CN105379320A - Method and system for enabling digital communications to mobile subscribers - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for digital communication for a mobile subscriber comprising: information related to a mobile subscriber is registered. In use, when mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, communication is established between the mobile digital communication device and the server over the internet. The virtual phone number is provided to the home service provider as the active call forwarding phone number. A call forwarding function for the telephone number is activated. A basic mechanism for supporting call routing to mobile digital communication devices is established at the server and the mobile virtual communication software. Digital data sent to a telephone number registered with the home service provider is transferred to the server and then to the mobile digital communication device via the internet where it is used by the mobile virtual communication software to establish communication with the mobile digital communication device.

Description

Method and system for enabling digital communications to mobile subscribers

technical field

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling digital communications for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communications device corresponding to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and more particularly to such a method and system , wherein communication is performed via the Internet with a mobile digital communication device corresponding to a telephone number registered with a home service provider.

Background technique

The use of mobile devices in conjunction with traditional mobile operators provides subscribers with two types of data and voice communication services, namely, local and roaming communication services.

Local communication services provide connectivity services within the home location where the service is registered. The home operator delivers local communication services and enables subscribers to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, including home data services within the geographic coverage of the home network.

Roaming communication services provide the extension of connectivity services at other locations than the home location through third-party cellular service providers (often referred to as "visited networks"). This connectivity service extension ensures that the wireless device is connected to the home network each time the cell phone is turned on and maintains this connection in a continuous manner. It enables cellular consumers to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services (including home data services) while traveling outside the geographic coverage of the home network.

Local communication services are technically supported by mobility management, authentication, and authorization procedures implemented within the home operator's mobile network. When a mobile device is turned on, the home network "discovers" the device and notes that it is registered with its system. With authentication and authorization successfully completed, the home network updates the subscriber information and location in the home network so that any data and voice calls sent to the device can be properly routed.

Roaming communication services are technically supported by mobility management, authentication, authorization and billing procedures within the roaming agreement between the home network operator and the visited network operator. Currently, roaming is usually performed in the following steps.

When a mobile device is turned on or is transferred to a visited network via handoff, the visited network communicates with the device and determines that the device is not registered with its own system. The visited network attempts to identify the mobile device's home network. If there is no roaming agreement between the two networks, it is impossible to maintain service and the visited network denies service.

If the home network can be identified, the visited network contacts the home network and uses the IMSI number to request service information related to the roaming device, including permission to allow roaming. The IMSI number is found on the SIM card installed in the mobile device.

If the required information is obtained and roaming permission is granted, the visited network begins maintaining a temporary subscriber record for the mobile device. Similarly, the home network updates its information to indicate that the cell phone is in the visited network so that any data and voice calls sent to the device can be properly routed.

The overall system that allows mobile digital communication devices to roam is very complex and taken as a whole is used by millions of cellular telephone subscribers around the world. However, roaming charges are notoriously high, so don't use it unless you have to. In fact, many cellular network subscribers leave their digital communication devices at home when traveling internationally.

There is no international organization regulating charges for local and roaming communication services. Charges for local communication services are set by the home operator licensed by the local government agency. The charges for roaming communication services are only suggested by the home network operator and the visited network operator in their roaming agreements and are much more expensive compared to other telecommunication service charges.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for enabling digital communications for mobile subscribers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for enabling digital communications for mobile subscribers who can communicate via the Internet using mobile digital communications devices, including cellular phones registered on a cellular network.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for enabling digital communications for mobile subscribers, wherein the subscribers can use mobile digital communications equipment, including landline-type wireless telephones and wireless telephones registered on a cellular network ) communicate via the Internet.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for enabling digital communications for mobile subscribers, wherein subscribers can use mobile digital communications devices to make incoming and outgoing calls via the Internet, resulting in roaming communications services The fee is relatively cheap compared with the current roaming service fee.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, a novel method of digital communication for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device corresponding to a mobile number registered with a home service provider and having a Mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile virtual communication software, the method includes the steps of: registering information related to the mobile subscribers on the server system, wherein the information includes the information that each mobile subscriber registers with the home service provider and, after the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is activated, the following steps are performed: between the mobile digital communication device and the server system Create a communication via the Internet; obtain a virtual phone number from the server system when requested by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual phone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the mobile digital an activated call forwarding telephone number of a telephone number registered with a home service provider of a communication device; storing on said server system a virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and an associated Mobile number; activate call forwarding function of said mobile digital communication device's phone number registered with said home service provider; set up at server system and mobile virtual communication software for supporting calls to said mobile digital communication device the basic mechanism of routing; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides the Internet location of said digital communication device to a server system and digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is transferred to The server system is then transferred to the mobile digital communication device via the Internet, in which the digital data is received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device to establish communication with the mobile Communication of digital communication devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a novel system for enabling digital communication of a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device corresponding to a mobile number registered with a home service provider and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, said system programmed to: register information related to said mobile subscribers on a server system, wherein said information includes registration of each mobile subscriber with said home service provider and, after the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is activated, perform the following operations: between the mobile digital communication device and the server system establish communication between them through the Internet; obtain a virtual phone number from the server system when requested by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device; provide the virtual phone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the mobile An activated call forwarding telephone number of the digital communication device's telephone number registered with the home service provider; updating on said server system the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and the association of said mobile digital communication device the mobile number of the mobile digital communication device; activate the call forwarding function of the telephone number registered in the home service provider of the mobile digital communication device; set up at the server system and the mobile virtual communication software place for supporting to the mobile digital communication device the basic mechanism of call routing; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides the Internet location of said digital communication device to a server system and digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is transferred to the server system, and then transferred to the mobile digital communication device via the Internet, where the digital data is received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device to establish a relationship with the Communication of mobile digital communication devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a novel computer-readable medium for enabling digital communications for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication corresponding to a mobile number registered with a home service provider is disclosed. device and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, said computer readable medium being programmed to: register information related to said mobile subscribers on a server system, wherein said information includes each mobile subscriber in said The telephone number registered in the home service provider; and after the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is activated, the following operations are performed: between the mobile digital communication device and Establishing communication between the server systems through the Internet; when requested by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device, obtaining the virtual phone number from the server system; providing the virtual phone number to the home service provider, to accept an activated call forwarding telephone number as a telephone number registered with a home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; updating on said server system a virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and said an associated mobile number of a mobile digital communication device; activation of a call forwarding function for a telephone number registered with said home service provider of said mobile digital communication device; establishment of support at the server system and mobile virtual communication software for support to said mobile digital communication device The basic mechanism of call routing of the mobile digital communication device; wherein the mobile virtual communication software provides the Internet location of the digital communication device to the server system, and the telephone number registered with the home service provider The transmitted digital data is transferred to the server system and then to the mobile digital communication device via the Internet, where it is received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device , to establish communication with the mobile digital communication device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a novel server platform for enabling digital communication of a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communication device corresponding to a mobile number registered with a home service provider and having mobile virtual communication software installed thereon, said server platform being programmed to: register on the server system information related to said mobile subscribers, wherein said information includes and after the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, perform the following operations: Establish communication between them through the Internet; when requested by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device, obtain the virtual phone number from the server system; provide the virtual phone number to the home service provider for acceptance as the an activated call forwarding telephone number for a telephone number registered with a home service provider of said mobile digital communication device; updating on said server system the virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and said mobile digital communication device the associated mobile number; activate the call forwarding function of the telephone number registered in the home service provider of the mobile digital communication device; set up at the server system and mobile virtual communication software for supporting to the mobile digital communication The basic mechanism of call routing of the device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides the Internet location of said digital communication device to a server system and digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider transferred to a server system, and then via the Internet to a mobile digital communication device, where the digital data is received and used by the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device to establish a relationship with communication of the mobile digital communication device.

