)

Based on a comparison between the currently determined or measured communication quality (e.g. QoE) and the assured QoE, the QoE/QoS processing element decides whether the actual quality is sufficient (and hence no further action is currently needed) or not (and hence a further action is required to ensure the guaranteed communication quality).

For example, in case it is decided that the actual quality is not sufficient (lower than a specific level or not within a certain range), in a message exchange as indicated in steps S14 and S15, an optimization of parameters of the communication is triggered so as to satisfy the required QoE. Such an optimization comprises, for example, beam forming instructions, antenna tilt changing, other SON use cases like load balancing, coverage and capacity optimization with the support of other SON functionalities like self- configuration, self-optimization and self-healing.

In case the actual communication quality is decided to be sufficient (be it before or after optimization procedures), in step S16, the QoE/QoS processing element informs the network, the service delivery element etc. that the service can be provided/continued.

In step S17, the delivery or provision of the service is correspondingly started (or continued). According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the UE, when consuming the service, sends notifications regarding the service receipt and/or the communication quality to the network (step S18). For example, in case no specific event is present, the notifications are sent periodically, or in case a specific event such as a distortion in the receipt is present, the notification is triggered by the event.

Furthermore, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the subscriber (i.e. the service consumer) can synchronize information contained in the service plan, such as an agreed travel path, with an external device, such as a navigation device of a GIS, a GPS enabled navigation device, smart phone or GPS enabled mobile phone. For this purpose, a synchronization request is sent in step S19 towards the network which identifies the navigation device to be synchronized. In response to the request in step S19, a provision of necessary information to the identified navigation device is initiated, e.g. by a transmission of data from the network via suitable interfaces.

According to further examples of embodiments of the invention, there are provided further procedures related to a post service delivery state (i.e. after the delivery of the service is ended). These procedures are conducted for example, by elements of the operator network (e.g. the QoE/QoS processing element 301 ) and comprise, for example, at least one of a provision of a charge indication and/or information about charging according the delivered QoE, an update of a network knowledgebase, for example about the ability to provide a guaranteed QoE in a specified path, subscriber preference information, optimization events and their effectiveness, and a processing of feedback information or reports provided by the subscriber (service consuming device) regarding the delivered service and quality.

In Fig. 6, a signaling diagram is shown which illustrates a further procedure conducted in the communication control mechanism according to some examples of embodiments of the invention. Specifically, in Fig. 6, a procedure for negotiating and ensuring a guaranteed communication quality (QoE or the like) for the consumption/provision of a service at a specific time along a specific travel path is explained. In the example of Fig. 6, a case is illustrated where in the travel path plural (here two) different communication networks are involved (i.e. a configuration as shown e.g. in Fig. 2). Fig. 6 illustrates a configuration according to some examples of embodiments of the invention where a service broker entity (being part of or separated from a content provider element) and a QAM module are used. Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 6, it is assumed that the QAM module is part of the respective operator networks (i.e. included in a corresponding network controller or the like). Furthermore, the UE is assumed as being the service requesting device and the service consuming device.

Furthermore, it is to be noted that the functions of the UE are comprised, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, in a service management client application (e.g. residing in a smart phone). This service management client application is used as a function for requesting the provision of a service with guaranteed communication quality, which in turn includes the provision of at least one service plan from a service broker entity or the like, and as a function for accepting and/or conducting a negotiation with the network regarding a service plan provided in response to the request.

According to Fig. 6, the procedure for negotiating and ensuring a guaranteed communication quality (QoE or the like) for the consumption/provision of a service at a specific time along a specific travel path comprises (similar to step S1 in Fig. 4) a transmission of a request from the subscriber (UE) for a specific service (i.e. a certain content) with an desired quality, time frame and travel path (i.e. quality, time and mobility information) in step S21 . Also cost related information may be included. The request is sent (via corresponding communication network paths) to the service broker entity. It is to be noted that according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the quality information specifies the desired quality (i.e. QoE or QoS) by an explicit value or the like, or by an indication that a stored preference information related to the requesting subscriber is to be used.

The service broker entity determines, for example, whether the service can be provided, e.g. by checking whether necessary resources are available in communication networks so that the requested content can be delivered with the requested communication quality, and whether the UE (service consuming device) is capable to use the requested quality. If this is the case, at least one service plan is generated for the provision of the service. That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, segments involved in the travel path, which may be served by a plurality of operators, are identified, wherein for the segments additional information are provided, such as an indication of available operators (networks) in each segment, possible quality (QoE, QoS) levels per segment and/or per operator, expected costs/prizes per segment and/or per operator and/or per possible quality (for e.g. high, medium, low quality level), rating information for each operator in each segment, etc..

Otherwise, in case the requested service can not be provided with the requested communication quality (or at the requested time or with the maximum acceptable cost/prizes), according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, at least one alternative service plan is generated which is used for trying to negotiate with the service requesting device (i.e. the UE) whether the subscriber would accepts other conditions. Otherwise, in this case, a denial of service is decided.

The service broker entity communicates information derived for the at least one service plan (or the at least one alternative service plan) to the service requesting device (the UE) with a response message in step S24 (e.g. a service plan according to the request, an alternative service plan, or a denial indication). In addition, the service plan or at least certain information thereof, like information being necessary for monitoring whether the requested service is delivered correctly (such as quality, time and mobility information) is communicated in steps S22 and S23 to the QAM modules in the networks involved in the communication (e.g. networks 1 and 2 as shown in Fig. 2). According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the communication of the service plan information to the QAM modules is conducted as soon as an acceptance of the service plan is received from the UE, e.g. an accepted service plan is negotiated.

It is to be noted that according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the information regarding the service plan comprises, for example, at least one of an indication of the travel path segments, location information for initiating a HO, acceptable thresholds for an actual QoE/QoS, and an indication regarding predefined actions for each of the parameters.

In step S25, based on the accepted service plan, the UE (the service consuming device) starts the service consumption and establishes a connection to the network being in charge at the beginning of the travel path, according to the accepted service plan, i.e. with network 1 . That is, the start of the delivery of service content is initiated.

