Telecommunications System

Abstract

In a telecommunications system such as a global mobile telephone network in which each subscriber unit includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM card), each SIM card has fixed memory locations, to which data can be addressed over the air. Some of the locations can not be overwritten from the subscriber unit but can be accessed therefrom on the entry of short simple codes, each associated with one of the locations. Further fixed memory locations can be read over the air only when the subscriber enters a personal identification number. Locking control files are used to control read/write access to the locations respectively.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method for issuing a command to be executed in a processor of a removable module in a mobile subscriber unit forming a part of a telecommunications system that includes a host station, comprising:
 encoding the command in a specific format;   embedding the encoded command in a message body having a predetermined format to form a command message; and   outputting the command message from the host station.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said embedding includes embedding a data stream, said data stream disposed in said message body after said command. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said outputting includes outputting said command message using a short message service format. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the telecommunications system, comprises:
 a host computer configured to output a first message in a first predetermined format, the first message having a second message embedded therein, the second message having a second predetermined format different from the first predetermined format;   a network coupled to the host computer and configured to receive the first message;   and an interface to a mobile station coupled to the network and configured to receive the first message from the network.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising an internetwork link coupled to the network and the interface to the mobile station. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the internetwork link includes a switch. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the second message includes a command to produce an operation in the mobile station. 
     
     
         37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A method for operating a mobile station, comprising the steps of:
 receiving a coded message from a first host computer, the coded message being in a first format and including a data item embedded therein in a second format;   outputting the coded message to a SIM module, the SIM module removably coupled to the mobile station;   receiving a code from a mobile station user, the code corresponding to a predetermined memory location for the data item; and   outputting the code to the SIM module.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising the steps of:
 receiving the data item from the SIM module;   displaying the data item to the user; and   outputting the data item to a second host computer.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising the step of receiving a predetermined personal identification number from the user. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein receiving the data item from the SIM module is only performed if the predetermined personal identification number corresponds to the predetermined memory location. 
     
     
         42 . The A method of  claim 46 , further comprising:
 receiving executable code from a host station, the executable code comprising the executable code embedded in a SMS message.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 38  further comprising:
 receiving a personal identification number from a X user input device;   determining whether the personal identification number is valid; and   outputting information to a network in a secure format if the personal identification number is valid.   
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , further comprising:
 receiving a short code from the user input device; and   displaying a reference on the display.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the short code contains a file object that can comprise at least one of functional data and non-functional data. 
     
     
         46 . A method for provisioning a smart card, comprising the steps of:
 receiving in a transceiver a first application code transmitted from a host via a link, the smart card being coupled to the transceiver;   writing the first application code from the transceiver to the smart card; and   decoupling the smart card from the transceiver.   
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the application code is in a specific format, the specific format being embedded in a standard message format, the specific format being distinguishable in the smart card from the standard message format. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 46 , further comprising the step of transmitting the application code to a wireless link. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 46 , further comprising the step of coupling the smart card to a point of sale machine. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 46 , further comprising the steps of:
 transmitting a second application code from a host to a link;   receiving the second application code in a transceiver from the link, the smart card being coupled to the transceiver; and   writing the second application code from the transceiver to the smart card.