US007099675B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,099,675 B2

Keutmann et al. (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 29, 2006

(54) LOCATION UPDATE PROCEDURE WHEN 5,537.467 A * 7/1996 Cheng et al. .......... 379,211.02
ROAMING FROMA FIRST 5,862,480 A * 1/1999 Wild et al. ..... ... 455,432.2
COMMUNICATION SERVICE DOMAN TO A 6,081,731 A * 6/2000 Boltz et al. ................. 455,565
SECOND COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE 6,230,017 B1 * 5/2001 Andersson et al. ...... 455,456.6
DOMAIN 6,643,511 B1 1 1/2003 Rune et al. ................. 455,433
6,671,507 B1 * 12/2003 Vinck ......................... 455,411
(75) Inventors: Hsing: Keutmann, this 6,731,932 B1* 5/2004 Rune et al. .............. 455,432.1
DE); Peter Kobriger, Aachen (DE
(73) Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Continued)
(publ), Stockholm - (SE)
0 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 EP 1059822. A 12/2000
U.S.C. 154(b) by 232 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 10/468,066 (Continued)
(22) PCT Filed: Feb. 23, 2002 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
TS 24.008 V3.2.1 (Jan. 2000), 3" General Partnership Project:
(86). PCT No.: PCT/EPO2/O1936 Universal Mobile Telecommunications System; Mobile Radio Inter
face layer 3 specifications, Core Network Protocols—Stage 3 (TS
s RSR
al Aug.
lug. 14,
14, 2003 24.008 version 3.2.1).
Primary Examiner CongVan Tran
(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO02/069660
(57) ABSTRACT
PCT Pub. Date: Sep. 6, 2002
O O The invention relates to a location update procedure in a
(65) Prior Publication Data mobile communications system (150) having at least one
US 2004/OO72578 A1 Apr. 15, 2004 first communications service domain (100) and at least one
second communications service domain (110). The mobile
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data subscriber (140) is allowed to register in said first commu
nications service domain. A location update request is
Feb. 23, 2001 (EP) .................................. O1104631 received at a network element (170) of the communications
(51) Int. Cl. System,
y andd a Subscription
bscripti restrict1on 1nformation i1S
iction information
H04O 7/20 (2006.01) received at this network element, said Subscription restric
tion information indicating, whether a roaming restriction
(52) U.S. Cl. ................... 455/456.1: 455.455; for a roaming into the second communications service
58) Field of Classification S h 455/456 domain applies for the mobile subscriber. The subscription
(58) Field of Classi cation 5st 1 433.404 2, 432 56s restriction information is evaluated, and the location update
S lication file f is s h hi. s procedure is performed depending on the evaluation. The
ee application file for complete search history. invention relates further to a corresponding network element
(56) References Cited (170), home subscriber data register (160), user equipment
(140) and computer program.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
1921 A 12, 1840 Fletcher et al. ............... 105/37 18 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets

300 31 O 320
Ocation Update UMTS
Or GSM acCeSS 340
Location Update
Subscription
ReStriction:
insert Subscriber 360 UMTS acCeSS=
MSC checks Data allowed
the acCeSS Subscription Restriction:
UMTS acCeSS=allowed 350
370
380 insert SubScriber
Data Response
LOCation Update Response
390
 US 7,099,675 B2
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS WO WO9742781. A 11, 1997

WO WOO225981 A 3, 2002
6,771,964 B1* 8/2004 Einola et al. ............... 455,437
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP 1065904. A 1, 2001 * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Aug. 29, 2006 Sheet 1 of 4 US 7,099,675 B2

FIG. 1

150

100 30

GSM to-
COVerage
UMTSYUMTSY-12 COverage
110 COverage/NCOverage
GSM
U.S. Patent Aug. 29, 2006 Sheet 2 of 4 US 7,099,675 B2

31 O 320
LOCation Update UMTS
Or GSM acCeSS
LOCation Update
Subscription
ReStriction:
Insert SubSCriber 360 UMTS acCeSS=
MSC CheckS Data allowed
the acCeSS Subscription Restriction:
UMTS acCeSS=allowed 350
370 380 insert SubSCriber
LOCation Update Response Data
ata RRespOnSe
390

