WO2018009104A1

WO2018009104A1 - Controlling a use of radio frequencies

Info

Publication number: WO2018009104A1
Application number: PCT/SE2016/050687
Authority: WO
Inventors: Badawi YAMINE; Stefan Engström
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2016-07-05
Filing date: 2016-07-05
Publication date: 2018-01-11

Abstract

A method performed by a network node for controlling a use of radio frequencies of a wireless communications device. The network node receives a first mapping between one or more radio frequencies and the one or more wireless communications networks. The network node receives a second mapping between a network service and at least one wireless communications network. The network node controls, based on the received first mapping and the received second mapping which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks, in order to be able to use the network service.

Description

CONTROLLING A USE OF RADIO FREQUENCIES

TECH NICAL FI ELD

Embodiments herein relate to wireless communications and in particular to controlling a use of radio frequencies for a wireless communications device.

BACKGROUN D

In a typical radio communications network, wireless communications devices, also known as mobile stations and/or user equipments (UEs), communicate via a Radio Access Network (RAN) to one or more Core Networks (CN). The radio access network covers a geographical area which is divided into cell areas, with each cell area being served by a base station, e.g., a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be called, for example, a "NodeB" or "eNodeB". A cell is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio base station at a base station site or an antenna site in case the antenna and the radio base station are not collocated. Each cell is identified by an identity within the local radio area, which is broadcast in the cell. Another identity identifying the cell uniquely in the whole mobile network is also broadcasted in the cell. One base station may have one or more cells. A cell may be downlink and/or uplink cell. The base stations communicate over the air interface operating on radio frequencies with the user equipments within range of the base stations.

A Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third generation mobile communication system, which evolved from the second generation (2G) Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) is essentially a RAN using wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) and/or High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) for user equipments. In a forum known as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), telecommunications suppliers propose and agree upon standards for third generation networks and UTRAN specifically, and investigate enhanced data rate and radio capacity. In some versions of the RAN as e.g. in UMTS, several base stations may be connected, e.g., by landlines or microwave, to a controller node, such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC), which supervises and coordinates various activities of the plural base stations connected thereto. The RNCs are typically connected to one or more core networks. Specifications for Evolved Packet System (EPS) have been completed within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and are further evolved in coming 3GPP releases. The EPS comprises the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E- UTRAN), also known as the LTE radio access, and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also known as System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network. E-UTRAN/LTE is a variant of a 3GPP radio access technology wherein radio base station nodes are directly connected to the EPC network, i.e. a radio network controller concept as realized in UMTS with an RNC, does not exist. In general, in EPS the functions of an RNC are distributed between eNBs and the core network. As such, the RAN of an EPS has an essentially "flat" architecture comprising radio base stations without being controlled by RNCs.

Document 3GPP TS 36.300 v. 12.3.0 gives an overall description of a prior art Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and E-UTRAN. A simplified architecture of a prior art LTE system is illustrated as a block diagram in Figure 1 , including radio access nodes eNB and evolved packet core nodes. The evolved packet core nodes are illustrated as Mobility Management Entities (MMEs)/ Serving Gateway (SGW) in Figure 1 a. The eNBs are connected with the MMEs/SGWs with S1 connections. S1 is an interface between eNBs and MMEs/SGWs. The MME is used as a control node. For example, the MME is responsible for idle mode UE tracking and paging procedure including retransmissions. The MME is further involved in the bearer

activation/deactivation process and is also responsible for choosing a SGW for a UE at the initial attach and at time of intra-LTE handover involving evolved packet core node relocation. The MME is further responsible for authenticating the UE or user of the UE. Figure 2 is a complimenting illustration of a prior art management system architecture of the LTE system. The Network Elements (NE) 211 in the radio access network of LTE, also referred to as eNBs, are managed by a Domain Manager (DM) 212, also referred to as the Operation and Support System (OSS). A DM may further be managed by a Network Manager (NM) 213. The interface between a DM and a NM is referred to as Itf-N and the interface between two DMs is referred to as ltf-P2P. The management system may configure the network elements, as well as receive

observations associated to features, such as e.g. user data transfer, handover, paging and load balancing, in the network elements. For example, DM observes and configures NEs, while NM observes and configures DM, as well as NE via DM. Reliability is one of the main objectives in any wireless communication network and it is one of the requirements of any future wireless communication network or system. In fact in order to have reliability in 5G, the user equipment is allowed to remain connected simultaneously to different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) such as 2G, 3G, 4G, wifi and 5G.

However, a call may still be dropped if none of the RATs are able to deliver a good enough coverage for a specific user equipment.

SUMMARY

A wireless communication device has its subscription with one wireless

communications network operator, OP1 , and is allowed to use OPVs wireless

communications network, NW1 , for all types of communication that the subscription allows. OP1 may have an agreement with another operator, OP2, which allows the wireless communications device to use the wireless network, NW2, of OP2. The use of NW2 is normally restricted to countries, or parts of a country, where NW1 is not present, but may also be allowed in areas with coverage from NW1.

In some situations, like during a loss of coverage from NW1 , the wireless communications device may try to access NW2. However, accessing NW2 typically takes a long time. Further, the wireless communications device may after connection setup find out that a needed service is not allowed in NW2.

Also in prior art, the radio control nodes in NW1 do not in advance know if a handover of a wireless communication device to NW2 will be successful.

An object of embodiments herein is to improve the performance of one or more wireless communications networks and of a wireless communications device by obviating at least some of the above mentioned problems. It may be an object of embodiments herein to avoid network service interruptions and thereby improve the reliability of the wireless communication network and of the network service. Embodiments herein solve reliability problems by allowing reliability to be a valid option not only in one wireless communication network, such as a PLMN, but also among different wireless communication networks.

If a wireless communication device, such as a UE, that is performing a call in a first PLMN, PLMN1 , experiences bad coverage, embodiments herein allows the wireless communication device to do measurements and later move to a better surrounding cell belonging to another PLMN, PLMN2. As a result network service interruptions are avoided and the reliability is improved.

According to a first aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a network node for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies a wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks respectively.

The plurality of radio frequencies are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device. Further the network node operates in a first wireless

communications network out of the one or more wireless communications networks, and the network node serves the wireless communications device.

The network node receives from a management node operating in the first wireless communications network, a first mapping between one or more radio

frequencies, out of the plurality of radio frequencies, and the one or more wireless communications networks. That is, the plurality of radio frequencies comprises the one or more radio frequencies. The first mapping is between the one or more radio frequencies and the one or more wireless communications networks. Each one or more radio frequency is associated with a respective wireless communications network.

The network node receives, from the management node operating in the first wireless communications network, or from a core network node operating in the first wireless communications network, a second mapping. The second mapping is a mapping between a network service and at least one wireless communications network, out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The at least one wireless

communications network, is configured to provide the network service NS1 , NS2, NS to the wireless communications device.

The network node may receive the first mapping and the second mapping in one message.

The network node controls, based on the received first mapping and the received second mapping which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device uses for measuring the one or more radio signals from the one or more wireless communications networks, in order to be able to use the network service.

According to a second aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a network node for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies a wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks, respectively.

The plurality of radio frequencies are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device. Further the network node is configured to operate in a first wireless communications network out of the one or more wireless communications networks, and the network node is configured to serve the wireless communications device.

The network node is configured to receive, from a management node operating in the first wireless communications network, a first mapping between one or more radio frequencies out of the plurality of radio frequencies, and the one or more wireless communications networks. Each one or more radio frequency is associated with a respective wireless communications network.

The network node is configured to receive, from the management node operating in the first wireless communications network or from a core network node operating in the first wireless communications network, a second mapping between a network service and at least one wireless communications network, out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The at least one wireless communications network, is configured to provide the network service to the wireless communications device.

The network node is configured to control, based on the received first mapping and the received second mapping which at least one radio frequency the wireless

communications device uses for measuring the one or more radio signals from the one or more wireless communications networks in order to be able to use the network service.

According to a third aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a wireless communications device for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies the wireless communications device uses for measuring radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks.

