Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services

• US 20070004403A1
• Filed: 12/30/2005
• Published: 01/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Silvestri, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 7,801,517 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/432.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/183 Processing at user equipment or user record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services is provided. The method includes assigning an identifier and key to a multi-mode network-enabled communications device, the identifier and key inaccessible to an end user of the communications device. The method further includes assigning an identifier and key to a gateway device. The method further includes configuring an auto-provisioning element on each of the devices and remotely provisioning activation of roaming controlled communications services for the end user of the communications device. The remote provisioning includes transmitting a signal to one of the devices configured with the auto-provisioning element, which causes the devices to exchange identifiers and keys via a wireless local network. In response to exchanging the identifiers and keys between the devices, the communications device is permitted to communicate over the wireline network via the gateway device.

Claims

1. A method for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services, comprising:

assigning an identifier and key to a multi-mode network-enabled communications device, the SSID and key inaccessible to an end user of the communications device;

assigning an identifier and key to a gateway device, the SSID and key inaccessible to an end user of the gateway device, the gateway device in communication with a wireline network;

configuring an auto-provisioning element on each of the devices;

remotely provisioning activation of roaming controlled communications services for the end user of the communications device, the remote provisioning including transmitting a signal to one of the devices configured with the auto-provisioning element, the signal causing the devices to exchange identifiers and keys via a wireless local network; and

responsive to exchanging the identifiers and keys between the devices, permitting the communications device to communicate over the wireline network via the gateway device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

configuring services, terms, and conditions for the roaming controlled communications services;

wherein the permitting the communications device to communicate over the wireline network includes;

retrieving a record from a database that identifies the communications device;

verifying the services, terms, and conditions specified in the record; and

tracking network usage of the communications device occurring over the wireline network.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the services include at least one of:

controlled roaming communications capabilities for the end user of the communications device while the communications device is present at specified locations;

providing cost savings for controlled roaming communications usage during specified time periods; and

providing cost savings for roaming controlled network usage implemented by a service provider that is a partner of a service provider that provides the roaming controlled communications services.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the providing cost saving for controlled roaming communications usage during specified time periods is performed when the communications device initiates voice or data communications via the gateway device.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the terms and conditions vary among at least one of:

customers;

communications devices;

time of day; and

duration of communication.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a request to activate the roaming controlled communications services via at least one of;

a toll-free activation number; and

a web page provided by the service provider that provides the roaming controlled communications services.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

disseminating identical identifier and key pairs to a plurality of communications devices and access points thereby forming a community in which the communications devices are permitted to roam.

8. A system for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services, comprising:

a host system in communication with a multi-mode network-enabled communications device and a gateway device, each of the devices including an auto-provisioning element configured therein;

an auto-provisioning application executing on the host system, performing;

assigning an identifier and key to the multi-mode network-enabled communications device, the identifier and key inaccessible to an end user of the communications device;

assigning an identifier and key to the gateway device, the identifier and key inaccessible to an end user of the gateway device, the gateway device in communication with a wireline network;

remotely provisioning activation of roaming controlled communications services for the end user of the communications device, the remote provisioning including transmitting a signal to one of the devices configured with the auto-provisioning element, the signal causing the devices to exchange identifiers and keys via a wireless local network; and

responsive to exchanging the identifiers and keys between the devices, permitting the communications device to communicate over the wireline network via the gateway device.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the auto-provisioning application further performs:

configuring services, terms, and conditions for the roaming controlled communications services;

wherein the permitting the communications device to communicate over the wireline network includes;

retrieving a record from a database that identifies the communications device;

verifying the services, terms, and conditions specified in the record; and

tracking network usage of the communications device occurring over the wireline network.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the services include at least one of:

controlled roaming communications capabilities for the end user of the communications device while the communications device is present at specified locations;

providing cost savings for controlled roaming communications usage during specified time periods; and

providing cost savings for roaming controlled network usage implemented by a service provider that is a partner of a service provider that provides the roaming controlled communications services.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the providing cost saving for controlled roaming communications usage during specified time periods is performed when the communications device initiates voice or data communications via the gateway device.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the terms and conditions vary among at least one of:

customers;

communications devices;

time of day; and

duration of communication.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the auto-provisioning application further performs:

receiving a request to activate the roaming controlled communications services via at least one of;

a toll-free activation number; and

a web page provided by the service provider that provides the roaming controlled communications services.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the auto-provisioning application further performs:

disseminating identical identifiers and key pairs to a plurality of communications devices and access points thereby forming a community in which the communications devices are permitted to roam.

15. A computer program product for implementing a roaming controlled wireless network and services, the computer program product including instructions for implementing a method, comprising:

assigning an identifier and key to a multi-mode network-enabled communications device, the identifier and key inaccessible to an end user of the communications device;

assigning an identifier and key to a gateway device, the identifier and key inaccessible to an end user of the gateway device, the gateway device in communication with a wireline network;

configuring an auto-provisioning element on each of the devices;

remotely provisioning activation of roaming controlled communications services for the end user of the communications device, the remote provisioning including transmitting a signal to one of the devices configured with the auto-provisioning element, the signal causing the devices to exchange SSID and keys via a wireless local network; and

responsive to exchanging the identifiers and keys between the devices, permitting the communications device to communicate over the wireline network via the gateway device.

16. The computer program product of claim 15, further comprising instructions for implementing:

configuring services, terms, and conditions for the roaming controlled communications services;

wherein the permitting the communications device to communicate over the wireline network includes;

retrieving a record from a database that identifies the communications device;

verifying the services, terms, and conditions specified in the record; and

tracking network usage of the communications device occurring over the wireline network.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the services include at least one of:

controlled roaming communications capabilities for the end user of the communications device while the communications device is present at specified locations;

providing cost savings for controlled roaming communications usage during specified time periods; and

providing cost savings for roaming controlled network usage implemented by a service provider that is a partner of a service provider that provides the roaming controlled communications services.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the providing cost saving for controlled roaming communications usage during specified time periods is performed when the communications device initiates voice or data communications via the gateway device.

19. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the terms and conditions vary among at least one of:

customers;

communications devices;

time of day; and

duration of communication.

20. The computer program product of claim 15, further comprising instructions for implementing:

disseminating identical identifiers and key pairs to a plurality of communications devices and access points thereby forming a community in which the communications devices are permitted to roam.