FIG. 4
LOCation Update
GSMacCeSS
LOCation Update
Subscription
Restriction:
430 UMTS acCeSS=
MSC checks insert SubSCriber Data not allowed
the acCeSS Subscription Restriction:
UMTS acCeSS=n0t allowed 420
440
450 insert SubSCriber
Data ack
LOCation Update Response
LOCation Update Response
470
U.S. Patent Aug. 29, 2006 Sheet 3 of 4 US 7,099,675 B2

FIG. 5 Subscriber Data Subscriber

rib Restriction Parameter (SRP)
50 Ysoo 520
FIG. 6 1 bit
SRP
UMTS not allowed OGSM not allowed
UMTS allowed GSM allowed

1 1 GSM Only and UMTS abroad

1 UMTS/GSM at home
GSM abroad Only
total roaming
o) default=GSM preferred
B) default=UMTS preferred
y) default=n0 preference
UMTS; Only HPLMN
1 UMTS only
UMTS at hOme
GSM/UMTS abroad
U.S. Patent Aug. 29, 2006 Sheet 4 of 4 US 7,099,675 B2

FIG.
d)
Bit Value
'1'=alOWed
'O'=rejected

FIG. 7
320
LOCation Update
UMIS acCeSS
LOCation Update
SubScription
Restriction:
760 UMTS acCeSS=
MSC checks insert Subscriber Data not allowed
the acCeSS Subscription Restriction:
UMTS acCeSS=not allowed 750
770
Error"aCCeSS not allowed Error "access not allowed"
790