The plurality of radio frequencies are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device. Further, the one or more wireless communications networks comprise a first wireless communications network.

The wireless communications device receives from a network node operating in the first wireless communications network, a first mapping between one or more radio frequencies out of the plurality of radio frequencies, and one or more wireless

communications networks. Each radio frequency is associated with a respective wireless communications network. The wireless communications device receives, from the network node operating in the first wireless communications network or from a core network node operating in the first wireless communications network, a second mapping between a network service and at least one wireless communications network, out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The at least one wireless communications network, is configured to provide the network service to the wireless communications device.

The wireless communications device starts the network service.

Further, the wireless communications device selects, based on the first mapping, and further based on the second mapping, which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device uses for measuring radio signals from the one or more wireless communications networks, in order to be able to use the network service.

According to a fourth aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a wireless communications device for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies the wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks.

The wireless communications device is configured to receive, from a network node operating in the first wireless communications network, a first mapping between one or more radio frequencies out of the plurality of radio frequencies, and one or more wireless communications networks. Each radio frequency is associated with a respective wireless communications network.

The wireless communications device is configured to receive, from the network node operating in the first wireless communications network or from a core network node operating in the first wireless communications network, a second mapping between a network service and at least one wireless communications network, out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The at least one wireless communications network, is configured to provide the network service to the wireless communications device.

The wireless communications device is further configured to start the network service.

The wireless communications device is further configured to select, based on the first mapping, and further based on the second mapping, which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device uses for measuring radio signals from the one or more wireless communications networks, in order to be able to use the network service. According to a further aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a core network node for assisting a network node in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies a wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks.

The plurality of radio frequencies are operational radio frequencies of the wireless communications device. Further, the core network node and the radio access network node operate in a first wireless communications network out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The network node serves the wireless communications device.

The core network node transmits, to the network node, and/or to the wireless communications device a mapping between a network service at least one wireless communications network, out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The at least one wireless communications network, is configured to provide the network service to the wireless communications device. According to a further aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a core network node for assisting a network node in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies a wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks.

The plurality of radio frequencies are operational radio frequencies of the wireless communications device. Further, the core network node and the radio access network node are configured to operate in a first wireless communications network out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The network node serves the wireless communications device.

The core network node is configured to transmit, to the network node, and/or to the wireless communications device a mapping between a network service and at least one wireless communications network, out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The at least one wireless communications network, is configured to provide the network service to the wireless communications device. According to a further aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a management node for assisting a network node in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies a wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks.

The plurality of radio frequencies are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device. Further, the management node and the network node operate in a first wireless communications network out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The network node serves the wireless communications device, the method comprising:

The management node transmits, to the network node, a first mapping between one or more radio frequencies out of the plurality of radio frequencies, and the one or more wireless communications networks. Each one or more radio frequency s associated with a respective wireless communications network.

According to a further aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a management node for assisting a network node in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies a wireless communications device uses for measuring one or more radio signals from one or more wireless communications networks.

The plurality of radio frequencies are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device. Further, the management node and the network node are configured to operate in a first wireless communications network out of the one or more wireless communications networks. The network node serves the wireless

communications device.

The management node is configured to transmit, to the network node, a first mapping between one or more radio frequencies out of the plurality of radio frequencies, and the one or more wireless communications networks. Each one or more radio frequency is associated with a respective wireless communications network.

According to a further aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a computer program product comprising software instructions that, when executed in a processor performs any of the methods above. In embodiments herein the at least one radio frequency for measuring the one or more radio signals is controlled based on the first mapping and the second mapping.

Therefore embodiments herein accelerate the move of the wireless communications device from the first wireless communication network to another wireless communication network, e.g. when the coverage of the first wireless communication network is lost, or when a new network service is to be started in the other wireless communication network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of embodiments herein are described in more detail with reference to attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a simplified LTE architecture according to prior art.

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a simplified LTE management system. Figure 3a is a schematic block diagram illustrating a first wireless communication network and a second wireless communication network.

Figure 3b is a schematic block diagram illustrating network nodes and network functions in a first wireless communication network.

Figure 3c is a schematic block diagram illustrating radio frequencies of PLMNs.

Figure 3d is a schematic block diagram illustrating network services delivered by PLMNs. Figure 3e is a schematic block diagram illustrating mappings of PLMNs, radio frequencies and network services.

Figure 3f is a schematic block diagram illustrating a further mapping of PLMNs, radio frequencies and network services.

Figure 4a is a combined signalling diagram and flow chart illustrating embodiments of a method.

Figure 4b is a further combined signalling diagram and flow chart illustrating embodiments of a method.

Figure 5a is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method performed by a network node.

Figure 5b is a flowchart depicting further embodiments of a method performed by a

network node.

Figure 5c is a flowchart depicting yet further embodiments of a method performed by a network node. Figure 6a is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method performed by a wireless communications device.

Figure 6b is a flowchart depicting further embodiments of a method performed by a

wireless communications device.

Figure 6c is a flowchart depicting yet further embodiments of a method performed by a wireless communications device.

Figure 7 is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method performed by a core network node.

Figure 8 is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method performed by a management node.

Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a network node. Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a wireless

communications device.

Figure 1 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a core network node. Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a management node.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, reliability improvements are needed in today's wireless communications networks.

Embodiments herein present a method which is implemented in a wireless communications device and a network node. An eNB is used as an example of the network node in the following, but generally it may be another network node serving the wireless communications device as well, for example for UMTS the applicable network node may also be the RNC, while in GSM the network node may be a Base Station Subsystem (BSS). The wireless communications device will be exemplified with a UE.

Embodiments herein may be implemented in one or more wireless

communications networks whereof Figure 3a depicts parts of a first wireless

communications network 301 also known as a radio communications network, a telecommunications network, a wireless communications system or similar. The first wireless communication network 301 may comprise one or more RAN and one or more CN.

The first wireless communication network 301 may use a number of different technologies, such as LTE, LTE-Advanced, WCDMA, Global System for Mobile communications/Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM/EDGE), Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to mention a few possible implementations. More specifically, the first wireless

communications network 301 may operate according to a first RAT.

5 The first wireless communication network 301 is exemplified herein as a first

PLMN using LTE technology.

Figure 3a further depicts parts of a second wireless communications network 302 also known as a radio communications network, a telecommunications network, a wireless communications system or similar. The second wireless communications network 10 302 may comprise one or more RAN and one or more CN.

The second wireless communication network 302 may use a number of different technologies, such as LTE, LTE-Advanced, WCDMA, GSM/EDGE, Wi-Fi, WiMax, or UMB, just to mention a few possible implementations. More specifically, the second wireless communications network 302 may operate according to a second RAT, which 15 may be the same RAT as the first RAT mentioned above.

The second wireless communication network 302 is exemplified herein as a second PLMN using LTE technology.

In the first wireless communications network 301 , network nodes capable of 20 communicating with and controlling wireless communications devices operate. For

example, a network node 341 , also referred to as a first network node 341 herein, operates in the first wireless communications network 301. In some embodiments the network node 341 is a network node capable of radio communication, i.e. a radio network node or a radio access node such as a base station. The network node 341 may be a 25 radio base station, such as e.g. eNBs or eNodeBs, base transceiver stations, Access Point Base Stations, base station routers, or any other network units capable of radio communication with wireless communications devices.

In some other embodiments the network node 341 is an RNC in an UMTS network or a BSS in a GSM network or a WLAN controller in a WFi network.

30 Further, in the first wireless communications network 301 , core network nodes, such as a core network node 371 , operate. The core network node 371 may be an MME. The core network node 371 communicates with the network node 341 over a connection, such as an S1 connection. Further, in the first wireless communications network 301 , management nodes, such as a management node 372, operate. The management node 372 communicates with the network node 341 over a connection, such as a MuL connection. The

management node 372 observes and configures the network node 341. The management node may be an OSS.

