Method for optimal selection among multiple providers in a wireless communications service environment

• US 5,845,198 A
• Filed: 06/28/1996
• Issued: 12/01/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Wireless Services Incorporated (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Raffel, Michael Allen, Lawrence, Christopher Gregory, Daly, John J., Bamburak, Michael D., Prise, Michael Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ARTHUR JEANGLAUDE, GERTRUDE
• Application Number:
  US08/672,907
• Time in Patent Office: 886 Days
• Field of Search: 455/62, 455/67.1, 455/67.7, 455/120, 455/154.1, 455/154.2, 455/160.1, 455/161.1, 455/168.1, 455/179.1, 455/180.1, 455/185.1, 455/186.1 , 455/186.2, 455/447, 455/450, 455/464, 455/161.2, 455/161.3, 455/422, 455/551, 455/552, 455/31.1
• US Class Current: 340/7.43
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 60/00 Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/205 Transfer to or from user equipment or user record carrier

Abstract

A communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. Initially, the communications device registers with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band. While remaining registered with the less preferred service provider, the device examines several frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. A frequency band is examined by dividing the frequency band into many sub-bands, and by locating the strongest signal above a threshold within the sub-band being examined. The examination continues until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located. The communication device then registers with the more preferred service provider. The order of search of the frequency spectrum may be based upon registration history of the communication device.

Claims

1. A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising the steps of:

storing a frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order;

ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency band search schedule based upon prior registrations with each band; and

examining frequency bands until a frequency band having an acceptable frequency signal strength and an acceptable service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing a plurality of counters representing registrations with each frequency band of the frequency band search schedule.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of incrementing a counter corresponding to a frequency band of the frequency band search schedule upon registration with that frequency band.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of examining frequency bands includes the step of first examining a frequency band whose order in the frequency band search schedule is constant.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information transmitted over a wireless interface.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information from a keypad.

7. A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment comprising the steps of:

storing a frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order;

storing a plurality of counters representing registrations with each frequency band of the frequency band search schedule;

ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency band search schedule based upon prior registrations with each band;

incrementing a counter corresponding to a frequency band of the frequency band search schedule upon registration with that frequency band, wherein the increments to said counter are time weighted and

examining frequency bands until a frequency band having an acceptable service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule.