Method of and architecture for a virtual wireless network

Abstract

A virtual wireless network including a server running a home location register (HLR), the home location register being associated solely with a virtual wireless network operator that does not have any licensed frequency spectrum, but provides wireless services to a subscriber by using the wireless basestations of a wireless network operator that does have licensed frequency spectrum.

1 . Apparatus forming part of a virtual wireless network, the apparatus including a server running a home location register, the home location register being associated solely with a virtual wireless network operator that does not have any licensed frequency spectrum, but provides wireless services to a subscriber by using the wireless basestations of a wireless network operator that does have licensed frequency spectrum. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the subscriber operates a wireless device with two or more IMSIs and the apparatus is operable to manage remotely the selection of an appropriate IMSI on the device. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus of  claim 2 , in which the apparatus decides on the appropriate IMSI based on lowest cost call routing. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus of  claim 2 , in which the apparatus decides on the appropriate IMSI based on features available when that IMSI is used. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus of  claim 2 , in which it is the home location register that manages the remote selection of an appropriate IMSI on the device. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , including multiple home location registers. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , including an equipment identity register sub-module. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , including an authentication centre sub-module. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , including a media gateway. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , including an interface to a public access network. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , including a billing and services management module for pre and post paid end-users. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , including a gateway mobile switching centre switch. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  including an interface to enable communication with the wireless network operator. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , including an interface to enable communication with any incoming calling party; and any outgoing calling party registered with the home location register. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , including an interface to enable communication using one or more of the following: wireless networks public access networks; and via one or more of the following: wireless interfaces and wired interfaces. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , adapted to receive communications from wireless devices that access the apparatus via the wireless basestations of the wireless network operator. 
     
     
         17 . Apparatus of  claim 1 , adapted to communicate with a services mobile switching centre switch operated by the wireless network operator. 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus of  claim 17 , including a gateway mobile switching centre switch adapted to communicate with the services mobile switching centre switch operated by the wireless network operator.