WO2015036816A1

WO2015036816A1 - Method and apparatus for facilitating selection of a mobile virtual network operator

Info

Publication number: WO2015036816A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/058506
Authority: WO
Inventors: Silke Holtmanns; Peter Harrison; Jari Vainikka
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy; Nokia Inc.
Priority date: 2013-09-12
Filing date: 2013-09-12
Publication date: 2015-03-19

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate selection of a network operator for a mobile terminal that is roaming. In the context of a method, an indication of roaming is caused to be provided and an indication is received of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming. The method also includes causing a selection of a respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided and commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator. The commencement of roaming includes configuring the mobile terminal for access to the mobile virtual network operator. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING SELECTION OF A MOBILE VIRTUAL

NETWORK OPERATOR

TECHNOLOGICAL FILED

An example embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a method, apparatus and computer program product for offering and providing suitable network service while roaming and, more particularly, for facilitating selection of a mobile virtual network operator.

BACKGROUND

A mobile terminal is generally serviced by a home network operator. In some instances, the mobile terminal may be taken out of the area serviced by the home network, such as in instances in which the user of the mobile terminal is traveling, such as to another region or country. In these instances, the mobile terminal is roaming and another network operator must be selected in order to provide service for the mobile terminal, since the home network operator cannot provide the desired services.

Upon arrival of a mobile terminal in a different network coverage area, such as a different region or country, the mobile terminal receives the mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code (MNC), for example, MCC.MNC, for one or more available radio networks that may provide coverage for the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may then endeavor to identify the name of each of the available networks, such as by translating each MCC.MNC to the name of the respective radio network operator based upon an association there between maintained by the mobile terminal or by the provision of the name of the respective radio network within a field of a network message in conjunction with the MCC.MNC. In an instance in which the name of a radio network operator is able to be identified, the mobile terminal may display the names of the available networks. If the name of the respective radio network operator is unable to be identified, the mobile terminal may, instead, display the MCC.MNC of the available radio network.

In some instances, one or more preferred network operators may be preprogrammed by the home network operator into the subscriber identity module

(SIM)/universal integrated circuit card (UICC) card profile. In this situation, the mobile terminal may only display the preferred network operators that are available to the user, even if other network operators are available and have better coverage, but have not been designated as preferred. Consequently, only the preferred network operators will be visible to the user when the mobile terminal is roaming. The user of the mobile terminal will therefore be unable to select the best operator from amongst all of the available network operators, but will, instead, be limited to the preferred network operators. In at least some instances, the selection of a network operator to service the mobile terminal while roaming from amongst the preferred network operators may be made automatically.

Alternatively, in a manual selection mode, the mobile terminal may display the available radio network operators. However, the user may only select a radio network operator for service while roaming in an instance in which the home operator has a contract with the respective network operator. As such, the options in terms of the network operators that may be selected to service the mobile terminal while roaming may again be limited. Also, the contractual partners of the home operator from which the user must select may not provide the best coverage within the area in which the user is located and, instead, another operator may offer better coverage and services within the area.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to facilitate selection of a network operator for a mobile terminal that is roaming. In this regard, the method, apparatus and computer program product may be configured to permit a user of the mobile terminal to select from amongst all of the available network operators, both virtual and radio, in order to affect freedom of choice for the user. The method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment may also permit the selection of a mobile virtual network operator to provide service to the mobile terminal while roaming, thereby further increasing the available network operators from which the user may make a selection while the mobile terminal is roaming from conventional radio network operators to include also virtual network operators.

In an example embodiment, a method is provided that includes causing an indication of roaming to be provided and receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming. The method of this embodiment also includes causing a selection of a respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided and commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator. The commencement of roaming includes configuring the mobile terminal for access to the mobile virtual network operator. The method may also include the receipt of configuration information after having caused the selection to be provided and prior to commencing roaming.

The method of an example embodiment may also include receiving an indication of another network while being serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator. The method of this embodiment also determines whether another network is a home operator for a home network. In an instance in which another network is the home operator, the method of this embodiment restores the settings of the home network and initiates a connection to the home operator, thereby insuring that the user, when returning home from roaming, can resume using the services of the home operator in the same manner as prior to roaming.

The method of an example embodiment may cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of traveling thereto. In this embodiment, the method may further include pre-selecting a mobile virtual network operator in advance of traveling to the travel destination. The preselection of a mobile virtual network operator may include receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator capable of providing service at the travel destination. The pre-selection of a mobile virtual network operator in accordance with this embodiment also includes causing a selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided in advance of travel to the travel destination and receiving roaming settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator.

