WO2012150907A1

WO2012150907A1 - An apparatus and method for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network

Info

Publication number: WO2012150907A1
Application number: PCT/SG2011/000172
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siva Sai Nellore
Original assignee: ROAM OVER IP Pte Ltd
Current assignee: ROAM OVER IP Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-03
Filing date: 2011-05-03
Publication date: 2012-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2013-11-03

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus and method for enabling at least one wireless communication devices to access a data network from a variety of available communication avenues. One communication avenue is selected from the variety of available avenues. The at least one wireless communication device includes, for example, notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, digital media player and so forth.

Description

AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENABLING AT LEAST ONE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO ACCESS A DATA NETWORK

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of network connection devices, specifically, an apparatus and method for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network. BACKGROUND

International travellers travelling for either business or pleasure increasingly require internet access as they invariably carry around at least one of notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, digital media player and the like during their travels. However, obtaining internet access on the go is inconvenient and/or expensive.

Current avenues to obtain internet access on the go which are available to international travellers are not desirable. For instance, Wi-Fi hotspots are not available everywhere, with the hotspots being found typically at hotels, coffee outlets, fast food restaurants. Moreover, most Wi-Fi hotspots typically charge a fee for internet access via the hotspot. The charging of a fee may require the buying of scratch cards for use at the Wi-Fi hotspot, signing up for a pay-peruse hotspot account, or buying access credits via an online portal with a credit card. This poses a hassle for the international travellers.

3G access on a mobile phone network is relatively affordable when using local SIM cards. However, the local SIM cards are usually inconvenient to obtain, and configure. Global roaming on a home SIM card may also be an option for international travellers. However, while this is convenient, this would be the most expensive option available for international travellers. As such, it is evident that the current avenues to obtain internet access on the go for international travellers can be enhanced.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for enabling at least one wireless communication devices to access a data network. The at least one wireless communication device includes, for example, notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, digital media player and so forth.

The apparatus includes a short range wireless data access point for creating a short range wireless local network for connection to the at least one wireless communication device; a short range wireless data client for connecting to a short range wireless service; a first wide area network gateway for connection connecting with a first wide area network using a first SIM card; a second wide area network gateway including a SIM emulator for connection with a second wide area network; and a central processing unit.

It is advantageous that the central processing unit is configured to compare a data transfer parameter against real-time parameters for data transmission/reception between the apparatus and the at least one wireless communication device via the short range wireless data client connected to the short range wireless service, the first wide area network gateway connected to the first wide area network and the second wide area network gateway connected to the second wide area network and configured to select one of the short range wireless data client, the first wide area network gateway and the second wide area network gateway for the data transmission/reception. The data transfer parameter is either lowest unit cost or highest rate of transfer. In addition, the lowest unit cost is preferably bundled together according to a location of the apparatus. The apparatus may further include a storage module capable of storing at least one virtual SIM card. The storage module is preferably also for storing authentication information for the connection to either the short range wireless service or the wide area network. It is preferable that the short range wireless service employs a short range technology such as, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared and so forth.

Preferably, at least one of the at least one virtual SIM card, and authentication information for connection to the data network, is transmitted from a remote storage communicatively coupled to the apparatus. It is preferable that the second wide area network gateway is operational when the SIM emulator runs a virtual SIM card obtained from either the storage module or the remote storage. The wide area network is selected from, for example, GSM, CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, GPRS, EDGE, WiMax and so forth.

The central processing unit preferably includes a counter to quantify an amount of data both transmitted from and received by the apparatus. It is preferable that the first SIM card is used by a service provider for identification to ensure access to the wide area network of the service provider.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network using an apparatus. The at least one wireless communication device includes, for example, notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, digital media player and the like.

The method preferably includes a first mode including: detecting a short range wireless service; checking for an authorized connection to the short range wireless service; obtaining the connection to data network using the short range wireless service. There is also a second mode including: failing to detect the short range wireless service; determining a location of the apparatus; obtaining the connection to a data network using a wide area network utilising either a first SIM card or a virtual SIM card. It is preferable that the first SIM card is utilized when the location of the apparatus is in a local service area of a wide area network service provider of the first SIM. Similarly, the virtual SIM card is utilized when the location of the apparatus is in a non-local service area of a wide area network service provider of the first SIM. Preferably, the virtual SIM card is stored in either the apparatus or a remote storage communicatively connected to the apparatus.