Other advantages, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of related structural elements, and combinations of components of methods and systems and various structural arrangements, are considered by considering the following detailed description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings. Economics, will become more apparent with the following brief description of the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

The novel features in terms of structure, organization, use and method of operation specific to the method and system for implementing digital communications for mobile subscribers according to the present invention, as well as other objects and aspects of the present invention will be better understood from the following drawings Advantages In said drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention will be shown by way of example. It should be clearly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the invention. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 is a diagram according to the method and system of the present invention, which shows the connectivity of various servers of the mobile virtual communication infrastructure with the mobile virtual communication software installed on the mobile digital communication device;

Figure 2 is a process flow diagram of the system and method of Figure 1 illustrating the decision process for handling an incoming call;

3 is a process flow diagram of the system and method of FIG. 1 illustrating a decision process for handling an outgoing call.

detailed description

Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 3, which illustrate schematic embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention. Briefly, the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method, indicated by the general reference numeral 100, for enabling digital communications for an MVC subscriber 102 having a The mobile digital communication device 110 corresponds to the phone number 112 registered with the provider 114 , also known as the home cellular operator 114 or the home operator 114 . The illustrated exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an App (application) based Mobile Virtual Communication (MVC) platform 104 that includes software downloaded and installed on a mobile digital communication device 110 such as a cell phone, tablet computer or even is a mobile virtual communication software 111 in a personal computer), and also includes a back-end infrastructure such as a server system 103 (also referred to as a server platform). They are denoted as MVCApp 111 and MVC Infrastructure 103 respectively. The local communication service and the roaming communication service are established through coordination between the MVCApp 111 and the MVC infrastructure 103 . The MVC platform 104 operates in a subscription model. The MVC subscriber 102 of the MVC platform 104 is denoted as MVC subscriber 102 and is a subscriber to the service of the present invention and is also a subscriber of the home service provider 114 (in other words, the home cellular operator 114).

Local and roaming communication services are established by instructing home operator 114 to execute a “call forwarding” function that forwards MVC subscriber 102 mobile number calls to virtual number 120 . The virtual number 120 is not tied to the actual phone number 112 of the MVC subscriber 102 . Instead, the virtual number 120 is bound to the MVCApp 111 installed in the mobile digital communication device 110 of the MVC subscriber 102 . When the home operator detects an incoming call to the mobile number of the MVC subscriber 102 , the home operator 114 forwards the call to the virtual number 120 . The MVC infrastructure 103 then routes the call to the MVCApp 111 through the virtual number 120 . The MVC subscriber 102 picks up the call through the App. Local communication services utilizing MVCApp 111 and MVC infrastructure 103 bypasses the exclusive end-to-end participation of home operator 114, saving MVC subscriber 102's mobile plan costs. Roaming communication services utilizing MVCApp 111 and MVC infrastructure 103 bypass traditional costly call setup for roaming services between the home operator and third party operators 124 (also referred to as roaming operators).

Preferably, the MVC infrastructure 103 (or in other words, the App-based Mobile Virtual Communication (MVC) platform 104) includes a communication management (CM) server 105, a virtual number (VN) server 106, a billing server 107, a registration server 108 and a VoIP (Voice over IP) server 109 network. FIG. 1 shows an architectural diagram showing the connectivity between the different servers of the MVC infrastructure 103 and the connectivity between the MVC infrastructure 103 and the MVCApp 111 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , the roaming infrastructure includes a centralized repository of CM server 105 , VN server 106 , billing server 107 and registration server 108 . There are multiple VoIP servers 109 . There will be a VoIP server 109 in each point-of-present (POP for short). The array of VoIP servers 109 are interconnected by dedicated bandwidth in a mesh architecture. A mesh network of VoIP servers 109 provides the communication backbone for MVCApp 111 . A centralized pool of CM servers 105, VN servers 106, billing servers 107 and registration servers 108 is connected to each VoIP server 109 by dedicated bandwidth.

