Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating network selection by a roaming mobile node

A method in a mobile node for selecting a network capable of packet data communication with the mobile node, the method comprising:

• storing a preferred roaming list in a storage element, the preferred roaming list listing a plurality of preferred networks together with associated packet data communication capabilities of each of the plurality of preferred networks;
• identifying currently available networks;
• determining associated packet data communication capabilities of each of the currently available networks;
• comparing the currently available networks capable of packet data communication against the preferred roaming list;
• if one of the currently available networks capable of packet data communication is matched with one of the plurality of preferred networks capable of packet data communication in the preferred roaming list, receiving a selection of the matched network from the preferred roaming list, the mobile node thereafter registering itself on the selected network;
• and
• if no match is found, receiving selection of one of the currently available networks capable of packet data communication not listed in the preferred roaming list, and thereafter the mobile node registering itself on the selected network.

A mobile node capable of packet data communication configured to select a network capable of packet data communication with the mobile node, the mobile node comprising:

• a storage element configured to store a preferred roaming list in memory, the preferred roaming list listing a plurality of preferred networks together with associated packet data communication capabilities of each of the plurality of preferred networks;
• a receiver configured to receive broadcasting signals from currently available networks, the broadcasting signals indicative of packet data communication capabilities of the currently available networks;
• and
• a selector coupled to memory and the receiver, the selector configured to compare the currently available networks capable of packet data communication against the preferred roaming list before the mobile node registers on an available network and, if one of the currently available networks capable of packet data communication is matched with one of the plurality of preferred networks capable of packet data communication in the preferred roaming list, to enable the selection of the matched network and to thereafter enable the mobile node to register on the matched network,
• wherein the selector is further configured to enable the selection of one of the currently available networks capable of packet data communication not listed in the preferred roaming list if no matched network is found and to enable the mobile node to register on a network not listed in the preferred roaming list.