System and method for restricting access to a mobile communications network

A system for restricting access to a mobile communications network by mobile communication devices within a restricted area, the system comprising:

• a plurality of transmitters each configured to transmit a respective beacon signal for reception by the mobile communication devices within the restricted area;
• and
• an access control entity, communicable with a mobile communication device via a base station,
• wherein:
• the access control entity is configured to decide, based on measurement data from the mobile communication device indicative of reception by the mobile communications device of the beacon signals transmitted by the plurality of transmitters, whether or not to provide the mobile communication device with access to a service of the mobile communications network;
• and
• the access control entity is arranged to vary a time for which a dedicated channel with a mobile communications device is held open, whereby enabling a varying number of measurement reports to be received from the mobile communications device.

A method of restricting access to a mobile communications network by mobile communication devices within a restricted area, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of transmitters each configured to transmit a beacon signal for reception by the mobile communication devices within the restricted area;
• receiving a measurement report from the mobile communications device, the measurement report conveying measurement data indicative of reception by the mobile communications device of the beacon signals transmitted by the plurality of transmitters;
• and
• deciding, using code in a radio access network, a core network, or both the radio access network and the core network of the mobile communications network, based on the measurement data from the mobile communication device, whether or not to provide the mobile communication device with access to a service of the mobile communications network.