At this moment, the QAM module related to the operator network communicating with the UE (i.e. network 1 ) begins in step S26 the monitoring of the communication with regard to the actual communication quality in comparison to the assured communication quality.

Even though not shown in Fig. 6, a corresponding trigger signal for the start of the monitoring function is provided e.g. by the operator network 1 or by the service broker entity, e.g. when the service broker entity is comprised in the content provider.

In other words, at step S26, assurance of the guaranteed QoE/QoS for the subscriber who has established the session with the operator network 1 is conducted. For this, based on the obtained information according to the accepted service plan from the service broker entity, the QAM module acquires information for monitoring the parameters defined in the accepted service plan for the delivery of the service.

In case the monitoring of the parameters results in the necessity to trigger an action for improving the communication quality, e.g. by changing a parameter of the communication, the QAM module takes corresponding measures. While in the example discussed in Fig. 5 a change of the parameters resulted e.g. in an optimization of a communication setting, in the present example, it is assumed that the QAM module decides that a handover to another operator network is the measure to be selected for ensuring the level of quality. For example, the trigger for initiating a HO is based, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, on a decrease in the QoE and/or, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, on a detected location of the UE in a travel path, e.g. based on tracking the UE location via suitable measurements.

That is, in step S27, the QAM module triggers at the operator network currently serving the UE to initiate a handover procedure of the UE to the network 2. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, when the HO is initiated, a corresponding HO procedure is conducted in step S28 as commonly known, so that a further explanation thereof is omitted herein.

When the HO to network 2 is completed, in step S29, the session is established to the operator network 2. Accordingly, the QAM module of network 2 starts in step S30 to monitor the communication to the UE with regard to the communication quality, wherein according to some examples of embodiments a corresponding trigger is sent again by the now serving network 2 or by the service broker entity.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, in addition to the above described measures, the QAM module is also configured to provide a quality related report (QoE report etc.) to the service broker entity, which is usable, for example, in the post service delivery procedures.

Furthermore, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the UE, i.e. the service management client application, sends periodic reports comprising parameters corresponding to the information in the service plan to the QAM module, subsequent to the start of the service consumption as per the accepted service plan.

As indicated above, Fig. 6 illustrates an example where the QAM module is part of the operator network. However, in Fig. 7, a configuration is illustrated where the QAM module is integrated within the UE. Otherwise, the functions and elements according to the example shown in Fig. 7 are similar to those explained in connection with Fig. 6. That is, according to Fig. 7, a procedure for negotiating and ensuring a guaranteed communication quality (QoE or the like) for the consumption/provision of a service at a specific time along a specific travel path comprises (similar to step S21 in Fig. 6) a transmission of a request from the subscriber (service requesting device, e.g. the UE) for a specific service (i.e. a certain content) with an desired quality, time frame and travel path (i.e. quality, time and mobility information) in step S31 (also cost related information may be included). The request is sent (via corresponding communication network paths) to the service broker entity.

As in the example according to Fig. 6, the service broker entity determines, for example, whether the requested service can be delivered with the requested communication quality, and if the UE is capable to use the requested quality.

If this is the case, at least one service plan is generated for the provision of the service. That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, segments involved in the travel path, which may be served by a plurality of operators, are identified, wherein for the segments additional information are provided, such as an indication of available operators (networks) in each segment, possible quality (QoE, QoS) levels per segment and/or per operator, expected costs/prizes per segment and/or per operator and/or per possible quality (for e.g. high, medium, low quality level), rating information for each operator in each segment, etc..

Otherwise, in case the service can not be provided e.g. since necessary resources are not available so that the requested content can not be delivered with the requested communication quality (or at the requested time or with the maximum acceptable costs/prizes), according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, at least one alternative service plan is generated which is used for trying to negotiate with the service requesting device (i.e. the UE) whther the subscriber would accepts other conditions. Otherwise, in this case, a denial of service is decided.

The service broker entity communicates information derived for the at least one service plan (or at least one alternative service plan) to the UE with a response message in step S32 (e.g. a service plan according to the request, an alternative service plan, or a denial indication). As the QAM module is integrated in the UE, a further transmission of the service plan related information is not required.

In step S33, based on an accepted service plan, the UE starts the service consumption and establishes a connection to the network being in charge at the beginning of the travel path, according to the accepted service plan, i.e. with network 1. That is, the start of the delivery of the service content is initiated.

At this moment, the QAM module in the UE is triggered to begin in step S34 the monitoring of the communication with regard to the actual communication quality in comparison to the assured communication quality level.

In case the monitoring of the parameters results in the necessity to trigger an action for improving the communication quality, e.g. by changing a parameter of the communication, the UE (the QAM module) takes corresponding measures. For example, a HO is initiated which is based, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, on a decrease in the communication quality (QoE) and/or, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, on a detected location of the UE in a travel path, e.g. based on tracking the UE location via suitable measurements.

When the HO is initiated, a corresponding HO procedure is conducted in step S35 as commonly known, so that a further explanation thereof is omitted herein.

When the HO to network 2 is completed, in step S36, the session is established between the service consuming device (the UE) and the (new) operator network 2. Accordingly, the QAM module in the UE restarts in step S37 to monitor the communication quality. In Fig. 8, a configuration is illustrated where the QAM module is integrated within the service broker entity. Otherwise, the functions and elements according to the example shown in Fig. 8 are similar to those explained in connection with Fig. 6.

That is, according to Fig. 8, a procedure for negotiating and ensuring a guaranteed communication quality (QoE or the like) for the provision of a service at a specific time along a specific travel path comprises (similar to step S21 in Fig. 6) a transmission of a request from the subscriber (service requesting device, e.g. the UE) for a specific service (i.e. a certain content) with an desired quality, travel path and time frame (i.e. quality, time and mobility information) in step S41 (cost related information may also be included). The request is sent (via corresponding communication network paths) to the service broker entity.

As in the example according to Fig. 6, the service broker entity determines, for example, whether the service can be provided necessary resources are available so that the requested content can be delivered with the requested communication quality, and if the UE is capable to use the requested quality.

