US20090305663A1

US20090305663A1 - Kiosk initiated telephone service

Info

Publication number: US20090305663A1
Application number: US12/265,812
Authority: US
Inventors: James D. Bennett
Original assignee: Broadcom Corp
Current assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2008-06-04
Filing date: 2008-11-06
Publication date: 2009-12-10
Also published as: US8108698B2; US20120131358A1; US8327167B2; US20090307507A1

Abstract

A user of a mobile device with a subscription on a primary network is able to interact with an automated mobile network account setup kiosk to setup a subscription (temporary or permanent) for access to services (one or more) on the secondary network. The billing system of the primary network is used to bill for services subscribed to by the user on the secondary network. Subscriber information and subscription information from the primary network is selectively used to setup a new subscription for the user on the secondary network. A mobile device, built in accordance with the present invention, is capable of interacting with a mobile network account setup kiosk, in order to configure access to a secondary network selectively employing subscription information from a primary network currently subscribed to by the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/058,678, filed Aug. 4, 2008, and having a common title with the present application, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to mobile phone services; and, more particularly, to the subscription of mobile services by a user.
2. Related Art
In conventional cellular telephone networks, a cellular phone is assigned a phone number (often based upon a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)) when the phone registers with a phone service provider or phone network. The network with which the telephone/SIM card registers is called the phone's home network. The phone can be reached from the home network or any other phone network by dialing the assigned phone number. A cellular phone is typically allowed to access other cellular networks when the cellular phone moves to a location that does not have coverage from the home network. However the cellular phone is often charged a higher than normal rate for a call using differing cellular phone infrastructure in spite of being registered with the home network.
A cellular phone owner may register the phone with another network if it is unlocked and de-register from the home network. In such case the other network issues a new phone number to the cellular phone, often times requiring that a new SIM card be installed in the phone. The phone is charged normal rate for a call as the cellular phone has become a resident of the other network and can be reached by dialing the new phone number but cannot be reached using the original phone number. The cellular phone has yet another option of registering with the other network and requesting the other network to port the phone number issued by the home network. In the yet another option the cellular phone can be reached in the other network by dialing the old phone number, i.e., the number that the phone used in the home network with supporting registration operations/settings. A fixed line phone is also adapted to switch to a new phone network. It has two options: either to use s new phone number in the new phone network or to request the new phone network for phone number porting. However number porting is a task performed by service providers and it typically takes up to five working days by service providers to port a phone number from one network to another.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art through comparison of such systems with various aspects of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operation that are further described in the following Brief Description of the Drawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a mobile phone subscription system that a user of a mobile device can use to signup for a new service subscription, based on an existing subscription with an existing/different network according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a system diagram illustrating a network wherein a subscriber of a new service on a secondary network employs a mobile network account setup kiosk to setup a new subscription, wherein an existing subscription on a primary network is used for account setup and billing according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a system illustrating a mobile device and supporting network infrastructure with the mobile device having a subscription on a primary network that is able to interact with an automated mobile network account setup kiosk to setup a subscription (temporary or permanent) for access to services (one or more) on the secondary network according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile network account setup kiosk that makes it possible for a user of a mobile device to obtain a subscription or user account for a secondary network based on subscription information for a primary network, or a subscription or user account for a secondary network, based on subscription information for the primary network according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a mobile network account setup kiosk, build in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a mobile device that interacts with a mobile network account setup kiosk to configure access to a secondary network selectively employing subscription information from a primary network currently subscribed to by the user according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a mobile phone subscription system that a user of a mobile device can use to signup for a new service subscription, based on an existing subscription with an existing/different network according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The mobile phone subscription system 105 enables a user of a mobile device 131 to signup for a new service