LOCation Update USIM

UMTS acCeSS

830
 US 7,099,675 B2
1. 2
LOCATION UPDATE PROCEDURE WHEN MNCs for their networks. Such a scenario is likely in
ROAMING FROMA FIRST particular in the early days of UMTS introduction when
COMMUNICATION SERVICE DOMAIN TO A operators run their UMTS networks from an administration
SECOND COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE point of view as extensions of their existing GSM networks.
DOMAIN If a GSM subscriber being served by his HPLMN opera
tor's UMTS network moves, he can get out of coverage of
FIELD OF THE INVENTION his HPLMN operator's UMTS network but in coverage of
another UMTS operator's network. According to national
The invention addresses the field of mobile communica roaming agreements for UMTS he is granted service by the
tions. It relates to a method, device and computer program 10 visited UMTS network. If getting out of coverage of the
for performing a location update procedure for a mobile visited UMTS network, he is served by the same network
Subscriber. It relates in particular to a roaming of a mobile operator's GSM network. Although there might be no roam
subscriber from a 2" generation system domain like a ing agreement for GSM existing between the GSM net
Global System for Mobile Communication GSM domain to works, the GSM subscriber cannot be prevented from roam
a 3" generation system domain like a Universal Mobile 15 ing to the foreign GSM network.
Telecommunication System UMTS domain, or vice versa.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a method, device
In mobile communications systems, a location update and computer program for a differentiation of access entitle
procedure is performed to allow a roaming of a Subscriber ments of a mobile subscriber to dedicated service domains
from one to another service domain. E.g., if a mobile of a mobile communications system.
Subscriber, who is registered in a service domain of his A mobile communications system has at least one first
Home Public Land Mobile Network HPLMN operator, communications service domain, e.g. a GSM domain, and at
leaves his home country and moves to a service domain 25 least one second communications service domain, e.g. a
operated by a Visited Public Land Mobile Network VPLMN UMTS domain. A mobile subscriber is allowed to access
operator, the location update procedure is performed to said first communications service domain, which is e.g. a
allow for the international roaming. Details about service service domain of his HPLMN operator. A location update
accessibility can be found, e.g., in 3GTS 22.011 v.3.3.0, 3rd request is received at a network element, preferably a
Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification 30 Mobile Switching Centre MSC or a Serving GPRS Support
Group Services and System Aspects; Service accessibility Node SGSN, of the communications system. A skilled
(Release 1999). person understands easily that the network element can be
The term roaming describes as well a scenario, wherein any further network node or part of any further network node
the mobile subscriber has currently not accessed his of the communications system. E.g., the inventive function
HPLMN domain, e.g. because the terminal is at present 35 can be performed as well in an HLR.
switched off, but accesses while being located in a VPLMN For performing a location update procedure for the mobile
domain the VPLMN domain by switching his terminal on. subscriber, a subscription restriction information is received
For UMTS, it is planned to use GSM Subscriber Identity at the network element. The subscription restriction infor
Modules SIMs in a UMTS mobile terminal to get access to mation indicates, whether an access restriction for accessing
service. However, the current standards for roaming in 40 the second communications service domain applies for the
UMTS and GSM as well as the legal requirements set by mobile subscriber. The subscription restriction information
individual national countries, differ with respect to roaming is evaluated at the network element, and the location update
for the Subscriber. UMTS Subscribers will be entitled to procedure is performed depending on the evaluation.
national roaming, as it is foreseen that the UMTS networks Advantageously, the provision of a Subscription restric
initially consist of Small islands only. To provide more 45 tion information allows for a differentiated treatment of
frequent access to service, the subscriber shall have the mobile subscribers using dual mode, e.g. GSM/UMTS,
possibility to register to networks on a national basis in terminals with respect to roaming. Operators can design
addition to international roaming. their UMTS networks according to island concepts for areas
GSM subscribers are usually not entitled to national having a high population in an efficient way, while simul
roaming. Nevertheless, the GSM subscriber using a dual 50 taneously providing in general a broad service coverage to
mode, e.g. GSM-UMTS, mobile terminal shall be able to their customers via GSM. Differentiated roaming agree
access both GSM and UMTS systems in his home country ments can be set with other operators. Individual roaming
as well as abroad. requirements given by national laws can easily be fulfilled.
Currently, it is not possible to allow for a differentiated Furthermore, the mobile subscribers can benefit from dedi
accessing of dedicated Service domains according to the 55 cated roaming possibilities and access entitlements in terms
outlined roaming rules, as there is no means to distinguish of optimised service coverage.
GSM Subscribers from UMTS Subscribers. The reason is Operators running both GSM and UMTS networks will be
