Method, system and apparatus for alternate data service provisioning

#The present disclosure generally relates to wireless packet data service networks. More particularly, and not by way of any limitation, the present disclosure is directed to a mobile communication device and related data service network employing a method, apparatus and system for providing an alternate data service to the mobile communication device.

#The present disclosure is directed toward the provisioning and management of wireless data service with respect to a mobile communication device. When it is available, a mobile communication device will generally use packet data service for communication of packetized data. This data may include, for example, electronic messages and periodic updates to Personal Information Manager (PIM) data, but could potentially include a number of types of non-voice and voice data communications between a mobile communication device and the outside world. An example of packet data service is GPRS, but other packet data service networks are employed for such purposes.

#A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary network environment including a wireless service network wherein an embodiment of the present disclosure may be practiced;

#FIG. 1B depicts a detail view of an exemplary network environment wherein an embodiment of the present disclosure may be practiced;

#A system, method, and apparatus of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to various examples of how the embodiments can best be made and used. Identical reference numerals are used throughout the description and several views of the drawings to indicate identical or corresponding parts, wherein the various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

#The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, method and system for providing an alternate data service with respect to a mobile communication device. According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of provisioning data service to a mobile communication device. The method includes identifying a wireless network accessible by the mobile communication device; determining whether a packet data service is available to the mobile communication device via the wireless network; and configuring the mobile communication device to use an alternate data service when the packet data service is unavailable to the mobile communication device via the wireless network.

#In certain embodiments, the method includes automatically upgrading to packet data service if packet data service becomes available. In certain embodiments, the method includes modifying of data transfer characteristics depending on whether communication is occurring via packet data service or alternate data service. In certain embodiments, the method includes providing the alternate using Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) messaging. In certain embodiments, the method includes providing a notice from the mobile communication device to a relay node that packet data service is currently unavailable. In certain embodiments, the method includes gathering operating statistics relating to usage of packet data service and alternate data service. In certain embodiments, the method includes activating the alternate data service over an additional wireless network accessible to the mobile communication device.