In the second wireless communications network 302, network nodes capable of communicating with wireless communications devices operate. For example, a second network node 342 capable of communicating with and controlling wireless

communications devices operates in the second wireless communications network 302. The second network node 342 is configured to operate in the second wireless

communications network 302.

In some embodiments the second network node 342 is a network node capable of radio communication, i.e. a radio network node or a radio access node such as a base station. The second network node 342 may also be referred to as a radio base station and e.g. an eNB, eNode B, a base transceiver station, Access Point Base Station, base station router, or any other network unit capable of communicating with wireless communications devices.

In some embodiments herein the second network node 342 is configured to communicate with the first wireless communications network 301. The second network node 342 may for example be configured to communicate with the first network node 341 over an X2 connection. The second network node 342 may further be configured to communicate with the core network node 371 in the first wireless communications network 301 over an S1 connection. The second wireless communication network 302 may of course also comprise core network nodes and management nodes with which the second network node is configured to communicate.

A wireless communications device 350, also known as a mobile station, wireless device, a user equipment and/or a wireless terminal, is capable of

communicating with the first wireless communications network 301. Further, the wireless communications device 350 is also capable of communicating with the second wireless communications network 302. However, the wireless communications device 350 is tied to the first wireless communications network 301 by its subscription.

It should be understood by the skilled in the art that "wireless communications device" is a non-limiting term which means any wireless terminal, user equipment, Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, a Device to Device (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), laptop, mobile, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a small base station communicating within respective cell. There may of course be more than one wireless communications device that communicates with the wireless

communications networks.

The first and second wireless communications networks 301 , 302 may cover a geographical area which is divided into cell areas. A cell may refer to a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by radio base station equipment at a base station site or at remote locations in Remote Radio Units (RRU).

In embodiments herein the first wireless communications network 301 comprises a first cell 361 serving wireless communications devices, such as the wireless

communications device 350. The network node 341 may communicate with the wireless communications device 350 via the first cell 361.

The cell definition may also incorporate frequency bands and radio access technology used for transmissions, which means that two different cells may cover the same geographical area but using different frequency bands. Each cell is identified by an identity within the local radio area, which is broadcast in the first cell 361.

Another identity identifying each cell uniquely in the whole of the first wireless communication network 301 is also broadcasted in the respective cell.

Radio access nodes communicate over the air or radio interface operating on radio frequencies with the wireless communications device 350 within range of the radio access nodes. The wireless communications device 350 transmits data over the radio interface to the radio access node in Uplink (UL) transmissions and the radio access node transmits data over an air or radio interface to the wireless communications device 350 in Downlink (DL) transmissions. In figure 3a the radio interface is illustrated with a radio link 370, which may comprise the UL radio interface and/or the DL radio interface.

In some embodiments herein the first wireless communications network 301 further comprises a second cell 362. The second cell 362 may coincide with the first cell 361.

In some embodiments herein the second wireless communications network 302 comprises a third cell 363. The third cell 363 may for example be served by the second network node 342.

It is also possible that the network node 341 is implemented by software running on virtualized hardware, sometimes referred to as Network Functions (NFs). Figure 3b illustrates two example scenarios. In a first scenario an NF 3410a is implemented by software running in a base station 341a. In a second scenario a second NF 3410b is implemented by software running in a virtualized network node 341 b which may be located in a cloud serving the first wireless communications network 301.

It should be noted that the following embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present in another embodiment and it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art how those components may be used in the other exemplary embodiments.

In order to solve the problems mentioned above, in embodiments herein the network node 341 , which controls the wireless communication device 350 and operates in the first wireless communication network 301 , e.g. a first PLMN, is provided with a list of frequencies and with a list of network services of the second wireless communication network 302, such as another second PLMN. The network node 341 may further be provided with the conditions for using the second wireless communication network 302.

In some embodiments the frequencies and the network services associated with the second wireless communication network 302 are signalled to the wireless

communication device 350, possibly with restrictions on when they may be used.

Restrictions may be valid for specified services only or at coverage loss in the first wireless communication network 301 or some combination.

In some embodiments the information is used by the wireless communication device 350 in idle mode, for selective access to different wireless communication networks, such as different PLMNs.

The network node 341 may also use the information when the wireless communications device 350 is in connected mode to decide on which frequencies the wireless communications device 350 shall measure for possible target cells.

Some embodiments herein describe how to use additional frequencies for specific network services. The additional network services may be available for specific wireless communication devices and possibly only under specific circumstances, such as lack of coverage on the normal frequencies.

Thus some embodiments herein provide the wireless communications device 350 with the frequency of another surrounding operator or second wireless communications network 302. Hence when the wireless communications device 350 loses coverage in its home wireless communications network 301 it may directly use the frequency of the surrounding operator rather than perform a search on all frequencies before finding a cell in which it is only allowed to perform emergency calls.

In embodiments herein the additional frequencies may provide the required network service through additional wireless communication networks, such as the second wireless communication network 302.

However, in some other embodiments the additional frequencies may as well provide network services through the first wireless communication network 301 , i.e. the normal PLMN, but not be available for all wireless communication devices and/or all network services.

Embodiments herein may require an agreement between the operator of the first wireless communication network 301 and the operator of the second wireless

communication network 302 that the wireless communication devices of first wireless communication network 301 may use the second wireless communication network 302 when there is no coverage or lack of service from first wireless communication network 301. The wireless communication devices in first wireless communication network 301 may not be allowed to use the second wireless communication network 302 otherwise. The agreement may cover all wireless communication devices from first wireless communication network 301 or a part of the wireless communication devices, e.g. the ones with emergency calls or other specified ongoing service.

Actions for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies f1, f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring one or more radio signals 421 , 422 from one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 respectively, according to embodiments herein will now be described in relation to Figures 3c-f, Figures 4a-b, Figures 5a-c, Figures 6a-c, Figure 7 and Figure 8 and with continued reference to Figure 3a. Figure 3c illustrates a plurality of supported radio frequencies f1, f2, f3, f4, f5 for the wireless communication device 350. One or more radio frequencies f1, f2, f3 out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 are associated with the respective wireless communication network 301 , 302. For example, in Figure 3c a first radio frequency f1 and a second radio frequency f2 are associated with PLMN 1 , while a third radio frequency f3 is associated with PLMN 2. Figure 3d illustrates network services NS1, NS2, NS3 that the wireless communication networks 301 , 302 are configured to offer to the wireless communication device 350. For example, in Figure 3d a first network service NS1 and a second network service NS2 are associated with PLMN 1 , while the first network service NS1 and a third network service NS3 is associated with PLMN 2.

Figure 3e illustrates a first mapping 311 between wireless communications networks and radio frequencies, a second mapping 312 between wireless

communications networks and network services and a third mapping 313 between wireless communications networks, radio frequencies and network services.

Figure 3f illustrates a fourth mapping 314 between the first wireless

communications network 301 , the one or more radio frequencies f1 , f2 and the network services NS1 , NS2, NS3.

First Figures 4a and 4b will be described. Figures 4a and 4b describe the cooperation of the network node 341 , the core network node 371 , the management node 372 and the wireless communications device 350. Further, Figure 4a and 4b describe actions and signalling of the above mentioned method according to embodiments herein.

As mentioned above, the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device 350, and as mentioned above the network node 341 operates in the first wireless communications network 301 out of the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302. Further the network node 341 serves the wireless communications device 350.

Action 401

In order to control which at least one radio frequency out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring one or more radio signals 421 , 422 from one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 respectively the network node 341 receives, from the management node 372 a first mapping 31 1 between one or more radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5, and the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302. Each one or more radio frequency f1 , f2, f3 is associated with a respective wireless communications network 301 , 302.

A mapping is a relationship and may for example be a list. For example the first mapping 31 1 may be a list associating the one or more radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5, and the one or more wireless

communications networks 301 , 302.

Action 402a

In order to be able to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses based on a certain network service the network node 341 in some embodiments receives 402a, from the management node 372, operating in the first wireless communications network 301 , a second mapping 312 between a network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 and at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 out of the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302. The at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 is configured to provide the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 to the wireless communications device 350.