It is preferable that the short range wireless service employs a short range technology such as, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared and so forth. The method may further include, for both the first mode and the second mode, quantifying an amount of data both transmitted from and received by the apparatus.

The method may also further include comparing a data transfer parameter against real-time parameters for data transmission/reception between the apparatus and the at least one wireless communication device via the first mode, and the second mode; and selecting either the first mode or the second mode as a preferred channel for the data transmission/reception. The data transfer parameter is either lowest unit cost or highest rate of transfer.

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DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

In order to ensure that the invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect, there is provided, by way of non-limitative example-only exemplary embodiments, the following illustrative figures which are referenced by the foregoing description. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram for a first embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram for a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a process flow diagram for a method of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of an apparatus 20 for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network. The at least one wireless communication device is selected from, for example, notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, digital media player and so forth.

The apparatus 20 includes a central processing unit 22. The central processing unit 22 is for controlling all processes and components of the apparatus 20. Further details of all the processes and components of the apparatus 20 will be provided in the subsequent paragraphs. The central processing unit 22 also includes a counter 34 to quantify an amount of data both transmitted from and received by the apparatus 20. The amount of data transfer quantified by the counter 34 is able to be used for at least one purpose such as, for example, billing (for users of the apparatus 20), and auditing (for an entity providing the apparatus 20). As such, the data which is quantified by the counter 34 should be stored and transmitted in a secure manner using known technologies in view of the commercial applicability of the data. It should be noted that the counter 34 may be either hardware or software based.

There is also a short range wireless data access point 24 coupled to the central processing unit 22. The short range wireless data access point 24 creates a short range wireless local network for connection to the at least one wireless communication device. The wireless data is transmitted and received through the short range wireless access point 24 using, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, and other short range technologies. There is also a short range wireless data client 23 for managing a connection to a short range wireless service using at least one of the aforementioned short range technologies. The apparatus 20 also includes a first wide area network gateway 26 for connection with a first SIM card 28. The first wide area network gateway 26 may be either a modem or any device which is capable of allowing access to a wide area network. The wide area network includes, for example, GSM, CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, GPRS, EDGE, WiMax, and so forth. The first wide area network gateway 26 is coupled to the central processing unit 22 and all functionality of the first wide area network gateway 26 is controlled by the central processing unit 22. It should be noted that the first SIM card 28 need not be a physical SIM card. The first SIM card 28 is used by a service provider for identification to ensure access to the wide area network of the service provider and can be either independent or embedded within any device like the apparatus 20.

The first wide area network gateway 26 is configured to use the first SIM card 28 to access the wide area network wirelessly regardless of whether the first SIM card 28 is pre-paid or post-paid. The first SIM card 28 may be replaceable in the first wide area network gateway 26. When the first SIM card 28 is replaced, the central processing unit 22 is able to initiate procedures to use the first SIM card 28 in the apparatus 20 if the first SIM card 28 has not been previously connected to the first wide area network gateway 26, the procedures including, for example, prompting for a PIN number, prompting for a service plan, and so forth. The prompting may be done on an interface replicated on the at least one wireless communication device which is connected to the apparatus 20.

In addition, the apparatus 20 includes a second wide area network gateway 30 which includes a SIM emulator 32. The SIM emulator 32 is also coupled to the central processing unit 22. The second wide area network gateway 30 may be either a modem or any device which is capable of allowing access to a wide area network. The wide area network includes, for example, GSM, CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, GPRS, EDGE, WiMax, and so forth. The second wide area network gateway 30 is coupled to the central processing unit 22 and all functionality of the second wide area network gateway 30 is also controlled by the central processing unit 22. The SIM emulator 32 (when loaded with a virtual SIM) is also used by the service provider for identification to ensure access to the wide area network of the service provider.