that for the 3GPP Release 99 and beyond, both GSM and able to provide to their customers services allowing to
UMTS apply the same security mechanisms as stated in 3G distinguish between GSM, UMTS, as well as intersystem
TS 33.102, v.3.6.0, 3rd Generation Partnership Project: 60 roaming services.
Technical Specification Group Services and System According to the invention, a home Subscriber data reg
Aspects; 3G Security; Security Architecture, clause 6.8.1.1. ister, e.g. a Home Location Register HLR is adapted to store
Problems occur for roaming cases involving a Home a Subscription restriction information assigned to stored data
Public Land Mobile Network HPLMN operator and a Vis of a mobile subscriber. The subscription restriction infor
ited Public Land Mobile Network VPLMN operator if both 65 mation indicates at least one access restriction that applies to
of them are running GSM and UMTS networks in the same the mobile Subscriber for accessing a communications Ser
country and are using the same Mobile Network Codes Vice domain of a mobile communications system.
 US 7,099,675 B2
3 4
Advantageously, the HPLMN operator keeps by storing In another preferred embodiment, the subscriber data
the subscription restriction information in his HLR control information is requested from a home Subscriber data reg
of the restrictions. Furthermore, easy administration and ister, e.g. an HLR, and the Subscription restriction informa
modification of the subscriber restrictions are possible. tion is received within subscriber data information sent from
Advantageously, the operator can use the same Mobile the home Subscriber data register. Advantageously, there is
Network Code MNC for both his GSM and UMTS portion no need to store the Subscription restriction information in
of his PLMN, e.g. by simply storing an indicator in the the user equipment. Instead, the information is under the
network administration data belonging to the respective control of the HPLMN operator. Advantageously, signalling
Service areas giving the corresponding access type, e.g. traffic is minimised by using the transmission of Subscriber
GSM or UMTS. 10 data information, e.g. by a corresponding Mobile Applica
A user equipment of a mobile Subscriber is adapted to tion Part MAP message, which is performed for the purpose
store a Subscription restriction information that indicates at of location update, also for the transmission of the Subscrip
least one access restriction that applies to the mobile Sub tion restriction information.
scriber for accessing a communications service domain of a In a further embodiment, the subscriber restriction infor
mobile communications system. The user equipment can be 15 mation comprises an access network type restriction infor
any terminal like a GSM-, GPRS- or UMTS-phone, -laptop mation indicating an access network type restriction. Access
or -adapter. The user equipment can comprise a Subscriber network types are e.g. GSM, GPRS, UMTS or Wireless
Identity Module SIM card that stores the subscription LAN.
restriction information. In another embodiment, the subscription restriction infor
Advantageously, the storing of the Subscription restriction mation comprises a frequency band restriction information
information in the user equipment can reduce the adminis indicating a frequency band restriction. Depending on the
trative effort of the operator because a central database used radio access technique, mobile communications sys
administering the restriction information is not needed. tems can use different frequency bands, also called fre
Furthermore, the subscription restriction information can quency areas, to provide radio access. Preferably, frequency
easily be displayed to the mobile subscriber. 25 bands are symbolized by a significant frequency, e.g. 800
It should be noted that the signalling of the subscription MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz (all GSM), and 2400 MHz
restriction information can be performed by a network (UMTS).
element, e.g. HLR., by a user equipment, or by both of them. In a further embodiment, the subscription restriction
Advantageously, an operator can decide for the latter case in information comprises a Public Land Mobile Network
particular if there are differences in the restriction informa 30 PLMN type restriction information indicating a PLMN
tion, which one of the signalling sources gets priority. restriction. PLMN types are e.g. a HPLMN or a VPLMN.
Furthermore, the restriction information of the two signal Alternatively, individual operator identifiers can be PLMN
ling Sources can be evaluated in a complementary way. types as well.
Furthermore, the invention can be realised by a computer In another embodiment, the home subscriber data register
35 HLR is adapted to send on request a subscriber data infor
program, which is loadable into the internal memory of a
digital processing unit, comprising software code portions mation comprising a Subscription restriction information
adapted to control the steps of the described methods, when that applies to the mobile subscriber. Therefore, a network
the computer program is executed on the digital processing element like a MSC or SGSN can retrieve based upon a
unit. Therefore, servers that are by means of the computer location update request received from a user equipment—
program adapted to perform the inventive method can easily 40 the corresponding Subscription restriction information in
represent network elements according to the present inven order to evaluate whether the subscriber is entitled to the