Action 402b

In some other embodiments the network node 341 receives 402b the second mapping 312 from the core network node 371 operating in the first wireless

communications network 30.

The network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 may be any type of call service including a normal call service. However, it may be more important to reduce the risk of interrupting some specific network services since their interruption may cause more disruption to the subscriber compared with if it was another service. These specific network services may be e.g. be a voice call, such as Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE), a high priority access, a low volume Machine Type Communication (MTC) data or an emergency call.

Action 402c

In some embodiments the management node 372 may transmit the first mapping 31 1 and the second mapping 312 to the network node 341 in one action 402c, e.g. as the third mapping 313 in one message.

The use of the above mentioned additional frequencies, or in other words, the use of the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 may be restricted, i.e. made conditional to certain circumstances.

Therefore, in some embodiments the network node 341 receives from the management node 372 or receives from the core network node 371 , a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

The condition may be fulfilled e.g. when a measure of a radio link 370 between the wireless communications device 350 and the first wireless communications network 301 is 5 worse than a threshold.

The condition may be further fulfilled e.g. when:

the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 is not supported in the first wireless

communications network 301 , or

when the wireless communications device 350 belongs to a specific group, such as 10 Home Public Land Mobile Network (H-PLMN), Closed Subscriber Group (CSG), or access class, or

during a specific time period, such as during day time or during night time, or during a high load in the first wireless communications network 301.

Although the reception and transmission of the condition has been described as a 15 separate action, the reception and transmission of the condition may be performed

together with the reception and transmission of the first mapping 31 1 and/or the second mapping 312 described above. For example, both mappings and the condition may be transmitted from the management node 372 in action 402c.

20 The network node 341 controls, based on the received first mapping 31 1 and the received second mapping 312 which at least one radio frequency the wireless

communications device 350 uses for measuring the one or more radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 in order to be able to use the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

25

Action 403

In some embodiments, e.g. when the wireless communications device 350 is connected to the first wireless communications network 301 , the controlling comprises deciding 403, based on the received first mapping 31 1 and the received second mapping 30 312, which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring the radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 in order to be able to use the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

Action 404 For the embodiments described above in action 403 the controlling further comprises transmitting 404 the decided radio frequencies to the wireless communications device 350.

These embodiments may be followed by a HO or a redirect to a target cell associated with the at least one radio frequency if the target cell is good. This is related to actions 410, 41 1 , 504 and 505 below.

Action 405a

In some other embodiments the network node 341 controls the frequency of the wireless communications device 350 by providing the wireless communications device 350 with the above mentioned first and/or second mappings 311 , 312 such that the wireless communications device 350 is able to select a frequency for a specific network service based on the mappings 311 , 312.

In these embodiments the controlling comprises transmitting 405a, to the wireless communications device 350, the third mapping 313 between the one or more radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 and the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3. The third mapping 313 is based on the first mapping 311 and on the second mapping 312.

In these other embodiments the wireless communications device 350 may use the third mapping 313 in idle mode to decide which wireless communications networks 301 , 302 to access.

Before transmitting the third mapping 313, the network node 341 may compile the third mapping 313 out of the first and second mappings 311 , 312. E.g., the third mapping 313 may comprise the first mapping 31 1 and the second mapping 312.

The controlling may further be based on a fulfilment of the condition.

In some embodiments the controlling comprises transmitting, to the wireless communications device 350, the condition for using the at least one wireless

communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3. By transmitting the condition to the wireless communications device 350 the network node assists the wireless communications device 350 in selecting at least one radio frequency to use in order to be able to use the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

In some embodiments the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 comprises the second wireless communications network 302. In these embodiments the controlling is based on the second mapping 312 between the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 and the second wireless communications network 302, and further based on the first mapping 31 1 between the one or more radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3 and the second wireless communications network 302. As mentioned above, in some embodiments herein, the wireless communications device 350 is provided with the first and second mappings 311 , 312 such that it is able to select a frequency for a specific network service based on the mappings 311 , 312.

Therefore, in one or more corresponding actions the wireless communications device 350 receives the first mapping 31 1 and receives the second mapping 312.

As mentioned above, the wireless communications device 350 may receive the mappings in one message as the third mapping 313 from the network node 341 , as described above.

Action 405b

In some embodiments the wireless communications device 350 receives only the first mapping 311 in action 405b.

Action 405c

When the wireless communications device 350 receives only the first mapping 311 in action 405b, then the wireless communications device 350 receives 405c the second mapping 312 from the core network node 371.

The wireless communications device 350 may further receive, from the network node 341 , or receive from the core network node 371 the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

Although the reception and transmission of the condition has been described as a separate action, the reception and transmission of the condition may be performed together with the reception and transmission of the first mapping 31 1 and/or the second mapping 312 described above. For example, both mappings and the condition may be transmitted from the network node 341 in action 405a.

Action 406

At some point in time the wireless communications device 350 starts 406 the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3. The wireless communications device 350 may e.g. start an emergency call. Action 407

The wireless communications device 350 selects 407, based on the first mapping 311 , and further based on the second mapping 312, which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 in order to be able to use the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

The selecting may further be based on a fulfilment of the condition received above.

In some embodiments the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 comprises a second wireless communications network 302. In these embodiments the selecting is based on the second mapping 312 between the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 and the second wireless communications network 302, and further based on the first mapping 31 1 between the one or more radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3 and the second wireless communications network 302.

Action 408

As mentioned above in actions 403 and 404, when the wireless communications device 350 is connected to the first wireless communications network 301 , the network node 341 may control 503 which at least one radio frequency the wireless

communications device 350 uses by transmitting the decided radio frequencies to the wireless communications device 350.

In these embodiments the wireless communications device 350 measures 408 radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 at the selected radio frequencies. By later transmitting one or more measurement reports to the first wireless communications network 301 , e.g. to the network node 341 , based on the measured radio signals 421 , 422 the wireless communications device 350 assists the first wireless communications network 301 in selecting target cells, for example for the purpose of handover.

As further mentioned above, these embodiments may be followed by a HO or a redirect to a target cell associated with the at least one radio frequency if the target cell is good. This is related to actions 410, 504 and 41 1 , 505 below.

Action 409

In some embodiments when the wireless communications device 350 has measured the radio signals 421 , 422, e.g. when e.g. when the wireless communications device 350 is in idle mode, the wireless communications device 350 decides 409 to access a target cell, such as the second cell 362 or the third cell 363 served by one of the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, based on the second mapping 312, and further based on the measured radio signals 421 , 422 at the selected radio frequencies.

Action 410

In some embodiments when the wireless communications device 350 has measured the radio signals 421 , 422, e.g. when e.g. when the wireless communications device 350 is in connected mode, the network node 341 receives 410, 504 a

measurement report 430 from the wireless communications device 350 for the radio signal 421 , 422 associated with the at least one radio frequency the wireless

communications device 350 uses for measuring the radio signals. Action 411

Based on the received measurement report, the network node 341 may select 411 , 505 a target cell 362, 363 for the purpose of hand over of the wireless communications device 350 from a source cell 361 to the target cell 362, 363.

In embodiments herein the term handover is meant to cover handover as it is used in the current E-UTRA standard, e.g. in TS 36.300 v. 13.3.0, but it also covers other network controlled movement of the wireless communication device 350 from the source cell 361 to the target cell, such as the second or third cell 362, 363, or from the source cell to an unspecified cell on another frequency, the target cell being in the same or in a another radio access technology. Such network controlled movements may also be referred to as re-direction, handoff, roaming, access point switch etc.

The actions of Figures 5a and 5b will now be shortly described. Action 501

The network node 341 receives 501 , from the management node 372 a first mapping 31 1 between the one or more radio frequencies f 1 , f2, f3, out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5, and the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302.

This action is related to action 401 above and action 801 below. Action 502

The network node 341 receives from the management node 372 or receives from the core network node 371 operating in the first wireless communications network 301 , the second mapping 312 between the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3 and the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302.

This action is related to actions 402a-b above and actions 701 and 802 below.

