Patent · US Active

Virtual access module distribution apparatus and methods

US8738729B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
7References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 14, 2011
Grant dateMay 27, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 14, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04W4/50
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for distributing electronic access client modules for use with electronic devices. In one embodiment, the access client modules are virtual subscriber identity modules (VSIMs) that can be downloaded from online services for use with cellular-equipped devices such as smartphones. The online services may include a point of sale (POS) system that sells electronic devices to users. A broker may be used to facilitate the selection of a virtual subscriber identity module. A provisioning service may also be used to provision the selected VSIM.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.