The second wide area network gateway 30 is configured to use the SIM emulator 32 (when loaded with a virtual SIM card) to access the wide area network wirelessly. It should be noted that the virtual SIM card may be either pre-paid or post-paid.

Finally, the apparatus 20 includes a storage module 36 which is capable of storing at least one virtual SIM card. The virtual SIM card is typically an information profile of a physical SIM card. It should be noted that the storage module 36 need not contain at least one virtual SIM card in order for the apparatus 20 to function as intended. The storage module 36 is also coupled to the central processing unit 22. The storage module 36 is also for storing (either in a permanent or transient manner) authentication information for the connection to either the short range wireless service or the wide area network. It should be noted that at least one of the at least one virtual SIM card, and authentication information for connection to either the short range wireless service or the wide area network, is transmitted from a remote storage 33 and subsequently stored in the storage module 36.

It is also possible that the virtual SIM card transmitted from the remote storage 33 is not stored in the storage module 36. In such an instance, the SIM emulator 32 loads a virtual SIM card directly from the remote storage 33 as long as the remote storage 33 is communicatively connected to the apparatus 20. It should be noted that the remote storage 33 stores physical SIM cards, virtual

SIM cards or a combination of both the aforementioned. In the apparatus 20, the first wide area network gateway 26 is configured to be de-activated when the second wide area network gateway 30 is operational. In addition, both the first wide area network gateway 26 and the second wide area network gateway 30 are inactive when the wireless data client 23 is connected to the short range wireless service. It should be appreciated that the second wide area network gateway 30 is operational when the SIM emulator 32 runs a virtual SIM card obtained from either the storage module 36 or the remote storage 33.

The central processing unit 22 is also configured to select the wireless connection using a data transfer parameter of either highest transfer rate or lowest unit cost. The data transfer parameter which is utilized may be dependent on the user's selection. The central processing unit 22 compares the data transfer parameters amongst the short range wireless data client 23, the first wide area network gateway 26 and the second wide area network gateway 30 on a real-time basis.

For instance, the central processing unit 22 is able to determine the data transfer rate for each of the wireless data client 23, the first wide area network gateway 26 and the second wide area network gateway 30 by transmitting/receiving test data from each channel. Furthermore, the central processing unit 22 is able to determine the unit cost of data transfer from each channel from either pre-stored unit cost information or by accessing real-time information from relevant service entities such as, for example, a provider of the short range wireless service, a provider of the physical/virtual SIM card, and so forth. The lowest unit cost may be bundled together according to a location of the apparatus 20 which is obtained from a network code obtained by the first SIM card 28. It should be appreciated that there will instances of dropped signals during use of the apparatus 20. In such an instance, the central processing unit 22 of the apparatus 20 will re-determine which channel to use. Thus, it is evident that the apparatus 20 is able to provide several avenues enabling a wireless connection to a data network for at least one wireless communication device. A method describing how the several avenues are made available to a user of a wireless communication device will be described in subsequent paragraphs. In addition, it should be noted that the counter 34 allows the quantifying of data transmitted from/received by the apparatus 20. The quantifying of data will aid in determining usage of the apparatus 20, and consequently, will aid in determining a billing amount for the user of the apparatus 20. Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a second embodiment of an apparatus 40 for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network. The at least one wireless communication device is selected from, for example, notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, digital media player and so forth.

The apparatus 40 includes a central processing unit 42. The central processing unit 42 is for controlling all processes and components of the apparatus 40. Further details of all the processes and components of the apparatus 40 will be provided in the subsequent paragraphs. The central processing unit 42 also includes a counter 54 to quantify an amount of data both transmitted from and received by the apparatus 40. The amount of data quantified by the counter 54 is able to be used for at least one purpose such as, for example, billing (for users of the apparatus 40), and auditing (for an entity providing the apparatus 40). As such, the data which is quantified by the counter 54 should be stored and transmitted in a secure manner using known technologies in view of the commercial applicability of the data. It should be noted that the counter 54 may be either hardware or software based. There is also a short range wireless data access point 44 coupled to the central processing unit 42. The short range wireless data access point 44 creates a short range wireless local network for connection to the at least one wireless communication device. The wireless data is transmitted and received through the wireless access point 44 using, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, and other short range technologies. There is also a short range wireless data client 43 for managing a connection to a short range wireless service using at least one of the aforementioned short range technologies.