Action 503

The network node 341 controls, based on the received first mapping 31 1 and the received second mapping 312 which at least one radio frequency the wireless

This action is related to actions 403, 404, 405a and 404b above.

Action 504

In some embodiments when the wireless communications device 350 has measured the radio signals 421 , 422, e.g. when e.g. when the wireless communications device 350 is in connected mode, the network node 341 receives 504 a measurement report 430 from the wireless communications device 350 for the radio signal 421 , 422 associated with the at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring the radio signals.

This action is related to action 410 above. Action 505

Based on the received measurement report, the network node 341 may select 505 a target cell 362, 363 for the purpose of hand over of the wireless communications device 350 from the source cell 361 to the target cell 362, 363.

This action is related to action 411 above.

The actions of Figure 5c will now be shortly described.

Action 501c/502c In some embodiments the network node 341 receives from the management node 372 or receives from the core network node 371 , the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

The reception of the condition may be performed together with the reception 501 of the first mapping 311 and/or with the reception 502 of the second mapping 312 described above.

This action is related to actions 401 and 402a-c above and actions 702 and 803 below. Action 503c

The controlling may further be based on a fulfilment of the condition received above in action 501 c/502c.

This action is related to actions 405a-c above. The actions of Figures 6a-b will now be shortly described.

Action 601

The wireless communications device 350 receives 601 the first mapping 31 1. This action is related to actions 405a and 405b above.

Action 602

The wireless communications device 350 receives 602 the second mapping 312. The mappings may be in one message as the third mapping 313 from the network node 341 , as described above.

This action is related to actions 405a and 405c above and action 701 below.

Action 603

At some point in time the wireless communications device 350 starts 603 the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

This action is related to action 406 above.

Action 604

The wireless communications device 350 selects 604, based on the first mapping 311 , and further based on the second mapping 312, which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 in order to be able to use the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

This action is related to action 407 above.

5 Action 605

The wireless communications device 350 measures 605 radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 at the selected radio frequencies.

This action is related to action 408 above.

10

Action 606

When the wireless communications device 350 has measured the radio signals 421 , 422, the wireless communications device 350 decides 606 to access a target cell 362, 363 served by one of the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, based 15 on the second mapping 312, and further based on the measured radio signals 421 , 422 at the selected radio frequencies.

This action is related to action 409 above.

The actions of Figure 6c will now be shortly described.

20

Action 601c/602c

As mentioned above, the wireless communications device 350 may further receive 601 c, from the network node 341 , or receive 602c from the core network node 371 the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the 25 network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

Although the reception of the condition has been described as a separate action, the reception of the condition may be performed together with the reception of the first mapping 311 and/or the second mapping 312 described above. For example, both mappings and the condition may be transmitted from the network node 341 in action 30 405a.

This action is related to actions 405a-c above.

Action 604c

As mentioned above, the wireless communications device 350 may select 604c

35 which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses further based on the condition. Thus, the selecting may further be based on a fulfilment of the condition received above.

This action is related to actions 407 above. The actions of Figure 7 will now be shortly described. Figure 7 is a flowchart that describes a method performed by the core network node 371 for assisting the network node 341 in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, according to embodiments herein.

Action 701

The core network node 371 may transmit 701 the second mapping 312 to the network node 341.

This action is related to actions 402b and 502 above.

Action 702

The core network node 371 may transmit 702 the condition to the network node

341.

This action is related to actions 502c above.

The actions of Figure 8 will now be shortly described. Figure 8 is a flowchart that describes a method performed by the management node 372 for assisting the network node 341 in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, according to embodiments herein.

Action 801

The management node 372 transmits 801 the first mapping 31 1 to the network node 341.

This action is related to actions 401 and 501 above.

Action 802 The management node 372 may transmit 802 the second mapping 312 to the network node 341.

This action is related to actions 402a and 502 above. Action 803

The management node 372 may transmit 803 the condition to the network node

341.

This action is related to actions 501 c and 502c above. The method for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring radio signals 421 , 422 from one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, may be performed by the network node 341. The network node 341 may comprise the modules depicted in Figure 9 for controlling which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses.

As mentioned above the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device 350, and the network node 341 is configured to operate in the first wireless communications network 301 out of the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, and the network node 341 is configured to serve the wireless communications device 350.

The network node 341 is configured to, e.g. by means of a receiving module 910 configured to, receive from the management node 372 the first mapping 31 1.

The network node 341 is further configured to, e.g. by means of the receiving module 910 configured to, receive, from the management node 372 or from the core network node 371 the second mapping 312.

The receiving module 910 may be implemented, at least in part, by a processor 980 in the network node 341. Thus actions 501 , 502, 501 c, 502c and 504 may be performed by means such as the receiving module 910 in the network node 341.

The network node 341 is further configured to, e.g. by means of a controlling module 920 configured to control, based on the received first mapping 31 1 and the received second mapping 312 which at least one radio frequency the wireless

The network node 341 may further be configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses by being configured to transmit, to the wireless communications device 350, the third mapping 313 between the one or more radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 and the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

In some embodiments the network node 341 is configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses by being configured to decide, based on the received first mapping 31 1 and the received second mapping 312, which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses, and transmit the decided radio frequencies to the wireless communications device 350.

The controlling module 920 may be implemented, at least in part, by the processor 980 in the network node 341. Thus actions 503 and 503c may be performed by means such as the controlling module 920 in the network node 341.

In some embodiments the network node 341 is further configured to, e.g. by means of the receiving module 910 configured to, receive a measurement report 430 from the wireless communications device 350 for a radio signal 421 , 422 associated with at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring the radio signals, and further configured to, e.g. by means of the selecting module 940 configured to, select the target cell 362, 363, based on the received measurement report 430, for the purpose of hand over of the wireless communications device 350 from the source cell 361 to the target cell 362, 363.

In some embodiments the network node 341 is further configured to receive, from the management node 372 or the core network node 371 , the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3. Then the network node 341 may further be configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses based on the fulfilment of the condition.

In some embodiments the network node 341 is further configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses by being configured to transmit, to the wireless communications device 350, the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

The method for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring radio signals 421 , 422 from one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, may be performed by the wireless communications device 350. The wireless communications device 350 may comprise the modules depicted in Figure 10 for controlling which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses.

The wireless communication device 350 is configured to, e.g. by means of a receiving module 1010 configured to, receive, from a network node 341 operating in the first wireless communications network 301 , the first mapping 311.

The wireless communication device 350 is further configured to receive, from the network node 341 or from a core network node 371 operating in the first wireless communications network 301 , the second mapping 312.

The receiving module 1010 may be implemented, at least in part, by a processor

1080 in the wireless communication device 350. Thus actions 601 , 602, 601 b, 602b may be performed by means such as the receiving module 1010 in the wireless

communications device 350.

The wireless communication device 350 is further configured to, e.g. by means of a starting module 1020 configured to, start the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

The starting module 1020 may be implemented, at least in part, by the processor

1080 in the wireless communication device 350. Thus action 603 may be performed by means such as the starting module 1020 in the wireless communications device 350.

The wireless communication device 350 is further configured to, e.g. by means of a selecting module 1030 configured to, select, based on the first mapping 31 1 , and further based on the second mapping 312, which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 in order to be able to use the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3. The selecting module 1030 may be implemented, at least in part, by the processor 1080 in the wireless communication device 350. Thus actions 604 and 604c may be performed by means such as the selecting module 1030 in the wireless communications device 350.

In some embodiments the wireless communication device 350 is further configured to, e.g. by means of a measuring module 1040 configured to, measure radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 at the selected radio frequencies, and to

e.g. by means of a deciding module 1050 configured to, decide to access a target cell 362, 363 served by one of the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, based on the second mapping 312, and further based on the measured radio signals 421 , 422 at the selected radio frequencies.

