HK1177577B - System, method and integrated circuit chip for wireless multi- network telemetry - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless monitoring system comprises a remote asset about which data is to be collected and a wireless data- transfer device connected to the remote asset. The wireless device includes a radiofrequency transceiver and a chip having a memory for storing a plurality of subscriber identifiers corresponding to different wireless networks and for further storing logic that constitutes network selection rules for selecting one of the wireless networks to use for transmission of the data. In a GSM/UMTS implementation of this technology, the subscriber identifier is the IMSI and the chip is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) chip or card. By using multiple IMSI' s, the wireless data-transfer device connected to the remote asset may switch seamlessly between wireless networks. A new IMSI (for a new network) may be provisioned over the air to enable the device to communicate over a new network for which it did not previously have an IMSI.

Description

System, method and integrated circuit chip for wireless multi-network telemetry

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to telemetry and telematics, and more particularly to wireless device reading systems in which device data is transmitted over the air.

Background

There are a variety of techniques for collecting and communicating metering data from a meter to a remotely located receiver over a wireless communication line. Some examples are disclosed in the following patents: U.S. patent 6,369,719 entitled "apparatus and method for collecting and transmitting utility meter data and other information over a wireless network (apparatus and method for collecting and transmitting data and servicemeter data and therinformationviewwirelessnetwork"); U.S. patent 6,657,552(Belski et al) entitled "System and method for communication and control of automated Meter reading" (System and method for communicating and controlling automated Meter reading); U.S. patent 7,202,800(Choi) entitled "mobile communication-based remote meter reading System and method"; UK patent application publication GB 24570880 (Middleton et al) entitled "device for remotely monitoring a utility meter (DeviceForremotemyMonitoringaUtility Meter"); canadian patent application 2,624,033 entitled "method and System for collecting Meter readings in Wireless transmissions from unregistered patrons" (Bakken et al); chinese patent application publication CN201203460 entitled "remote vehicle mounted meter and monitoring instrument (remotevehiclemounttimementand monitoring instrument"); and PCT patent application publication WO2009/084016 (hei et al) entitled "device with GSM chip for measuring and recording and transferring electrical parameters and burning hours of CFL lamp (adevicewitha gsmchopform measuring and recording and transferringthe electric device parameter and burning range of hoursof cfllamp").

Although it is known to use cellular networks, such as the GSM network, to transfer metering data, this technique suffers from a substantial disadvantage in that the data transfer device is bound to a particular network or carrier. If the network is not operational for any reason, the device is not able to transmit its data. If the user of the metering device wishes to switch to a different carrier offering better service or lower cost, this conventionally requires that the SIM be replaced to provide the device with a new IMSI. This has proven to be a considerable obstacle when employed by cellular-based remote metering utility companies, as these utility companies may be reluctant to entrust long-term contracts for particular wireless telecommunication companies. There has heretofore been no wireless meter reading technology that addresses and overcomes these deficiencies.

Similar technical problems arise in many other applications where remote wireless enabled assets are monitored. For example, remote monitoring of a car, truck, bus, motorcycle, ship, or other vehicle is also limited because the data transmission devices in the vehicle are tied to a particular network or telecommunications company.

Similarly, in the field of smart home monitoring and telemedicine applications, data transfer devices are tied to a particular network or telecommunications company.

The same problem remains regardless of whether the application is automotive, telemedicine, or utility meter reading: if the current network is not operational, the device is not able to transmit its data. This conventionally requires the SIM to be replaced to provide the device with a new IMSI if the user wishes to switch to a different carrier.

Accordingly, there remains a need for systems and methods that overcome or at least partially alleviate the deficiencies of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