tion. requested communications service domain access.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in In a further embodiment, the user equipment is adapted to
the dependent claims. send a location update request comprising the Subscription
45
A location update is performed if the evaluation of the restriction information, if the user equipment determines a
Subscription restriction information indicates that an access change of its location area.
ing of the second communications service domain is allowed In another preferred embodiment the computer program is
for the mobile subscriber. stored on a computer readable medium like a CD-ROM, a
A location update request is rejected if the Subscription 50
floppy disc, optical disc or hard disk. Therefore, a good
restriction information evaluation indicates that an accessing physical portability of the control software is provided, i.e.
of the second communications service domain is not allowed upgrades of network elements represented by servers can be
for the mobile subscriber. performed in an easy way.
In a preferred embodiment, an error information is sent in BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
response to the location update request if the request is 55
rejected, said error information indicating an access restric
tion as a reason for the rejection. Therefore, redundant The figures show:
re-tries of a location update request that has already been FIG. 1 a simplified HPLMN and its served communica
rejected can be avoided. tions service domains,
In a further preferred embodiment, the subscription 60 FIG. 2 a simplified HPLMN and VPLMN and a hybrid
restriction information is received within the location update coverage communications service domain,
request sent from a user equipment of the mobile Subscriber. FIG. 3 a message flow for a HPLMN-controlled location
Advantageously, the receiving network node can evaluate, update procedure with allowed UMTS access,
whether a corresponding accessing and/ or roaming of the FIG. 4 a further message flow for a HPLMN-controlled
mobile subscriber is allowed, without requesting said infor 65 location update procedure for a GSM subscriber accessing a
mation from a further network node, e.g. from an HLR. GSM network,
Therefore, signalling traffic can be avoided. FIG. 5 a structure of a insert subscriber data message,
 US 7,099,675 B2
5 6
FIG. 6a a 1 bit embodiment for a subscription restriction In alternative embodiments, the MSC/VLR can be a
parameter SRP. pooled network node. The VLR can be implemented by a
FIG. 6b a 2 bit embodiment for a SRP, separate network node. The BSS can be represented by a
FIG. 6c a 4 bit embodiment for a SRP, Radio Network Controller RNC. The MSC, or respectively
FIG. 6d a 6 bit embodiment for a SRP for multiband the MSC/VLR can be a Serving GPRS Support Node SGSN.
operation restriction The mobile communications system provides communi
FIG. 7 a further message flow for a HPLMN-controlled cations services in different coverage areas, i.e. communi
location update procedure for a GSM subscriber requesting cations service domains. There are communications service
access to a UMTS network, and domains providing GSM coverage 100, 130. Other commu
FIG. 8 a further message flow for a user-equipment 10 nications service domains provide UMTS coverage 110.
controlled location update procedure for UMTS access with 120. A user equipment (MS) 140, e.g. a mobile terminal, that
UMTS SIM indication. is registered in Such a domain communicates via the BSS
180 with the communications system 150.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention applies to both circuit-switched and/or
15 packet Switched domains. Furthermore, a skilled person can
A subscription parameter can be present in both the easily derive further appropriate communications service
subscriber data stored in the HLR as well as on the SIM or domain types, i.e. access network types, than GSM or
in the user equipment itself. It can be used for two different UMTS, e.g. a Wireless Local Area Network Type (Wireless
types of roaming services allowing network operators LAN) or a BluetoothTM network type.
(HPLMN and VPLMN) to allow and reject access to their If a mobile subscriber using the MS 140 moves from one
network. The serving MSC is able to determine the access communications service domain to another, a location
type the subscriber used. update procedure is performed in order to register the MS
140 for the purpose of service provisioning in the newly
One type of roaming services refers to roaming restriction entered communications service domain. Technical compat
due to subscription restriction via the HPLMN. Preferably, 25 ibility of the MS 140 provided, it depends on subscription
a currently unused parameter “Subscription restriction” as restrictions valid for the mobile subscriber, whether the MS
described in 3G TS 23.008 v.3.5.0: 3rd Generation Partner
ship Project; Technical Specification Group Core Network; 140 is served in the new domain, i.e. whether the MS 140 is
allowed to access the new domain.
Organisation of subscriber data (Release 99), clause 2.4.10, A location update procedure can be performed not only
is enhanced to cover possible scenarios. According to the 30 due to physical movement of the MS 140, but, e.g., as well
invention, this parameter is downloaded to the visited MSC/ for the purpose of initial registration of the MS 140 in the
VLR (VMSC) at location update. The VMSC grants or mobile communications system 150, if the MS is switched
rejects access to a roaming Subscriber depending on the O.
settings of this parameter and the type of access the Sub FIG. 2 shows simplified a mobile communications system