Otherwise, in case the service can not be provided e.g. since necessary resources are not available so that the requested content can not be delivered with the requested communication quality (or at the requested time or with the maximum acceptable costs), according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, at least one alternative service plan is generated which is used for trying to negotiate with the service requesting device (i.e. the UE) whether the subscriber would accepts other conditions. Otherwise, in this case, a denial of service is decided.

The service broker entity communicates information derived for the at least one service plan (or at least one alternative service plan) to the UE with a response message in step S42 (e.g. a service plan according to the request, an alternative service plan, or a denial indication). As the QAM module is integrated in the service broker entity itself, a further transmission of service plan related information is not required.

In step S43, based on an accepted service plan, the UE (service consuming device) starts the service consumption and establishes a connection to the network being in charge at the beginning of the travel path, according to the accepted service plan, i.e. with network 1. That is, the start of the delivery of service content is initiated.

At this moment, the QAM module in the service broker is triggered to begin in step S44 the monitoring of the communication with regard to the actual communication quality in comparison to the assured communication quality.

In case the monitoring of the parameters results in the necessity to trigger an action for improving the communication quality, e.g. by changing a parameter of the communication, the service broker (the QAM module) takes corresponding measures. For example, a HO is initiated e.g. by sending a corresponding request in step S45 to the UE. The HO may be based, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, on a decrease in the communication quality (QoE) and/or, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, on a detected location of the UE in a travel path, e.g. based on tracking the UE location via suitable measurements.

When the HO is initiated, a corresponding HO procedure is conducted in step S46 as commonly known, so that a further explanation thereof is omitted herein. When the HO to network 2 is completed, in step S47, the session is established between the UE and the operator network 2. Accordingly, the QAM module in the service broker restarts in step S48 to monitor the communication quality.

Fig. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating a processing executed in a network element like the service broker entity of Fig. 2 or the QoE/QoS processing element of Fig. 3 according to some examples of embodiments of the invention in a communication control procedure as described above.

In step S100, a request for a service is received. The request includes quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service.

According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the request comprises at least one of the following information: at least one of an indication of a requested QoS and an indication of a requested QoE as the quality information, at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of the service consumption as the time information, at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device as the mobility information, and cost related information indicating a threshold for an allowable (i.e. acceptable for the subscriber) cost/prize frame or level for the requested service (i.e. for the guaranteed communication quality).

In step S1 10, the request and the information contained therein are processed. The processing in step S1 10 includes for example a determination of whether or not the requested service can be provided (in at least one communication network) under consideration of the information in the request (e.g. quality, time, mobility and cost related information). That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, it is determined whether or not the service can be provided by checking an availability of communication resources for providing the requested service in at least one communication network involved in the provision of the service, by checking a capability of the UE (the service consuming device) to which the service is to be provided with regard to the expected communication quality (i.e. is the UE able to work with the requested quality), by checking capacity, coverage and network characteristics of involved communication networks with regard to the provision of the service on the basis of the quality information, time information and mobility information, by considering other requests for a service from other service consuming devices when the other request overlaps with the received request, and by considering policies of an operator of the communication network.

In step S120, based on the determination result in step S1 10, it is decided whether the request can be accepted, in order to conduct a processing so as to generate a response to the received request.

If the decision in step S120 is positive, the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, a response indicating the ability to accept the request is generated, wherein the response further comprises at least one service plan for information about details of the provision of the service. Each service plan includes, for example, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, an indication of segments of the travel path(s) determined for providing the requested service, wherein, for each segment, communication network related information indicating the communication network(s) working in the segment and quality information indicating a respective communication quality which can be provided by each communication network available in the segment are provided. Furthermore, cost related information for providing the service in the segment caused by each network and/or possible quality level is provided. Moreover, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment are comprised.

In step S140, the response generated in step S130 is transmitted to the service requesting device (e.g. UE 10) together with the at least one service plan. Otherwise, if the decision in step S120 is negative, the process proceeds to step S150. In step S150, a response indicating of the inability to accept the request is generated. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the response means a refusal of the request, so that the negotiation is terminated thereby. Otherwise, according to some other examples of embodiments of the invention, the response comprises besides an indication regarding the inability to accept the (original) request a proposal for further negotiating. This proposal is for example at least one alternative service plan which includes, similar to the at least one service plan in case the request is acceptable (step S130), an indication of segments of a travel path for providing the requested service, wherein the indication comprises, for each segment, communication network related information indicating the communication network(s) working in the segment and quality information indicating a respective communication quality which can be provided by each communication network available in the segment are provided. Furthermore, cost related information for providing the service in the segment caused by each network and/or possible quality level is provided. Moreover, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment, and the like.

In step S160, the response generated in step S150 is transmitted to the requester (e.g. UE 10), wherein according to some examples of embodiments the at least one alternative service plan is included.

In step S170, a response from the UE to the signaling of step S140 or step S160 is received and processed, such as an indication for accepting the transmitted (alternative) service plan, i.e. an accepted service plan indicating the chosen path, the chosen networks, the chosen quality etc..

Fig. 10 shows a flowchart illustrating a processing executed in a network element like the QAM module or the QoE/QoS processing element of Fig. 3 according to some examples of embodiments of the invention in a communication control procedure as described above. In step S200, information regarding an accepted service plan for providing a service to a service consuming device (i.e. UE, for example) in a communication network is obtained. The information are based on quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service. According to some examples of embodiments of the invention, the information regarding the service plan includes e.g. one or more of an information regarding an acceptable threshold for the communication quality (i.e. a minimum QoS/QoE level or the like), an indication of predefined actions for changing a setting of a parameter (e.g. an indication which measures are to be used for changing the communication so as to improve/optimize the quality), an indication of segments of travel paths for providing the requested service (with communication network related information indicating the communication network(s) working in the segment and quality information indicating a respective communication quality which can be provided by each communication network available in the segment are provided, cost related information for providing the service in the segment caused by each network and/or possible quality level, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from one segment to another segment, i.e. handover.

