WO2002082836A1

WO2002082836A1 - Method and device for relaying short messages

Info

Publication number: WO2002082836A1
Application number: PCT/AT2002/000107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maximilian Hantsch
Original assignee: T-Mobile Austria Gmbh
Priority date: 2001-04-09
Filing date: 2002-04-09
Publication date: 2002-10-17
Also published as: AT5597U1; DE20280091U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for relaying short messages (SMS) to a mobile terminal (2), for example, a mobile telephone, according to which the short message (SMS) is transmitted to a short message center (4) and this center, in turn, relays this message to the mobile terminal (2) via a switching unit (6), which is assigned to the subscriber number (MSISDN) of the mobile terminal (2). The switching unit assigned to the subscriber number (IMSI) is determined by an inquiry (SRI) of a register (5) assigned to the subscriber number (MSISDN). When assigning a virtual subscriber number to the mobile terminal (2), this virtual subscriber number is converted, when sending a short message (SMS) to the mobile terminal (2), into the actual subscriber number (MSISDN) by a table that is preferably implemented in a database (9). Afterwards, the inquiry with regard to the switching unit (6) assigned to the subscriber is transmitted to the register (5) assigned to the actual subscriber number (MSISDN), and the information is transmitted to the short message center (4) via the switching unit (6) and an identifier (IMSI) that is assigned to the subscriber. The aim of the invention is to enable, in conventional data networks, the conversion of virtual subscriber numbers into real subscriber numbers while using databases (9). To this end, the transmission of the table values for converting the virtual subscriber number into the actual subscriber number occurs in TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)-based protocol.

Description

Method and device for forwarding short messages

The invention relates to a method for forwarding short messages to a mobile terminal, for example a mobile phone, in which the short message is transmitted to a short message center and is forwarded by this short message center to the mobile terminal via a switching unit assigned to the subscriber number of the mobile terminal, the subscriber number assigned switching unit is determined by an inquiry to a register assigned to the subscriber number, wherein when a virtual subscriber number is assigned to the mobile terminal, this virtual subscriber number is converted into the actual subscriber number when a short message is sent to the mobile terminal via a table, preferably implemented in a database, after which the request regarding the switching unit assigned to the subscriber is sent to the register assigned to the actual subscriber number and the information are transmitted to the short message center via the switching unit and an identifier assigned to the subscriber.

The invention further relates to a device for forwarding short messages to a mobile terminal, for example a mobile phone with a short message center for transmitting the short message to the mobile terminal via a switching unit assigned to the subscriber number of the mobile terminal and with a register which contains the information about the subscriber number contains the switching unit assigned to the mobile terminal, a computer being provided which, when the short message is forwarded to a virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal, converts the virtual subscriber number into the actual subscriber number of the mobile terminal and the information determined via the register assigned to the subscriber number of the mobile terminal the switching unit assigned to the mobile terminal and an identifier assigned to the subscriber are transmitted to the short message center.

For the transmission of short messages, so-called short messages, a data service in GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communication) -based mobile networks has been created, which has become known under the short name SMS (Short Messages System). This data service is used to quickly and cheaply transmit short messages limited to 160 alphanumeric characters between mobile phones or terminals. In addition to sending short text messages, multimedia objects, such as ringtones or pictures, can also be transmitted from one terminal to another terminal. The term terminal or short message entity (SME) can be understood to mean a mobile telephone, a handheld computer, a personal computer or a similar device with which short messages can be sent and received. For the purpose of transmitting short messages, the user enters a short text message on the keyboard, for example of a mobile telephone, and then sends this to the recipient's telephone number. When the message arrives on the recipient's mobile phone, the recipient is notified by an audio or vibration signal, whereupon he can read the message on the display of his mobile phone.