The apparatus 40 also includes a wide area network gateway 46 for connection with a first SIM card 48. The first wide area network gateway 26 may be either a modem or any device which is capable of allowing access to a wide area network. The wide area network includes, for example, GSM, CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, GPRS, EDGE, WiMax, and so forth. The wide area network gateway 46 is coupled to the central processing unit 42 and all functionality of the wide area network gateway 46 is controlled by the central processing unit 42. It should be noted that the first SIM card 48 need not be a physical SIM card. The first SIM card 48 is used by a service provider for identification to ensure access to the wide area network of the service provider and can be either independent or embedded within any device like the apparatus 40.

The wide area network gateway 46 is configured to use the first SIM card 48 to access the wide area network wirelessly regardless of whether the first SIM card 48 is pre-paid or post-paid. The first SIM card 48 may be replaceable in the wide area network gateway 46. When the first SIM card 48 is replaced, the central processing unit 42 is able to initiate procedures to use the first SIM card 48 in the apparatus 40 if the first SIM card 48 has not been previously connected to the first wide area network gateway 46, the procedures including, for example, prompting for a PIN number, prompting for a service plan, and so forth. The prompting may be done on an interface replicated on the at least one wireless communication device which is connected to the apparatus 40. In addition, the wide area network gateway 46 also includes a SIM emulator 52. The SIM emulator 52 is also coupled to the central processing unit 42. The second wide area network gateway 30 may be either a modem or any device which is capable of allowing access to a wide area network. The wide area network includes, for example, GSM, CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, GPRS, EDGE, WiMax, and so forth. The SIM emulator 52 (when loaded with a virtual SIM) is also used by the service provider for identification to ensure access to the wide area network of the service provider.

The wide area network gateway 46 is also configured to use the SIM emulator 52 (when loaded with a virtual SIM card) to access the wide area network wirelessly. It should be noted that the virtual SIM card may be either pre-paid or post-paid.

Finally, the apparatus 40 includes a storage module 56 which is capable of storing at least one virtual SIM card. The virtual SIM card is typically an information profile of a physical SIM card. It should be noted that the storage module 56 need not contain at least one virtual SIM card in order for the apparatus 40 to function as intended. The storage module 56 is also coupled to the central processing unit 42. The storage module 56 is also for storing (either in a permanent or transient manner) authentication information for the connection to either the short range wireless service or the wide area network. It should be noted that at least one of the at least one virtual SIM card, and authentication information for connection to either the short range wireless service or the wide area network, is transmitted from a remote storage 53 and subsequently stored in the storage module 56.

It. is also possible that the virtual SIM card transmitted from the remote storage 53 is not stored in the storage module 56. In such an instance, the SIM emulator 52 loads a virtual SIM card directly from the remote storage 53 as long as the remote storage 53 is communicatively connected to the apparatus 40. It should be noted that the remote storage 53 stores physical SIM cards, virtual SIM cards or a combination of both the aforementioned.

In the apparatus 40, the wide area network gateway 46 is configured to operate in a primary mode when the connection with a first SIM card 48 is active, and to operate in a secondary mode when the SIM emulator 52 runs a virtual SIM card obtained from either the storage module 56 or the remote storage 53. It should be noted that when the first SIM card 48 is active, the SIM emulator 52 is inactive and vice versa.

The central processing unit 42 is also configured to select the wireless connection using a data transfer parameter of either highest transfer rate or lowest unit cost. The data transfer parameter which is utilized may be dependent on the user's selection. The central processing unit 42 compares the data transfer parameters amongst the wireless data client 43, and the wide area network gateway 46 on a real-time basis.

For instance, the central processing unit 42 is able to determine the data transfer rate for each of the wireless data client 43, and the wide area network gateway 46 by transmitting/receiving test data from each channel. Furthermore, the central processing unit 42 is able to determine the unit cost of data transfer from each channel from either pre-stored unit cost information or by accessing real-time information from relevant service entities such as, for example, a provider of the short range wireless service, a provider of the physical/virtual SIM card, and so forth. The lowest unit cost may be bundled together according to a location of the apparatus 40 which is obtained from a network code obtained by the SIM card 48.