Broadly speaking, the present invention provides novel systems, methods and integrated circuit chips for wireless multi-network data collection, device control, telemetry and telematics. This is achieved by providing a plurality of subscriber identifiers (e.g. a plurality of IMSIs) to the wireless data transmission device for accessing different wireless networks. In operation, the wireless data transfer device is connected or linked to one or more remote assets, such as a utility meter, vehicle, appliance, or telemedicine monitor, by a wired or wireless interface, to name a few applications. Asset data (or meter data) is collected from the one or more assets or meters and transmitted to a data receiver using one of a plurality of different wireless networks that may potentially be employed by the wireless data transmission device. The wireless data transmission device includes a chip having a memory that stores more than one subscriber identifier (e.g., IMSI). Each IMSI allows access to a different wireless network. A plurality of subscriber identifiers (e.g., a plurality of IMSIs) are provided on the chip to enable the wireless data transmission device to select which of a plurality of wireless networks to use for transmitting the asset data. Because the chip contains multiple subscriber identifiers (e.g., multiple IMSIs), the wireless data transmission device is able to select a particular network from the multiple wireless networks. Network selection rules may be provided as logic on the chip to enable the chip to select which network to use for data transfer. The IMSIs (or other subscriber identifiers) may be pre-installed on the chip for each of the wireless networks, or alternatively, may be provided over the air.

Accordingly, one primary aspect of the present invention is a wireless data collection system that includes a remote asset for collecting asset data and a wireless data transmission device connected to the asset. The wireless data transmission apparatus includes: a radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly transmitting the asset data; and an integrated circuit chip having a memory for storing a plurality of user identifiers corresponding to different wireless networks and further for storing logic that applies network selection rules for selecting one of the wireless networks for transmission of the asset data.

The chip in the wireless data transmission device may be or include a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or equivalent, in which case each subscriber identifier is an IMSI (or equivalent).

The system may include a device management platform for receiving the asset data from the wireless data transfer device connected to the remote asset and for communicating control commands to the remote asset via the wireless data transfer device.

The system may also include a user management platform for user configuration (provisioning) that enables the creation, activation, deactivation and removal of user accounts.

Another principal aspect of the invention is a method of transmitting remote asset data from a remote asset to a data receiver using a wireless data transmission device. The method requires the following steps: the method includes collecting the remote asset data through an interface of the wireless data transmission device connected to the remote asset, determining which of a plurality of wireless networks is used to transmit the asset data to the receiver, and establishing wireless communication with one of the wireless networks by selecting a user identifier stored in a memory of the wireless data transmission device.

For the main implementation of the method, the subscriber identifier is the IMSI stored in a SIM chip, SIM card or similar.

The method may require receiving over the air a user identifier of a wireless network that is new or previously unavailable.

Yet another principal aspect of the present invention is an integrated circuit chip for use in a wireless data collection or asset monitoring system. The chip has a memory for storing a plurality of different user identifiers, each user identifier corresponding to a different wireless network over which remote asset data from a remote asset may be communicated to a data receiver, and logic for selecting one user identifier from the plurality of user identifiers stored in the memory of the chip. In a main implementation, as mentioned above, the subscriber identifier is an IMSI or equivalent, and the chip may be or include a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or equivalent.

Drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of a system for multi-network wireless reading of data transfer devices in remote assets, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a schematic depiction of certain major components of a wireless data transmission device as would be used in the system shown in fig. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting the main steps of a method of transmitting data from a remote asset to a data receiver using a wireless data transmission device;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting additional steps for transmitting data over a wireless network selected based on a network selection rule;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting steps of a method of remotely controlling a data transfer device;

fig. 6 is a schematic overview of a system for multi-network wireless metering reading, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a schematic depiction of certain major components of a wireless data transmission device as would be used in the system shown in fig. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic overview of a system for multi-network wireless reading of data transfer devices installed in a vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 9 is a schematic depiction of certain major components of a wireless data transmission device as would be used in the system shown in fig. 8;

fig. 10 is a schematic overview of a system for multi-network wireless reading of used data transfer devices suitable for telemedicine and smart home applications, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 11 is a schematic depiction of certain major components of a wireless data transmission device as would be used in the system shown in fig. 10.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. Further, it should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Detailed Description