In step S210, based on the obtained information, a monitoring of parameters indicated in the accepted service plan is started so as to detect whether the assured communication quality is reached, as soon as the service consumption/provision is initiated. The monitoring of the parameters is done for determining an actual communication quality, wherein e.g. one or more of the following processes are used. Measurements collected from the communication network (e.g. BS, AN elements etc.) and from the UE (the service consuming device), which are involved in the communication for providing the service in the communication network are used for determining the actual communication quality. Alternatively or additionally, drive tests logs or measurements in the communication network, live probing of a performance of the communication network, and tracing of a location of the requester in the at least one communication network are used.

Even though not shown in Fig. 10, the monitoring step S210 comprises, according to further examples of embodiments of the invention, further sub-steps of storing results obtained in the monitoring of the parameters, and processing the stored monitoring results, e.g. by reporting the stored monitoring results to a service broker entity or the like, a network operator of the communication network, etc. and/or by using the monitoring results for conducting a charging processing for the provision of the service (e.g. for considering reduced quality levels).

In step S220, it is decided whether the actual communication quality when providing the service to the service consuming device is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality. The decision is based, according to some examples of embodiments to the invention, on a comparison of a value derived from the processing in step S210 for the actual communication quality with a threshold (indicated in the obtained information in step S200, for example).

In case the decision in step S220 is positive, i.e. that the actual communication quality is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S230 in which it is allowed to continue the provision of the service. Then the process returns to the monitoring in step S210.

Otherwise, in case the decision in step S220 is negative, i.e. that the actual communication quality is deemed to be not sufficient, the process proceeds to step S240.

In step S240, a change of communication parameters is initiated so as to improve the actual communication quality (in order to reach the assured quality). The changing is related, for example, to an optimization of the communication by changing settings of the parameters for the communication. That is, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, e.g. in case a cell edge is reached, a handover to another cell of the present or another communication network according to the accepted service plan is initiated. Alternatively, a setting of a communication such as in an AN or BS is caused, comprising e.g. beam forming measures, antenna tilt change measures, load balancing procedures, coverage optimization procedures and capacity optimization procedures. Then, after having changed the parameters, the process returns to the monitoring in step

S210. In Fig. 1 1 , a block circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a network element acting as a service broker entity or a QoE/QoS processing element is shown, which is located, for example, in an operator network element or the like, and which is configured to implement a procedure according to some examples of embodiments of the invention for controlling the communication with an assured communication quality as described in connection with some of the examples of embodiments of the invention. It is to be noted that the network element 6 shown in Fig. 1 1 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted herein for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to a network element like a service broker entity, the network element 6 may be also another entity or device having a similar function, such as a chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a network element or attached as a separate element to a network element, or the like.

The network element 6 shown in Fig. 1 1 may comprise a processing function or processor 61 , such as a CPU or the like, which executes instructions given by programs or the like related to the communication control mechanism. The processor 61 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in several physical entities, for example. Reference sign 62 denotes transceiver or input/output (I/O) units (interfaces) connected to the processor 61. The I/O units 62 may be used for communicating with one or more other network elements, like UEs, content providers, operator network elements, and the like (as shown e.g. in Figs. 2 and 3). The I/O units 62 may be a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several network elements, or may comprise a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements. Reference sign 63 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 61 and/or as a working storage of the processor 61. The processor 61 is configured to execute processing related to the above described communication control procedure. In particular, the processor 61 comprises a sub-portion 610 as a processing portion which is usable for receiving a request for a service. The portion 610 may be configured to perform processing according to step S100 of Fig. 9, for example. Furthermore, the processor 61 comprises a sub-portion 61 1 usable as a portion for processing the request and for determining whether the service can be provided. The portion 61 1 may be configured to perform processing according to step S1 10 of Fig. 9, for example. Furthermore, the processor 61 comprises a sub-portion 612 usable as a portion for generating a service plan. The portion 612 may be configured to perform processing according to steps S130 and S150 of Fig. 9, for example. In addition, the processor 61 comprises a sub-portion 613 as a processing portion which is usable for generating and transmitting a response to the request, e.g. for indicating the service plan. The portion 613 may be configured to perform processing according to steps S140 and S160 of Fig. 9, for example. Furthermore, the processor 61 comprises a sub-portion 614 usable as a portion for receiving and processing an acceptance signal or accepted service plan. The portion 614 may be configured to perform processing according to step S170 of Fig. 9, for example.

In Fig. 12, a block circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a network element acting as a QAM module is shown, which is located, for example, in an operator network element, a UE or a service broker entity, or the like, and which is configured to implement a procedure according to some examples of embodiments of the invention for controlling the communication with an assured communication quality as described in connection with some of the examples of embodiments of the invention. It is to be noted that the network element 9 shown in Fig. 12 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted herein for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to a network element like a QAM module, the network element 9 may be also another entity or device having a similar function, such as a chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a network element or attached as a separate element to a network element, or the like. The network element 9 shown in Fig. 12 may comprise a processing function or processor 91 , such as a CPU or the like, which executes instructions given by programs or the like related to the communication control mechanism. The processor 91 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in several physical entities, for example. Reference sign 92 denotes transceiver or input/output (I/O) units (interfaces) connected to the processor 91. The I/O units 92 may be used for communicating with one or more other network elements, like UEs, operator network elements, service broker entities and the like (as shown e.g. in Figs. 6 to 8). The I/O units 92 may be a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several network elements, or may comprise a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements. Reference sign 93 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 91 and/or as a working storage of the processor 91.

The processor 91 is configured to execute processing related to the above described communication control procedure. In particular, the processor 91 comprises a sub-portion 910 as a processing portion which is usable for obtaining information related to an accepted service plan or the like for providing a service to a service consumer. The portion 910 may be configured to perform processing according to step S200 of Fig. 10, for example. Furthermore, the processor 91 comprises a sub-portion 91 1 usable as a portion for monitoring the performance of the communication when providing the service, i.e. the communication quality. The portion 91 1 may be configured to perform processing according to step S210 of Fig. 10, for example. Furthermore, the processor 91 comprises a sub-portion 912 usable as a portion for deciding with regard to an actual communication quality. The portion 912 may be configured to perform processing according to step S220 of Fig. 10, for example. In addition, the processor 91 comprises a sub-portion 913 as a processing portion which is usable for conducting a changing processing such as an optimization of parameters of the communication or a handover. The portion 913 may be configured to perform processing according to steps S230 and S240 of Fig. 10, for example. Furthermore, the processor 91 comprises a sub-portion 914 usable as a portion for storing monitoring results and for processing the stored monitoring results, such as for sending monitoring results to operator networks or service broker entities. In Fig. 13, a block circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication element acting as a service requesting device and service consuming device of a service is shown, which is located, for example, in the UE 10 or the like, and which is configured to implement a procedure according to some examples of embodiments of the invention for controlling the communication with an assured communication quality as described in connection with some of the examples of embodiments of the invention. It is to be noted that the communication element or UE 10 shown in Fig. 13 may comprise several further elements or functions besides those described herein below, which are omitted herein for the sake of simplicity as they are not essential for understanding the invention. Furthermore, even though reference is made to a communication element like a UE, the communication element 10 may be also another entity or device having a similar function, such as a chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a communication element like a terminal device or UE, or attached as a separate element to a terminal device or UE, or the like. Moreover, the functions related to a service requesting part and the functions related to a service consuming part can be located, according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, in different elements, as discussed above.

The communication element 10 shown in Fig. 13 may comprise a processing function or processor 1 1 , such as a CPU or the like, which executes instructions given by programs or the like related to the communication control mechanism. The processor 1 1 may comprise one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in several physical entities, for example. Reference sign 12 denotes transceiver or input/output (I/O) units (interfaces) connected to the processor 1 1 . The I/O units 12 may be used for communicating with one or more network elements, like ANs, service brokers, content providers, operator network elements, and the like (as shown e.g. in Figs. 1 to 3). The I/O units 12 may be a combined unit comprising communication equipment towards several network elements, or may comprise a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements. Reference sign 13 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor 1 1 and/or as a working storage of the processor 1 1 . The processor 1 1 is configured to execute processing related to the above described communication control procedure. In particular, the processor 1 1 comprises a sub-portion 1 10 as a processing portion which is usable for requesting for a service, i.e. for generating and sending such a request (as indicated e.g. in Fig. 4 at step S1 ). Furthermore, the processor 1 1 comprises a sub-portion 1 1 1 usable as a portion for receiving and processing a response to the request, e.g. in the form of at least one service plan (as indicated e.g. in Fig. 4 at step S7). Furthermore, the processor 1 1 comprises a sub-portion

1 12 usable as a portion for conducting a processing for accepting a service plan (as indicated e.g. in Fig. 4 at step S8). In addition, the processor 1 1 comprises a sub-portion

1 13 as a processing portion which is usable for conducting measurements related to the communication quality and for forwarding corresponding reports to the network.

In the following, an illustrative example for a communication control according to some examples of embodiments of the invention is described with reference to the travel paths shown in Fig. 1. It is to be noted that this example represents only one of several possible use cases of examples of embodiments of the invention, wherein in other examples additional or fewer functions of examples of embodiments can be implemented.

Assuming a person i.e. subscriber who intends to use a service, such as video streaming

(e.g. the transmission of a sport event or the like), with a high quality while traveling from point A to point E, as shown in Fig. 1 , e.g. by using a taxi. Therefore, the subscriber seeks to be provided with the desired service with a guaranteed communication quality level i.e. an assured QoE, for example.

The subscriber communicates with his operator network and requests e.g. for a 720p (a common HDTV signal format) video streaming of the desired event during the travel, i.e. he indicates the quality, time and mobility information.

The operator network (e.g. by means of a service broker entity) determines that there are two possible paths between starting point A and a road to destination E, which branch at point B and come together at point D (which is e.g. an access to a highway or the like leading to point E). One of these routes (e.g. route B-C-D) is close to a crowded place and the other route (B-F-D) requires e.g. a handover to another operator network (network 2).

Since route B-C-D is expected to be crowded at the travel time with a corresponding high network load, the operator network can only guarantee a 360p resolution. On the other hand, the route B-F-D requires e.g. a handover with corresponding costs, but it is expected to have more capacity, so that the operator network can guarantee the desired 720p resolution.

The result of the resource determination with the two possible paths is communicated to the subscriber, along with other information such as the costs/prizes of the service, for example by means of a corresponding service plan. For example, it is indicated that the costs/prizes for the first route are smaller than for the second route, e.g. due to the smaller resolution of only 360p and the fact that no change to another network is required.

Assuming that the subscriber prefers the higher resolution solution, while a reduced QoE is not an option, the subscriber decides for path A-B-F-D-E, and communicates the same to the operator network or service broker entity.

When starting the travel, the provision of the service is initiated. Furthermore, as described above according to some examples of embodiments of the invention, a synchronization with an external navigation device can be initiated. That is, the subscriber, when e.g. entering the taxi used for the travel, requests the taxi driver to synchronize his GPS device with the chosen path, i.e. to ensure that not another path than the negotiated is used.

During the travel, after initiating the service provision, the operator network traces or tracks the movement of the subscriber along the selected path and ensures that the serving cells on this path are configured to support the required QoE. Assuming that during this monitoring the monitoring systems (e.g. a QAM module in the operator network) indicates that one cell (e.g. cell of AN2) is nearing capacity, for example due to an unexpected increase in the communication load, so that the required QoE is questionable. In this case, the QAM module has e.g. the following options for optimization:

Increasing the approaching cell capacity by starting e.g. another communication layer, such as one more 3G layer

Load balancing between the approaching cell and the newly created 3G layer cell. This way capacity is made available for the approaching subscriber.

- Reducing the coverage of the cell so as to increase the capacity.

Assuming that it can be expected that there is a reduced load situation at the fringes of the cell of AN2 (e.g. less traffic due to date/daytime) the operator network (i.e. the QAM module) initiates a reconfiguration of the cell so as to cater additional capacity at the cost of coverage, so that the assured quality level or QoE for the subscriber is still guaranteed.