Normally, when a short message is transmitted from one mobile terminal to another mobile terminal, the short message is transmitted to a short message center (SMSC - Short Message Service Center) of the respective mobile phone network operator and temporarily stored there. The short message center tries to forward the short message to the recipient by sending a request to a register (Home Location Register HR), the so-called Send Routing Information (SRI). The register (HLR) contains information about the participants. Based on the recipient's subscriber number (MSISDN), the recipient can be located in the Home Location Register (HLR). The HLR register replies to the short message center with information about a corresponding switching unit, the so-called Mobile Switching Center (MSC), via which the recipient can be reached and the identifier assigned to the subscriber (IMSI - International Mobile Subscriber Identification). The corresponding switching unit searches the subscriber or the corresponding base station in the cell in which the mobile terminal of the recipient is currently located and sends the short message to this base station, from which it is finally transmitted to the mobile phone. The procedural steps within the mobile phone network are usually carried out according to the so-called SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) protocol, a standard specified in the GSM specification, which protocol for the transmission of short messages between mobile phones.

Mobile phone network operators offer so-called virtual numbers via which a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile phone, can be reached within a virtual network. For example, mobile phones in a private branch exchange can be reached in this way via direct dial numbers with fewer digits (digits) than the actual mobile phone numbers. The use of such virtual subscriber numbers is e.g. indicated by a number reserved for this purpose at a specific point on the mobile phone number. As a result, when dialing a virtual subscriber number on the basis of the sender's telephone number, it is automatically recognized that it is such a virtual subscriber number, and the corresponding steps are taken when switching the calls.

However, a problem with such virtual subscriber numbers occurs when sending short messages. While there is an HLR register for each real subscriber number within the mobile radio network, which contains the necessary information about the subscriber's corresponding switching unit (MSC), there is no such register for virtual subscriber numbers. As a result, short messages to virtual subscriber numbers cannot be sent.

A similar problem occurs when sending short messages from external networks to a recipient in the home network of the mobile terminal.

US 5 768 509 A describes, for example, a method for sending short messages via telecommunications networks and a corresponding short message center. The method filters out short messages and only transmits a short message if it is determined that it may be delivered. Otherwise, the short messages cached in the short message center are deleted. For this purpose, the short message center does not have its own subscriber management or subscriber database, but obtains the subscriber data from the home location register.

A method of the type described is described, for example, in WO 99/29125 A2, the assignment of the virtual subscriber numbers to the actual subscriber number ή according to the signaling system customary in telecommunications No. 7 (SS7 Signaling System No. 7). The disadvantage here is that the SS7 protocol is not yet widespread in data networks outside of telecommunications, and therefore access to databases outside the SS7 network is not possible.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for forwarding short messages to a mobile terminal, which is also possible when assigning virtual subscriber numbers and which enables access to databases in different data networks to convert the virtual subscriber numbers to real subscriber numbers , In addition, the method and the setup should be easy to implement, so that a higher acceptance and a wider application of so-called virtual networks can be achieved.

In terms of the method, the object of the invention is achieved in that the table values for converting the virtual subscriber number into the actual subscriber number (MSISDN) are transmitted in the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) -based protocol. The method according to the invention also enables short messages to be sent to mobile terminals with virtual subscriber numbers, the assignment of the virtual subscriber number to the real subscriber number using TCP / IP-based protocols. These protocols represent a standard within computer networks, in particular the Internet. As a result, for the purpose of assigning virtual subscriber numbers to real subscriber numbers, it is possible to access databases which are located in conventional data networks such as the Internet. The database can be, for example, an SQL (System Query Language) database or databases which allow queries via the HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) protocol or the HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secured Socket Layer) protocol , The data format can be based on HTML (Hyper Text Mark Up Language) or XML (Extensible Mark Up Language). In particular, the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) protocol can be used to access the data. It is thus possible that the desired data for assigning the virtual subscriber numbers to the real subscriber numbers can be reached via conventional protocols and access mechanisms which are common in data networks. After converting the vir- a current subscriber number in the actual subscriber number, a request is sent to the associated home location register of the actual subscriber number in a manner known per se, whereupon the latter answers with corresponding information about the switching unit and the subscriber assigned identifier (IMSI), via which the mobile terminal can be achieved. The short message is then sent via the short message center to the corresponding switching unit and further to the mobile terminal of the recipient. A home location register for the virtual subscriber number is simulated. One therefore speaks of a virtual home location register (vHLR), which converts the virtual subscriber number into the actual subscriber number. As a result, the virtual home location register simulates a short message center, which sends a request (Send Routing Information - SRI) to the real home location register of the real subscriber number, to which the real home location register replies with corresponding information to the virtual home location register , which forwards this answer to the short message center. The short message center finally sends the temporarily stored short message in a known manner to the corresponding switching unit and further to the mobile terminal of the recipient.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal is converted into the actual subscriber number using a mathematical calculation rule. If a corresponding formula is used, no database or the like is used. needed to store all possible subscriber numbers.