Generally, and by way of introduction, the present invention enables wireless multi-network data collection, asset monitoring, telemetry, and telematics. The wireless data transmission device includes an integrated circuit chip having a memory that stores a plurality of subscriber identifiers (e.g., a plurality of IMSIs for GSM, UMTS, or LTE implementations). These multiple subscriber identifiers (e.g., multiple IMSIs) enable access to multiple different wireless networks, one of which may be selected at any time by the wireless data transmission device (based on network selection rules) or by any external agent controlling the device, for transmission of asset data over any desired network for which a valid IMSI (or other subscriber identifier) is provided. This enables wireless data transfer equipment to be immediately and intelligently switched between carriers, thereby providing communication redundancy and the ability to optimize data transfer loads or use different networks for different types of assets and/or receivers. This fundamentally new approach represents a tremendous improvement over prior art wireless metering techniques that are conventionally bound to a carrier. The remote asset may be a utility meter, a vehicle (e.g., car, truck, bus, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, vessel, aircraft, etc.), a machine, a device, or an appliance (e.g., HVAC unit, point of sale (POS) device, smart appliance, etc.), or any type of monitoring device (alarm system, telemedicine monitor, etc.). In other words, this technique can be applied to virtually any remote asset deployed throughout the world or at least on an expandable area.

Overview of the System

Figure 1 schematically depicts a novel system for wireless data collection, monitoring, telemetry or telematics in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system, generally designated by reference numeral 100, operates in a wireless or mobile communication environment, such as a GSM/UMTS network 110. A plurality of different network operators 112 (or wireless carriers or mobile network operators) operate in an environment to provide wireless connectivity and communications. For the particular embodiment shown in fig. 1, three network operators/carriers (network operator 1, network operator 2, and network operator 3) are shown, although in theory there may be any number of mobile network operators.

As shown in fig. 1, the system 100 includes a remote asset 120 (e.g., a utility meter, automobile, smart appliance, remote medical monitor, etc.) for collecting asset data. Other remote assets 125 may exist, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1. The techniques are generally described with reference to the remote assets shown in fig. 1 and 2 in general. However, it should be appreciated that the techniques may be applied to utility meters, for example, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, which assets may be utility meters, such as residential or commercial electricity consumption meters, gas consumption meters, water consumption meters, and the like. The gauge may also be an appliance specific gauge, such as a gauge on a hot water tank, an air conditioning unit, a cold box, etc. This novel technique may be used to transfer data from one meter or from multiple different meters. As another tangible example, the techniques may also be applied to monitoring of a vehicle (or other vehicle telematics), as shown in fig. 8 and 9. As yet another example, the techniques may additionally be applied to smart appliances in the home and/or to telemedicine monitors, as shown in fig. 10 and 11. Thus, it should be understood that the remote asset may be a mobile asset or a non-mobile asset. The remote asset may have its own sensors or transducers for generating its own data and for sharing that data with the data transmission device. Alternatively, the data transmission device may include one or more sensors that collect its own data about the asset. For example, an asset may have its own internal GPS chipset for determining its geographic location. This GPS data will then be shared with the data transfer device. Alternatively, the data transfer device may have a GPS chipset for determining the location of the asset. In the case where both the asset and the data transfer device have the same sensor, the data transfer device may deactivate its own sensor and obtain data only from the asset, or it may choose to utilize only its own data.

Referring back now to fig. 1 and 2, the system 100 also includes a wireless data transfer device 200 (labeled "remote device" in fig. 1) connected to the remote asset 120. The wireless data transfer device may also optionally be connected to other remote assets 125. In theory, any number of remote assets 120, 125 may be connected to or in communication with the data transmission facility 200. Data may be collected over wired or wireless links between the device 200 and various assets.

The wireless data transmission device 200 has: a radio frequency transceiver (wireless wide area network interface) for wirelessly transmitting data; and an integrated circuit chip (described in more detail below) having a memory for storing a plurality of user identifiers corresponding to different wireless networks, and further for storing logic that applies network selection rules for selecting one of the wireless networks for transmission of data.

As additionally depicted in fig. 1, system 100 may include a device management platform 130. The device management platform 130 receives data reports from the device 200 and issues device management commands. These communications may use SMS, USSD, or GPRS/EDGE/3G technologies.

As additionally depicted in fig. 1, the system 100 may also include a user management platform 140 for user configuration. The user management platform 140 enables the creation, activation, deactivation and removal of user accounts. The user account data may be stored in the central user database 150.

The system depicted in fig. 1 is shown by way of example only and it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and additions may be made without departing from the general basic inventive concept.