Referring also to FIG. 1 , the MVCApp 111 is connected to the mesh network of VoIP servers 109 through the Internet cloud 113 . Internet cloud 113 is either a wireless network operated by a visited network operator or a home network operator or WiFi. In turn, the mesh network of VoIP servers 109 interfaces with the PSTN via SIP trunks (SIPTrunk) and interfaces with the Internet cloud 113 via dedicated bandwidth.

More specifically, in one aspect, the present invention includes a method for digital communication of an MVC subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communication device 110 corresponding to a telephone number 112 registered with a home service provider 114 . The mobile digital communication device 110 must also have the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed thereon. The method includes the step of registering information related to the MVC subscriber 102 on the server system 103 (indicated by reference numeral 130). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the information includes a phone number 112 that each MVC subscriber 102 is registered with a home service provider 114 . Preferably, the step 130 of registering the MVC subscriber 102 on the server is performed by the registration server 108 .

The method also includes the step of downloading the mobile virtual communication software 111 to the registered mobile digital communication device 11) (indicated by reference numeral 140). Preferably, the step 140 of downloading the mobile virtual communication software 111 to the registered mobile digital communication device 110 is performed by the registration server 108 .

After the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110 is activated, there are also the following steps.

Communication is established between the mobile digital communication device 110 and the server system 103 through the Internet cloud 113 (shown by reference numeral 150). In use, digital data 129 sent via the internet cloud 113 to the phone number 112 registered with the home service provider 114 is sent via a mesh network of VoIP servers 109 . If the data routed to the mobile digital communication device 110 cannot be routed and terminated within the coverage of the mesh network of the VoIP server 109, the call is routed to the third party operator 124 for termination.

Additionally, it is updated with an indicator (indicated by reference numeral 160) that the phone call is to be forwarded to the virtual phone number.

When the virtual phone number is requested by the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110, the virtual phone number is obtained from the server system 103 (preferably from the virtual number server 106) (shown by reference numeral 170). Furthermore, preferably, the virtual number 120 is acquired by the communication management server 105 . The step 170 of obtaining a virtual phone number is performed when the mobile virtual communication software 111 is activated.

The virtual phone number (shown at 180 ) is provided to the home service provider 114 to accept the active call forwarding phone number as the phone number 112 that the mobile digital communication device 110 is registered with the home service provider 114 .

Furthermore, the step of activating the call forwarding function of the telephone number 112 registered in the home service provider 114 is performed every time the mobile virtual communication software 111 is activated.

When the mobile virtual communication software 111 is disabled, such as when the mobile digital communication device 110 is turned off, the virtual number 120 is released (shown by reference numeral 200).

The server system 103 is updated with the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered MVC subscriber 102 and the mobile number of the associated mobile digital communication device 110 (as indicated by reference numeral 210). Preferably, the virtual number 120 is stored in the virtual number server 106 .

Furthermore, the step 210 of updating said server system 103 with the virtual number 120 currently assigned to said registered MVC subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number of said mobile digital communication device 110 comprises: The VoIP server 109 is updated with the virtual number 120 of the MVC subscriber 102 and the associated mobile number of the mobile digital communication device 110 . The VoIP server 109 is interconnected via a dedicated telephone trunk 126 with a third party operator 124 for call termination.

The next step is to activate the call forwarding function (indicated by reference numeral 220 ) of the telephone number 112 of the mobile digital communication device 110 registered with the home service provider 114 . To this end, the home service provider 114 (also referred to as the home operator 114 ) activates a “call forwarding” function to the virtual number 120 .

Then, the step of establishing the basic mechanism 115 for supporting call routing to the mobile digital communication device 110 is performed at the server system 103 and the mobile virtual communication software 111 (shown by reference numeral 230). The steps performed at the server system 103 and the mobile virtual communication software 111 to establish the basic mechanism 115 for supporting call routing to the mobile digital communication device 110 mainly include: checking the connection with the virtual number 120 to which the incoming call will be forwarded map, and identify the current IP address 122 of the mobile digital communication device 110 that will receive the forwarded call. When accessing the internet cloud 113 through a service provider/carrier or Wi-Fi provider (router), a unique IP address 122 (fixed or temporary) is granted to facilitate communication such that data will be sent based on the IP address 122 to A particular mobile digital communication device 110 .

It is easy to understand that the mobile virtual communication software 111 provides the server system 103 with the Internet address of the mobile digital communication device 110 (ie, the unique IP address 122). The digital data 129 sent to the telephone number 112 registered with the home service provider 114 is transferred to the server system 103 , preferably to the virtual number server 106 being part of the server system 103 . The digital data 129 sent to the telephone number 112 registered in the home service provider 114 is then transferred to the mobile digital communication device 110 via the Internet cloud 113, where it is sent by the mobile digital communication device installed on the mobile digital communication device 110 The virtual communication software 111 receives and uses the digital data 129 to establish communication with the mobile digital communication device 110 .

The present invention also includes the step of tracking voice and data usage of each MVC subscriber 102 (indicated by reference numeral 240). Preferably, the step 240 of tracking the voice and data usage of each MVC subscriber 102 is performed by the billing server 107 . Updates are primarily used by billing server 107 to track subscriber 102 usage. Additionally, if the MVC Subscriber 102 chooses to utilize the MVCApp 111 to place a long distance call to a destination not covered by MVCVoIP coverage, the call will have to be handed over to the third party carrier 124 for termination and the Billing Server 107 will track Long-distance charges incurred.

The CM Server 105 interacts with the MVCApp 111 to activate local communication services and roaming communication services. By request from the MVCApp 111 , the CM server 105 obtains the virtual number 120 from the VN server 106 and instructs the home operator 114 to activate the "call forwarding" function to the virtual number 120 . This activation also involves sending an update to Billing Server 107 and VoIP Server 109 so that calls from Home Operator 114 will be routed to Virtual Number 120 , then to VoIP Server 109 and finally to MVCApp 111 .