At point F, the entry into the other operator network 2 is detected, and a corresponding handover procedure is initiated, e.g. by the QAM module (see e.g. procedure as described in connection with Fig. 6). Even though not explicitly shown in Fig. 1 , a further handover back to network 1 at the junction between the cells of AN7 and AN5 is also conducted.

Assuming now that when the subscriber is approaching the junction where the two paths meets (i.e. point D in the cell of AN5), the operator network (e.g. the QAM module of network 1 ) realizes by its monitoring function that the cell of AN5 has reached its capacity. Exploring all the options for optimization, the QAM network realizes that for a short duration it would not be possible to offer a 720p resolution streaming. The subscriber is informed in advance that the network will provide give a reduced QoE, at least for a certain period or travel distance.

At the end of the session, i.e. when the service provision is terminated or finished, the operator network informs the subscriber about the service provision, e.g. by means of an information about the average QoE offered Furthermore, it also acknowledges that there was an explicit reduction in QoE at point D, for example. For this the operator network may not charge the full prize for the service as indicated beforehand, and the subscriber is informed e.g. about a reduced charge.

According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising request receiving means for receiving a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during consumption of the service, request processing means for processing the information comprised in the request and to determine whether or not the requested service can be provided, on the basis of the information of the request, and request responding means for generating, on the basis of the determination, a response to the received request and to cause transmission of the response.

Moreover, according to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising information obtaining means for obtaining information regarding a service plan for providing a service to a service consuming device in at least one communication network according to quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of the service consuming device during the consumption of the service, parameter monitoring means for monitoring parameters indicated in the service plan with regard to an assured communication quality when the service is provided, decision means for deciding whether the actual communication quality for providing the service to the service consuming device is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, and parameter changing means for changing settings of parameters for the provision of the service, wherein the decision means, in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is sufficient, further allows to continue the provision of the service, and in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is not sufficient, further causes the parameter changing means to change the settings of the parameters for improving the actual communication quality. According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising request creating means creating and causing transmission of a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service, and response processing means for receiving and processing a response to the request.

According to some further examples of embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising service initiation means for starting to consume a requested service and for informing a communication network to initiate the provision of the service to a service consuming device the on the basis of an accepted service plan, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

For the purpose of the present invention as described herein above, it should be noted that

- an access technology via which signaling is transferred to and from a network element may be any technology by means of which a network element or sensor node can access another network element or node (e.g. via a base station or generally an access node). Any present or future technology, such as WLAN (Wireless Local Access Network), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), LTE, LTE-A, Bluetooth,

Infrared, and the like may be used; although the above technologies are mostly wireless access technologies, e.g. in different radio spectra, access technology in the sense of the present invention implies also wired technologies, e.g. IP based access technologies like cable networks or fixed lines but also circuit switched access technologies; access technologies may be distinguishable in at least two categories or access domains such as packet switched and circuit switched, but the existence of more than two access domains does not impede the invention being applied thereto, - usable communication networks, stations and transmission nodes may be or comprise any device, apparatus, unit or means by which a station, entity or other user equipment may connect to and/or utilize services offered by the access network; such services include, among others, data and/or (audio-) visual communication, data download etc.; - a user equipment or communication network element (station) may be any device, apparatus, unit or means by which a system user or subscriber may experience services from an access network, such as a mobile phone or smart phone, a personal digital assistant PDA, or computer, or a device having a corresponding functionality, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a UE or attached as a separate element to a UE, or the like;

- method steps likely to be implemented as software code portions and being run using a processor at a network element or terminal (as examples of devices, apparatuses and/or modules thereof, or as examples of entities including apparatuses and/or modules for it), are software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language as long as the functionality defined by the method steps is preserved;

- generally, any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the invention in terms of the functionality implemented;

- method steps and/or devices, apparatuses, units or means likely to be implemented as hardware components at a terminal or network element, or any module(s) thereof, are hardware independent and can be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as a microprocessor or CPU (Central Processing Unit), MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (Complementary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic), etc., using for example ASIC (Application Specific IC

(Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components; in addition, any method steps and/or devices, units or means likely to be implemented as software components may for example be based on any security architecture capable e.g. of authentication, authorization, keying and/or traffic protection;

- devices, apparatuses, units or means can be implemented as individual devices, apparatuses, units or means, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device, apparatus, unit or means is preserved; for example, for executing operations and functions according to examples of embodiments of the invention, one or more processors may be used or shared in the processing, or one or more processing sections or processing portions may be used and shared in the processing, wherein one physical processor or more than one physical processor may be used for implementing one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described,

- an apparatus may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset; this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of an apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a (software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor;

- a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.

As described above, there is provided a mechanism for controlling a mobile communication with an assured communication quality level, such as a certain QoE or QoS. When a request is received for a specific service with quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service, it is determined whether the requested service can be provided with the requested parameters. If this is the case, a service plan is provided. According to this service plan, when the service provision is started, the parameters for the provision of the service in particular with regard to the communication quality are monitored. If the assured communication quality is not achieved, parameters of the communication are changed for improving the communication quality, including optimization procedures and handover procedures.

Although the present invention has been described herein before with reference to particular embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications can be made thereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a request receiving function configured to receive a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during consumption of the service, a request processing function configured to process the information comprised in the request and to determine whether or not the requested service can be provided, on the basis of the information of the request, and a request responding function configured to generate, on the basis of the determination, a response to the received request and to cause transmission of the response.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the request for the service comprises at least one of the following information: at least one of an indication of a quality of service and an indication of a quality of experience as the quality information, at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of the service consumption as the time information, at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device as the mobility information, and a cost related information indicating a threshold for an allowable cost level for the requested service.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the request processing function is further configured, for determining whether or not the requested service can be provided, to conduct at least one of checking whether or not communication resources are available in at least one communication network, checking a capability of the service consuming device with regard to the expected communication quality, checking at least one of a capacity, a coverage and a network characteristic of at least one communication network with regard to a provision of the service on the basis of the quality information, time information and mobility information, considering at least another request for a service to another service consuming device, said another request indicating overlapping time and mobility information, and considering policies of an operator of a communication network.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the request responding function is further configured, in case the determination results that the requested service can be provided in at least one communication network, to generate a response indicating the ability to accept the request, the response further comprising at least one service plan, each service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the request responding function is further configured, in case the determination results that the requested service can not be provided, to generate one of a response indicating an inability to accept the request and a refusal of the request, and a response indicating an inability to accept the request and a proposal for negotiating, the proposal comprising at least one alternative service plan, each alternative service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: an accepted service plan receiving function configured to receive and process an accepted service plan, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus is comprised in one of a service broker entity and a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, wherein the request for the service to be provided to the service consuming device is received from a service requesting device, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service requesting device is combined with the service consuming device in the communication element or separated from the service consuming device.