The wireless data transmission device 200 is shown in more detail in fig. 2. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the device 200 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)202 (also referred to herein as a processor or microprocessor) and a memory 204 for storing raw data and converted data (as the case may be). As shown, the CPU202 may interact with input/output modules (I/O ports) 206 for data acquisition and control. The CPU may also interact with a Local Area Network (LAN) interface 208 for data acquisition and control. As shown by way of example, the LAN interface may be BluetoothWLAN(IEEE802.11)、USB、Firewire^TMPower line communication, ethernet (IEEE802.3), WPAN, or any other equivalent or suitable interface.

As additionally depicted in fig. 2, the wireless data transfer device 200 includes a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) interface 210 for interfacing with base station towers of the various networks 112 of the GSM/UMTS network 110. The WWAN interface 210 includes a subscriber identity module (SIM/USIM)220 and an air interface 230. In the present embodiment, an air interface 230 is configured for GSM/UMTS mobile communications. The air interface includes a radio frequency transceiver for transmitting and receiving data over the air. The SIM/USIM220 includes a memory for storing subscriber identifiers 222 (e.g., multiple IMSIs) and logic that defines a set of network selection rules 224. Network selection rules are applied to determine which network 112 is used for the transmission of data. The network selection rules may be configurable and/or reconfigurable at the appliance 200 and/or over the air by an external agent, for example by the user management platform 140. The great flexibility of the present system derives from the elegant inclusion of multiple different IMSIs on the SIM/USIM222, each allowing the device to connect to a different wireless network 112. The device may thus transmit data reports to a remote data receiver that is not bound by a carrier or Mobile Network Operator (MNO). The device may switch to a different MNO if the default MNO has service interruption or simply utilizes optimal pricing (lower data load). In addition, the new IMSI may be sent over the air to the device 200 if it desires to provide access to a new or previously unavailable MNO.

As will be appreciated, the present techniques may be suitable for use on 4g lte networks when these networks are ultimately online.

Integrated circuit chip

From the above it should be clear that the core of the system of the invention presented above is a chip, which may also be in the form of a card or an integrated circuit. All of which are intended to be included within the term "integrated circuit chip" as used herein. The integrated circuit chip contains a plurality of user identifiers. For GSM/UMTS/LTE, the chip may simply be a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that stores multiple IMSIs in a SIM/USIM. The chip thus contains a memory that stores the IMSI or other subscriber identifier and logic for implementing network selection rules. In one exemplary embodiment, the chip is a UICC smart card (or chip equivalent) with its own CPU, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and I/O circuitry.

In a primary implementation of the present technology, a single chip (e.g., a UICC with a single SIM) is utilized to store multiple IMSIs or other subscriber identifiers. However, it is possible to provide the same multi-IMSI capability using multiple SIM cards in the same device, where the IMSI on each SIM card is accessible by a central controller or administrator.

Optionally, the chip may include logic that enables the IMSI to be added to or deleted from memory, either locally or by command sent over the air, for example from a device management platform.

Method of producing a composite material

Another aspect of the invention is a method of communicating data from a remote asset to a remotely located receiver using a wireless data transfer device. A first aspect of the method is network selection. This aspect of the method is generally outlined by the flow chart shown in fig. 3. As shown in this flow chart, the network selection aspect of the method broadly requires a first step of determining which of a plurality of wireless networks is used to transmit asset data to a receiver. Thus, at step 310, network selection rules are applied to select a wireless network for transmitting data. This may be based on the type of data (which asset provides the data), the intended receiver, the time of day, the data transmission load, or any other factor. The IMSI (or other subscriber identifier) is then selected from the chip (e.g., SIM) corresponding to the wireless network that has been selected, at step 320. At step 330, a wireless link is established with the selected wireless network using the IMSI for this selected wireless network.

FIG. 4 broadly depicts the transmission of asset data. Typically, this involves the step of collecting asset data 400. This is achieved by an interface of a wireless data transfer device connected to the asset. Once the asset data is received (i.e., collected), it may be stored, buffered, or buffered for subsequent transmission in step 410. The transmission of asset data may be done periodically (at predetermined intervals or when required by an external agent). The device may transmit the asset data using a default network previously selected using network selection rules, or ensure that the network selection is up-to-date by reapplying the network selection rules prior to transmission.

