Wireless telecommunications system and method of operation providing users′ carrier selection in overlapping hetergenous networks

Abstract

An improved wireless telecommunication system enables a user to obtain communication services in overlapping wireless heterogeneous or homogeneous cellular networks at the most economical cost and bandwidth. A plurality of overlapping cellular networks includes a common command channel, a Central Selection Agency (CSA), a home location register, a visitor location register, and a user device positional location mechanism. In one embodiment the user device is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine its location. In placing a call, the user device broadcasts its ID, location and connection capability requirements on the common command channel. When a base station for the command channel bears the request, the CSA and the home location register for the user are informed. The CSA capability/requirements determine which network and base station selections are potential carriers for the call. Based on user preferences established by a profile stored in an accessible database, the CSA assigns a network and base station to handle the connection. The user device is informed and tunes to the appropriate network and protocols. For incoming calls, the calling party checks the home location register to determine the last known location. The user device is informed that a called is waiting. The user device selects the network and base station to receive the call in a fashion similar to that of placing the call. A call may be transferred from one network to a different network, the networks using different protocol. The user device may be programmed to change networks at random times to provide enhanced security for a call.