Mobile device with improved network selection while roaming

摘要

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for user equipment (UE) devices to perform a radio access technology (RAT) upgrade. A UE may initiate a background scan to upgrade RAT while camped on a first system in response to an occurrence of a first condition. The first system may include a first PLMN that operates according a first RAT. The UE may determine a second system operates according to a second RAT that provides upgraded service as compared to the first RAT. The second system may be included in one or more systems found during the background scan. The UE may attempt to register on the second system based on the second PLMN operating according to the second RAT. The first and second PLMNs may each have an associated operator preference and the first PLMN may be preferred over the second PLMN.

主权项

1. A wireless user equipment (UE) device, comprising:
at least one antenna for performing wireless communications; a radio coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processing element coupled to the radio; wherein the UE is configured to:
initiate a background scan to upgrade radio access technology (RAT) while camped on a first system in response to an occurrence of a first condition, wherein the first system includes a first public land mobile network (PLMN) that operates according to a first RAT;determine that a second system includes a second PLMN that operates according to a second RAT, wherein the second system is included in one or more systems found during the background scan, and wherein the second RAT provides upgraded service as compared to the first RAT;determine whether an operator preferred data structure is empty, wherein, in response to determining that the operator preferred data structure is not empty, the UE is further configured to:
group the one or more systems based on RAT type, wherein a first group includes RATs that do not provide an upgrade as compared to the first RAT, wherein a second group includes RATs that do provide an upgrade as compared to the first RAT, wherein the second system is included in the second group; andselect the second system from the second group; andattempt to register on the second system based on the second PLMN operating according to the second RAT.