Access data provisioning apparatus and methods
US9723481B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W12/04
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for activating a purchased or previously deployed device by a subscriber. In one embodiment, activation includes authenticating the device to a service provider or carrier, and providing the device with data necessary for enabling the service to the device. In one variant, a user device is activated at a retail store, with the assistance of a carrier representative. In another variant, user equipment is activated via a communications network without the assistance of a representative. In yet another variant, the user equipment is activated via the Internet without the assistance of a representative. The provision of access data includes pre-assigning eSIM from a population of unassigned eSIMs to certain devices for various carrier networks. Alternatively, the eSIM may be assigned on an as-needed basis. Unassigned and/or unused eSIMs can be released (or sold back to the vendor) and/or reused. Solutions for eSIM backup and restoration are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.