The VN server 106 tracks a pool of virtual numbers 120 that can be assigned to subscribers 102 that have activated local communication services and roaming communication services. In addition, it keeps track of the virtual number 120 and associated mobile number currently assigned to each MVC subscriber 102 . When the virtual number 120 pool is all allocated, it will not be able to provide communication services to new requests from the MVCApp 111 . Each virtual number costs a flat fee of 120 per month.

Mechanisms are still being developed that allow efficient management of the pool of virtual numbers 120 so that communication services are always available in a cost-activated manner. It is currently known that the VN server 106 applies mathematical algorithms and predictive models to manage the virtual number 120 pool to ensure communication service utilization at 99.9%. The VN server 106 counts the usage of the virtual number pool, determines the availability of communication services, and provides ongoing recommendations regarding the size of the virtual number pool.

The billing server 107 keeps track of each MVC subscriber 102's voice and data usage and supports mediation of bills from third-party carriers 124 for traffic terminating outside the coverage area of the mesh network of the VoIP server 109 . When an MVC subscriber 102 purchases credits related to voice services terminated by a third party operator 124 when it is not covered by the VoIP network of the MVC infrastructure 103, the billing server 107 is updated accordingly.

The registration server 108 is responsible for the registration of the MVC subscriber 102 and the downloading of the MVCApp 111 to the mobile digital communication device 110 . The registration server 108 maintains a web portal for the registration and downloading of the MVCApp 111 .

The VoIP server 109 is equipped with SIP trunk capability for supporting VoIP services using public networks. It is responsible for call routing and supports the transmission of voice and data traffic. There will be a VoIP server 109 at each point of presence (POP). The array of VoIP servers 109 are interconnected by dedicated bandwidth in a mesh architecture. Bandwidth is provisioned and monitored by industry standards to ensure real-time quality of voice and data services. The VoIP server 109 is interconnected via a dedicated telephone trunk 126 with a third party operator 124 (in other words, third party operator 124) for call termination. If the call cannot be routed and terminated within the coverage of the VoIP server 109, the call is routed to the third party operator 124 for termination. The routing is performed according to the practice of Least Cost Routing (LCR for short).

MVCApp 111 is designed to run on mobile digital communication devices 110 including mobile phones, tablet computers and mobile computers. When the MVCApp 111 resides on the mobile digital communication device 110 , the MVCApp 111 does not depend on the operating system of the resident environment, as long as data communication can be established between the MVCApp 111 and the MVC infrastructure 103 . This data communication is established via wireless (GSM, CDMA and Wi-Fi) networks.

When a connection is established between the MVCApp 111 and the MVC infrastructure 103 , the MVCApp 111 acts as a voice and data communication hub for the MVC subscriber 102 . Communication services include voice communication, email access, video chat, internet browsing and MMS access according to various streaming services. The voice communication service of MVCApp 111 includes incoming calls and outgoing calls. An incoming call is defined as a call attempting to connect to a roaming mobile digital communication device's 110 phone number. An outgoing call is defined as a call initiated at the roaming mobile digital communication device 110 via the MVCApp 111 when a connection is established between the MVCApp 111 and the MVC infrastructure 103 . The data communication services of the MVCApp 111 include email access, video chat, Internet browsing, and MMS access according to various streaming services.

MVCApp 111 provides account management services to subscribers 102 . This service includes purchasing credits related to voice services terminated by third-party operators 124 when not covered by the VoIP network of MVC infrastructure 103, disabling local and roaming communication services, activating local and roaming communication services, and reporting current data and voice usage.

MVC subscribers 102 enter their mobile plans set up in home carrier 114 into MVCApp 111 . The mobile plan typically includes: a maximum number of voice minutes and data usage per month, or unlimited voice and data usage counted by days of the week and hours per day. Usage beyond the mobile plan will result in additional charges to the MVC subscriber 102 . Licensed for mobile plans and MVC subscribers, MVCApp111 monitors usage and avoids exceeding mobile plans. When the mobile device 110 on which the MVCApp 111 resides leaves the Wi-Fi network and finds it to be under the coverage of the home operator 114 , the MVCApp 111 performs the following exclusive scenario.

If the mobile minutes usage does not reach the monthly maximum of the mobile plan from the home operator 114, the MVCApp 111 instructs the CM server 105 to stop the call forwarding of the home operator 114 and release the allocated virtual number 120.

Mobile minutes usage has reached the monthly maximum of the mobile plan from the home operator 114, but data bandwidth is still available, the MVCApp 111 instructs the CM server 105 not to stop call forwarding from the home operator 114. The mobile user continues to use the MVCApp 111 to handle incoming and outgoing calls over the available data bandwidth provided by the home operator 114 .

Mobile minutes and data bandwidth have reached the monthly maximum, then the MVCApp 111 instructs the CM server 105 to stop the call forwarding of the home operator 114 and release the allocated virtual number 120 .

The above scenarios are pre-approved by the mobile user as part of the settings for the MVCApp111.

The mobile device hosting the MVCApp 111 leaves the Wi-Fi network and finds itself outside the coverage of the home operator 114 . The MVC subscriber 110 is in a roaming state. MVCApp 111 performs the following exclusive scenario: MVCApp 111 detects a mobile hotspot, such as Wi-Fi, to which it can connect with acceptable signal strength. The mobile user continues to use the MVCApp 111 to handle incoming and outgoing calls through the mobile hotspot.

The MVCApp 111 detects a roaming data SIM at the mobile device it is hosted on, and the mobile user continues to use the MVCApp 111 to handle incoming and outgoing calls over the roaming data connection.

MVCApp111 detects that the roaming function of the mobile device where it resides is disabled, then MVCApp111 will stop its data and voice communication services. In response to communication failure with the associated MVCApp 111 , the CM Server 105 stops call forwarding for the home operator 114 and releases the assigned virtual number 120 .

