SIM whitelisting and multi-operator core networks

A system, comprising:

• an eNodeB in communication with a first user equipment (UE);
• a virtualized gateway in communication with the eNodeB and acting as a virtualizing gateway for communications with a plurality of core networks, the virtualizing gateway configured to provide multi-operator core network (MOCN) gateway functionality for the eNodeB;
• wherein the system performs steps including:
• receiving, at an eNodeB from a UE, one of a request for attaching to an eNodeB wherein the request includes a UE identifier derived from an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or a periodic tracking area update (TAU);
• establishing a connection between the UE and the EnodeB;
• sending by the eNodeB, one of a UE message to a virtualizing gateway or a TAU request, the message including the UE identifier derived from an IMSI, the virtualizing gateway in communication with a plurality of core networks, the virtualizing gateway configured to provide multi-operator core network (MOCN) gateway functionality for the eNodeB;
• performing a whitelisting lookup by the virtualizing gateway based on the UE identifier derived from an IMSI and based on a mapping of UE identifiers to authorized core networks for each of the plurality of core networks, to determine whether to send a service request to a first core network or a second core network;
• and
• wherein when a record of the UE is not found, then using the identifier derived from the IMSI at the virtualizing gateway.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed cause a system to:

• receive, at an eNodeB from a UE, one of a request for attaching to an eNodeB wherein the request includes a S-TMSI or a periodic tracking area update (TAU), wherein a UE identifier derived from an IMSI comprises a System Architecture Evolution Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI);
• establish a connection between the UE and the EnodeB;
• send by the eNodeB, one of a UE message to a virtualizing gateway or a TAU request, the message including the S-TMSI, the virtualizing gateway in communication with a plurality of core networks, the virtualizing gateway configured to provide multi-operator core network (MOCN) gateway functionality for the eNodeB;
• perform whitelisting lookup by the virtualizing gateway based on the S-TMSI and based on a mapping of UE identifiers to authorized core networks for each of the plurality of core networks;
• and
• determining whether to send a service request to a first core network or a second core network.