RESTRICTING THE USE OF MOBILE TERMINALS BASED ON FORCED LOCATION UPDATING

摘要

A method and apparatus for temporarily disabling a mobile terminal which is associable with a mobile telecommunications network for obtaining communication services therefrom is described. A base station simulator (20) is provided which transmits a signal for causing the mobile terminal (1) to register with the base station simulator (20). For example, this signal may be transmitted at a power higher than the base stations (3,4,5) of PLMNs in the area around the mobile terminal. The base station simulator (20) then transmits a message to cause the mobile terminal (1) to be temporarily disabled from communicating with the network. For example, the message may force the mobile terminal to perform a Location Area Update and/or a Routing Area Update. The base station simulator (20) then rejects inappropriately the Location/Routing Area Update Request from the mobile terminal (1) and causes the mobile terminal (1) to deem its SIM/USIM to be invalid until the mobile terminal is power cycled or the SIM/USIM is removed. The invention may advantageously be used onboard aircraft. The base station simulator (20) may provide a pico cell to allow wireless telecommunication services to be provided to mobile terminals during aircraft flight.