The measuring module 1040 and the deciding module 1050 may each be implemented, at least in part, by the processor 1080 in the wireless communication device 350. Thus action 605 may be performed by means such as the measuring module 1040 in the wireless communications device 350, while action 606 may be performed by means such as the deciding module 1050 in the wireless communications device 350. In some embodiments the wireless communication device 350 is further configured to, e.g. by means of the measuring module 1040 configured to, receive, from the network node 341 , or from the core network node 371 a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3. In these embodiments the wireless communications device 350 may be configured to select which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device 350 uses further based on a fulfilment of the condition.

The method for assisting the network node 341 in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring one or more radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, may be performed by the core network node 371. The core network node 371 may comprise the modules depicted in Figure 11. The core network node 371 is configured to, e.g. by means of a transmitting module 1110 configured to, transmit, to the network node 341 , and/or to the wireless communications device 350 the second mapping 312. The at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 is configured to provide the network service NS1 , NS2, 5 NS3 to the wireless communications device 350.

In some embodiments the core network node 371 is further configured to transmit, to the network node 341 , and/or to the wireless communications device 350 the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network 10 service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

The method for assisting the network node 341 in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of the plurality of radio frequencies f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5 the wireless communications device 350 uses for measuring one or more radio signals 421 , 422 from 15 the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302, may be performed by the management node 372. The management node 372 may comprise the modules depicted in Figure 12. The at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 is configured to provide the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3; and/or

20 The management node 372 is configured to, e.g. by means of a transmitting

module 1210 configured to, transmit, to the network node 341 , the first mapping 311.

In some embodiments the management node 372 is further configured to transmit, to the network node 341 , the second mapping 312, and/or transmit, to the network node 25 341 , the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network 301 , 302 for the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3.

Embodiments

In embodiments below the first wireless communications network 301 will be 30 exemplified as an LTE network. Thus, the network node 341 will be exemplified with an eNB and the wireless communications device 350 with a UE. Further, the core network node 371 will be exemplified with an MME and the management node 372 with an OSS.

PLMN Frequencies Configuration in the eNB For the wireless communications device 350 to be able to fast find cells on other frequencies, such as frequencies A, that may be used as handover targets, the wireless communications device 350 needs to know the frequencies A of these cells. Such frequencies may be signaled to the wireless communications device 350 from the first wireless communications network 301 , e.g. from the network node 341.

In embodiments herein it is further possible to also signal frequencies B to the wireless communications device 350, which it may use only for selected services, or even for normal connections but only if the wireless communications device 350 loses coverage in its own wireless communications network, e.g. its own PLMN. The frequencies B may be frequencies with cells providing service for the first wireless communications network 301 , normally serving the wireless communications device 350, but which the wireless communications device 350 is not allowed to use for all services.

In some other embodiments the frequencies B may belong to another wireless communications network, such as another PLMN. In order for the network node 341 to transfer the frequencies to the wireless communications device 350, it should know those frequencies in the first place. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4a, all frequencies that are used in another PLMN are configured by the operator at the OSS. As all other parameters configured at the OSS, those will be communicated to the network node 341 via a suitable protocol used between the OSS and the network node 341. These protocols may be proprietary. All frequencies of the own PLMN are assumed to be configured in the network node 341 as well.

Transfer of Service-to-PLMN Mapping to eNB

The mapping of services to what PLMNs may be used for that service may be sent from the core network node 371 , such as the MME, to the network node 341. The mapping may be made for all services handled using the same S1-MME connection, and/or all services for a wireless communications device 350 and/or for the service over an E-UTRAN Radio Access Bearer (E-RAB). Each service is identified with a serviceld which may be E-RAB, Quality of Service Class Identifier (QCI), Establishment Cause or other specific identifier. One establishment cause may be an emergency call. Another establishment cause may be a normal originating packet call. Hence by using the establishment cause it is possible to differentiate the types of service. Similar for E-RAB. Each E-RAB has an identity and may reflect a certain type of service. For example default E-RAB is a basic connection where Non-Guaranteed bit rate is used. If the mapping between service and PLMN is common for all wireless

communications devices, the mapping may instead be sent from the OSS system, e.g. from the management node 372, to the network node 341. In this case only common service identifiers for wireless communications devices may be used, such as QCI, Establishment Cause or specific service identifiers, such as a number identifying the service between MME, OSS, network node and UE.

QCI and the E-RAB type are common for all wireless communications devices and not specific for a wireless communications device. A specific E-RAB belongs to one UE (the exception is broadcast or multicast services, where E-RABs are shared by many UEs).

However some wireless communications devices (some SIM cards) may have bought a service like VOLTE whereas some others in the same PLMN may not have bought that particular service. For example, for a normal service (normal packet LTE connection) a UE may not use another PLMN if the UE loses its coverage in its own PLMN. However for some specific services like if the UE is performing VOLTE then the UE may continue his call on the other PLMN in case it loses its coverage in its own PLMN.

The service-to-PLMN mapping optionally includes restrictions on when a PLMN may be used for a certain service, such as only when there is no coverage from the wireless communications device's normal serving PLMN.

In LTE, the information from the core network node 371 to the network node 341 in may be transferred in S1 Setup Response, MME Configuration Update, E-RAB Setup Request, E-RAB Modify Request, Initial Context Setup Request, UE Context Modification Request or Downlink NAS Transport.

Transferring the Service-to-PLMN-to-Frequency Mapping to the Target eNB at Handover

If any mapping information between service, PLMN and frequency, received in the network node 341 , such as an eNB, from either the management node 372 or the core network node 371 , is specific for the wireless communications device 350, these mappings may be transferred from the source network node 341 , such as a source eNB, to the target network node, such as a target eNB, at handover. For handover within E- UTRAN, the information may be contained in S1 Handover Required, S1 Handover Request or X2 Handover Request messages. That is, the network node 341 may transmit 412, to the target network node, such as the second network node 342, the first mapping 31 1 and/or the second mapping 312.

By transferring the mappings which are specific for the wireless communications device 350, the target network node may also control which at least one radio frequency 5 the wireless communications device 350 shall use for measuring the one or more radio signals 421 , 422 from the one or more wireless communications networks 301 , 302 in order to be able to use the network service NS1 , NS2, NS3. This may reduce the signalling overhead in the wireless communications networks 301 , 302 and may also reduce the time for the target network node to control the wireless communications device 10 350.

Sending Service-to-PLMN-to-frequency Mapping to the UE and using the Mapping at Connection Setup

When the wireless communications device 350 is connected to the network node 15 341 , the network node 341 transmits the mapping of Service-to-PLMN-to-frequency to the wireless communications device 350. When the wireless communications device 350 starts a service it is aware of what frequencies and alternative PLMNs that it is allowed to access. In this way the wireless communications device 350 may start and use certain services in areas outside the coverage of the normal PLMN and does not have to scan to 20 find the frequencies for the other PLMNs.

In the case where the service-to-PLMN mapping origins from the core network node 371 , one option is to send the service-to-PLMN mapping from the core network node 371 to the wireless communications device 350, not exposed to the network node 341 , and the frequency-to-PLMN mapping from the network node 341 to the wireless

25 communications device 350.

In LTE, the information from the network node 341 to the wireless communications device 350 may be transferred in RRCConnectionReconfiguration or

RRCConnectionRelease messages or broadcasted as part of a System Information 30 message, which is further described below. When information is sent from the core

network node 371 to the wireless communications device 350, it is conveyed through the network node 341 as other NAS signalling information.

In another example, if the wireless communications device 350 is redirected to any other system, the frequencies of the other PLMNs, already configured at the OSS and 35 passed to the controller of wireless communications devices in the other system, e.g. an RNC or BSS, may be transferred to the wireless communications device 350 via a signaling dedicated message exchanged during the connection setup on the fallback system. The other system may e.g. be the second wireless communications network 302 and the controller in the other system may thus be the second network node 342.