The MVCApp 111 detects that the roaming function of the mobile device on which it resides is enabled. According to the settings of the MVC Subscriber 110, the MVCApp 111 instructs the CM Server 105 not to stop the call forwarding of the Home Operator 114. The MVC subscriber continues to use the MVCApp 111 to handle incoming and outgoing calls over the roaming data bandwidth provided by the third party operator 124 . Alternatively, the MVCApp 111 instructs the CM Server 105 to stop call forwarding for the home operator 114 and release the previously allocated virtual number 120 and the MVC subscriber 102 utilizes the third party operator 124 for voice and data roaming.

The above scenarios are pre-approved by the mobile user as part of the settings for the MVCApp111.

The MVCApp 111 contains a list of contacts whose mobile devices have the MVCApp 111 installed. The list of contacts on which the MVCApp 111 is installed is extracted from the list of contacts in the resident mobile device. The MVCApp 111 also highlights contacts whose home carrier 114 call forwarding is currently active from the list on which the MVCApp 111 is installed. Calling a contact whose MVCApp 111 is active will not incur roaming charges or long-distance charges on both parties.

For example, Brad and Kate are both subscribers to the Canadian Mobile Network and are subscribers to the service to which the present invention applies. Their mobile digital communication devices 110 are all equipped with MVCApp111. Brad is on a business trip within Europe. Kate is sitting in a coffee shop in Canada. Kate uses the Wi-Fi network in the coffee shop to activate her MVCApp111 and sees that Brad's MVCApp111 is activated. By simply selecting Tom on the MVCApp111 contact list, Kate can talk to Brad through her MVCApp111 no matter where in Europe Brad is, and there will be no roaming charges or long distance charges for either Brad or Kate.

The MVCApp 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110 of the MVC subscriber 102 automatically connects to the MVC server system 104 when data communication is enabled at the mobile digital communication device 110 . The MVCApp 111 then establishes a communication service with the MVC server, and the MVC server provides the virtual number 120, activates call forwarding, registers the mapping between the virtual number 120 and the mobile number, and establishes the basic mechanisms 115 at the server and the App to support call routing. One party does not need to search for the other party on the Internet cloud 113 . The MVCApp 111 on the mobile digital communication device 110 knows its own location or IP address 122 and the location or IP address of the MVC server system 103, and actively establishes the communication service.

The step of activating the call forwarding function is performed whenever the mobile virtual communication software 111 is activated, and deactivates the call forwarding function when the mobile virtual communication software 111 is disabled. For each activation of the MVCApp 111 , a new virtual number 120 is drawn from the pool at the server to forward mobile number calls to the new virtual number 120 . For each deactivation of the MVCApp 111, the assigned virtual number 120 will be returned to the pool for a new assignment at the server system 103, and call forwarding is stopped accordingly.

When data communication is enabled at the mobile digital communication device 110 , the MVCApp 111 enabled on the mobile device (mobile digital communication device 110 ) of the MVC subscriber 102 automatically contacts the MVC server 104 . The MVCApp 111 then establishes a communication service with the MVC server system 103, and the MVC server system 103 (specifically, the virtual number (VN) server 106) provides the virtual number 120, activates call forwarding, registers the mapping between the virtual number 120 and the mobile number, and The basic mechanisms 115 for supporting call routing are established at the server and MVCApp 111 . The MVCApp 111 on the mobile device knows the location or IP address 122 of the MVc server and actively establishes the communication service.

When the MVC Subscriber 102 disables the local and roaming communication services, the MVCApp 111 will turn off the communication services. The MVC subscriber 102 will be notified when the communication service is closed and the MVC subscriber 102 is handed over to the communication service provided by the home operator 114 or the third party operator 124 . For this "handover event", the MVCApp 111 notifies the CM server 105 to turn off call forwarding to the assigned virtual number 120, and the VN server 106 puts the assigned virtual number 120 into a pool available for assignment.

When the MVC Subscriber 102 activates local and roaming communication services, the MVCApp 111 starts monitoring of the Wi-Fi network. The MVCApp 111 continuously monitors the communication environment of the host mobile device. When the MVCApp 111 detects an available Wi-Fi network with acceptable signal strength, the MVCApp 111 automatically connects to the CM Server 105 to instruct the Home Operator 114 to forward the incoming call to the MVCApp 111 . Mobile data and voice services of the MVCApp 111 are then provided over the connected Wi-Fi network.

For example, John's home operator 114 is Canada Mobile Networks and he is also a subscriber to the service utilizing the present invention, so has the MVCApp 111 on his mobile digital communication device 110 . John is on a business trip to the UK. A secure Wi-Fi network exists in John's office building. Once John enters the office building with his Samsung Galaxy S4, MVCApp111 will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network and start call rerouting. While John works in a UK office all day, family and friends in Canada who call his Canadian mobile number will be able to talk to him, there will be no roaming charges on John's side and family and friends in John's Canada There will be no long-distance charges on the friend's side. Also, if John uses MVCApp111 to call his friends and family in Canada, there will be no long distance and roaming charges. Incoming and outgoing calls through the MVCApp 111 avoid the intervention of the Canadian mobile network.

An advantage of the MVC platform technology is that by bypassing the exclusive participation of the home operator 114, the cost of local and roaming communication services is significantly reduced. By bypassing the current rigid and expensive cooperation between the home network operator and the visited network operator, the cost of roaming communication services is significantly reduced.

The MVC platform 104 operates in a subscription model. A user must register for the services of the MVC platform 104 by downloading the MVCApp 111 onto the mobile digital communication device 110 . The key difference between the MVCApp 111 and the prior art is that a mobile user can receive calls through the MVCApp 111 and avoid home operator 114 intervention. In other words, the mobile user can still use his/her mobile phone number for incoming and outgoing calls through the MVCApp 111. This distinction differentiates the present invention from other communication platforms such as Skype and Viber.

