Utilizing wi-fi country code to assist cellular network selection
AssigneeBlackBerry Limited
InventorsHao XUE, Jean-Philippe Paul CORMIER, James Randolph Winter LEPP, Göran HAGELTORN
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Abstract
A method of selecting a cellular network entails detecting a Wi-Fi signal, obtaining a country code from the Wi-Fi signal, prioritizing cellular network frequency bands based on the country code to define a band priority, and selecting a cellular network based on the band priority. The country code may be an IEEE 802.11d Country Code Information Element.
Claims18
A method of selecting a cellular network at a mobile device, the method comprising:
- during a cellular network selection scan by the mobile device, starting a scan timer;
- prior to expiry of the scan timer, detecting a Wi-Fi signal;
- obtaining a country code from the Wi-Fi signal;
- using said obtained country code to define a prioritization of frequency bands for said cellular network selection.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions in code which when loaded into a memory and executed by a processor of a mobile device cause the mobile device to:
- detect a Wi-Fi signal;
- obtain a country code from the Wi-Fi signal;
- prioritize cellular network frequency bands based on the country code to define a band priority;
- and
- select a cellular network based on the band priority.
A mobile device comprising:
- a cellular radiofrequency transceiver;
- a Wi-Fi receiver that detects a Wi-Fi signal;
- a processor operatively coupled to the Wi-Fi receiver;
- and
- a memory operatively coupled the processor;
- wherein the processor is configured to:
- during a cellular network selection scan by the mobile device, start a scan timer;
- prior to expiry of the scan timer, detect the Wi-Fi signal;
- obtain a country code from the Wi-Fi signal;
- and
- use the obtained country code to define a prioritization of frequency bands for the cellular network selection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.