Method and system for using an integrated subscriber identity module in a network interface unit

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.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
   
   
       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:
 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 a   an 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.   
   
   
       42 . The system of  claim 41  wherein the SIM device is a SIM card. 
   
   
       43 . The system of  claim 41  wherein the SIM device is a virtual SIM. 
   
   
       44 . The system of  claim 41  wherein the SIM interface is a slotted SIM card reader. 
   
   
       45 . The system of  claim 41  wherein the SIM interface is a socket for receiving the SIM means, the socket being internal to the network interface unit. 
   
   
       46 . The system of  claim 41  further comprising a device for programming the SIM. 
   
   
       47 . The system of  claim 47  wherein the programming device is a vending machine. 
   
   
       48 . The system of  claim 46  wherein the programming device is operated by a service provider. 
   
   
       49 . The system of  claim 43  wherein the virtual SIM is facilitated by software stored in the network interface unit. 
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 49  wherein the software is programmed with a downloaded message from a provider, the message being generated in response to a request by a subscriber. 
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 50  wherein the request is made using a telephone. 
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 50  wherein the request is made using a PC. 
   
   
       53 . The system of  claim 41  wherein the SIM device includes a unique identifier that identifies said SIM. 
   
   
       54 . The system of  claim 53  wherein a services provider identifies a user-account based on the unique identifier. 
   
   
       55 . A method for accessing a suite of subscription services at a user device coupled to a network interface units comprising:
 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.   
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 55  wherein the services include restrictions on usage of the services between certain times of the day. 
   
   
       57 . The method of  claim 55  wherein the different levels of service are provided to different rooms in a household. 
   
   
       58 . The method of  claim 55  further comprising granting or denying access to services based on the credit message. 
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 58  wherein soft dial tone is always available on telephony equipment connected to the network interface unit regardless of whether the credit message grants access to requested services. 
   
   
       60 . A method for providing portability of a suite of subscription services between a plurality of network interface units, comprising:
 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.   
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 60  wherein the SIM device does not grant access to all of the requested services at a given user device coupled to the network interface device based on a subscriber profile that restricts access to certain content at the given user device.