subscription based on an existing subscription with an existing/different network. The mobile phone subscription system 105 includes the mobile device 131 and a mobile network account setup kiosk 107. The mobile network account setup kiosk 107 facilitates a user's selection of a new network at a new city, wherein the new network subscription is provided based on information related to the user's subscription with an existing network that is different from the new network. The mobile network account setup kiosk 107 makes it possible for a user with an existing subscription with a first network operator to acquire a new subscription with a new operator at a different place, based on subscriber and subscription details accessible for the existing subscription. Portions of such existing subscription information are available in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card/SmartCard in the mobile device 131 and in a subscriber system managed by the existing network. The mobile network account setup kiosk 107 is capable of setting up a subscription for the user in the new network for one or more services (such as voice services, data services, email, etc.) subscribed to by the same user on the existing network.
The mobile network account setup kiosk 107 includes processor circuitry 119 that runs software and scripts used to operate the various components and manage the various functions, display and input circuitry 117 that facilitates display of information to a user and various inputs provided by the user, and a communications circuitry 115 that facilitates communication with one or more external systems. It also includes an account manager module 121 that is capable of facilitating a new account setup with a new network for a user of the mobile device 131 based on existing subscriptions at other networks, for existing services. The mobile network account setup kiosk 107 also includes a primary network interface 109 and a secondary network interface 111, and the account manager module 121 employs them to interact with subscriber management systems or billing systems managed by a user's primary network (an existing network operator) and a secondary network (a new network operator) selected by the user. One of both of these interfaces 109 and 111 also communicatively couple either via wired or wireless interface to the mobile device 131. The mobile network account setup kiosk 107 includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) circuitry 123 that also makes it possible for the mobile device 131 to interact and exchange information with the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 using NFC related protocols. The primary and secondary network interfaces support one or more wired and/or wireless communication protocols, e.g., Ethernet, IEEE 802.11x, Cellular, Bluetooth, and/or other communication protocols to communicate with the mobile device 131 and network components that will be described later herein.
The account manager module 121 is used by a user/subscriber of the mobile device 131 to establish a temporary subscription. For example, it facilitates establishing the temporary subscription for the subscriber on the new network/secondary network employing the secondary network interface 111, based on a primary account information retrieved from the user's primary network (main network or default network often associated with a SIM card/Smartcard of the user used in the mobile device 131) via the primary network interface 109.
The mobile network account setup kiosk of 107 uses the display and input circuitry 117 for presenting information to the subscriber and for soliciting inputs from the subscriber. The account manager module 121 solicits at least a portion of the primary account information from the subscriber via the display and input circuitry 117. It can selectively get additional information from the primary network, as needed, via the primary network interface 109. The account manager module 121 establishes the temporary subscription for the subscriber on the secondary network based on at least a portion of the primary account information provided by the subscriber over the display and input circuitry 117. Of course, the second network interface 111 may also be employed to communicate with the mobile device 131 or other components to accomplish these results.
In one embodiment, the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 uses the near field communications circuitry 123 to interact with the mobile device 131. It facilitates interactions with the mobile device 131 to establish the temporary subscription for the subscriber, via the mobile device 131. Thus, the subscriber is provided screens and forms to enable the subscriber to select a secondary network and establish a new subscription, for one or more new services on the secondary network. Information needed to bill the subscriber is obtained by determining the primary/existing network operator and setting up billing services. In a related embodiment, the communication circuitry 115 also supports communication with the mobile device 131 used by the subscriber and the account manager module 121 facilitates interactions with the mobile device 131 to establish the temporary subscription for the subscriber via the mobile device 131.
In a different embodiment, the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 requests the subscriber of the mobile device 131 to provide details of the existing service on the existing/primary network. The user can provide such information employing appropriate screens and forms provided by the display and input circuitry 117. Specifically, the account manager module 121 solicits the primary account information from the subscriber which the subscriber enters using screens provided on a display.