Fig. 5 depicts a remote command and control capability whereby a data transfer device and/or its associated assets can be controlled over the air by issuing commands (signals or messages) to the device and/or its associated assets using a predetermined protocol. As depicted in fig. 5, at step 500, a data transfer device receives a command. At step 510, the data transfer device reacts or responds to the command. The command may activate the data transmission device to, for example, transmit a report immediately, reconfigure itself, change the type of data being collected, change the frequency or format of periodic reports, and so forth. The command may also be a command intended for the remote asset itself. For example, the command may be to disable or deactivate the asset, or alternatively to activate the asset, adjust its operating parameters, or the like.

The subscriber identifier for a GSM or UMTS implementation is the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). As is well known in the art, an IMSI typically contains fifteen digits. The first three digits represent the Mobile Country Code (MCC). The next two or three digits represent the Mobile Network Code (MNC) (two digits for european standards or three digits for north american standards). The remaining digits represent the Mobile Station Identification Number (MSIN) within the customer base of the network. Thus, the network selection rule may identify which network to use based on the MNC portion of the IMSI.

Once the IMSI is selected, the wireless data transmission device 200 performs IMSI attach like a GSM/UMTS phone. As is well understood in the art, IMSI attach involves the device 200 requesting a tunnel and sending the IMSI or Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) to the base station, whereupon the base station acknowledges the message and forwards the request (and IMSI) to the mobile switching center/visitor location register (MSC/VLR). The MSC/VLR forwards the IMSI to a Home Location Register (HLR) for verification. The HLR forwards the IMSI to an authentication center (AuC) for authentication triplets (RAND, Kc, SRES). The AuC generates triplets and sends them back to the HLR together with the IMSI. The HLR then validates the IMSI to ensure that the device with the IMSI is in fact eligible on the network. Unlike conventional GSM phones, using the novel multi-IMSI device 200 of the present invention, if the selected IMSI is ineligible for a given network and authentication fails, the device 200 may automatically attempt a different IMSI stored in the SIM chip. This provides another form of backup or redundancy in case of a management malfunction or subscription failure causing the first selected IMSI to be rejected. Alternatively, this rejection may be passed to the subscriber management platform to have the platform immediately provide the new IMSI over the air. If on the other hand validation is successful, then the HLR then forwards the IMSI and authentication triplets to the MSC/VLR. The RAND challenge and Signed Response (SRES) is then used for authentication as would be done for a single IMSI device (i.e., a conventional GSM phone). If the SRES matches a pre-calculated value in the base station, the device may then communicate using an encryption algorithm in the SIM card (e.g., a5) to which the base station received the session key Kc. The encryption part is thus also the same as for conventional GSM/UMTS communication. Logic for implementing the A3, A8, and a5 encryption algorithms is also provided in the SIM/USIM of the device 200, as would be done for any other GSM/UMTS phone.

In one particular implementation of the present technology, the subscriber management platform may act as an HLR (home location register) in the sense that network validation may be performed at the platform.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that data collection, monitoring, metering, telemetry, and telematics are not limited to obtaining customer or consumer data. For example, in the context of utility meters, obtaining metering data is not limited to measuring consumption of a given resource, such as electricity, gas, water, etc., but is broadly applicable to the measurement of any one or more parameters associated with a remote appliance, system, machine, etc.

In general, it should be kept in mind that data collection, telemetry, and metering may require the measurement, detection, or conversion of any quantity, value, or parameter or the acquisition of any type of data or feedback signal from any device, appliance (e.g., smart appliance), device, machine, system, power plant, vehicle, etc., from which the wireless device 200 may acquire data. It should be apparent that the present technology has great applicability in areas of much effort beyond the embodiments presented herein. For example, the techniques may be used to monitor and control household appliances, home security systems, HVAC systems, generators, automobiles, aircraft, boats, trains, to name a few.

In addition to transmitting metering data, the wireless communication link may also be used to receive data from end users, utility companies, managers, owners or other entities interested in regulating or controlling the devices, vehicles, appliances, machines, etc. from which the metering data is obtained. In addition to control or monitoring, the end user may also indicate over which network the data is transmitted. The change can be caused immediately by sending a command over the air. This enables a completely network independent or network agnostic solution to wireless metering, which has not been possible so far using existing techniques.