8. A method comprising receiving a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during consumption of the service, processing the information comprised in the request, determining whether or not the requested service can be provided, on the basis of the information of the request, generating, on the basis of the determination a response to the received request, and causing transmission of the response.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the request for the service comprises at least one of the following information: at least one of an indication of a quality of service and an indication of a quality of experience as the quality information, at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of the service consumption as the time information, at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device as the mobility information, and a cost related information indicating a threshold for an allowable cost level for the requested service.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the determining of whether or not the requested service can be provided , further comprises at least one of checking whether or not communication resources are available in at least one communication network, checking a capability of the service consuming device with regard to the expected communication quality, checking at least one of a capacity, a coverage and a network characteristic of at least one communication network with regard to a provision of the service on the basis of the quality information, time information and mobility information, considering at least another request for a service to another service consuming device, said another request indicating overlapping time and mobility information, and considering policies of an operator of a communication network.

1 1 . The method according to any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising in case the determining results that the requested service can be provided in at least one communication network, generating a response indicating the ability to accept the request, the response further comprising at least one service plan, each service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment.

12. The method according to any of claims 8 to 1 1 , further comprising, in case the determining results that the requested service can not be provided, generating one of a response indicating an inability to accept the request and a refusal of the request, and a response indicating an inability to accept the request and a proposal for negotiating, the proposal comprising at least one alternative service plan, each alternative service plan comprising: an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment.

13. The method according to any of claims 8 to 12, further comprising receiving and processing an accepted service plan, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

14. The method according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the method is implemented in one of a service broker entity and a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, wherein the request for the service to be provided to the service consuming device is received from a service requesting device, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service requesting device is combined with the service consuming device in the communication element or separated from the service consuming device.

15. An apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: an information obtaining function configured to obtain information regarding a service plan for providing a service to a service consuming device in at least one communication network according to quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of the service consuming device during the consumption of the service, a parameter monitoring function configured to monitor parameters indicated in the service plan with regard to an assured communication quality when the service is provided, a decision function configured to decide whether the actual communication quality for providing the service to the service consuming device is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, and a parameter changing function configured to change settings of parameters for the provision of the service, wherein the decision function is further configured, in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is sufficient, to allow to continue the provision of the service, and in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is not sufficient, to cause the parameter changing function to change the settings of the parameters for improving the actual communication quality.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the information regarding the service plan includes at least one of: information regarding an acceptable threshold for the communication quality, an indication of predefined actions for changing a setting of a parameter, and an indication of at least one segment of a travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from one segment to another segment.

17. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 and 16, wherein the quality information is related to at least one of a quality of service and a quality of experience, the time information is related to at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of a consumption of the service, and the mobility information is related to at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the parameter monitoring function is further configured, for monitoring the parameters indicated in the information regarding the service plan, to determine an actual communication quality on the basis of at least one of measurements collected from at least one of network elements and the service consuming device involved in a communication for providing the service, drive tests logs or measurements in at least one communication network, live probing of a performance of at least one communication network, and tracing of a location of the service consuming device in at least one communication network.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the decision function is further configured, for deciding whether the actual communication quality is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, to compare the actual communication quality with a threshold.

20. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the parameter changing function is further configured, for changing the settings of the parameters for the provision of the service, to conduct at least one of initiating a handover to another cell of the at least one communication network or of another communication network, and changing a setting of a communication in a cell of the at least one communication network used for providing the service, the changing comprising at least one of a beam forming, an antenna tilt change, a load balancing procedure, a coverage optimization procedure and a capacity optimization procedure.

21 . The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a monitoring result storing function configured to store results obtained in the parameter monitoring process of the parameter monitoring function, and a monitoring result processing function configured to process the stored monitoring results, the processing comprising at least one of reporting the stored monitoring results to at least one of a service broker entity providing the information regarding the service plan, and a network operator of at least one communication network involved in providing the service to the service consuming device, and using the monitoring results for conducting a charging processing for the provision of the service.

22. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 21 , wherein the apparatus is comprised in a quality assurance module, the quality assurance module being part of one of a service broker entity, a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, and the service consuming device, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in the at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment.

23. A method comprising obtaining information regarding a service plan for providing a service to a service consuming device in at least one communication network according to quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of the service consuming device during the consumption of the service, monitoring parameters indicated in the service plan with regard to an assured communication quality when the service is provided, deciding whether the actual communication quality for providing the service to the service consuming device is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, and in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is sufficient, allowing to continue the provision of the service, and in case the decision results that the actual communication quality is not sufficient, changing settings of the parameters for the provision of the service for improving the actual communication quality.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the information regarding the service plan includes at least one of: information regarding an acceptable threshold for the communication quality, an indication of predefined actions for changing a setting of a parameter, and an indication of at least one segment of a travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from one segment to another segment.

25. The method according to any of claims 23 and 24, wherein the quality information is related to at least one of a quality of service and a quality of experience, the time information is related to at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of a consumption of the service, and the mobility information is related to at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device.

26. The method according to any of claims 23 to 25, further comprising, for monitoring the parameters indicated in the information regarding the service plan, determining an actual communication quality on the basis of at least one of measurements collected from at least one of network elements and the service consuming device involved in a communication for providing the service, drive tests logs or measurements in at least one communication network, live probing of a performance of at least one communication network, and tracing of a location of the service consuming device in at least one communication network.