In one embodiment, the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 uses the communication circuitry 115 for not only interacting with the subscriber's mobile device 131 but also with the primary network interface 109 and the secondary network interface 111. The solicitation of the primary account information from the subscriber occurs via the mobile device 131 operated by the subscriber that is communicatively coupled to the communication circuitry 115.
In one embodiment, the account manager module 121 of the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 is external to the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 and is associated with the secondary network. The user employs the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 to setup an account, (temporary or permanent account) with the secondary network. For example, if the secondary network is a local network accessible at an airport of a new city where the subscriber of the mobile device 131 has arrived (using a airplane), the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 makes it possible for the user (landing at the airport) with the mobile device 131 to setup an account on the secondary network and to receive information useful in accessing the secondary network for one or more services. In addition, the billing for services used is setup such that a primary network (such as at a home city or home country of the subscriber) does the billing for the services consumed by the subscriber on the secondary network.
FIG. 2 is a system diagram illustrating a network wherein a subscriber of a new service on a secondary network employs a mobile network account setup kiosk to setup a new subscription, wherein an existing subscription on a primary network is used for account setup and billing according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The subscriber uses a secondary network 241 via a mobile network account setup kiosk 207 to setup a new subscription, the user having an existing subscription on a primary network 251 that is used for account setup and billing. An account manager module 209 of the mobile network account setup kiosk 107 is associated with the secondary network 241 and interacts with a secondary network service management system 221. The user seeking a subscription on the secondary network 241, such as a subscriber with a mobile device, employs the mobile network account setup kiosk 207 to setup an account, (temporary or permanent account) with the secondary network 241.
For example, if the secondary network 241 is a network, e.g., cellular network, Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), or other network providing service at or near an airport of a new city where the user with the mobile device has arrived (via an airplane, for example), the user can setup a new subscription on the secondary network 241. The mobile network account setup kiosk 207 makes it possible for the user (landing at the airport) with the mobile device to setup an account on the secondary network 241 to receive information useful in accessing the secondary network 241 for one or more services. In addition, the billing necessary for services consumed on the secondary network 241 is setup such that a primary network 251 (such as at a home city or home country of the subscriber) does the billing for the services consumed by the subscriber on the secondary network 241. A billing system 225 and primary network service management system 227 of the primary network 251, which interacts with the mobile network account setup kiosk 207, facilitates billing for services accessed by the subscriber on the secondary network 241.
The secondary network management system 221 that manages interactions with the account manager 209 to enable establishment of a new subscription for a user based on an existing subscription for the same user on a different network, such as the primary network 251, includes a usage tracking system 223 that is uses to determine billing records for services consumed. The usage tracking system 223 communicates with the billing management system 225 of the primary network 251 to ensure that the subscriber is properly billed for services consumed on the secondary network with the billing management system 225 of the being responsible for billing (cross billing for services consumed on other networks) and subsequent funds distribution.
Once a new subscription for a subscriber of the primary network 251 is setup for access to the secondary network 241, all subsequent billing is handled by the billing system 225 of the primary network 251 for services consumed by the subscriber on the secondary network 241. In one embodiment, the account manager 209 is independent of the primary 251 and secondary network 241 and can help a subscriber get a new account on either one or them, or on both of them, based on an existing subscription on a different network.
FIG. 3 is a system 305 illustrating a mobile device and supporting network infrastructure with the mobile device having a subscription on a primary network that is able to interact with an automated mobile network account setup kiosk to setup a subscription (temporary or permanent) for access to services (one or more) on the secondary network according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. A user of a mobile device 307 with a subscription on a primary network 351 is able to interact with an automated mobile network account setup kiosk 343 to setup a subscription (temporary or permanent) for access to services (one or more) on the secondary network 341. The mobile device 307 is capable of operating on more than one wireless network 351, 341. The mobile device 307 includes a programmed card 315 that makes it possible for the mobile device to operate on more than one wireless network 341, 351. Programmed cards 315 are one of a SIM card, SmartCard, etc., and it may store subscriber information 321 that is used for operating on the primary network 351. Access information for more than one network can be saved in the programmed card 315. A network activation client 313 in the mobile device 307 enables network selection and account setup with a new network, such as the secondary network 341, when the user already has a subscription with the primary network 351. The network activation client 313 is capable of interacting with a mobile network account setup kiosk 343 via the communication interface 314 or a NFC circuit 309 to activate access to the second network. The network activation client 313 employs the subscriber information 321 during interactions with the mobile network account setup kiosk 343 to setup an account and activate access to the secondary network 341.