Furthermore, the conversion of the virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal into the actual subscriber number is possible using a code or a coding method.

In the event that the actual subscriber number of the mobile terminal is unknown, an error message is advantageously sent to the sender of the short message. An unknown subscriber number can occur, for example, when converting an incorrect, unassigned virtual subscriber number using the method according to the invention.

In the event that the mobile terminal of the recipient is unreachable, it is provided that the short message to be sent temporarily stored together with any further information and a retransmission attempt is made at a later time. In addition, a corresponding error message can be sent to the sender of the short message. After reaching a certain number of attempts to send the text message can be automatically deleted.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that in the event of an error in determining the information about the switching unit of the mobile terminal or the identifier assigned to the subscriber (IMSI), an error message is sent to the sending short message center. The sender of the short message can also be informed that the short message could not be properly transmitted to the recipient.

To identify the presence of a virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal, at least one digit of the actual subscriber number can be assigned a predetermined number. The system automatically recognizes that this is a special subscriber number. By coding or assigning further digits to the actual subscriber number, further information about virtual subscriber numbers and the virtual network can be defined.

Advantageously, the request regarding the switching unit assigned to the subscriber is made to the register and the information is transmitted via the switching unit to the short message center in the SS7 (Signaling System No.7) protocol. This protocol is a standard established within mobile telephony.

The object according to the invention is also achieved by a device for forwarding short messages to a mobile terminal of the type in question, a module for connecting to data networks such as the Internet or local area networks (LAN) being provided. The method steps according to the invention run on the computer, preferably in the form of a corresponding computer program. The computer of course has corresponding connections to receiving and transmitting devices in the relevant mobile radio network, so that sent short messages or inquiries for determining the switching center of the receiving mobile terminal can be directed to the computer. The module for connection to data networks thus enables Access to databases for converting virtual subscriber numbers into real subscriber numbers using TCP / IP protocols.

According to a further feature of the invention, a database is provided which is connected to the computer and contains the virtual subscriber numbers and the associated actual subscriber numbers. The database is advantageously integrated in the computer.

Furthermore, a test module, preferably integrated in the computer, can be provided for verifying the subscriber number of the mobile terminal. This test module checks whether the actual subscriber number of the mobile terminal also exists and, in the presence of a non-existent subscriber number, initiates appropriate procedural steps, such as, for example, issuing a corresponding error message to the sending mobile terminal.

Likewise, a test module, preferably also integrated in the computer, can be provided for verifying the information about the switching unit assigned to the mobile terminal and / or the identifier (IMSI) assigned to the subscriber. If an error occurs in the transmission of the corresponding information via the switching unit, an error message can in turn be sent to the sending short message center, for example.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

In it show:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the transmission of short messages between two mobile phones according to the prior art.

2 shows a schematic block diagram to illustrate the forwarding of short messages to mobile telephones with virtual subscriber numbers according to the present invention;

3 shows a basic circuit diagram to illustrate the method steps according to the invention;

4 shows a schematic block diagram of the system components of the method according to the invention;

5 shows a flow chart of the method according to the invention; and

6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating Connection of the SS7 network to a TCP / IP network.

