METHOD FOR CATEGORIZATION OF MULTIPLE PROVIDERS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICE ENVIRONMENT

摘要

A communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. Initially, the communications device registers with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band. While remaining registered with the less preferred service provider, the device examines several frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. A frequency band is examined by dividing the frequency band into many sub-bands, and by locating the strongest signal above a threshold within the sub-band being examined. The examination continues until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located. The communication device then registers with the more preferred service provider. The category of service provider may be identified and displayed on the communication device.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
storing, by a wireless communication device, a frequency search schedule, wherein the frequency search schedule comprises a plurality of frequency bands in an order, wherein the order is based upon count values of previous registrations of the wireless communication device with a respective wireless service provider of a plurality of service providers operating within each of the plurality of frequency bands; and examining, by the wireless communication device, the plurality of frequency bands until a service provider control channel of the respective wireless service provider is located within one of the plurality of frequency bands by examining the plurality of frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency search schedule.