The programmed card 315 is typically one of a subscriber information module (SIM) card, a SmartCard and a memory card. It can store network access information, security credentials and service related information for one or more networks. The mobile device also includes processing circuitry 331, storage manager 333, subscriber information 321, tracking, & statistics gathering module 311, primary network access information 317, and secondary network access information 319. In one embodiment, the primary network access information 317, the secondary network access information 319 and the subscriber information 321 is stored and made available in the programmed card 315. In a related embodiment, some of this information is also available in the storage manager 333 and in the primary network 351.
In one embodiment, the mobile device 307 instructs the network activation client 313 to handle incoming messages and notifications from mobile network account setup kiosk 343 in order to let the user select services provided by one or more secondary networks 341. For example, the network activation client 313 receives notification from the mobile network account setup kiosk 343 when in proximity, soliciting the user for activation of access to the secondary network. The mobile device 307 prompts the user/subscriber to select the secondary network 341 from a list of available networks, and interacts with the mobile network account setup kiosk 343 to setup an account and activate access to the secondary network 341.
The network activation client 313 stores the secondary network access information 319 is stored in the programmed card 315 (or in a storage manager 333) that makes it possible for the mobile device 307 to subsequently operate on the secondary network 341. In one embodiment, the mobile network account setup kiosk 343 is a physical kiosk where a user of the mobile device 307 acquires a subscription (such as from a sales person) and stores that information into the mobile device 307. Using the stored information, the user is then able to access services provided (one or more services, such as voice, data services, email services, etc.) from the secondary network 341.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile network account setup kiosk that makes it possible for a user of a mobile device to obtain a subscription or user account for a secondary network based on subscription information for a primary network, or a subscription or user account for a secondary network, based on subscription information for the primary network according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The mobile network account setup kiosk 421 employs communication circuitry 427 to interact with the mobile device 407 via wired and/or wireless link(s), a primary network subscription manager 409, and a secondary network subscription manager 411. The mobile network account setup kiosk 421 includes processor circuitry 423, an account manager 429, display and input circuitry 425 and the communications circuitry 427. The account manager 429 facilitates creation, storage, and tracking of the subscription or user account for the secondary network. The primary network subscription manager 409 facilitates verification of the user's existing account/subscription and selective setup up of a billing for services subscribed on the secondary network. The secondary network subscription manager 411 enables user access to services, confirmation of service subscriptions, changes to the subscriptions (if necessary) and verification of billing for services consumed on the secondary network.
The mobile device 407 can be used by a subscriber to interact with the mobile network account setup kiosk 421 in order to setup the new subscription or user account for a secondary network based on subscription information for a primary network. In this scenario, the subscriber employs screen of information or forms provided by the mobile network account setup kiosk 421 to provide sufficient information. The mobile network account setup kiosk 421 then interacts with a primary network subscription manager 409 to verify information provided by the user if necessary, and to optionally setup a billing process wherein the primary network, using its billing system and existing subscription of the user, is configured to bill the user for the new subscription(s) being created for the same user on the secondary network. In a related scenario, the user employs the display and input circuitry 425 provided by the mobile network account setup kiosk 421 to interact with the mobile network account setup kiosk 421 and setup a new subscription or user account for the secondary network based on subscription information retrieved from the primary network subscription manager 409.