scriber uses. Additionally, if access is denied, a specific 35 comprising a HPLMN 250 and a Visited Public Land Mobile
error, i.e. error code, can be generated and sent to the mobile Network (VPLMN) 290. HPLMN and VPLMN can be
station of the Subscriber, e.g. to trigger network reselection. operated by different operators. The HPLMN 250 comprises
This approach can also be used to allow/reject GSM/ a HLR 260. The VPLMN 290 comprises a MSC/VLR 270
UMTS roaming in the HPLMN. and a BSS 280. The MSC/VLR 270 is connected to the HLR
Another type of roaming services refers to roaming 40 260 and the BSS 280. The VPLMN 290 serves a hybrid
restriction due to subscription restriction (VPLMN). The coverage communications service domain 200, i.e. within
UMTS SIM (USIM) contains a parameter giving the same the domain 200 both GSM and UMTS communications
range as the one described in the above paragraph. Prefer services are provided. A MS 240 communicates via the BSS
ably, the parameter is introduced as a capability and con 280 with the mobile communications system.
figuration parameter (3GTS 21.111, V. 3.3.0: 3rd Generation 45 Technical compatibility provided, a MS 240 that is reg
Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Termi istered by means of GSM in the mobile communications
nals; USIM and IC Card Requirements, release 1999, clause system can request a location update in order to change the
10.1). At location update, the VMSC checks the value of this access network type to UMTS, e.g. due to a trigger of an
parameter and grants/rejects access to a roaming Subscriber application that requires a higher bandwidth. On the other
depending on the settings of this parameter and the type of 50 hand, a location update request is possible for the purpose of
access the Subscriber uses. If access is denied, a specific changing the registration from UMTS to GSM.
error can be generated and sent to the mobile station of the FIG. 3 shows a message flow for a HPLMN-controlled
Subscriber, e.g. to trigger network reselection. location update procedure with allowed UMTS access. A
In the following, the invention and its embodiments are user equipment (UE) 300 sends a location update request
described with reference to the figures. 55 message 330 (via a corresponding BSS or RNC, not shown)
FIG. 1 shows simplified a mobile communications system requesting UMTS or GSM access to a MSC 310 (or alter
150 comprising a Home Location Register (HLR) 160 natively SGSN), which transmits a corresponding location
storing subscriber data of mobile subscribers, a Mobile update request message 340 to an HLR 320 that is located
Switching Centre/Visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR) in the HPLMN. The HLR 320 determines, whether any
170 performing, e.g., Switching tasks and by means of 60 subscription restrictions apply for the mobile subscriber. In
location updates registrations of mobile Subscribers in com the shown example, UMTS access is allowed 350. In
munications service domains, and a Base Station System response to the location update request 340, the HLR 320
(BSS) 180 providing radio access to the mobile communi sends an Insert Subscriber Data message 360 comprising an
cations system 150. The mobile communications system 150 indication that UMTS access is allowed to the MSC 310.
represents a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) 65 The MSC 310 checks the access 370 and registers the UE
of an operator. The HLR 160 is connected to the MSC/VLR 300 in the requested UMTS domain, and it acknowledges
170. The MSC/VLR 170 is connected to the BSS 180. the location update to the HLR 320 by sending a Insert
 US 7,099,675 B2
7 8
Subscriber Data Response message 380. Furthermore, it FIG. 6c illustrates a 4 bit structure of the SRP. The first bit
acknowledges the performed location update by means of a represents the entitlement for UMTS in the HPLMN, the
Location Update Response 390 sent to the UE 300. Second bit the entitlement to GSM in the HPLMN. The third
FIG. 4 shows a message flow for a HPLMN-controlled bit refers to UMTS in VPLMN, the fourth bit to GSM in
location update procedure for a GSM subscriber accessing a 5 VPLMN. Preferably, the bit value “0” means not allowed,
GSM network. A user equipment (UE) 300 of a GSM while the value 1 indicates allowed. By using the scheme
Subscriber sends a location update request message 400 (via outlined in FIG. 6c, a mobile subscriber can be entitled to
a corresponding BSS or RNC, not shown) requesting GSM more than one access network type. In Such a case, different
access to a MSC 310 (or SGSN accordingly), which trans rules can apply—e.g. dependent on operator agreements or
mits a corresponding location update request message 410 to 10 the contract of the mobile Subscriber with the HPLMN
an HLR 320 that is located in the HPLMN. The HLR 320 operator, or the current load situation in the corresponding
determines, whether any Subscription restrictions apply for network. Nevertheless, operators can set their preferences as
the mobile subscriber. In the shown example, UMTS access default. E.g., if a the SRP indicates by a value 1111 an
is not allowed 420. In response to the location update request entitlement to a total roaming, the default can be GSM
410, the HLR 320 sends an Insert Subscriber Data message 15 preferred. UMTS preferred or no default. It should be
430 to the MSC 310 indicating that UMTS access is not noted that apart from the exemplary values other possible
allowed. The MSC 310 checks the access 440 and registers values of the SRP not shown in the table can be valid
the UE 300 in the requested GSM domain, and it acknowl restriction indications as well.