The above scenarios are pre-approved by the mobile user as part of the settings for the MVCApp111. For example, Julia and her family have a family mobile plan offered by a US mobile service provider. The family plan includes 1000 minutes of mobile calls and unlimited data. As is common in the United States and elsewhere, Julia installed a wireless router in her home. Julia and her family installed MVCApp111 into their mobile phones. Whenever Julia and her family enter the house, their MVCApp 111 automatically switches the call connection from the US mobile service provider to their MVCApp 111 through the wireless router. All of their inbound and outbound mobile minutes at home will not count towards their home mobile plan's monthly 1000 minutes.

The mobile device 110 hosting the MVCApp 111 leaves the Wi-Fi network and finds itself out of the coverage of the home operator 114 . The MVC subscriber is roaming. MVCApp111 performs the following exclusive scenarios. MVCApp111 detects mobile hotspots, such as Wi-Fi, that can connect with acceptable signal strength. The mobile user continues to use the MVCApp 111 to handle incoming and outgoing calls through the mobile hotspot.

The MVCApp 111 detects the roaming data SIM of the mobile device 110 it is camping on, and the mobile user continues to use the MVCApp 111 to handle incoming and outgoing calls over the roaming data connection.

MVCApp 111 detects that the roaming function of the mobile device 110 where it resides is disabled, then MVCApp 111 will stop its data and voice communication services. In response to communication failure with the associated MVCApp 111 , the CM Server 105 stops call forwarding for the home operator 114 and releases the previously assigned virtual number 120 .

The MVCApp 111 detects that the roaming functionality of the mobile device 110 on which it resides is enabled. The MVCApp 111 instructs the CM Server 105 not to stop the call forwarding of the Home Operator 114 according to the MVC Subscriber's settings. The MVC subscriber continues to use the MVCApp 111 to handle incoming and outgoing calls over the roaming data bandwidth provided by the third party operator. Or the MVCApp 111 instructs the CM Server 105 to stop the call forwarding of the home operator 114 and release the previously assigned VN, and the MVC subscriber utilizes a third party operator for voice and data roaming.

The above scenarios are pre-approved by the mobile user as part of the settings for the MVCApp111.

The various data communications discussed above are supported through the connection between the MVCApp 111 and the mesh network of VoIP servers 109 . A mesh network of VoIP servers 109 is used as a data gateway between the MVC subscriber 102 and the Internet cloud 113 .

An incoming call is defined as a call where the called number is the MVC subscriber's mobile number. FIG. 2 shows the decision process for handling an incoming call by the MVCApp 111 and the MVC infrastructure 103 . If a call is made through the MVCApp 111 , the mesh network of VoIP server 109 contacts the CM server 105 and detects that the MVC subscriber is also using the MVCApp 111 . The mesh network of VoIP servers 109 retrieves the assigned virtual number 120 and uses it to call the MVC subscriber 102 through the associated MVCApp 111 . For example, John is an MVC subscriber registered with the home operator 114 in Canada and is using the MVCApp 111 in London, UK. John's friends in London, England can call John by simply dialing John's mobile phone number through MVCApp111 without incurring long distance and roaming charges.

With respect to the decision process in FIG. 2 , the home operator 114 forwards the incoming call to the virtual number 120 if a landline or mobile device within the coverage area of the home operator 114 originates the call. The CM server 105 and VoIP server 109 then forward the call to the MVC subscriber 102 through the associated MVCApp 111 . For example, John is an MVC subscriber registered with the home operator 114 in Canada and is using the MVCApp 111 in London, UK. John's friends in Canada can call John by simply dialing John's mobile number from a normal mobile phone without incurring long distance and roaming charges.

With respect to the decision process in Figure 2, if the call originates from a landline or mobile device outside the coverage of the home operator 114, the call is first routed from the third party operator 114 to the home operator 114 for termination . Home operator 114 forwards the incoming call to virtual number 120 . The CM server 105 and VoIP server 109 then forward the call to the MVC subscriber 102 through the associated MVCApp 111 . For example, John is an MVC subscriber registered with the home operator 114 in Canada and is using the MVCApp 111 in London, UK. John's friends in London, England, can reach John by simply dialing John's mobile number from a regular landline or mobile phone. The call is first routed from the UK operator to the home operator 114 in Canada, from where it is routed through the assigned virtual number 120 to the MVC infrastructure 103 for call termination. In this case, John's friends in the UK have to pay long distance charges, but John does not need to pay roaming charges.

An outgoing call is defined as a call initiated by an MVC subscriber when a connection is established between the MVCApp 111 and the MVC infrastructure 103 . FIG. 3 shows the decision process for handling outgoing calls by MVCApp 111 and MVC infrastructure 103 . A registered MVC subscriber is calling another registered MVC subscriber who is also connected to the Wi-Fi network. The VoIP server 109 checks the called number with the CM server 105 and detects that the called subscriber is also using the MVCApp 111 . The VoIP server retrieves the virtual number 120 assigned to the called subscriber and uses it to call the registered MVC subscriber through the associated MVCApp 111. For example, John is an MVC subscriber registered with the home operator 114 in Canada and is using the MVCApp 111 in London, UK. His friend Luke in Hong Kong (Luke's home operator 114 is in the United States) is also using MVCApp111. John is able to call Luke by simply dialing Luke's mobile phone number through MVCApp111 without incurring long distance and roaming charges.