Once a new subscription or user account for the secondary network is created for a user of the mobile device 407, if it is for a temporary access, then the mobile network account setup kiosk 421 sends a notification to the user regarding usage of the service and upcoming termination due to expiry duration, billing issues, etc. If the subscription is for permanent access, then the mobile network account setup kiosk 421 sends a periodic notification to the user regarding usage of the service, charges incurred, billing amounts due, etc.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operation 501 of a mobile network account setup kiosk, build in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The operations 501 commence with a user of a mobile device bringing the mobile device in communicative proximity to a mobile network account setup kiosk. Then, at a next block 509, the kiosk determines the services that a subscriber wishes to subscribe to. For example, such services may be cellular voice service, WLAN services, data services over 3G networks, email services, WiMAX data access services, etc. At a next block 511, the mobile network account setup kiosk determines the primary network details, and if there is a need to conduct billing through a specified primary network. The user typically enters primary network information (such as by selecting primary network name from a list and entering details in a form provided) and the mobile network account setup kiosk verifies such information. In an automated version of the mobile network account setup kiosk, the mobile device establishes a communication (such as using WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.) link with the mobile network account setup kiosk and the mobile device retrieves details of the primary network and subscription with the primary network from a SIM card /SmartCard, etc.
Then, at a next block 513, the subscriber is prompted to select a secondary network and the subscriber's selection is processed and stored. For example, the subscriber is provided a list of available secondary networks to browse through and select from. Then, at a next block 515, the mobile device is setup with all information necessary to access the secondary network. For example, based on the subscriber's selection of the secondary network, the mobile network account setup kiosk communicates the subscriber's selection, primary network details (if necessary) and selected services to the secondary network. It then receives subscriber's access information (account details, security parameters, access point details if any, billing details, etc. from the secondary network (such as from a subscription manager system). In addition, the mobile device is setup for access to the secondary network. Then, at a next block 517, the mobile network account setup kiosk sets up optional billing with the primary network (such as with a billing system associated with the primary network) for the one or more services accessed/to be consumed over the secondary network. From block 517 operations terminate.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operation 601 of a mobile device that interacts with a mobile network account setup kiosk to configure access to a secondary network selectively employing subscription information from a primary network currently subscribed to by the user according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Operations 601 commence when the mobile device comes into communicative proximity to the mobile network account setup kiosk. Then, at a next block 609, the user of the mobile device receives a notification for selection of a secondary network and available services that the user can choose. Then, at a next block 611, the mobile device displays secondary network selection information that is provided by the mobile network account setup kiosk, for perusal and selection by the user. The user is also prompted to select a prepaid subscription that expires, a permanent subscription with periodic billing, a free subscription, etc. The user selection of a secondary network and services provided is communicated by the mobile device to the mobile network account setup kiosk, which then communicates new subscription information including secondary network access information to be used for access to the secondary network.
Then, at a next block 613, the mobile device prompts the user to optionally setup billing via the primary network. The user can setup a separate billing process with the secondary network or reuse the billing services provided by the primary network. The user's selection of billing options is communicated to the mobile network account setup kiosk and also stored in the mobile device (or SIM/SmartCard). At a next block 615, the mobile device stores the secondary network access information in a SIM card/Smartcard or in storage (such as non-volatile storage) for subsequent use. From block 617 operation ends.
The terms “circuit” and “circuitry” as used herein may refer to an independent circuit or to a portion of a multifunctional circuit that performs multiple underlying functions. For example, depending on the embodiment, processing circuitry may be implemented as a single chip processor or as a plurality of processing chips. Likewise, a first circuit and a second circuit may be combined in one embodiment into a single circuit or, in another embodiment, operate independently perhaps in separate chips. The term “chip,” as used herein, refers to an integrated circuit. Circuits and circuitry may comprise general or specific purpose hardware, or may comprise such hardware and associated software such as firmware or object code.
The present invention has also been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.
As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” and/or includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to.” As may even further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with,” includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably,” indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.
The present invention has also been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
Moreover, although described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding by way of the aforementioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It will be obvious to one of average skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit and scope of the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile network account setup kiosk for setting up subscriptions to a service, the mobile network account setup kiosk comprising:

processor circuitry;

communications circuitry;

a primary network access interface coupled to the processor circuitry and to the communications circuitry and operable to interact with a subscriber management system of a primary network via the communications circuitry;

a secondary network interface coupled to the processor circuitry and to the communications circuitry and operable to interact with a subscriber management system of a secondary network via the communications circuitry;

an account manager operable to establish a temporary subscription for a subscriber on the secondary network employing the secondary network interface based on primary account information retrieved from the primary network via the primary network access interface.

2. The mobile network account setup kiosk of claim 1 wherein the communication circuitry also supports near field communications with a mobile device and facilitates interactions with the mobile device to establish the temporary subscription for the subscriber via the mobile device.

3. The mobile network account setup kiosk of claim 1 wherein the communication circuitry also supports communication with a mobile device used by the subscriber and wherein the account manager facilitates interactions with the mobile device to establish the temporary subscription for the subscriber via the mobile device.

4. The mobile network account setup kiosk of claim 3 wherein the account manager is external to the mobile network account setup kiosk and associated with the secondary network.

5. The mobile network account setup kiosk of claim 1 wherein the account manager solicits the primary account information from the subscriber.

6. The mobile network account setup kiosk of claim 5 wherein solicitation of the primary account information from the subscriber occurs via a mobile device operated by the subscriber that is communicatively coupled to the communication circuitry.

7. The mobile network account setup kiosk of claim 1 further comprising:

a display for presenting information to the subscriber and for soliciting inputs from the subscriber;

the account manager soliciting at least a portion of the primary account information from the subscriber via the display; and

the account manager establishing the temporary subscription for the subscriber on the secondary network based on the at least a portion of the primary account information provided by the subscriber.

8. The mobile network account setup kiosk of claim 1 wherein the account manager establishes a billing capability with a billing management system of the primary network for services accessed by the subscriber on the secondary network.

9. A mobile device capable of operating on more than one wireless network, the mobile device comprising:

a programmed card that enables the mobile device to operate on the more than one wireless network;

subscriber information for operating on a primary network;

a network activation client that enables network selection and account setup with a new network;

the network activation client capable of interacting with a mobile network account setup kiosk to activate access to a secondary network; and

the network activation client employing the subscriber information during interactions with the mobile network account setup kiosk to setup an account and activate access to the secondary network.

10. The mobile device of claim 9 wherein the programmed card is one of a subscriber information module (SIM) card, a SmartCard, and a memory card.

11. The mobile device of claim 10 wherein the network activation client receives notification from the mobile network account setup kiosk when in proximity, soliciting activation of access to the secondary network.

12. The mobile device of claim 11 wherein the mobile device prompts the subscriber to select the secondary network from a list of available networks, and interacts with the mobile network account setup kiosk to setup an account and activate access to the secondary network.

13. The mobile device of claim 12 wherein the network activation client stores secondary network access information in the programmed card that makes it possible for the mobile device to subsequently operate on the secondary network.

14. A method of gaining access to a new network by a mobile device, the method comprising:

acquiring, at a kiosk, a new subscription for a new service on the new network based upon an existing subscription for an existing service on an old network;

registering the new subscription with the new network and obtaining access information for the new network;

storing the access information for the new network; and

accessing new network.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein information on the existing subscription on the old network is obtained from one of a SIM card and a SmartCard in the mobile device and wherein the new service on the new network is acquired based upon the information on the existing subscription on the old network.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein storing comprising saving the access information for the new network on the one of a SIM card and a SmartCard in the mobile device.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the old network is a first mobile cellular network and new network is another mobile cellular network.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the kiosk is an automated server capable of interaction with the mobile device, the old network, and the new network.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein acquiring, at a kiosk, a new subscription for a new service on the new network based upon an existing subscription for an existing service on an old network further comprises:

determining subscriber information from the old network based on the existing subscription for an existing service on an old network;

securing the subscriber's approval for linking the new service on the new network and the existing subscription on the old network;

establishing a cross-billing relationship between the new service on the new network and the existing subscription on the old network; and

and recording the new subscription details comprising information related to the new service and the new network.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein acquiring, at a kiosk, a new subscription for a new service on the new network based upon an existing subscription for an existing service on an old network comprises getting, at a kiosk, one of a new SIM card or a SmartCard, useable on the mobile device, for the new subscription on the new network based upon the existing subscription for the existing service on the old network.