The method of another embodiment may cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing the presence of the mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal, such as within a region or country outside of the service area of the home network. The method of an example embodiment may receive the indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming by receiving a mobility management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system (EPS) mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by a radio access network. The method of another example embodiment also includes causing a connection to be established with the radio access network and receiving a message from the radio access network including information that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network or a link to a page that provides such information. The method of this embodiment also includes providing access to the page that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network such that the user may cause a selection to be provided. The method of a further example embodiment may include causing a connection to be established with a plurality of available radio access networks and receiving a message from the plurality of radio access networks including an identification of one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the respective radio access networks.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a processor and a memory including computer program code with the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause an indication of roaming to be provided and receive an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming. The memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of this embodiment to cause a selection of a respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided and to commence roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator. The commencement of roaming includes configuring the mobile terminal for access to the mobile virtual network operator and may further include storing the home operator's configuration to facilitate the resumption of service upon the return of the user to the home operator. The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to receive configuration information after having caused the selection to be provided and prior to commencing roaming.

The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of an example embodiment to receive an indication of another network while being serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator. The memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of this embodiment to also determine whether another network is a home operator for a home network. In an instance in which another network is the home operator, the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of this embodiment to restore the settings of the home network and initiate a connection to the home operator.

The memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of an example embodiment to cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of traveling thereto. In this embodiment, the memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to pre-select a mobile virtual network operator in advance of traveling to the travel destination. The pre-selection of a mobile virtual network operator may include receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator capable of providing service at the travel destination. The pre-selection of a mobile virtual network operator in accordance with this embodiment also includes causing a selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided in advance of travel to the travel destination and receiving roaming settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator.

The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of another embodiment to cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing the presence of the mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal, such as within a region or country outside of the service area of the home network. The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of an example embodiment to receive the indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming by receiving a mobility

management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system (EPS) mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by a radio access network. The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of another example embodiment to cause a connection to be established with the radio access network and to receive a message from the radio access network including information that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network or a link to a page that provides such information. The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of this embodiment to provide access to the page that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network such that the user may cause a selection to be provided. The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of a further example embodiment to cause a connection to be established with a plurality of available radio access networks and to receive a message from the plurality of radio access networks including an identification of one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the respective radio access networks.

In a further embodiment, a computer program product is provided that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium having program code portions stored thereon with the program code portions configured, upon execution, to cause an indication of roaming to be provided and receive an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming. The program code portions of this embodiment are also configured, upon execution, to cause a selection of a respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided and to commence roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator. The commencement of roaming includes configuring the mobile terminal for access to the mobile virtual network operator. The program code portions may also be configured, upon execution, to receive configuration information after having caused the selection to be provided and prior to commencing roaming.

The program code portions of an example embodiment may also be configured, upon execution, to receive an indication of another network while being serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator. The program code portions of this

embodiment may also be configured, upon execution, to determine whether another network is a home operator for a home network. In an instance in which another network is the home operator, the program code portions of this embodiment may be configured, upon execution, to restore the settings of the home network and initiate a connection to the home operator.

The program code portions of an example embodiment may be configured, upon execution, to cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of traveling thereto. In this embodiment, the program code portions may be further configured, upon execution, to pre-select a mobile virtual network operator in advance of traveling to the travel destination. The preselection of a mobile virtual network operator may include receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator capable of providing service at the travel destination. The pre-selection of a mobile virtual network operator in accordance with this embodiment also includes causing a selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided in advance of travel to the travel destination and receiving roaming settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator.

The program code portions of another embodiment may be configured, upon execution, to cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing the presence of the mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal, such as within a region or country outside of the service area of the home network. The program code portions of an example embodiment may be configured, upon execution, to receive the indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming by receiving a mobility management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system (EPS) mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by a radio access network. The program code portions of another example embodiment may also be configured, upon execution, to cause a connection to be established with the radio access network and to receive a message from the radio access network including information that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network or a link to a page that provides such information. The program code portions of this embodiment may also be configured, upon execution, to provide access to the page that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network such that the user may cause a selection to be provided. The program code portions of a further example embodiment may be configured, upon execution, to cause a connection to be established with a plurality of available radio access networks and to receive a message from the plurality of radio access networks including an identification of one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the respective radio access networks.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes means for causing an indication of roaming to be provided and means for receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing a service while roaming. The apparatus of this embodiment also includes means for causing a selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided and means for commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator including means for configuring the mobile terminal for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described example embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a plurality of mobile network operators (MNOs) operating on different frequencies and supporting a plurality of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs);

Figure 2 is block diagram of an apparatus that may be specifically configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in accordance with a further example embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in accordance with an yet another example embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating the operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in accordance with still another example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms "data," "content," "information," and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

Additionally, as used herein, the term 'circuitry' refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (for example, implementations in analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry);

(b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and

(c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term 'circuitry' also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term 'circuitry' as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and/or other computing device.

As defined herein, a "computer-readable storage medium," which refers to a non- transitory physical storage medium (for example, volatile or non-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from a "computer-readable transmission medium," which refers to an electromagnetic signal.

