Location based grouping for wireless network coverage area

Abstract

Location-based grouping according to the present invention enables grouping of wireless network subscribers (S1–S4) based on their location within a coverage area (24, 26) and offering services based on their respective group affiliations. Specifically, the location-based grouping defines a plurality of zones (Z1–Z3), identified by coordinates, within a network coverage area (24, 26) and assigns a dynamic network subscriber group number to each zone. The location-based grouping of the present invention requires that a service provider (14) maintain both a static network subscriber group database containing network-wide subscriber subscription parameters and a dynamic network subscriber group database containing zone-specific network subscriber subscription parameters, and that a network subscriber (S1–S4) register when the network subscriber enters into one of the plurality of zones (Z1–Z3) within the network coverage area (24, 26). This registration requirement enables the location of the network subscriber (S1–S4) to be identified as being within the one of the plurality of zones (Z1–Z3) within the network coverage area (24, 26) and the consequent provision of services to the network subscriber (S1, S4) based on the static and dynamic network subscriber group subscription parameters associated with the network subscriber (S1–S4).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.