edges the location update to the HLR320 by sending a Insert FIG. 6d shows an embodiment, wherein the SRP is used
Subscriber Data Response message 450. After a Location to indicate multiband operation restrictions that are valid for
update response message 460 is received from the HLR320, a mobile subscriber. Multiband operations refer to roaming
the MSC 310 acknowledges the performed location update between domains serving different frequency areas or fre
to the UE300 by means of a Location Update Response 470. quency bands, e.g. the roaming of a Subscriber from GSM
FIG. 5 shows a structure of an Insert Subscriber Data 900 to GSM 1800.
message 500. It comprises subscriber data 510 and a sub 25
The SRP of FIG. 6d has a 6 bit structure. Bit 1 refers to
scriber restriction parameter 520, called as well subscription the frequency band 450 MHz, bit 2 refers to 800 MHZ etc.
restriction parameter 520. Preferably, the Insert Subscriber Usually, the frequencies of 450 MHz to 1900 MHz refer to
Data message is a MAP message. Details about MAP GSM systems, while the frequency area 2400 MHz is used
messages can be found in 3G TS 29.002 V. 3.7.2, 3rd for UMTS. Preferably, a bit value 1 indicates an entitle
Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification 30
ment for roaming into a communications service domain
Group Core Network; Mobile Application Part (MAP) serving the given frequency area, while the value 0 indi
specification (release 99). cates that a mobile subscriber is not allowed to register in
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the SRP is Such a domain.
requested and/or sent via separate messages each.
FIG. 6 illustrates in some examples the possible structures 35 Apart from the SRP value schemes as outlined in the
and values of the subscription restriction parameter SRP. FIGS. 6a to 6d. any combinations and derivations are
Preferably, the SRP indicates an access network type restric possible both for SRP structure and values.
tion as shown in FIG. 6a by the values of an 1 bit SRP FIG. 7 shows a message flow for a HPLMN-controlled
parameter. If the bit value is 0, UMTS access, i.e. an access location update procedure, wherein a GSM subscriber
to the UMTS access network, is not allowed. If the bit value 40 requests access to a UMTS network. The user equipment
is 1, UMTS access is allowed. In another embodiment, the (UE) 300 sends a location update request message 730 (via
SRP parameter value 0 means that GSM access is not a corresponding BSS or RNC, not shown) to a MSC 310 (or
allowed, while for a value 1 GSM access is permitted. alternatively SGSN) requesting UMTS access. The MSC
In the case of a location update acknowledgement mes 310 transmits a corresponding location update request mes
sage, e.g. Location Update Response message 390, 470 or 45 sage 740 to the HLR320 that is located in the HPLMN. The
Insert Subscriber Data 360, 430, the 1 bit SRP can easily be HLR 320 determines that there is a subscription restriction
understood as an acknowledgement flag in response to a for the mobile subscriber 750, i.e. that the mobile subscriber
dedicated location update request, e.g. with SRP=1 having is not entitled to UMTS access. In response to the location
the meaning acknowledged and SRP=0 having the mean update request 740, the HLR 320 sends an Insert Subscriber
ing not acknowledged. 50 Data message 760 indicating by means of a SRP that UMTS
Furthermore, the SRP parameter can easily cover more access is not allowed to the MSC 310. The MSC 310 checks
than two different access network types, e.g. by using the the access 770 by evaluating the subscription restriction
appropriate number of bits. information received as SRP within the Insert Subscriber
FIG. 6b shows a preferred embodiment of a 2 bit structure Data message and rejects the location update request by
of the SRP. This structure allows for the differentiation of 55 sending an error information indicating access not
roaming restrictions in terms of access network types (GSM, allowed, i.e. indicating a roaming restriction as a reason for
UMTS) and network types (HPLMN, VPLMN). E.g., the the rejection, both to the HLR 780 and the UE 790.
SRP value 01 indicates that in the HPLMN GSM access is FIG.8 shows a user-equipment controlled location update
allowed, while the mobile subscriber is in the VPLMN procedure for UMTS access. The user equipment (UE) 300
entitled to UMTS access. In other words, the table indicates 60 uses a UMTS SIM card (USIM) that stores the subscription
for HPLMN and VPLMN the allowed domains. In this way, restriction information valid for the mobile subscriber. The
an entry UMTS allowed excludes GSM, i.e. GSM is not UE requests UMTS access by sending a Location Update
allowed. In a further embodiment, an entry UMTS allowed USIM request 820 to the MSC 310 (or SGSN accordingly).
includes the permission for GSM, i.e. includes GSM The location update request comprises a Subscription restric
allowed. Preferably, operators of HPLMN and VPLMN can 65 tion information, preferably by means of a Subscription
agree in corresponding roaming agreements about Such rules restriction parameter SRP, which is evaluated by the MSC
for interpretation of the SRP parameters. 310 (or SGSN). Afterwards, the MSC 310 (or SGSN)
 US 7,099,675 B2
10
performs the requested location update and acknowledges it 9. Network element for performing for a mobile sub
by means of a Location Update Response message 830 to the scriber a location update procedure in a mobile communi
UE 3OO. cations system having at least one first communications
