Method for selecting a preferable wireless communicaton service provider in a multi-service provider environment
First Claim
1. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code enabling identification of the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency or frequency band search schedule. Initially, the communication device registers with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency. While remaining registered with the less preferred service provider, the device examines several frequencies in the order specified by the frequency search schedule. The device determines whether the last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider. If the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, the device examines each of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order in the search schedule. The examination continues until another frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located. The communication device then registers with the more preferred service provider.
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Citations
50 Claims
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1. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code enabling identification of the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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6. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, receiving confirmation information from the communication device at the wireless service provider that that modification information has been transmitted. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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10. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands without reference to the other stored frequency bands and determining whether the one of the frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if not then examining each of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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11. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining the frequency bands in an order optimized to reduce a time necessary to locate a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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12. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands to determine whether the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, then associating the wireless communication device with the more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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13. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands to determine whether the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, then no longer performing examination for other preferred service providers, and if the one of the stored frequency bands does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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14. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by a) examining a first frequency band to determine whether the first frequency band has a more preferred service provider; and
if not, then b) examining a second frequency band to determine whether the second frequency band has a more preferred service provider; and
c) repeating step (b) until a frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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15. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands without reference to the other stored frequency bands and determining whether the one of the frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if not then examining each of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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16. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining the frequency bands in an order optimized to reduce a time necessary to locate a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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17. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands to determine whether the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, then associating the wireless communication device with the more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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18. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands to determine whether the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, then no longer performing examination for other preferred service providers, and if the one of the stored frequency bands does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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19. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
3) determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by a) examining a first frequency band to determine whether the first frequency band has a more preferred service provider; and
if not, then b) examining a second frequency band to determine whether the second frequency band has a more preferred service provider; and
c) repeating step (b) until a frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequency bands,
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20. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequency bands; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
2) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands without reference to the other stored frequency bands and determining whether the one of the frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if not then examining each of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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21. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequency bands; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
2) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining the frequency bands in an order optimized to reduce a time necessary to locate a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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22. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device comprising:
-
a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequency bands; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
2) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands to determine whether the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, then associating the wireless communication device with the more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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23. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device comprising:
-
a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequency bands; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
2) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequency bands to determine whether the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequency bands has a more preferred service provider, then no longer performing examination for other preferred service providers, and if the one of the stored frequency bands does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequency bands until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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24. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequency bands; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
2) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by a) examining a first frequency band to determine whether the first frequency band has a more preferred service provider; and
if not, then b) examining a second frequency band to determine whether the second frequency band has a more preferred service provider; and
c) repeating step (b) until a frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located, and
3) registers with the located more preferred service provider.
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25. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequency bands, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequency bands; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands,
2) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency band used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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26. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in one frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code enabling identification of the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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31. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in one frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, receiving confirmation information from the communication device at the wireless service provider that the modification information has been transmitted. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34)
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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35. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies without reference to the other stored frequencies and determining whether the one of the frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if not, then examining each of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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36. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining the frequencies in an order optimized to reduce a time necessary to locate a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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37. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies to determine whether the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, then associating the wireless communication device with the more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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38. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies to determine whether the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, then no longer performing examination for other preferred service providers, and if the one of the stored frequencies does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code form the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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39. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by a) examining a first frequency to determine whether the first frequency has a more preferred service provider; and
if not, then b) examining a second frequency to determine whether the second frequency has a more preferred service provider; and
c) repeating step (b) until a frequency having a more preferred service provider is located, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code identifying the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and
transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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40. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies without reference to the other stored frequencies and determining whether the one of the frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if not, then examining each of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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41. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining the frequencies in an order optimized to reduce a time necessary to locate a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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42. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining each of the frequencies until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies to determine whether the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, associating the wireless communication device with the more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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43. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies to determine whether the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, then no longer performing examination for other preferred service providers, and if the one of the stored frequencies does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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44. A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device:
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
2) associating with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
3) determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examining each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by a) examining a first frequency to determine whether the first frequency has a more preferred service provider; and
if not, then b) examining a second frequency to determine whether the second frequency has a more preferred service provider; and
c) repeating step (b) until a frequency having a more preferred service provider is located, and
4) registering with the more preferred service provider, the method comprising;
transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, the wireless service provider receiving confirmation information from the communication device that the modification information has been transmitted.
- 1) receiving a plurality of frequencies,
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45. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequencies; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
2) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies without reference to the other stored frequencies and determining whether the one of the frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if not, then examining each of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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46. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequencies; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
2) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining the frequencies in an order optimized to reduce a time necessary to locate a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
-
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47. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequencies; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
2) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies to determine whether the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, then associating the wireless communication device with the more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequencies until a frequency band is located having a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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48. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequencies; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
2) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by examining one of the stored frequencies to determine whether the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, and if the one of the stored frequencies has a more preferred service provider, then no longer performing examination for other preferred service providers, and if the one of the stored frequencies does not have a more preferred service provider, then examining other ones of the frequencies until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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49. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequencies; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
2) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, the examination being further conducted by a) examining a first frequency to determine whether the first frequency has a more preferred service provider; and
if not, then b) examining a second frequency to determine whether the second frequency has a more preferred service provider; and
c) repeating step (b) until a frequency having a more preferred service provider is located, and
3) registers with the located more preferred service provider.
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50. A communication device that locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule stored in the communication device that specifies a predetermined order of frequencies, the communication device comprising:
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a transceiver that receives a plurality of frequencies; and
a controller that;
1) associates with a less preferred service provider in a frequency of the plurality of frequencies,
2) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has a more preferred service provider and if the last frequency used does not have a more preferred service provider, examines each of the frequencies of the plurality of frequencies in the predetermined order until a frequency is located having a more preferred service provider, and
3) registers with the more preferred service provider.
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Specification