Method and system for using an integrated subscriber identity module in a network interface unit

#The present invention relates to network communication systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to using a subscriber Identity Module (“SIM”) in a network interface unit to allow continuity of services and billing among a plurality of network devices at a plurality of locations.

#Subscriber Identity Module (“SIM”) (sometimes referred to as a subscriber interface module) technology, which is known in the art, has been used in mobile phone systems to allow users to establish account information in cellular telephones. For example, if a particular user has a first phone, and then buys another one, a SIM card can be removed from the first phone and inserted into the second one, thereby allowing account authentication, authorization and policy control information, as well as billing information, to be transferred from one phone to the next without the need of canceling the account corresponding to the first phone and then having to establish another account for the second phone. Examples of SIM-stored data include identity and billing information of the consumer, ongoing pre-paid usage totals, account and usage history, allowable access criteria, other information necessary for network usage and consumer favorites.

#In addition to mobile telephone systems, other communication systems associate accounts that correspond to a particular user, in order to facilitate access and billing of the customer. Examples of such services include cable television, wired or wireless telephony, high-speed data and or multimedia services, for which a user typically establishes an account with the provider of each service. The signals for these services, which may be provided by as many different providers as there are services, typically enter into a dwelling or place of business via a customer premises Network Interface Unit (“NIU”). An NIU typically interfaces each of these services to a single dwelling unit (“SDU”) or a multiple dwelling unit (“MDU”), or a single converged services portal may receive signals from a plurality of service providers. Furthermore, these services may all be provided via a single service provider via a single network source such as, for example, xDSL, FTTx, HFC, fixed wireless, etc, in which case the converged services portal would be used.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a system for facilitating transporting user account information from one location to another to obtain desired services at a plurality of locations using a SIM card.

#FIG.2 illustrates a system for facilitating transporting user account information from one location to another to obtain desired services at a plurality of locations using a virtual SIM.

#FIG.3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for facilitating user account information from one location to another to obtain desired services at a plurality of locations using a SIM.

#As a preliminary matter, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many methods, embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the following description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

#Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The following disclosure is not intended nor is to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

#Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 2 for using a SIM device 4, such as in the form of a card (it will be appreciated that the other forms may be implemented, including a virtual version where account information is downloaded from a provider's server or determined via personal physical identity, such as, for example, a fingerprint or other biometric means known in the art), for transporting account information related to communication services from one to another among a plurality of NIUs 6. A user 8 obtains SIM 4 from a variety of means, preferably from a SIM vending machine 10 that dispenses or reprograms a renewable SIM card when requested services are selected and an appropriate amount of money is inserted into the machine, the amount corresponding to the type and level of selected services.