HO to another PLMN

As long as the wireless communications device 350 is provided the wanted service, it remains in one cell of the first wireless communications network. I.e. while receiving a good radio coverage, e.g. better than a threshold, the other frequencies corresponding to other PLMNs are not used. However as soon as the wireless communications device 350 starts a network service that is not supported in first wireless communications network 301 or the radio coverage at the wireless communications device 350 side becomes poor, and there is no better neighbor cell to handover to in its own PLMN, the wireless communications device 350 may be requested by the network node 341 to check for a good neighbor cell on the frequencies of other PLMNs. That is, the UE is triggered to search for a neighbour cell on the additional frequency.

In LTE, two types of HO are defined. X2 handover and S1 handover. For X2 HO both network nodes (source & target) should be connected to the same core network node 371 where the wireless communications device 350 is registered. Further, an X2 link between the two network node 341 s is needed. If this is not the case, an S1 HO is performed. Sequences showing X2 HO are described in the 3GPP TS 23.401 version 13.6.1 in section 5.5.1 , page 211-224.

Note that the wireless communications device 350 may select a frequency in another wireless communication network that belongs to another type of wireless communication network, e.g. UMTS. A detailed description of such procedure is also available in the same standard 3GPP 23.401 version 13.6.1 in section 5.5.2, page 224- 257.

In all cases, whether the target cell belongs to the same system or to a different system, the Core network of the source cell should know how to contact the Core network of the target cell in order for the HO to proceed. In one embodiment this may be done thanks to a certain type of roaming agreement between different wireless communication networks. The roaming agreement applies when the connection between the wireless communication device 350 and the first wireless communications network 301 fulfils the conditions for e.g. service type or lack of coverage. Broadcast of Service-to-PLMN-to-frequency mapping to the UE

For a wireless communications device 350 in idle mode, the communication of the first and second mappings 31 1 , 312 may be done in different ways. In the following the first and second mappings 31 1 , 312 will be exemplified with a list of services, a list of frequencies and a list of wireless communication network(s) that are allowed e.g. when there is a lack of coverage on the home wireless communications network 301 , or when a particular network service needs to start on another wireless communication network, such as the second wireless communications network.

If the list of services is allowed for a particular wireless communications device 350, then the communication of allowed services may be done for particular subscribers via Non Access Stratum (NAS) messages from the core network node 371 to the wireless communications device 350. This may be done for example when the wireless communications device 350 registers to the first wireless communications network 301. However, if the list of services is allowed for all wireless communications devices then the communication may be done also via a NAS message from the core network node 371 or it may be done by sending that list in a System Information Block. For example such information may be sent to all wireless communications devices via

SystemlnformationBlockTypel in Information Element (IE) PLMN-ldentitylnfo according to the following.

The current PLMN-ldentitylnfo contents, described in detail in 3GPP TS 36.331 , v13.1.0, is first shown below.

PLMN-ldentitylnfo::= SEQUENCE {

Plmn-ldentity PLMN-ldentity

cellReservedForOperatorUse ENUMERATED {reserved, notReserved} }

To this PLMN-ldentitylnfo the network node 341 may add the list of services to the optional PLMN identity that is allowed, e.g. with restrictions. The restrictions e.g. be related to when the wireless communications device 350 loses coverage or when a type of service is to start on the optional PLMN.

In some embodiments a new IE denoted servicesAllowedList, shown below, is added. All new added information is highlighted with underlined font: PLMN-ldentitylnfo::= SEQUENCE {

Plmn-ldentity PLMN-ldentity

cellReservedForOperatorUse ENUMERATED {reserved, notReserved}

servicesAllowed BIT STRING ( SIZE D)

5 }

where each bit indicate if the PLMN is allowed to be used for the corresponding service, the services being e.g. All services, VoLTE, high priority access, low volume MTC data, emergency call etc.

10 The information may be sent in different system information blocks. It need not be sent in SIB1. For E-UTRA inter-frequency as well as inter-RAT frequencies, information is currently sent in different System Information Blocks. For example other E-UTRA frequencies are sent in SystemlnformationBlockType5 whereas UTRA frequencies are sent in SystemlnformationBlockType6 etc.

15 In embodiments herein, the new frequencies may be added each within its type. For example if an E-UTRA frequency is to be used when the wireless communications device 350 has lost coverage or when a new service is to start, this E-UTRA frequency may also be sent in SystemlnformationBlockType5. However it may be accompanied with another information like the servicesAllowed above.

20

The general procedures of the wireless communications device 350 in idle mode, e.g. cell selection and reselection are described in 3GPP TS 36.304 version 13.1.0. With regard to that specification, no new parameters need to be added to existing equations of cell selection and reselection. Rather the behavior of the wireless communications device

25 350 may be affected.

For example, when the wireless communications device 350 loses coverage in its own wireless communication network 301 , the current specification specifies that it will "regularly attempt to find a suitable cell trying all frequencies of all RAT that are supported by the wireless communications device 350" (extract from section 5.2.9 from 3GPP TS

30 36.304 v13.1.0).

According to embodiments herein the text may be modified as follows: the wireless communications device 350 will "regularly attempt to find a suitable cell first trying 'appropriate conditional frequencies' that have been communicated to the wireless communications device 350 via system information or dedicated signalling". Embodiments herein accelerate the move of the wireless communications device 350 from the home wireless communication network 301 to another wireless

communication network 302, e.g. when the coverage of the home wireless communication network 301 is lost, or when a new network service is to be started in the other wireless communication network 302.

The embodiments herein may be implemented through one or more processors, such as the processor 980 in the network node 341 depicted in Figure 9, the processor 1080 in the wireless communications device 350 depicted in Figure 10, the processor 1 180 in the core network node 371 depicted in Figure 11 and the processor 1280 in the management node 372 depicted in Figure 12, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the

embodiments herein when being loaded into the wireless communications device 350, the network node 341 , the core network node 371 and the management node 372. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the wireless

communications device 350, network node 341 , the core network node 371 and the management node 372.

Thus, the methods according to the embodiments described herein for the wireless communications device 350, the network node 341 , the core network node 371 and the management node 372 may be implemented by means of a computer program product, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the wireless communications device 350, the network node 341 , the core network node 371 and the management node 372. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium, having stored there on the computer program, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the wireless communications device 350, the network node 341 , the core network node 371 and the management node 372. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The wireless communications device 350, the network node 341 , the core network node 371 and the management node 372 may further each comprise a memory 990, 1090, 1190, 1290 comprising one or more memory units. The memory 990, 1090, 1190, 1290 is arranged to be used to store obtained information such as frequencies, network services, wireless communications networks, mappings of the aforementioned

information, conditions for using a wireless communications network, measurements of signals, measurement reports or parts thereof and applications etc. to perform the methods herein when being executed in the wireless communications device 350, the network node 341 , the core network node 371 and the management node 372.

When using the word "comprise" or "comprising" it shall be interpreted as non- limiting, i.e. meaning "consist at least of".

Modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Therefore, the above embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope, which is defined by the appending claims.

Note that although terminology from 3GPP LTE/SAE has been used in this disclosure to exemplify the embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein to only the aforementioned network types. Other wireless network types and/or radio access technologies, e.g. LTE Evolution and New Radio (NR), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure. Also note that terminology such as a first network node and a second network node should be considered to be non-limiting and does in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two.

Claims

A method performed by a network node (341) for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) a wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) respectively, wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the network node (341) operates in a first wireless communications network (301) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), and wherein the network node (341) serves the wireless communications device (350), the method comprising:

receiving (401 , 501), from a management node (372) operating in the first wireless communications network (301), a first mapping (311) between one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3), out of the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5), and the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein each one or more radio frequency (f1 , f2, f3) is associated with a respective wireless communications network (301 , 302);

receiving (402a, 402b, 502), from the management node (372) or from a core network node (371) operating in the first wireless communications network (301), a second mapping (312) between a network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless

communications network (301 , 302) is configured to provide the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) to the wireless communications device (350); and

controlling (503), based on the received first mapping (311) and the received second mapping (312) which at least one radio frequency the wireless

communications device (350) uses for measuring the one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) in order to be able to use the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

The method according to claim 1 , wherein the controlling (503) comprises:

transmitting (405a), to the wireless communications device (350), a third mapping (313) between the one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3), the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) and the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3), which third mapping (313) is based on the first mapping (311) and on the second mapping (312).