Regarding the decision process in FIG. 3 , a registered MVC subscriber 102 is calling someone who is not registered with the MVC infrastructure 103 . The VoIP server 109 and the CM server 105 first check whether the called number is within the coverage of the VoIP mesh network 109 . If it is within coverage of the VoIP mesh network 109, the call will terminate as a local call. For example, John is an MVC subscriber registered with the home operator 114 in Canada and is using the MVCApp 111 in London, UK. His friend Luke (Luke's home operator 114 is in Canada) is currently in Canada. John is able to call Luke by simply dialing Luke's mobile phone number through MVCApp111 without incurring long distance and roaming charges. On the other hand, if the called number is not within the coverage of the VoIP mesh network 109, the call will be handed over to the third party operator 124 for call termination. Apply Least Cost Routing (LDR) to minimize termination costs. For example, John is an MVC Subscriber 102 registered with the Home Operator 114 in Canada and is using the MVCApp 111 in London, UK. His friend Luke (Luke's home operator 114 is in Russia) is currently in Russia. MVC infrastructure 103 does not have VoIP installed in Russia. The closest VoIP server 109 to Russia is in Europe. The MVC infrastructure 103 first routes the call to a VoIP server 109 in Europe, which forwards it to a third party operator 124 for call termination. John is able to call Luke through the MVCApp 111 by simply dialing Luke's mobile phone number, and long distance charges are minimized against the MVC infrastructure 103 .

In another aspect, the present invention includes a system 100 for enabling digital communications for a mobile subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communications device 110 corresponding to a mobile number registered with a home service provider 114 , and has mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110 . The system 100 is programmed to register information related to said mobile subscriber 102 on a server system 103 . The information includes the phone number 112 that each mobile subscriber 102 is registered with the home service provider 114 . After the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the digital communication device 110 is activated, communication is established between the mobile digital communication device 110 and the server system 103 via the Internet 113 ; when requested by the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110, obtain the virtual phone number 120 from the server system 113; provide the virtual phone number 120 to the home service provider 114 for acceptance as the the activated call forwarding telephone number of the telephone number 112 of the mobile digital communication device 110 registered in the home service provider 114; the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber 102 and the the associated mobile number 112 of the mobile digital communication device 110; activate the call forwarding function of the phone number 112 registered in the home service provider 114 of the mobile digital communication device 110; in the server system 103 and the mobile virtual communication software 111 The basic mechanism 115 for supporting call routing to the mobile digital communication device 110 is established at the office. The mobile virtual communication software 111 provides the Internet location of the digital communication device 110 to the server system 103 . The digital data sent to said telephone number 112 registered with said home service provider is transferred to a server system 103 and then via the Internet 113 to a mobile digital communication device 110 where it is installed by The mobile virtual communication software 111 on the mobile digital communication device 110 receives and uses the digital data to establish communication with the mobile digital communication device 110 .

In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a computer-readable medium 116 for enabling digital communications for a mobile subscriber 102 having a mobile number corresponding to a mobile number registered with a home service provider 114. The communication device 110 has a mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110 . The computer readable medium 116 is programmed to register information related to the mobile subscriber 102 on the server system 103 . The information includes the phone number 112 that each mobile subscriber 102 is registered with the home service provider 114 . After the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the digital communication device 110 is activated, communication is established between the mobile digital communication device 110 and the server system 103 via the Internet 113 ; when requested by the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110, obtain the virtual phone number 120 from the server system 113; provide the virtual phone number 120 to the home service provider 114 for acceptance as the the activated call forwarding telephone number of the telephone number 112 of the mobile digital communication device 110 registered in the home service provider 114; the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber 102 and the the associated mobile number 112 of the mobile digital communication device 110; activate the call forwarding function of the phone number 112 registered in the home service provider 114 of the mobile digital communication device 110; in the server system 103 and the mobile virtual communication software 111 The basic mechanism 115 for supporting call routing to the mobile digital communication device 110 is established at the office. The mobile virtual communication software 111 provides the Internet location of the digital communication device 110 to the server system 103 . The digital data sent to said telephone number 112 registered with said home service provider is transferred to a server system 103 and then via the Internet 113 to a mobile digital communication device 110 where it is installed by The mobile virtual communication software 111 on the mobile digital communication device 110 receives and uses the digital data to establish communication with the mobile digital communication device 110 .

In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a server platform 104 for enabling digital communications for a mobile subscriber 102 having a mobile digital communications device corresponding to a mobile number registered with a home service provider 114 110, and has mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110. The server platform 104 is programmed to register information related to said mobile subscriber 102 on the server system 103 . The information includes the phone number 112 that each mobile subscriber 102 is registered with the home service provider 114 . After the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the digital communication device 110 is activated, communication is established between the mobile digital communication device 110 and the server system 103 via the Internet 113 ; when requested by the mobile virtual communication software 111 installed on the mobile digital communication device 110, obtain the virtual phone number 120 from the server system 113; provide the virtual phone number 120 to the home service provider 114 for acceptance as the the activated call forwarding telephone number of the telephone number 112 of the mobile digital communication device 110 registered in the home service provider 114; the virtual number 120 currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber 102 and the the associated mobile number 112 of the mobile digital communication device 110; activate the call forwarding function of the phone number 112 registered in the home service provider 114 of the mobile digital communication device 110; in the server system 103 and the mobile virtual communication software 111 The basic mechanism 115 for supporting call routing to the mobile digital communication device 110 is established at the office. The mobile virtual communication software 111 provides the Internet location of the digital communication device 110 to the server system 103 . The digital data sent to said telephone number 112 registered in said home service provider is transferred to server system 103 and then to mobile digital communication device 110 via Internet 113, in which mobile digital communication device 110 is installed in the The mobile virtual communication software 111 on the mobile digital communication device 110 receives and uses the digital data to establish communication with the mobile digital communication device 110 .