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to facilitate selection of a mobile virtual network operator to provide service to a mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is roaming outside of the service area of the home network operator that typically provides service to the mobile terminal. In this regard, one or more mobile network operators (MNOs) may provide service to a mobile terminal via a respective radio access network operating on a particular frequency. For example, some radio access networks may be operated by a single mobile network operator, such as the radio access networks operating on frequencies 1 and 2 which are operated by mobile network operators 1 and 2,

respectively, in Figure 1. However, some radio access networks may be utilized and operated by two or more mobile network operators which share the radio access network. As shown in Figure 1 , for example, a radio access network operating on frequency 3 may be shared by mobile network operators 3 and 4.

One or more of the mobile network operators may support one or more mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). In this regard, a mobile virtual network operator may contract with a respective mobile network operator in order to utilize the radio access network of the mobile network operator and operate on the respective frequency. As shown in Figure 1 , a mobile network operator of a radio access network may contract with and support a plurality of mobile virtual network operators. While a mobile network operator may be aware of the mobile virtual network operators that utilize the respective radio access network, a mobile network operator may be unaware of all of the mobile virtual network operators that utilize other radio access networks of other mobile network operators. Mobile virtual network operators have not conventionally been visible to a user even though they may provide relatively inexpensive local service. In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, however, mobile virtual network operators are made visible to a user such that a user may select a mobile virtual network operator to provide service while roaming.

A wide variety of mobile terminals may be supported by the mobile network operators and the mobile virtual network operators. For example, a mobile terminal may be embodied as a portable digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smart phone, pager, mobile television, gaming device, laptop computer, camera, tablet computer, touch surface, video recorder, audio/video player, radio, electronic book, positioning device (for example, global positioning system (GPS) device), or any combination of the

aforementioned, and other types of voice or data communications systems.

Regardless of the manner in which a mobile terminal is instantiated, a mobile terminal may include or otherwise be associated with an apparatus 10 that may be configured to facilitate selection of a mobile virtual network operator while the mobile terminal is roaming. In an example embodiment, the apparatus may be embodied as shown in Figure 2 so as to include or otherwise be in communication with a processor 12, a memory device 14, a communication interface 16 and a user interface 18. In some embodiments, the processor (and/or co-processors or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) may be in communication with the memory device via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory device may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories and, in one embodiment may include a SIM and/or UICC. For example, the memory device may be an electronic storage device (for example, a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (for example, bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (for example, a computing device like the processor). The memory device may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory device could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor.

As noted above, the apparatus 10 may be embodied by a mobile terminal.

However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus may comprise one or more physical packages (for example, chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (for example, a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

The processor 12 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit

(MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processor may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining and/or multithreading. In an example embodiment, the processor 12 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 14 or otherwise accessible to the processor. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may be configured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor may represent an entity (for example, physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software

instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

However, in some cases, the processor may be a processor of a specific device (for example, a user device) configured to employ an embodiment of the present invention by further configuration of the processor by instructions for performing the algorithms and/or operations described herein. The processor may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processor.

The apparatus 10 of an example embodiment may also include a communication interface 16 that may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a communications device in communication with the apparatus, such as to facilitate communications therebetween. For example, the communications interface may facilitate with network entities of one or more radio access networks. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause

transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s).

The apparatus 10 of an example embodiment may also include a user interface 18 that may, in turn, be in communication with the processor 12 to provide output to the user and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input. As such, the user interface may include a display and, in some embodiments, may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, one or more microphones, a plurality of speakers, or other input/output mechanisms. In an example embodiment, the processor may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more user interface elements such as a display and, in some embodiments, a plurality of speakers, a ringer, one or more microphones and/or the like. The processor and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (for example, software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (for example, memory device 14, and/or the like).

Referring now to Figure 3, an overview of the operations performed, such as by the apparatus 10 of Figure 2, in order to facilitate selection of a mobile virtual network operator is depicted, with various alternative embodiments being illustrated in Figures 4-7 and being described hereinafter. With respect to block 20 of Figure 3, however, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing an indication of the roaming of the mobile terminal to be provided. As described below, the indication of the roaming of the mobile terminal may be provided in advance of the roaming, such as in advance of travel by the user of the mobile terminal to a travel destination, such as another region or country, serviced by a different radio access network than the home network via which the home network operator typically provides service to the mobile terminal. Alternatively, the indication of the roaming of the mobile terminal may be provided while the mobile terminal is roaming, such as upon activation of the mobile terminal in a region or country that is serviced by a radio access network different than the home network of the mobile terminal.

As shown in block 22 of Figure 3, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 6 or the like, for receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service to the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is roaming. In this regard, the mobile terminal may receive indications of one or more mobile virtual network operators that provide service within the region or country to which the mobile terminal has roamed. The mobile virtual network operators for which the mobile terminal receives an indication may be supported by the same mobile network operator and therefore, the same radio access network or by different mobile network operators and, therefore, different radio access networks. As described below, the apparatus, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, may cause the user of the mobile terminal to be notified of the one or more mobile virtual network operators that are capable of providing service while roaming, such as by presenting the names of the one or more mobile virtual network operators upon the user interface 18, for example, a display, of the mobile terminal and/or by providing other information, such as the mobile country code and mobile network code of the one or more mobile virtual network operators upon the display. In one example embodiment, all of the available mobile virtual network operators that are capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming may be provided for review and selected by the user, as opposed to only a subset that are preferred by the home network operator or with which the home network operator has a contract.