27. The method according to any of claims 23 to 26, further comprising, for deciding whether the actual communication quality is sufficient with regard to the assured communication quality, comparing the actual communication quality with a threshold.

28. The method according to any of claims 23 to 27, further comprising, for changing the settings of the parameters for the provision of the service, conducting at least one of initiating a handover to another cell of the at least one communication network or of another communication network, and changing a setting of a communication in a cell of the at least one communication network used for providing the service, the changing comprising at least one of a beam forming, an antenna tilt change, a load balancing procedure, a coverage optimization procedure and a capacity optimization procedure.

29. The method according to any of claims 23 to 28, further comprising storing results obtained in the monitoring of the parameters, and processing the stored monitoring results, the processing comprising at least one of reporting the stored monitoring results to at least one of a service broker entity providing the information regarding the service plan, and a network operator of at least one communication network involved in providing the service to the service consuming device, and using the monitoring results for conducting a charging processing for the provision of the service.

30. The method according to any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the method is implemented in a quality assurance module, the quality assurance module being part of one of a service broker entity, a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, and the service consuming device, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in the at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment.

31 . An apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a request creating function configured to create and cause transmission of a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service, and a response processing function configured to receive and process a response to the request.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the request for the service comprises at least one of the following information: at least one of an indication of a quality of service and an indication of a quality of experience as the quality information, at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of the service consumption as the time information, at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device as the mobility information, and a cost related information indicating a threshold for an allowable cost level for the requested service.

33. The apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the response comprises one of an indication regarding the ability to accept the request, and at least one service plan, each service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment, and an indication regarding an inability to accept the request, and one of a refusal of the request, or a proposal for negotiating, the proposal comprising at least one alternative service plan, each alternative service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: an accepting function configured to process the at least one received service plan or alternative service plan for deciding on accepting or not accepting one of the received at least one service plan or alternative service plan, and in case the decision results in an acceptance of one service plan or alternative service plan, to cause a transmission of information regarding the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

35. The apparatus according to any of claims 31 to 34, wherein the apparatus is comprised in a service requesting device, wherein the request is sent to one of a service broker entity and a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service requesting device is combined with the service consuming device in the communication element or separated from the service consuming device.

36. An apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one interface to at least one other network element, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a service initiation function configured to start to consume a requested service and to inform a communication network to initiate the provision of the service to a service consuming device the on the basis of an accepted service plan, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a synchronization function configured to initiate a synchronization of an external navigation device with data contained in the accepted service plan.

38. The apparatus according to any of claims 36 and 37, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: a measurement function configured to conduct measurements related to an actual communication quality during the consumption of the service according to the accepted service plan, and a measurement reporting function configured to cause a transmission of a measurement report based on the results of the measurement function to at least one of a communication network control element of the at least one communication network and a quality assurance module.

39. The apparatus according to any of claims 36 to 38, wherein the apparatus is comprised in the service consuming device, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service consuming device is combined with a service requesting device in the communication element or separated from the service requesting device.

40. A method comprising creating a request for a service, the request comprising quality information indicating an expected communication quality for the service, time information related to the consumption of the service, and mobility information indicating a mobility of a service consuming device during the consumption of the service, causing transmission of the request, and receiving and processing a response to the request.

41 . The method according to claim 40, wherein the request for the service comprises at least one of the following information: at least one of an indication of a quality of service and an indication of a quality of experience as the quality information, at least one of an indication of a time window and an indication of a duration of the service consumption as the time information, at least one of an indication of a travel path and an indication of a start point and end point for a travel of the service consuming device as the mobility information, and a cost related information indicating a threshold for an allowable cost level for the requested service.

42. The method according to claim 40 or 41 , wherein the response comprises one of an indication regarding the ability to accept the request, and at least one service plan, each service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment, and an indication regarding an inability to accept the request, and one of a refusal of the request, or a proposal for negotiating, the proposal comprising at least one alternative service plan, each alternative service plan comprising an indication of at least one segment of at least one travel path for providing the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment: communication network related information indicating at least one communication network for the segment and a quality information of a communication quality that can be provided by the at least one communication network, at least one cost related information related to each quality information for providing the service by the at least one communication network in the segment, information related to characteristics of the segment, and an indication regarding a change from the segment to another segment.

43. The method according to claim 42, further comprising processing the at least one received service plan or alternative service plan for deciding on accepting or not accepting one of the received at least one service plan or alternative service plan, and in case the decision results in an acceptance of one service plan or alternative service plan, causing a transmission of information regarding the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

44. The method according to any of claims 40 to 43, wherein the method is implemented in a service requesting device, wherein the request is sent to one of a service broker entity and a communication network control element controlling the at least one communication network, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service requesting device is combined with the service consuming device in the communication element or separated from the service consuming device.

45. A method comprising starting to consume a requested service, informing a communication network to initiate the provision of the service to a service consuming device the on the basis of an accepted service plan, the accepted service plan including an indication of a travel path comprising at least one segment for consuming the requested service, the indication comprises, for each segment, an indication of a chosen communication network for the segment and a chosen communication quality.

46. The method according to claim 45, further comprising initiating a synchronization of an external navigation device with data contained in the accepted service plan.

47. The method according to any of claims 45 and 46, further comprising conducting measurements related to an actual communication quality during the consumption of the service according to the accepted service plan, and reporting of results of the measurements to at least one of a communication network control element of the at least one communication network and a quality assurance module.

48. The method according to any of claims 45 to 47, wherein the method is implemented in the service consuming device, wherein the service consuming device comprises a communication element communicating in at least one communication network, wherein the communication element is a terminal device or user equipment, and wherein the service consuming device is combined with a service requesting device in the communication element or separated from the service requesting device.

49. A computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of any of claims 8 to 14 or any of claims 23 to 30 or any of claims 40 to 44 or any of claims 45 to 48 when said product is run on the computer.

50. The computer program product according to claim 49, wherein the computer program product comprises a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored, and/or the computer program product is directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.