“In just three and a half years, Apple’s iPhone has brought about substantial changes in the mobile phone industry and inspired a multitude of copycat devices. Now, just days before the iPhone goes multi-carrier in the US for the first time, AppleInsider has discovered a patent awarded to Apple that could further shake up the way carriers do business,” Josh Ong reports for AppleInsider.
“The patent, entitled ‘Dynamic carrier selection,’ describes a method for providing wireless communication services,” Ong reports. “According to the invention, a mobile device would store a network address and communicate with network operator servers. After receiving data from available network operators, the device or user would select a carrier.”
MacDailyNews Take: If it’s patented, does that mean Google still gets to put it into Android along with the rest of Apple’s patented IP?
Ong reports, “The invention would allow Apple to run a MVNO system that could collect rate information from participating wireless networks within a region and automatically select or allow users to select the best option.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Oh, to be a fly on the wall in any carrier’s corner office when they read this patent and realize that their future is to be the dumb pipes they really are.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Arline M.” for the heads up.]
This finally will move the mobile phone operators to become simple network connectivity providers where they have to compete on performance, availability, and CUSTOMER Service. Imagine being able to switch providers regularly or when you move to another location or country. The Dawn of a new era…
They submitted this patent in 2006.
So cool.
I can’t wait for this to become a reality!!
NO MORE ROAMING CHARGES!!!
MW:enough
Oops…macdaily, your takes are a lot less funny when copied from the comments on the article on appleinsider..shame on you…
This is a 2006 patent and was filed well before the Cingular, AT&T deal took affect. This was Apple’s back up plan if they couldn’t get a deal. This is never going to happen and the site that reported this as a viable project is dumb as a door nob. Don’t get excited, it’s never going to happen.
John is right. Not going to happen. Beside, it takes two to tango. Just because the phone can do this doesn’t mean the carriers are going to let non-contract-carrying individuals onto their network.
@John
Never say never. 5 years from now the mobile landscape could be completely different. For one, most carriers will be running 4G networks that could all use the same tech. Therefore switching carriers could be really simple.
You already have the iPad being able to connect to Verizon’s and ATT’s wireless network for short term periods at significantly lower rates than a phone. Granted it is data only but an iPad can make calls on skype already.
Phones are likely to become carrier agnostic soon. The new iPad2 is rumored to have the ability to pick both Verizon and ATT signals. It isn’t much of a leap that the new iPhone will have the same chip offering the user to switch carrier if they are willing to pay the cancellation fee.
This stuff is starting to add up. Apple are slowly building up the environment to allow this to happen. They have a plan and it is long term but that is always how Apple ppan for the future.
Settle down folks. Just a way to get rid of the SIM card
How will a user be charged with this kind of system? Who will the user receive their bill from?
Doggone is right. Just a little more time.