It should be appreciated that there will instances of dropped signals during use of the apparatus 40. In such an instance, the central processing unit 42 of the apparatus 40 will re-determine which channel to use. Thus, it is also evident that the apparatus 40 is also able to provide several channels enabling a wireless connection to a data network for at least one wireless communication device. A method describing how the several avenues are made available to a user of a wireless communication device will be described in subsequent paragraphs. In addition, it should be noted that the counter 54 allows the quantifying of data transmitted from/received by the apparatus 40. The quantifying of data will aid in determining usage of the apparatus 40, and consequently, will aid in determining a billing amount for the user of the apparatus 40.

Based on the description of the preceding paragraphs, it should be appreciated that the apparatus 20 and 40 are usable for enabling a wireless connection to a data network to at least one wireless communication device. Referring to Figure 3, there is provided a method 70 for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network using an apparatus 20/40 as described in the preceding paragraphs.

The method 70 includes both a first mode 72 and a second mode 80 and begins when a user starts the apparatus 20/40 (71). Both the first mode 72 and the second mode 80 will enable a wireless connection to a data network for at least one wireless communication device. The at least one wireless communication device is selected from, for example, notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e- book reader, digital media player and so forth.

The first mode 72 includes detecting a presence of a short range wireless service (74), where the short range wireless service is transmitted and received using, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, and other short range technologies. If the presence of a short range wireless service is detected, there includes checking for an authorized connection to the short range wireless service (76). If the requisite authorizations are present for allowing access to the short range wireless service, the connection to a data network using the short range wireless service is obtained (78).

In the first mode 72, once either the presence of the short range wireless service is not detected or the requisite authorizations for allowing access to the short range wireless service are absent, the method 70 proceeds to the second mode 80.

The second mode 80 includes determining a location of the apparatus 20/40 (82). The location of the apparatus 20/40 may be obtained by a detected network code which is obtained from a first SIM card 28/48. The first SIM card 28/48 is utilized to provide access to a wide area network when the location of the apparatus 20/40 is in a local service area of a communications network service provider of the first SIM 28/48 (84). Similarly, the emulated virtual SIM card 32/52 is utilized to provide access to a wide area network when the location of the apparatus 20/40 is in a non-local service area of a communications network service provider of the first SIM 28/48 (also known as when the first SIM 28/48 is carrying out "global roaming") (86) if there is a virtual SIM card with a local service area (85). The wide area network includes, for example, GSM, CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, GPRS, EDGE, WiMax, and so forth. The emulated virtual SIM card 32/52 may be a "local" SIM card. in accordance with the location of the apparatus 20/40. If there is no virtual SIM card with a local service area, then the first SIM 28/48 is utilized to provide access to a wide area network when first SIM 28/48 is carrying out "global roaming" (87). The virtual SIM card is typically an information profile of a physical SIM card. The emulated virtual SIM card 32/52 may also be a virtual/physical SIM card stored in either the apparatus 20/40 or a remote storage 33/53 communicatively connected to the apparatus 20/40, the virtual/physical SIM card being is subsequently emulated.

Furthermore, the method 70 includes, for both the first mode 78 and the second mode 80, quantifying an amount of data both transmitted from and received by the apparatus 20/40 (88). The quantified amount of data transfer is able to be used for at least one purpose such as, for example, billing (for users of the apparatus 20/40), and auditing (for an entity providing the apparatus 20/40). As such, the data which is quantified should be stored and transmitted in a secure manner using known technologies in view of the commercial applicability of the data.

The method 70 is also able to provide several channels enabling a wireless connection to a data network for at least one wireless communication device. However, it should be noted that carrying out either the first mode 72 or the second mode 80 of the method 70 may be dependent on preferences of the user of the apparatus 20/40. This is because the user of the apparatus 20/40 may have a preference for data transfer with either highest transfer rate or lowest unit cost. Thus, the first mode 72 may be abandoned for the second mode 80 even if the first mode 72 can be carried out. The converse of this scenario is true as well.

