Supplemental mobile communication device

摘要

Systems and methods provide a supplemental mobile communication device that allows use of a host communication device with a network different from that associated with the host device, e.g., a network of a different service provider or that is otherwise restricted to the host device. The system may include a supplemental mobile communication device having a transmitter selectively communicating with a plurality of host devices associated with a different wireless network. The system may further include a processor configured to compare a service plan associated with the supplemental mobile communication device with a service plan associated with the host device, and selectively route communications initiated by a user interface of the host device through one of the first and second communication networks based upon at least the comparison of the first and second service plans.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
establishing a mating communication interface between a mobile host device and a supplemental mobile device using an adapter located in the a supplemental mobile device; receiving an initiated communication from the mobile host device at the supplemental mobile device coupled directly via the mating communication interface, wherein the supplemental mobile device is associated with a first telecommunication network of a first service provider, and wherein the mobile host device is associated with a second telecommunication network of a second service provider; providing to a user, via a user interface of the mobile host device, a comparison of a first service plan associated with the first service provider with a second service plan associated with the second service provider, wherein the comparison includes a comparison of a first network performance of the first telecommunication network and a second network performance of the second telecommunication network; receiving, from the user, a selection of the first service plan based on the comparison; determining an encryption level of the supplemental mobile communication device; encrypting an outgoing communication according to at least the encryption level, wherein encrypting the outgoing communication includes establishing an encryption key, the encryption key including at least an identification of a second communication device to be in communication with the mobile host device; determining a routing decision to transmit the outgoing communication from the mobile host device to the supplemental mobile device and then through the first telecommunication network of the first service provider; and transmitting, via the supplemental mobile device, the outgoing communication from the mobile host device through the first telecommunication network of the first service provider, wherein the mobile host device is not authorized to directly communicate along the first telecommunication network via the second service provider.