# US 2013/0157673 A1 · Network operator-neutral provisioning of mobile devices > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0157673 A1 - Document ID: US20130157673A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/610,038 - Filed: 2012-09-11 - Published: 2013-06-20 - Earliest claimed: 2011-09-16 - Assignees: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc. - Inventors: Alec Brusilovsky - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130157673A1 ## CPC - H04W 72/04: Wireless resource allocation - H04W 4/70: Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC] - H04W 8/205: {Transfer to or from user equipment or user record carrier} - H04W 8/265: {for initial activation of new user} - H04W 12/02: Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII] - H04W 12/06: Authentication - H04W 12/35: {Protecting application or service provisioning, e.g. securing SIM application provisioning} - H04W 8/183: {Processing at user equipment or user record carrier} - H04W 88/04: adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user - H04W 88/06: adapted for operation in multiple networks {or having at least two operational modes}, e.g. multi-mode terminals - H04W: WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (broadcast communication H04H; communication systems using wireless links for non-selective communication, e.g. wireless extensions H04M1/72) ## Abstract Techniques are disclosed for provisioning mobile devices in a network operator-neutral manner in communication networks. For example, a method comprises a mobile device that is operator neutral attaching to a first operator network, and the operator neutral mobile device establishing a provisioning bearer in the first operator network. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method, comprising: a mobile device that is operator neutral, defining an operator neutral mobile device, attaching to a first operator network; and the operator neutral mobile device establishing a provisioning bearer in the first operator network. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing the provisioning bearer further comprises: the operator neutral mobile device establishing a secure session using the provisioning bearer; and the operator neutral mobile device being provisioned over the secure provisioning bearer. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of attaching the operator neutral mobile device further comprises sending identity information for the operator neutral mobile device. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the identity information comprises at least one of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), and an (e)UICC ID. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising the operator neutral mobile device being provisioned via the provisioning bearer for a second operator network. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of attaching the operator neutral mobile device further comprises sending a provisioning indicator from the operator neutral mobile device. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of attaching the operator neutral mobile device further comprises receiving at least one service manager location identification. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the operator neutral mobile device comprises a subscriber identification module that is missing at least part of a subscription profile. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) An article of manufacture comprising a processor-readable storage medium storing one or more software programs which when executed by a processor perform the steps of the method of claim 1. ### Claim 10 An apparatus, comprising: a memory associated with a mobile device that is operator neutral, defining an operator neutral mobile device; and a processor device associated with the operator neutral mobile device coupled to the memory and configured to: attach the operator neutral mobile device to a first operator network; and assist the operator neutral mobile device in establishment of a provisioning bearer in the first operator network. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein establishment of the provisioning bearer further comprises: the operator neutral mobile device establishing a secure session using the provisioning bearer; and the operator neutral mobile device being provisioned over the secure provisioning bearer. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein attaching the operator neutral mobile device further comprises sending identity information for the operator neutral mobile device. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the identity information comprises at least one of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), and an (e)UICC ID. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor device is further configured to assist the operator neutral mobile device in being provisioned for a second operator network via the provisioning bearer. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein attaching the operator neutral mobile device further comprises sending a provisioning indicator from the operator neutral mobile device. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein attaching the operator neutral mobile device further comprises receiving at least one service manager location identification. ### Claim 17 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the operator neutral mobile device comprises a subscriber identification module that is missing at least part of a subscription profile ### Claim 18 A system comprising: a mobility management entity configured to attach an operator neutral mobile device to a first network; and a service management entity configured to provision the attached mobile device through a secure bearer. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The system of claim 18, wherein the service management entity is further configured to provision the attached mobile device for a second network. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The system of claim 18, wherein the mobility management entity is further configured to support provisioning an operator neutral mobile device.