Dual mode mobile telephone system uses selected technology according to user preference and signal availability in current mobile location

摘要

The mobile telephone (10) may be connected to a network via one of two technology systems (T1,T2). This is dependent on preferences held in memory, and the coverage zone of the respective systems. This provides access the network by the best technology available at a particular time. The mobile telephone (10) may be connected to a first technology system (T1) if the mobile is located within the coverage zone (B1, 20) for this technology. This provides connection to the network (40). If the mobile moves, it may leave this coverage zone, but enter another coverage zone (B2, 30) corresponding to a second technology system (T2). This also provides access to the same network (40), albeit by a different route. The phone uses one or the other technology, but must not use both at once. The user may classify these technologies in order of decreasing preference within a memory, enabling a program to access the network by the best technology available at a particular time according to the criteria provided by the user.