Service provisioning by local operator

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program product related to coexistence of two network operators, for example a local operator and an incumbent operator. In certain embodiments, a method may include monitoring if network information from a server part of an application is received by a client part of the application. The client part is connected to the server part via a first network that uses a radio access technology. The network information is related to a second network that uses the radio access technology, the second network being different from the first network. The method also includes controlling a cellular radio layer such that it interworks with the second network based on the received network and authentication information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority to PCT International Application No. PCT / EP2016 / 068565, filed on Aug. 3, 2016. The entire content of the priority application is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUNDField[0002]Some networks may benefit from the coexistence of two different network operators. More particularly, a network may benefit from service provisioning by a local operator in the presence of an incumbent operator.Description of the Related Art[0003]Local operators (LOs), also known as micro operators, are used for deployment and specialized service provisioning in the fifth generation (5G) networks. LOs are particularly helpful in ultra-dense networks having high capacity demands. LOs are experiencing increasing opportunities for growth in shared spectrums, such as Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) providing a 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) band.[0004]For example, a LO is an operator who leases a certain portion of a spectrum, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0062]Certain embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other unless otherwise described. The description of certain embodiments is given by way of example only, and is in no way intended as limiting the invention to the disclosed embodiments. Moreover, it is to be understood that an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code is configured to perform the corresponding methods, although in some cases only the apparatus or only the method is described.

[0064]If user access to the LO network can be made easier, as provided for in some of the embodiments described below, users irrespective of the IO may be able to access the services provided by the LO. Such networks could be provided by any provider, such as an industrial provider of Internet of Things (IoT) services, which may have an explicit focus on providing users with varying services.

Problems solved by technology

But for the randomly deployed LOs, mechanisms for PLMN selection, authentication and charging are currently not available.

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