1 shows a schematic block diagram to illustrate the transmission of short messages SMS from a mobile terminal 1 to another mobile terminal 2 within a mobile radio network 3. A short message SMS is generated by the sending mobile terminal 1 and sent to the short message center (Short Messages Service Center SMSC) 4 of the cellular network 3 transmitted. The short message center 4 sends a request, the so-called Send Routing Information (SRI), to a register 5, the home location register (HLR), which uses the real subscriber number of the mobile terminal 2 to which the short message SMS is to be sent determines the current location of the terminal 2 and responds to the short message center 4 with a corresponding information SRI-RR. The information SRI-RR of the register 5 contains data about the current location of the mobile terminal 2 called, as a result of which it can be determined to which switching unit 6 (MSC Mobile Switching Center) the short message SMS is to be transmitted. The short message center 4 sends the temporarily stored short message SMS together with the information received from the register 5 to the associated switching unit 6, which finally forwards the short message to the mobile terminal 2. If a short message SMS is sent from a mobile terminal 1 to a mobile terminal 2 with a virtual subscriber number, there is no corresponding register for this mobile terminal 2, so that the short message SMS cannot be transmitted.

2 now shows a schematic block diagram for the transmission of a short message SMS from a mobile terminal 1 in a third-party mobile radio network 7 to a mobile terminal 2 in the mobile radio network 3 of the mobile terminal 2. The short message SMS is forwarded to the short message center 4 of the mobile radio network 7 and from there, an inquiry (Send Routing Information SRI) is sent to a specially configured register 8, the so-called virtual home location register. In this vHLR register 8, which is formed by a computer, the virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal 2 is converted into the real subscriber number. For this purpose, a database 9 can be provided, in which the virtual and actual subscriber numbers are stored in pairs and from Computer 8 can be queried. The communication between the register or computer 8 and the database 9 takes place according to the invention in the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) based protocol. After knowing the real subscriber number of the mobile terminal 2, the request (send routing information) is transmitted to the associated register 5, which responds to the computer 8 with a corresponding information SRI-RR. This information is forwarded to the short message center 4 of the mobile radio network 7, whereupon the short message SMS is sent to the corresponding switching center 6 of the mobile radio network 3 of the mobile terminal 2 and finally to the mobile terminal 2. The computer 8 has the function of a virtual home location register in relation to the short message center 4 and the function of a short message center in relation to the home location register 5 of the real subscriber number of the mobile terminal 2. The database 9 can be integrated in the computer 8. Instead of assigning the virtual and real subscriber numbers in a database 9, a conversion can also be carried out using a mathematical calculation rule or using a coding method.

Fig. 3 shows a representation to illustrate the method steps in forwarding a short message from a short message center 4 (SMSC) to the switching unit 6 of a mobile terminal 2 with a virtual subscriber number. The short message center 4 transmits a request 10, the Send Routing Information (SRI), to the computer 8, which then sends a request 11 GET MSISDN (Mobile Station International Subscriber / Service Data Number) to the database 9 for announcing the MSISDN number , whereupon the MSISDN no. is sent back to the computer 8 as the answer 12. As the next procedural step, an SRI request 13 (Send Routing Information) is sent to the register 5 assigned to the actual subscriber number and the information about the actual location of the mobile terminal 2 is sent back as a response 14. This so-called IMSI identification (International Mobile Subscriber Identification) is transmitted together with the MSC / VLR-ID identification (Mobile Switching Center / Visitor Location Register Identification) in accordance with step 15 to the short message center 4, whereupon the short message center SMS is sent to the Corresponding switching unit 6 via the send command 16 (FSM - Forward Short Message) transmitted. After successfully forwarding the short message SMS to the mobile terminal 2, a confirmation 17 OK is sent from the switching unit 6 to the short message center 4. In the event of an error in the transfer, instead of a confirmation. a corresponding error message NOK sent to the short message center 4. In the flowchart shown there are further error routines, for example when the mobile terminal is unreachable or the like. , not shown.

