Attaching to an access network

摘要

A method and apparatus for allowing a terminal to attach to an access network. The terminal determines that the access network does not support a subscriber identifier used by the terminal, and so it attaches to the access network using an IMSI, the IMSI having been pre-provisioned at the terminal. The terminal, once attached, sends a request for a roaming IMSI to a remote node in the subscriber's home network. It then receives a roaming IMSI from the remote, the roaming IMSI being associated with the subscription and related subscriber identifier. The terminal detaches from the access network and then re-attaches to the access network using the roaming IMSI.

主权项

1. A user terminal for use in a communications network, the user terminal being provisioned with a subscriber identifier and comprising:
a determining function circuit configured to determine that the subscriber identifier is not supported by an access network; a memory storing at least one access International Mobile Subscriber Identity; a transmitter for sending a request to attach to the access network using the access International Mobile Subscriber Identity; the transmitter being further arranged to, once the user terminal is attached to the access network, send to a remote node in the subscriber's home network a request for a roaming International Mobile Subscriber Identity; a receiver for receiving from the remote node the roaming International Mobile Subscriber Identity, the roaming International Mobile Subscriber Identity being dynamically associated with the same subscription as the subscriber identifier; the transmitter being further arranged to send a signal detaching the user terminal from the access network, and a further signal reattaching the user terminal to the access network using the roaming International Mobile Subscriber Identity.