Following a review of the available mobile virtual network operators, the user may select a respective mobile virtual network operator for providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming. The apparatus 10 provided by the mobile terminal, may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing the selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided to the radio access network that supports the mobile virtual network operator. See block 24 of Figure 3. In some embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may also include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for receiving configuration information from the respective mobile virtual network operator and/or from the mobile network operator that supports the respective mobile virtual network operator. See block 26. The configuration information provided by the respective mobile virtual network operator or the corresponding mobile network operator may include roaming settings, such as voice and data profiles including, for example, settings for local breakout (LBO) data to permit the configuration of the mobile terminal to be updated. Among other parameters, the roaming settings may include, for example, the identity, for example, MCC.MNC, of the mobile network operator that supports the mobile virtual network operator or, in an instance in which the mobile network operator of the respective mobile virtual network operator cooperates with one or more other mobile network operators, the identities of a plurality of mobile network operators. The roaming settings may also include the identity, for example, MCC.MNC, of the mobile virtual network operator. Further, the roaming settings may include data sufficient to announce to a foreign network, that is, a network other than the home network, upon entry of the mobile terminal the choice of the mobile virtual network operator including, for example, access related data, such as access point information, LBO configuration and other configuration information.

As shown in block 28 of Figure 3, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may also include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator. In this regard, the commencement of roaming may include the apparatus, such as the processor, the memory 14 or the like, configuring the mobile terminal for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator. In this regard, the configuration of the mobile terminal may include storing the configuration information provided by the mobile network operator and/or the mobile virtual network operator and thereafter utilizing the

configuration information in conjunction with communications with the respective mobile virtual network operator.

While being serviced by the mobile virtual network operator, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, may receive indications of one or more other mobile virtual network operators that are capable of servicing the mobile terminal. In order to determine whether the mobile terminal has returned to the home network so as to no longer need to be serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may compare the identities of the other mobile virtual network operators that are received to that of the home network operator and, in an instance in which another mobile virtual network operator that is capable of servicing the mobile terminal is the home network operator, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may restore the settings of the home network operator and initiate a connection to the home operator. In this regard and as described below, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal, such as the processor, the memory or the like, may have stored the settings of the home network prior to initiating the connection with the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as shown in block 26. Alternatively, the settings of the home network may be provided by the home network operator upon the return of the mobile terminal to the region serviced by the home network.

In this regard, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for receiving an indication of another network (including, in an example embodiment, another mobile network operator or other type of network) that becomes visible and is therefore capable of providing service to the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is being serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator. See block 30 of Figure 3. For example, the apparatus, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, may receive the MCC.MNC or other information identifying another network that is capable of servicing the mobile terminal. As shown in block 32 of Figure 3, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor or the like, for determining whether the another network is the home network operator and, if so, may include means, such as the processor, the memory 14 or the like, for restoring the settings from the home network and initiating a connection with the home network operator. See block 34 of Figure 3. In addition, the apparatus, such as the processor, the memory or the like, may store or cache the settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator that supported the mobile terminal while roaming such that those settings may be accessed in the future in an instance in which a respective mobile virtual network operator is going to again support the mobile terminal.

In the example embodiment depicted in Figure 4, an apparatus 10 embodied by a mobile terminal may be configured to select a mobile virtual network operator to support the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is roaming with the selection made prior to roaming, such as prior to traveling to another region or country outside of the service area of the home network operator. In this embodiment, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing an indication of roaming to be provided by causing an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of the travel. See block 40 of Figure 4. The indication of the travel destination may be provided in various manners including, for example, by entry of the phone number of the mobile terminal and the travel destination upon a travel portal or other global service web page.

The apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal of this embodiment may also include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for preselecting the mobile virtual network operator in advance of the travel. See block 42. In order to pre-select the mobile virtual network operator in advance of travel to the travel destination, the apparatus may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator capable of providing service at the travel destination. The indication of the at least one mobile virtual network operator capable of providing service at the travel destination may be received in various manners including, for example, with the at least one mobile virtual network operator being presented upon a web page or being identified within an electronic message, such as a short message service (SMS) message. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means, such as the processor, the communication interface, the user interface 18 or the like, for causing a selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided in advance of travel to the travel destination. For example, the user of the mobile terminal may select one of the mobile virtual network operators capable of providing service at the travel destination with the selection thereafter being communicated to the network, for example, the mobile virtual network operator. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for receiving roaming settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as the roaming settings described above.

Once the mobile terminal has roamed, such as upon travel by the user of the mobile terminal to the travel destination that is no longer serviced by the home network operator, but is, instead, serviced by at least the respective mobile virtual network operator that was pre-selected, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for receiving an indication of the availability of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming and, in particular, for receiving an indication of the availability of the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator to provide service while the mobile terminal is roaming. See block 44 of Figure 4. While various types of indications of the availability of the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator may be received, the identity of the available mobile virtual network operators, such as the MCC.MNC of the mobile virtual network operators that are available to provide service to the mobile terminal while roaming, may be received in one embodiment.

The apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may also include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing a selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as a selection of the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator, to be provided to the mobile virtual network operator. See block 46 of Figure 4. The selection may be provided in various manners including, for example, via an electronic message, such as an SMS message to a service number of the mobile virtual network operator, or via a message directed to a server associated with the mobile virtual network operator. While the indication of the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator may be provided to the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator, the indication may, instead, be provided to the mobile network operator that supports the preselected mobile virtual network operator or to all of the mobile network operators within the region or country to which the mobile terminal has roamed in an instance in which the mobile network operators in the region or country may cooperate with another. As such, reference herein to communication between the mobile terminal and a respective mobile virtual network operator should be understood to alternatively include communication between the mobile terminal and the mobile network operator that supports the respective mobile virtual network operator.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal, such as the processor 12, the communications interface 16 or the like, may optionally receive configuration information from the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator and/or the mobile network operator that supports the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator. In this regard, the configuration information may be optional as sufficient configuration information may have been provided in conjunction with the pre-selection of the mobile virtual network operator and, as such, may not need to be provided once the mobile terminal has roamed. The apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may also include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as by switching on roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator. See block 48 of Figure 4. In order to commence roaming, the apparatus, such as the processor, the memory 14 or the like, may configure the mobile terminal for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as by storing and utilizing the configuration information provided by the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator and/or the mobile network operator that supports the pre-selected mobile virtual network operator. As noted above, the configuration information may have been provided during the pre-selection of the mobile virtual network operator and/or once the mobile terminal has commenced roaming.

Prior to storing and beginning to utilize the configuration information of the preselected mobile virtual network operator, the apparatus 10, such as the processor 12, the memory 14 or the like, may store, for example, cache, the settings for the home network. The settings for the home network may be stored along with or otherwise in association with an identity, such as the MCC.MNC, of the home network so as to facilitate a subsequent return to the home network. In an example embodiment, the mobile terminal and the home network may also exchange messages so that the home network is subsequently able to locate the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is roaming.

While the mobile terminal is roaming, the apparatus 10, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, may monitor indications of other networks including other mobile network operators that become visible and are therefore capable of providing service to the mobile terminal. In an instance in which another network, such as another mobile network operator, becomes visible, the apparatus, such as the processor, may determine whether the another network is the home network operator and, if so, may restore the settings from the home network and initiate a connection with the home network operator, as described above in conjunction with blocks 30-34 of Figure 3. In this scenario, the apparatus, such as the processor, the memory 14 or the like, may also store, for example, cache, the settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator that supported the mobile terminal while roaming such that those settings may be accessed in the future in an instance in which a respective mobile virtual network operator is going to again support the mobile terminal.

In another example embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing an indication of roaming to be provided by causing the presence of the mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal. See block 50 of Figure 5. In this regard, the mobile terminal may be activated upon entry into a region or country outside of the service area of its home network. Upon activation of the mobile terminal, the presence of the mobile terminal may be announced. In this example embodiment, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming by receiving a mobility management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system (EPS) mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators. See block 52.

An MM information message may be provided by the mobile network operator within the region or country to which the mobile terminal has roamed to provide the mobile terminal with subscriber specific information in second generation (2G) and third generation (3G) networks. As defined by Table 9.2.18 of the 3^rd generation partnership project (3GPP) technical specification (TS) 24.018, the MM information message may include a MM protocol discriminator, a skip indicator, an MM information message type, the full name of a network, the short name for a network, the local time zone, the universal time and local times therein, the local security authority (LSA) identity and the network daylight savings time. In this example embodiment, the fields of the MM information message for the full name of a network and/or the short name of a network may be expanded from identifying a single radio access network operator to identifying one or more mobile virtual network operators, such as by MCC.MNC, that may be supported by the respective mobile network operator and that are therefore also available to service the mobile terminal. Alternatively, in a fourth generation (4G) network, an EMM information message may be provided as defined by Table 8.2.13.1 of TS 24.301. In this regard, an EMM information message may include a protocol discriminator, a security header type, an EMM information message identity, a full name of a network, a short name for a network, a local time zone, the universal time and local times there and a network daylight savings time. In this example embodiment, the fields of the EMM information message for the full name of a network and/or the short name of a network may be expanded from identifying a single radio access network operator to identifying one or more mobile virtual network operators that may be supported by the respective mobile network operator. Thus, the MM information message or the EMM information message provided by a mobile network operator may not only include the full name and short name of the respective radio access network, but also the full name and short name of the one or more mobile virtual network operators, such as by MCC.MNC, that are supported by the mobile network operator and that are therefore also available to service the mobile terminal. The apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal, such as the processor 12 or the like, may process the MM or EMM information message to associate a name with the identity, such as the MCC.MNC, of the mobile virtual network operator identified therein, such as based upon a table or other listing maintained by memory 14 of names associated with mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators. The available mobile virtual network operators may then be presented to the user, such as via the display. The user, in turn, may select one of the mobile virtual network operators to service the mobile terminal while roaming and the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing the selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided to the mobile network operator. See block 54 of Figure 5. This selection may be provided in various manners including via an electronic message, such as an SMS message, to a service provider or via a message to a dedicated server associated with the mobile network operator.

The apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal also includes means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for receiving configuration information of the respective mobile virtual network operator and/or the mobile network operator that supports the mobile virtual network operator, such as described above. See block 56 of Figure 5. The apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may also include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator including configuring the mobile terminal for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as by storing the configuration information and thereafter utilizing the configuration information in conjunction with access to the respective mobile virtual network operator. See block 58. As described above, the apparatus, such as the processor, may also switch on roaming to the mobile virtual network operator and may cache or otherwise store the home settings along with the identity, such as MCC.MNC, of the home network to facilitate a subsequent return to the home network and a restoring of the settings. In an example embodiment, the mobile terminal and the home network may perform a message exchange such that the home network is able to locate the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is roaming.

While the mobile terminal is roaming, the apparatus 10, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, may monitor indications of other networks, such as other mobile network operators, that become visible and are therefore capable of providing service to the mobile terminal. In an instance in which another network, such as another mobile network operator, becomes visible, the apparatus, such as the processor, may determine whether the another network, such as another mobile network operator, is the home network operator and, if so, may restore the settings from the home network and initiate a connection with the home network operator, as described above in conjunction with blocks 30-34 of Figure 3. In this scenario, the apparatus, such as the processor, the memory 14 or the like, may also store, for example, cache, the settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator that supported the mobile terminal while roaming such that those settings may be accessed in the future in an instance in which a respective mobile virtual network operator is going to again support the mobile terminal.

In a further embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the apparatus 0 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing an indication of roaming to be provided by causing the presence of the mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal, such as following entry into a region or country that is not serviced by the home operator. See block 60. In this embodiment, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming by identifying the mobile network operators that are capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming and then causing a connection to be established with each of the respective mobile network operators. See block 62. In this regard, the apparatus, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, may scan the frequencies to identify the mobile network operators that are capable of providing service within the region or country to which the mobile terminal has roamed. The mobile terminal may then announce its presence to each of the mobile network operators and may cause a connection to be established with the plurality of radio access networks of the mobile network operators that were identified.

In response, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for receiving a message, such as an electronic message, for example, an SMS message, a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message or another push message, from each of the plurality of mobile network operators that were identified. See block 64 of Figure 6. Each message may include an identification of one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the respective radio access network. The available mobile virtual network operators may then be presented to the user, such as via the display. The user, in turn, may select one of the mobile virtual network operators to service the mobile terminal while roaming and the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for causing the selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided to the mobile network operator. See block 66. This selection may be provided in various manners including via an electronic message, such as an SMS message, an MMS message or other push message, to a service provider or via a message to a dedicated server associated with the mobile network operator.

The apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal also includes means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for receiving configuration information of the respective mobile virtual network operator and/or the mobile network operator that supports the mobile virtual network operator, such as described above. See block 68 of Figure 6. The apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may also include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator including configuring the mobile terminal for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as by storing the configuration information and thereafter utilizing the configuration information in conjunction with access to the respective mobile virtual network operator. See block 70. As described above and as shown in block 68, the apparatus, such as the processor, may also switch on roaming to the mobile virtual network operator and may cache or otherwise store the home settings along with the identity, such as MCC.MNC, of the home network to facilitate a subsequent return to the home network and a restoring of the settings. In an example embodiment, the mobile terminal and the home network may perform a message exchange such that the home network is able to locate the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is roaming.

While the mobile terminal is roaming, the apparatus 10, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, may monitor indications of other networks, such as other mobile network operators, that become visible and are therefore capable of providing service to the mobile terminal. In an instance in which another network, such as another mobile network operator, becomes visible, the apparatus, such as the processor, may determine whether the another network, such as another mobile network operator, is the home network operator and, if so, may restore the settings from the home network and initiate a connection with the home network operator, as described above in conjunction with blocks 30-34 of Figure 3. In this scenario, the apparatus, such as the processor, the memory 14 or the like, may also store, for example, cache, the settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator that supported the mobile terminal while roaming such that those settings may be accessed in the future in an instance in which a respective mobile virtual network operator is going to again support the mobile terminal. In a further embodiment depicted in Figure 7, the apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for causing an indication of roaming to be provided by causing the presence of the mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal, such as following entry into a region or country that is not serviced by the home operator. See block 80. The apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may receive an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while the mobile terminal is roaming by causing a connection to be established with a mobile network operator that provides service within the region or country to which the mobile terminal has roamed and then identifying the mobile virtual network operators supported thereby. As such, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for causing a connection to be established with the mobile network operator that provides service within the region or country to which the mobile terminal has roamed. See block 82. In this regard, following the announcement of the presence of mobile terminal in the region or country outside of the service area of the home network of the mobile terminal, the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal, such as the processor or communication interface, may scan for frequencies of mobile network operators that are available in the region or country. The mobile terminal may identify a mobile network operator and may then cause a connection to be established therewith.