4 shows the system components of the present method. These consist of a so-called vHLR process 18 and a database process 19. A signaling interface 20, which is connected to the vHLR process 18, is used to receive the queries to the computer 8 and to send out the responses to these queries. The processes between modules 18 and 20 run in the so-called SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) protocol, which is a common standard in GSM networks. The module 20, the so-called SS7 protocol stack, contains the layers MAP - Mobile Application Part, TCAP - Transaction Capabilities, SCCT - Signaling Connection Control Part, MTP-3 and MTP-2 MTP - Message Transfer Part. The database process 19 serves to convert the virtual subscriber numbers into the actual subscriber numbers according to the invention, communication with an Internet protocol module 21 taking place in the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) based protocol. The module 21 connects to data networks, such as the Internet or local area networks (LAN). In module 21, the so-called Internet protocol stack, there are the parts TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), IP (Internet Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which is used for datagram services.

5 shows a flow diagram of the method according to the invention. In step 100, the process begins in the virtual home location register according to the invention or the corresponding computer. According to step 101, a request, the send routing information, is received by the mobile radio network. According to step 102, the virtual subscriber number is converted into a real subscriber number, with a database being queried according to step 103, if necessary. As an alternative to querying a database, a conversion can also be carried out according to a formula or a coding method. In step 104 of the method, a Query as to whether the conversion of the subscriber number was successful, if not, a response is sent to the sending short message center in accordance with step 105 that the subscriber is unknown and the method in step 106 is ended. In the case of a proper conversion, step 107 is followed by the sending of a request (Send Routing Information) to the real home location register in accordance with the real subscriber number of the mobile terminal. According to step 108, the request (Send Routing Information) is received by the register (HLR) and a response from the register is transmitted to the virtual home location register. This response contains the corresponding information, the so-called IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identification), together with the MSC / VLR-ID (Mobile Switching Center / Visitor Location Register Identification). When querying in accordance with step 109, a query is made as to whether an error has occurred, in which case an error code is transmitted to the sending short message center in accordance with step 110 and the method is ended in accordance with step 111. In the event of no error, the corresponding information (IMSI and VLR / MSC) is transmitted to the short message center of the mobile terminal to be sent in accordance with step 112 and the process running on the virtual home location register is finally ended in accordance with step 113.

6 shows a schematic block diagram of the connection according to the invention of a mobile radio network 3 to a data network 22 for the purpose of converting virtual subscriber numbers into real subscriber numbers with the aid of databases 9, which are accessible via common TCP / IP protocols. Accordingly, when a short message (SMS) is sent from a mobile terminal 1 in a mobile radio network 3 via the computer 8, the connection between the mobile radio network 3 in the SS7 protocol and the data network 22 in the TCP / IP protocol is established. The databases 9 can thus be addressed, for example, using SQLNET, HTTP, HTML or XML.

If a database 9 is in the form of an SQL database, the access for assigning the virtual subscriber number to the real subscriber number can take place, for example, in the following form:

CONNECT MSISDNDATABASE

SELECT REALMSISDN FROM MSISDNDATA WHERE VIRTUALMSISDN = "xxxx" Here xxxx stands for the desired virtual subscriber number MSISDN and the REALMSISDN command is used to deliver the real subscriber number MSISDN.

If a database is available, which can be queried using the HTTP or HTTPS protocols, access to the subscriber data can be established, for example, via a TCP / IP connection to the HTTP port of the subscriber number database server and the request can be made in the following form:

GET http: // conversionserver / convertmsisdn? Msisdn = 1234567 HTTP / 1.1

Host: conversionserver

The subscriber number database server is called "conversation server" and the desired virtual subscriber number MSISDN is identified with "1234567". The server then delivers the sought real subscriber number MSISDN in its HTTP response in the following form:

HTTP / 1.1 200 OK

Server: Microsoft t-IIS / 4. 0

Date: Tue, Apr 02, 2002 20: 45: 29 GMT

Content-Type: t ext / html

Accept ranges: bytes

Last-Modified: Wed, 08 Nov 2000 20: 21: 47 GMT

ETag: L "felef 084cl49c01: 9277"

Content length: 892

<Html>

<Head>

<title> msisdn data </title>

</ Head>

<Body>

</ Body>

</ Html> where "98765432" represents the real subscriber number. The HTML display format was used. The XML format can also be used.