The method 70 may further include comparing data transfer parameters against real-time parameters (90). The data transfer parameter is either lowest unit cost or highest rate of transfer. The data transfer rate may be obtainable real-time by transmitting/receiving test data from each channel. Furthermore, the unit cost of data transfer from each channel may be obtained from either pre-stored unit cost information or by accessing real-time information from relevant service entities such as, for example, a provider of the short range wireless service, a provider of the physical/virtual SIM card, and so forth. The lowest unit cost may be bundled together according to a location of the apparatus 20/40. The method may also include selecting either the first mode 72 or the second mode 80 subsequent to comparing data transfer parameters (92). It should be appreciated that there will instances of dropped signals during use of the method 70. In such an instance, the method 70 will re-start and go through all processes again. Whilst the foregoing description has described exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations in details of design, construction and/or operation may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for enabling at least one wireless communication devices to access a data network, the apparatus including:

a short range wireless data access point for creating a short range wireless local network for connection to the at least one wireless communication device;

a short range wireless data client for connecting to a short range wireless service;

a first wide area network gateway for connecting with a first wide area network using a first SIM card;

a second wide area network gateway including a SIM emulator for connection with a second wide area network; and

a central processing unit;

wherein the central processing unit is configured to compare a data transfer parameter against real-time parameters for data transmission/reception between the apparatus and the short range wireless data client connected to the short range wireless service, the first wide area network gateway connected to the first wide area network and the second wide area network gateway connected to the second wide area network and configured to select one of the short range wireless data client, the first wide area network gateway and the second wide area network gateway for the data transmission/reception.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a storage module capable of storing at least one virtual SIM card.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the short range wireless service employs a short range technology selected from a group comprising: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Infrared.

4. The apparatus of either claim 2 or 3, wherein the storage module is for storing authentication information for the connection to either the short range wireless service or the wide area network.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one of: the at least one virtual SIM card, authentication information for connection to the data network, is transmitted from a remote storage communicatively coupled to the apparatus.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wide area network is selected from a group comprising: GSM, CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, GPRS, EDGE, and WiMax.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second wide area network gateway is operational when the SIM emulator runs a virtual SIM card obtained from either the storage module or the remote storage.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the central processing unit includes a counter to quantify an amount of data both transmitted from and received by the apparatus.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one wireless communication device is selected from a group comprising: notebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, and digital media player.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the data transfer parameter is either lowest unit cost or highest rate of transfer.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lowest unit cost is bundled together according to a location of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the first SIM card is used by a service provider for identification to ensure access to the wide area network of the service provider.

13. A method for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network using the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for enabling at least one wireless communication device to access a data network using an apparatus, the method including:

a first mode including:

detecting a short range wireless service;

checking for an authorized connection to the short range wireless service;

obtaining the connection to data network using the short range wireless service;

a second mode including:

failing to detect the short range wireless service;

determining a location of the apparatus;

obtaining the connection to a data network using a wide area network utilising either a first SIM card or a virtual SIM card.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first SIM card is utilized when the location of the apparatus is in a local service area of a wide area network service provider of the first SIM.

16. The method of either claim 14 or 15, wherein the virtual SIM card is utilized when the location of the apparatus is in a non-local service area of a wide area network service provider of the first SIM.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the short range wireless service employs a short range technology selected from a group comprising: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Infrared.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, further including, for both the first mode and the second mode, quantifying an amount of data both transmitted from and received by the apparatus.

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the at least one wireless communication device is selected from a group comprising: ndtebook, tablet PC, mobile phone, e-book reader, and digital media player.

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the virtual SIM card is stored in either the apparatus or a remote storage communicatively connected to the apparatus.

21. The method of any one of claims 14 to 20, further including:

comparing a data transfer parameter against real-time parameters for data transmission/reception between the apparatus and the at least one wireless communication device via the first mode, and the second mode; and selecting either the first mode or the second mode for the data transmission/reception.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the data transfer parameter is either lowest unit cost or highest rate of transfer.