Other variations on the above principles will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, other modifications and substitutions may be used in the design and implementation of methods and systems according to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (23)

1. A method for digital communication of a mobile subscriber, wherein said mobile subscriber has a mobile digital communication device corresponding to a telephone number registered with a home service provider, and has a mobile digital communication device installed on said mobile digital communication device Mobile virtual communication software, said method comprising the steps of: registering information related to said mobile subscribers on a server system, wherein said information includes a telephone number for each mobile subscriber registered with said home service provider; and After the above steps, in use, the following steps are executed when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is activated: establishing a communication between said mobile digital communication device and said server system over the Internet; obtaining a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; providing a virtual telephone number to a home service provider to accept an activated call forwarding telephone number as a telephone number registered with the home service provider for said mobile digital communications device; updating said server system with a virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and said mobile digital communications device's associated mobile number; activating call forwarding functionality for a telephone number of said mobile digital communications device registered with said home service provider; establishing, at said server system and said mobile virtual communication software, basic mechanisms for supporting call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides said server system with the internet location of said digital communication device and digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is transferred to said server system , then transferred via the Internet to said mobile digital communication device, where said digital data is received and used by said mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to create a communication of the mobile digital communication device. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of tracking voice and data usage of each mobile subscriber. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of tracking voice and data usage of each mobile subscriber is performed by a billing server. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of registering the mobile subscriber on a server is performed by a registration server. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of downloading the mobile virtual communication software to a registered mobile digital communication device. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of downloading the mobile virtual communication software to the mobile digital communication device is performed by a registration server. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of obtaining a virtual phone number, the virtual number is obtained from a virtual number server. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of acquiring a virtual telephone number, the virtual telephone number is acquired by a communication management server. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining a virtual phone number is performed when the mobile virtual communication software is activated. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of updating the virtual number currently assigned to each mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number, the virtual number is stored in a virtual number server. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of activating a call forwarding function of a telephone number registered in the home service provider is performed every time the mobile virtual communication software is activated. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual number is released when the mobile virtual communication software is disabled. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of updating a billing server with an indicator that a telephone call is to be forwarded to the virtual telephone number. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the VoIP server is interconnected with a roaming operator via a dedicated telephone trunk line for call termination. 15. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, digital data sent via the Internet to the telephone number registered with the home service provider is sent via a mesh network of VoIP servers. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein if the data routed to the mobile digital communication device cannot be routed and terminated within the coverage of the mesh network of VoIP servers, the call is routed to a third party operator provider for termination. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the server system with a virtual number currently assigned to the registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number of the mobile digital communication device comprises: utilizing a current A VoIP server is updated with the virtual number assigned to the registered mobile subscriber and the associated mobile number of the mobile digital communication device. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital data sent to the telephone number registered with the home service provider is transferred to a virtual telephone server. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing at the server system and mobile virtual communication software the basic mechanisms for supporting call routing to the mobile digital communication device comprises: checking with the incoming call to be A mapping between virtual numbers to forward to and identify the current IP address of the mobile digital communication device that will receive the forwarded call. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the server system comprises: a communication management (CM) server, a virtual number (VN) server, an accounting server, and a registration server. 21. A system for enabling digital communications for a mobile subscriber, wherein said mobile subscriber has a mobile digital communications device corresponding to a telephone number registered with a home service provider and has a mobile digital communications device on said mobile digital communications device Installing mobile virtual communication software, the system is programmed to: registering information related to said mobile subscribers on a server system, wherein said information includes a telephone number for each mobile subscriber registered with said home service provider; and After the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, the following operations are performed: establishing a communication between said mobile digital communication device and said server system over the Internet; obtaining a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; providing a virtual telephone number to a home service provider to accept an activated call forwarding telephone number as a telephone number registered with the home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; updating said server system with a virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and said mobile digital communications device's associated mobile number; activating call forwarding functionality for a telephone number of said mobile digital communications device registered with said home service provider; establishing, at said server system and said mobile virtual communication software, basic mechanisms for supporting call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides said server system with the internet location of said digital communication device and digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is transferred to said server system , then transferred via the Internet to said mobile digital communication device, where said digital data is received and used by said mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to create a communication of the mobile digital communication device. 22. A computer readable medium for enabling digital communications for a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communications device corresponding to a telephone number registered with a home service provider and having a Mobile virtual communication software installed on a communication device, said computer readable medium programmed to: registering information related to said mobile subscribers on a server system, wherein said information includes a telephone number for each mobile subscriber registered with said home service provider; and After the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, the following operations are performed: establishing a communication between said mobile digital communication device and said server system over the Internet; obtaining a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; providing a virtual telephone number to a home service provider to accept an activated call forwarding telephone number as a telephone number registered with the home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; updating said server system with a virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and said mobile digital communications device's associated mobile number; activating call forwarding functionality for a telephone number of said mobile digital communications device registered with said home service provider; establishing, at said server system and said mobile virtual communication software, basic mechanisms for supporting call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides said server system with the internet location of said digital communication device and digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is transferred to said server system , then transferred via the Internet to said mobile digital communication device, where said digital data is received and used by said mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to create a communication of the mobile digital communication device. 23. A server platform for enabling digital communications of a mobile subscriber having a mobile digital communications device corresponding to a telephone number registered with a home service provider and having a Mobile virtual communication software installed on the server platform is programmed to: registering information related to said mobile subscribers on a server system, wherein said information includes a telephone number for each mobile subscriber registered with said home service provider; and After the above steps, in use, when the mobile virtual communication software installed on the digital communication device is enabled, the following operations are performed: establishing a communication between said mobile digital communication device and said server system over the Internet; obtaining a virtual telephone number from said server system when requested by mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device; providing a virtual telephone number to a home service provider to accept an activated call forwarding telephone number as a telephone number registered with the home service provider for said mobile digital communication device; updating said server system with a virtual number currently assigned to said registered mobile subscriber and said mobile digital communications device's associated mobile number; activating call forwarding functionality for a telephone number of said mobile digital communications device registered with said home service provider; establishing, at said server system and said mobile virtual communication software, basic mechanisms for supporting call routing to said mobile digital communication device; wherein said mobile virtual communication software provides said server system with the internet location of said digital communication device and digital data sent to said telephone number registered with said home service provider is transferred to said server system , then transferred via the Internet to said mobile digital communication device, where said digital data is received and used by said mobile virtual communication software installed on said mobile digital communication device to create a communication of the mobile digital communication device.