Local network access using public cells

A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program executable by a processor to perform actions comprising:

• operating a cellular network base station with closed subscriber group indicator indicating off;
• and
• transmitting information to a user equipment indicating the availability of a local service area network at a location in which the user equipment is currently located.

An apparatus comprising:

• a controller configured to operate a cellular network base station with closed subscriber group indicator indicating off;
• and
• a transmitter configured to send information to a user equipment indicating the availability of a local service area network at a location in which the user equipment is currently located.

A method comprising:

• receiving information at a user equipment from a cellular network base station, the base station having a closed subscriber group signaling indicator indicating off, and the information indicates the availability of a local service area network at a location in which the user equipment is currently located;
• and
• transmitting information to an operator of the local service area network that indicates that the user equipment wants to register with the operator of the local service area network.

A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program executable by a processor to perform actions comprising:

• receiving information at a user equipment from a cellular network base station, the base station having a closed subscriber group signaling bit indicator indicating off, and the information indicates the availability of a local service area network at a location in which the user equipment is currently located;
• and
• transmitting information to an operator of the local service area network that indicates that the user equipment wants to register with the operator of the local service area network.

An apparatus comprising:

• a receiver configured to receive information at a user equipment from a cellular network base station, the base station having a closed subscriber group signaling indicator indicating off, and the information indicates the availability of a local service area network at a location in which the user equipment is currently located;
• and
• a transmitter configured to send information to an operator of the local service area network that indicates that the user equipment wants to register with the operator of the local service area network.

A method comprising:

• receiving a request in a message from a user equipment at a local service area network to register the user equipment in the local service area network, where the user equipment received information from a base station having closed subscriber group indicator indicating off and the received information indicating network availability;
• and
• authenticating the user equipment using a local database and a database of a cellular network operator that is communicated with via a portal.

A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program executable by a processor to perform actions comprising:

• receiving a request in a message from a user equipment at a local service area network to register the user equipment in the local service area network, where the user equipment received information from a base station having closed subscriber group indicator indicating off and the received information indicating network availability;
• and
• authenticating the user equipment using a local database and a database of a cellular network operator that is communicated with via a portal.

An apparatus comprising:

• a receiver configured to receive a request in a message from a user equipment at a local service area network to register the user equipment in the local service area network, where the user equipment received information from a base station having closed subscriber group indicator indicating off and the received information indicating network availability;
• and
• a controller configured to authenticate the user equipment using a local database and a database of a cellular network operator that is communicated with via a portal.