When using an LDAP server to query the data, the search request to the LDAP server also contains the virtual subscriber number MSISDN as the search key and the result in the response from the LDAP server contains the real subscriber number MSISDN searched for.

The method according to the invention is therefore characterized in that the assignment of the virtual subscriber numbers to an associated real subscriber number can be read from a database, the access of which takes place via TCP / IP protocols.

Claims

Claims:

1. Method for forwarding short messages (SMS) to a mobile terminal (2), for example a mobile phone, in which the short message (MSISDN) transmits to a cure message center (4) and from this short message center (4) via one of the subscriber numbers (MSISDN) of the switching unit (6) assigned to the mobile terminal (2) is forwarded to the mobile terminal (2), the switching unit (6) assigned to the subscriber number (MSISDN) by a request (SRI) to a register assigned to the subscriber number (MSISDN) ( 5) is ascertained, this virtual subscriber number being assigned to a mobile subscriber device (2) _. when a short message (SMS) is sent to the mobile terminal (2) via a table, preferably implemented in a database (9), into the actual subscriber number

(MSISDN) is converted, after which the request regarding the switching unit (6) assigned to the subscriber is sent to the register (5) assigned to the actual subscriber number (MSISDN) and the information about the switching unit (6) and an identifier assigned to the subscriber ( IMSI) to the short message center (4), characterized in that the transmission of the table values for converting the virtual subscriber number into the actual subscriber number (MSISDN) takes place in the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) -based protocol.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal (2) is converted into the actual subscriber number (MSISDN) with the aid of a mathematical calculation rule.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal (2) is converted via a code into the actual subscriber number (MSISDN).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the event that the subscriber number (MSISDN) of the mobile terminal (2) is unknown, an error message to the - the sender of the short message (SMS) is sent.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the event that the mobile terminal (2) is inaccessible, the short message (SMS) is temporarily stored together with any further information and a retransmission is carried out at a later time.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the event of an error in the determination of the information on the switching unit (6) of the mobile terminal (2) or the identifier assigned to the subscriber (IMSI) an error message to the sender Short message center (4) is sent.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that to detect the presence of a virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal (2) at least one digit of the actual subscriber number (MSISDN) is assigned a predetermined number.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the request regarding the switching unit (6) assigned to the subscriber to the register (5) and the transmission of the information via the switching unit (6) to the short message center (4) in the SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) protocol.

9. Device for forwarding short messages (SMS) to a mobile terminal (2), for example a mobile phone, with a short message center (4) for transmitting the short message (SMS) via a switching unit assigned to the subscriber number (MSISDN) of the mobile terminal (2) (6) to the mobile terminal (2), and with a register (5) which contains the information about the switching unit (6) assigned to the subscriber number (MSISDN) of the mobile terminal (2), a computer (8) being provided is which, when the short message (SMS) is forwarded to a virtual subscriber number of the mobile terminal (2), converts the virtual subscriber number into the actual subscriber number (MSISDN) of the mobile terminal (2) Registers (5) assigned to the mobile terminal (2) transmit information to the short message center (4) via the switching unit (6) assigned to the mobile terminal (2) and an identifier (IMSI) assigned to the subscriber, characterized in that a module ( 21) is provided for connection to data networks, such as the Internet or local area networks (LAN).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that a database (9) is connected to the computer (8), which database (9) contains the virtual subscriber numbers and the associated actual subscriber numbers (MSISDN) of the mobile terminal (2).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that. The database (9) is integrated in the computer (8).

12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a, preferably in the computer (8) integrated test module for verifying the subscriber number of the mobile terminal (2) is provided.

13. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that a test module, preferably integrated in the computer (8), for verifying the information about the switching unit (6) assigned to the mobile terminal (2) and / or assigned to the subscriber Identifier (IMSI) is provided.