Without being limited to, the invention can be used service domain of a first access network type and at least one
preferably in all communications systems as defined by second communications service domain that belongs to a
3GPP in the release 99 as well as in all future releases second access network type different to the first access
thereof. In particular, this includes UMTS networks, core network type wherein the mobile subscriber is allowed to
networks, GSM networks and the corresponding user equip access said first communications service domain, wherein
ment, as well as Wireless LANs and Bluetooth TM networks the network element comprises means for receiving a loca
and user equipments. 10 tion update request, and wherein the network element further
The invention claimed is: comprises:
1. Method of performing for a mobile subscriber a loca means for receiving a Subscription restriction information,
tion update procedure in a mobile communications system wherein said Subscription restriction information indi
having at least one first communications service domain of cates at least one access network type that is an allowed
a first access network type and at least one second commu 15 access network type and that applies for the mobile
nications service domain that belongs to a second access Subscriber;
network type different to the first access network type, means for evaluating the Subscription restriction informa
wherein the mobile subscriber is allowed to access said first tion; and
communications service domain, and wherein a location means for performing the location update procedure
update request is received at a network element of the depending on the evaluation of said Subscription
communications system comprising the steps of: restriction information.
receiving a Subscription restriction information at the 10. Network element according to claim 9, wherein the
network element wherein said subscription restriction means for performing the location update procedure com
information indicates at least one access network type prises means for selectively performing the location update
that is an allowed access network type and that applies 25 if the evaluation of the subscription restriction information
for the mobile subscriber; indicates that an accessing of the second communications
evaluating the Subscription restriction information; and service domain is allowed for the mobile subscriber.
performing the location update procedure depending on 11. Network element according to claim 9, comprising
the evaluation of said Subscription restriction informa means for rejecting the location update request if the Sub
tion. 30 Scription restriction information evaluation indicates that an
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a location update accessing of the second communications service domain is
is performed if the evaluation of the subscription restriction not allowed for the mobile Subscriber.
information indicates that an accessing of the second com 12. Network element according to claim 11, comprising
munications service domain is allowed for the mobile sub means for sending an error information in response to the
scriber. 35 location update request if the request is rejected, said error
3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the location information indicating an access restriction as a reason for
update request is rejected if the Subscription restriction the rejection.
information evaluation indicates that an accessing of the 13. Network element according to claim 9, wherein the
second communications service domain is not allowed for means for receiving the location update request comprises
the mobile subscriber. 40 means for receiving the Subscription restriction information.
4. Method according to claim 3, wherein an error infor 14. Network element according to claim 9, comprising
mation is sent in response to the location update request if means for requesting Subscriber data information from a
the request is rejected, said error information indicating an home Subscriber data register, and means for receiving the
access restriction as a reason for the rejection. subscription restriction information within subscriber data
5. Method according to claim 1, wherein the subscription 45 information sent from the home Subscriber data register.
restriction information is received within the location update 15. Network element according to claim 9, wherein the
request sent from a user equipment of the mobile Subscriber. Subscription restriction information comprises a frequency
6. Method according to claim 1, wherein subscriber data band restriction information indicating a frequency band
information is requested from a home Subscriber data reg restriction.
ister, and wherein the Subscription restriction information is 50 16. Network element according to claim 9, wherein the
received within subscriber data information sent from the Subscription restriction information comprises a public land
home Subscriber data register. mobile network type restriction information indicating a
7. Method according to claim 1, wherein the subscription public land mobile network restriction.
restriction information comprises a frequency band restric 17. Network element according to claim 9, wherein the
tion information indicating a frequency band restriction. 55 network element is a Mobile Services Switching Centre.
8. Method according to claim 1, wherein the subscription 18. Network element according to claim 9, wherein the
restriction information comprises a public land mobile net network element is a Serving GPRS Support Node.
work type restriction information indicating a public land
mobile network restriction.