Method and system for using an integrated subscriber identity module in a network interface unit
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Abstract
Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information is stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed) to facilitate an NIU at a location granting or denying access to a plurality of services when the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider stores a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and transported among a plurality of NIUs so that paid-for services follow the SIM.
Each NIU may receive data from a single source and distribute appropriate telephony, data and video services to telephones, computers and televisions, respectively, based on the level and duration of the services requested by a user/subscriber. Thus, services access and billing are user-associated and location-independent. The SIM can be renewable or disposable, and can be programmed before or after purchase by a subscriber.
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Citations
61 Claims
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1-40. -40. (canceled)
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41. A system for providing portability of subscription services associated with a particular user among a plurality of user devices that are located at each of a plurality of physical locations coupled to a communication network comprising:
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a SIM device for storing user-associated information; a network interface unit at each of the plurality of physical locations that provides an interface between the communication network and the corresponding user devices coupled thereto; and
aan SIM interface coupled to the network interface unit that can receive the SIM device and transfer therefrom the user-associated information to the network interface unit so that the subscription services of the user can be accessed at any one of the at least one network interface units at the corresponding physical location. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54)
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47. The system of claim 47 wherein the programming device is a vending machine.
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55. A method for accessing a suite of subscription services at a user device coupled to a network interface units comprising:
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receiving a request for the services; receiving information for payment for the suite of services; generating a message that credit for the suite of services has been granted; storing to a SIM device the message that credit for the suite of services has been granted; and granting access to the requested services at the network interface unit based on the credit message stored therein. - View Dependent Claims (56, 57, 58, 59)
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60. A method for providing portability of a suite of subscription services between a plurality of network interface units, comprising:
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processing a request for the services received from a user device coupled to one of the network interface units, the request containing a unique identifier retrieved from and corresponding to a SIM device coupled to the one of the network interface units; processing account and billing information to be used for payment of the services, the account and billing information being received from the SIM device coupled to the one of the network interface unit; generating a credit message that credit for the suite of services has been granted, the message being capable of authorizing the network interface unit to grant access to any of the requested services when the SIM device is used in the network interface unit; and downloading the credit message to the SIM device. - View Dependent Claims (61)
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Specification