Device imei/imeisv/tac screening and steering while roaming in wireless networks

Abstract

A lost or stolen mobile electronic device may attempt to attach to a foreign network where the phone is not blocklisted. During the foreign network/roaming attach process, a location update may be sent to the home network. The location update may include identifying information for the device. A mapping of the device and the foreign network's association may be stored within an operator database at the home network. Once the lost or stolen phone authenticates with an access point (AP), the mobile device may associate or register with the AP to gain full access to the foreign MNO. The lost or stolen phone may send an Association Request including updated location information and the phone's identification to the phone's home network. If the mapping does not include the phone's identification and the requesting foreign network, then the home network will deny the association request.