Thereafter, the apparatus 0 embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for receiving a message from the mobile network operator including information, for example, an SMS message, an MMS message, a link to a page, such as a web page, etc., that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the mobile network operator that is available and with which a connection has been established. See block 84 of Figure 7. For example, the apparatus, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, may receive an electronic message, such as an SMS message or other push message, that includes information, such as a link to a page, that identifies a mobile virtual network operator(s) supported by the mobile network operator. The apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal of this embodiment may also include means, such as the processor, the communication interface, the user interface, or the like, for providing access to information, such as the page, that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the mobile network operator. See block 86 of Figure 7. For example, the apparatus, such as the processor, may be redirected to the page that identifies the mobile virtual network operators upon selection of the link by the user of the mobile terminal. The user, in turn, may select one of the mobile virtual network operators to service the mobile terminal while roaming and the apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for causing the selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided to the mobile network operator. See block 88. This selection may be provided in various manners including via an electronic message, such as an SMS message, an MMS message or other push message, to a service provider or via a message to a dedicated server associated with the mobile network operator.

The apparatus 10 embodied by the mobile terminal also includes means, such as the processor 12, the communication interface 16 or the like, for receiving configuration information of the respective mobile virtual network operator and/or the mobile network operator that supports the mobile virtual network operator, such as described above. See block 90 of Figure 7. The apparatus embodied by the mobile terminal may also include means, such as the processor, the communication interface or the like, for commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator including configuring the mobile terminal for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator, such as by storing the configuration information and thereafter utilizing the configuration information in conjunction with access to the respective mobile virtual network operator. See block 92. As described above, the apparatus, such as the processor, may also switch on roaming to the mobile virtual network operator and may cache or otherwise store the home settings along with the identity, such as MCC.MNC, of the home network, as shown in block 90, to facilitate a subsequent return to the home network and a restoring of the settings. In an example embodiment, the mobile terminal and the home network may perform a message exchange such that the home network is able to locate the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is roaming.

In embodiments of a mobile terminal that include two or more SIMs and/or UICCs, for example, a dual SIM terminal, a method, apparatus and computer program product may be embodied such that the user is able to choose the mobile virtual network operator to support the services provided by each SIM/UICC card while the mobile terminal is roaming. The same mobile virtual network operator may be selected for all of the

SIM/URCC cards or different mobile virtual network operators may be selected so as to service the different SIM/URCC cards. Thus, the foregoing discussion regarding the selection of a mobile virtual network operator while a mobile terminal is roaming may be separately performed for each SIM/UICC card or may be performed universally for all SIM/UICC cards.

Additionally, the selection of a mobile virtual network operator may be generic such that the selected mobile virtual network operator supports all services of a mobile terminal (or all services of a respective SIM/UICC card). Alternatively, the mobile virtual network operator selected by a user of a mobile terminal may support a respective service of a mobile terminal, such as the exchange of SMS messages, and another mobile virtual network operator may be selected to support a different service of the mobile terminal, such as voice communications. Thus, the foregoing discussion regarding the selection of a mobile virtual network operator while a mobile terminal is roaming may be separately performed for individual services or subsets of services of the mobile terminal or may be performed universally for all services provided by a mobile terminal.

A method, apparatus and computer program product are therefore provided to facilitate selection of a network operator for a mobile terminal that is roaming. In this regard, the method, apparatus and computer program product permit a user of the mobile terminal to select from amongst all of the available network operators in the region or country in which the mobile terminal is roaming in order to affect freedom of choice for the user. The method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment also permits the selection of a mobile virtual network operator to provide service to the mobile terminal while roaming, thereby further increasing the available network operators from which the user may make a selection while the mobile terminal is roaming.

As described above, Figures 3-7 illustrate flowcharts of an apparatus 10, method, and computer program product according to example embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and/or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device 14 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 12 of the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified. Furthermore, in some embodiments, additional optional operations may be included, such as illustrated by the dashed outline of blocks 42, 52, 54, 58 and 60 in Figure 4. Modifications, additions, or amplifications to the operations above may be performed in any order and in any combination.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. For example, although an apparatus 10 that includes first and second SIMs 12, 14 was described above for purposes of example, the apparatus may, instead, include three or more SIMs in other embodiments. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A method comprising:

causing an indication of roaming to be provided;

receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming;

causing a selection of a respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided; and

commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator including configuring for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator.

2. A method according to Claim 1 further comprising:

receiving an indication of another network while being serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator; and

determining whether the another network is a home operator for a home network; and

in an instance in which the another network is the home operator, restoring settings of the home network and initiating a connection to the home operator.

3. A method according to any one of Claims 1 or 2 further comprising receiving configuration information after causing the selection to be provided and prior to commencing roaming.

4. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein causing an indication of roaming to be provided comprises causing an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of traveling thereto.

5. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 further comprising preselecting a mobile virtual network operator in advance of traveling to a travel destination by:

receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator capable of providing service at the travel destination;

causing a selection of the respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided in advance of travel to the travel destination; and

receiving roaming settings associated with the respective mobile virtual network operator.

6. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein causing an indication of roaming to be provided comprises causing presence of a mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal.

7. A method according to any one of Claims 1 , 2, 3 or 6 wherein receiving the indication of least one virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming comprises receiving a mobility management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by a radio access network.

8. A method according to any one of Claims 1 , 2, 3 or 6 further comprising: causing a connection to be established with a plurality of available radio access networks; and

receiving a message the plurality of each radio access networks including an identification of one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the respective radio access networks.

9. A method according to any one of Claims 1 , 2, 3 or 6 further comprising: causing a connection to be established with a radio access network;

receiving a message from the radio access network including information or a link to information that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network; and

providing access to the page that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network.

10. An apparatus comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:

cause an indication of roaming to be provided;

receive an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming;

cause a selection of a respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided; and

commence roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator including configuring for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator.

1 1 . An apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive an indication of another network while being serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator; and

determine whether the another network is a home operator for a home network; and

in an instance in which the another network is the home operator, restore settings of the home network and initiate a connection to the home operator.

12. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 or 1 1 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to receive configuration information after causing the selection to be provided and prior to commencing roaming.

13. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of traveling thereto.

14. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 13 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to pre-select a mobile virtual network operator in advance of traveling to a travel destination by:

15. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause an indication of roaming to be provided by causing presence of a mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal.

16. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10, 1 1 , 12 or 15 wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to receive the indication of least one virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming by receiving a mobility management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by a radio access network.

17. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10, 1 1 , 12 or 15 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:

cause a connection to be established with a plurality of available radio access networks; and

receive a message from the plurality of radio access networks including an identification of one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the respective radio access networks.

18. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10, 1 1 , 12 or 15 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:

cause a connection to be established with a radio access network;

receive a message from the radio access network including information or a link to information that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network; and

provide access to the page that identifies the one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the radio access network.

19. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having program code portions stored thereon, the program code portions configured, upon execution, to:

cause an indication of roaming to be provided;

20. A computer program product according to Claim 19 wherein the program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to:

21 . A computer program product according to any one of Claims 19 or 20 wherein the program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to receive configuration information after causing the selection to be provided and prior to commencing roaming.

22. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 19 to 21 wherein the program code portions for causing an indication of roaming to be provided include program code portions configured, upon execution, to cause an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of traveling thereto.

23. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 19 to 22 wherein the program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to pre-select a mobile virtual network operator in advance of traveling to a travel destination by:

24. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 19 to 21 wherein the program code portions for causing an indication of roaming to be provided comprise program code portions configured, upon execution, to cause presence of a mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal.

25. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 19, 20, 21 or 24 wherein the program code portions for receiving the indication of least one virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming comprise program code portions configured, upon execution, to receive a mobility management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by a radio access network.

26. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 19, 20, 21 or 24 wherein the program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to:

27. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 19, 20, 21 or 24 wherein the program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to:

cause a connection to be established with a radio access network;

28. An apparatus comprising:

means for causing an indication of roaming to be provided;

means for receiving an indication of at least one mobile virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming;

means for causing a selection of a respective mobile virtual network operator to be provided; and

means for commencing roaming to the respective mobile virtual network operator including configuring for access to the respective mobile virtual network operator.

29. An apparatus according to Claim 28 further comprising:

means for receiving an indication of another network while being serviced by the respective mobile virtual network operator; and

means for determining whether the another network is a home operator for a home network; and means, in an instance in which the another network is the home operator, for restoring settings of the home network and initiating a connection to the home operator.

30. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 28 or 29 further comprising means for receiving configuration information after causing the selection to be provided and prior to commencing roaming.

31 . An apparatus according to any one of Claims 28 to 30 wherein the means for causing an indication of roaming to be provided comprise means for causing an indication of a travel destination to be provided in advance of traveling thereto.

32. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 28 to 31 further comprising means for pre-selecting a mobile virtual network operator in advance of traveling to a travel destination by:

33. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 28 to 30 wherein the means for causing an indication of roaming to be provided comprise means for causing presence of a mobile terminal to be announced upon activation of the mobile terminal.

34. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 28, 29, 30 or 33 wherein the means for receiving the indication of least one virtual network operator that is capable of providing service while roaming comprise means for receiving a mobility management (MM) information message or an evolved packet system mobility management (EMM) information message that identifies one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by a radio access network.

35. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 28, 29, 30 or 33 further comprising:

means for causing a connection to be established with a plurality of available radio access networks; and means for receiving a message the plurality of each radio access networks including an identification of one or more mobile virtual network operators supported by the respective radio access networks.

36. A method according to any one of Claims 1 , 2, 3 or 6 further comprising: causing a connection to be established with a radio access network;