Network directed system selection for cellular and PCS enhanced roaming

摘要

The present invention relates to a cellular and PCS enhanced roaming arrangement for assuring that a roaming mobile station is serviced outside its home service market be a preferred service provider. A mobile station outside its home market, when attempting to register or initiate a call, will attempt to connect to a remote service provider in the geographic region where it is located in the same manner as it would in the home market. The remote service provider will contact the home service provider seeking, among other things, service information and account status. In the event that the home service provider has more favorable arrangements with another service provider in the geographic region where the mobile station is located, the home service provider will transmit redirection instructions to the remote service provider which is transmitted to the mobile station. The redirection instructions direct the mobile station to attempt to establish communication with an alternative preferred service provider in the geographic region where the mobile station is located. Instructions may also be sent identifying what the mobile station should do in the event communication with the alternative preferred service provider cannot be established.