Finally, it should be noted that this novel multiple IMSI technique enables different services to be delivered over different networks. For example, a multi-IMSI device installed in a smart home would enable different IMSIs to be used for different services, e.g., one IMSI may be used for home security systems, a different IMSI may be used for medical monitors for patients tethered in the home, and another IMSI may be used to manage the energy consumption of the home.

The invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, examples, implementations, and configurations, which are intended to be exemplary or illustrative. Other variations, modifications, refinements, and applications of this novel technique will become apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Such variations, modifications, refinements and applications fall within the metes and bounds of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of patenting sought by the applicant of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (26)

1. A wireless data collection system, comprising:

a remote asset; and

a wireless data transfer device connected to the remote asset for collecting data about the remote asset, the wireless data transfer device comprising:

a radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly transmitting the data; and

an integrated circuit chip having a memory for storing a plurality of user identifiers corresponding to different wireless networks, and for further storing logic that applies a network selection rule for selecting one of the wireless networks for transmission of the data, wherein the wireless data transmission device is configured to wirelessly receive a new user identifier for a new wireless network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the chip comprises a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), and wherein each subscriber identifier is an IMSI.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wireless data transfer device comprises a wired local area network interface and a wireless local area network interface for a plurality of remote assets.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the network selection rule selects a wireless network to use based on an identity of the remote asset that provided the data to be transmitted.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the network selection rule selects a wireless network to use based on a data transfer cost.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the network selection rule selects a wireless network to use based on an identity of the remote asset providing data to be transmitted and a data transmission cost.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a device management platform for receiving data from the wireless data transfer device connected to the remote asset and for communicating control commands to the remote asset through the wireless data transfer device.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user management platform for user configuration, the user management platform enabling creation, activation, deactivation and removal of user accounts.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the user management platform comprises logic to assign the new user identifier of the new wireless network to the wireless data transfer device and communicate the new user identifier over the air to the wireless data transfer device.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote asset is a utility meter.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote asset is a vehicle.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote asset is a telemedicine monitor.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote asset is a home appliance.

14. A method of transmitting data from a remote asset to a receiver using a wireless data transmission device, the method comprising:

collecting the data through an interface of the wireless data transfer device connected to the remote asset;

determining to use one of a plurality of wireless networks to transmit the data to the receiver;

establishing wireless communication with one of the plurality of wireless networks by selecting one of a plurality of user identifiers stored in a memory of the wireless data transfer device; and

wirelessly receiving a new user identifier for a new wireless network that is also to be stored in the memory.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the subscriber identifier is an IMSI.

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising the step of wirelessly receiving the plurality of user identifiers at the wireless data transmission device prior to wirelessly receiving the new user identifier.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of wirelessly receiving the plurality of user identifiers is accomplished by wirelessly communicating a radio with a user management platform.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving data from a plurality of remote assets connected to the same wireless data transfer device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein determining to use one of the plurality of wireless networks comprises selecting the wireless network based on an identity of the remote asset providing data to be transmitted.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of determining to use one of a plurality of wireless networks comprises selecting the wireless network further based on consideration of data transmission costs.

21. An integrated circuit chip for use in a wireless data collection system, the chip comprising:

a memory for storing a plurality of different user identifiers;

logic to select a user identifier from the plurality of different user identifiers stored in the memory of the chip, each of the plurality of different user identifiers corresponding to a different wireless network over which asset data from a remote asset can be communicated to a receiver; and

a transceiver for wirelessly receiving a new user identifier for a new wireless network.

22. The chip of claim 21, wherein the subscriber identifier is an IMSI.

23. The chip of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the different user identifiers are pre-loaded in the memory.

24. The chip of claim 21, wherein at least one of the different user identifiers is received over the air.

25. The chip of claim 21, wherein the logic to select a user identifier of a wireless network to use comprises determining that one of a plurality of remote assets provides the asset data to be transmitted.

26. The chip of claim 25, wherein the logic for selecting a user identifier for a wireless network to use is further based on a data transfer cost.