The method according to claim 1 , wherein the controlling (503) comprises:

deciding (403), based on the received first mapping (31 1) and the received second mapping (312), which at least one radio frequency the wireless

communications device (350) uses for measuring the radio signals (421 , 422) from the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) in order to be able to use the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3); and

transmitting (404) the decided radio frequencies to the wireless communications device (350).

The method according to claim 3, further comprising:

receiving (410, 504) a measurement report (430) from the wireless

communications device (350) for a radio signal (421 , 422) associated with the at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring the radio signals; and

selecting (411 , 505) a target cell (362, 363), based on the received

measurement report, for the purpose of hand over of the wireless communications device (350) from a source cell (361) to the target cell (362, 363).

The method according to any of the claims 1-4, further comprising:

receiving (501 c, 502c), from the management node (372) or the core network node (371), a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network

(301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3), and

wherein the controlling (503c) is further based on a fulfilment of the condition.

The method according to claim 5, wherein the controlling (503) comprises:

transmitting (405a-b), to the wireless communications device (350), the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

7. The method according to any of the claims 5-6, wherein the condition is fulfilled: when a measure of a radio link (370) between the wireless communications device (350) and the first wireless communications network (301) is worse than a threshold; or

the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) is not supported in the first wireless communications network (301), or

when the wireless communications device (350) belongs to a specific group, such as Home Public Land Mobile Network, H-PLMN, Closed Subscriber Group, CSG, or access class, or

during a specific time period, such as during day time or during night time, or during a high load in the first wireless communications network (301).

The method according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) comprises a second wireless communications network (302), and wherein the controlling (503) which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring radio signals (422) from the second wireless communications network (302) in order to be able to use the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) is based on the second mapping (312) between the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and the second wireless communications network (302), and further based on the first mapping (31 1) between the one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3) and the second wireless communications network (302).

A network node (341) for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) a wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) respectively, wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the network node (341) is configured to operate in a first wireless communications network (301) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), and wherein the network node (341) is configured to serve the wireless communications device (350), the network node (341) being further configured to:

receive, from a management node (372) operating in the first wireless communications network (301), a first mapping (31 1) between one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3), out of the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5), and the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein each one or more radio frequency (f1 , f2, f3) is associated with a respective wireless communications network (301 , 302);

receive, from the management node (372) or from a core network node (371) operating in the first wireless communications network (301), a second mapping (312) between a network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless

communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless

control, based on the received first mapping (31 1) and the received second mapping (312) which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring the one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) in order to be able to use the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

The network node (341) according to claim 9, configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses by being configured to transmit, to the wireless communications device (350), a third mapping (313) between the one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3), the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) and the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3), which third mapping (313) is based on the first mapping (311) and on the second mapping (312).

The network node (341) according to claim 9, configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses by being configured to:

decide, based on the received first mapping (311) and the received second mapping (312), which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses; and

transmit the decided radio frequencies to the wireless communications device (350).

The network node (341) according to claim 11 , further configured to: receive a measurement report (430) from the wireless communications device (350) for a radio signal (421 , 422) associated with at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring the radio signals; and select a target cell (362, 363), based on the received measurement report (430), for the purpose of hand over of the wireless communications device (350) from a source cell (361) to the target cell (362, 363).

The network node (341) according to any of the claims 9-12, further configured to: receive, from the management node (372) or the core network node (371), a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3), and

wherein the network node (341) is further configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses based on a fulfilment of the condition.

The network node (341) according to claim 13, further configured to control which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses by being configured to:

transmit, to the wireless communications device (350), the condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

A method performed by a wireless communications device (350) for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) comprises a first wireless communications network (301), the method comprising:

receiving (405a, 405b, 601), from a network node (341) operating in the first wireless communications network (301), a first mapping (311) between one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3) out of the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5), and one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein each radio frequency (f1 , f2, f3) is associated with a respective wireless communications network (301 , 302);

receiving (405a, 405b, 602), from the network node (341) or from a core network node (371) operating in the first wireless communications network (301), a second mapping (312) between a network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) is configured to provide the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) to the wireless communications device (350);

starting (406, 603) the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3); and

selecting (407, 604), based on the first mapping (311), and further based on the second mapping (312), which at least one radio frequency the wireless

communications device (350) uses for measuring radio signals (421 , 422) from the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) in order to be able to use the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

measuring (408, 605) radio signals (421 , 422) from the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) at the selected radio frequencies; and deciding (409, 606) to access a target cell (362, 363) served by one of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), based on the second mapping (312), and further based on the measured radio signals (421 , 422) at the selected radio frequencies.

The method according to any of the claims 15-16, further comprising:

receiving (405a-b, 405c, 601 b, 602b), from the network node (341), or from the core network node (371) a condition for using the at least one wireless

communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3), and wherein the selecting (407, 604b) is further based on a fulfilment of the condition.

The method according to claim 17, wherein the condition is fulfilled:

when a measure of a radio link (370) between the wireless communications device (350) and the first wireless communications network (301) is worse than a threshold; or the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) is not supported in the first wireless communications network (301), or

when the wireless communications device (350) belongs to a specific group, such as H-PLMN, Closed Subscriber Group, CSG, and access class, or

The method according to any of the claims 15-18, wherein the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) comprises a second wireless communications network (302), and wherein the selecting (406) which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring radio signals (421 , 422) from the second wireless communications network (302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) is based on the second mapping (312) between the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and the second wireless communications network (302), and further based on the first mapping (311) between the one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3) and the second wireless communications network (302).

A wireless communications device (350) for controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) comprises a first wireless communications network (301), the wireless communications device (350) is configured to:

receive, from a network node (341) operating in the first wireless

communications network (301), a first mapping (31 1) between one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3) out of the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5), and one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein each radio frequency (f1 , f2, f3) is associated with a respective wireless communications network (301 , 302);

receive, from the network node (341) or from a core network node (371) operating in the first wireless communications network (301), a second mapping (312) between a network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless

communications network (301 , 302) is configured to provide the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) to the wireless communications device (350);

start the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3); and

select, based on the first mapping (311), and further based on the second mapping (312), which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring radio signals (421 , 422) from the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302) in order to be able to use the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

The wireless communications device (350) according to claim 20, further configured to:

measure radio signals (421 , 422) from the one or more wireless

communications networks (301 , 302) at the selected radio frequencies; and decide to access a target cell (362, 363) served by one of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), based on the second mapping (312), and further based on the measured radio signals (421 , 422) at the selected radio frequencies.

The wireless communications device (350) according to any of the claims 20-21 , further configured to:

receive, from the network node (341), or from the core network node (371) a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3), and

wherein the wireless communications device (350) is configured to select which at least one radio frequency the wireless communications device (350) uses further based on a fulfilment of the condition.

A method performed by a core network node (371) for assisting a network node (341) in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) a wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) are operational radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the core network node (371) and the radio access network node (341) operate in a first wireless communications network (301) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), and wherein the network node (341) serves the wireless communications device (350), the method comprising:

transmitting (402b, 405c, 701), to the network node (341), and/or to the wireless communications device (350) a mapping between a network service (NS1 , NS2,

NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) is configured to provide the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) to the wireless communications device (350).

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising:

transmitting (402b, 405c, 702), to the network node (341), and/or to the wireless communications device (350) a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

25. A core network node (371) for assisting a network node (341) in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) a wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) are operational radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the core network node (371) and the radio access network node (341) are configured to operate in a first wireless communications network (301) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), and wherein the network node (341) serves the wireless communications device (350), the core network node

(371) being configured to:

transmit, to the network node (341), and/or to the wireless communications device (350) a mapping between a network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) is configured to provide the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) to the wireless communications device (350).

26. The core network node (371) according to claim 25, further configured to: transmit, to the network node (341), and/or to the wireless communications device (350) a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

A method performed by a management node (372) for assisting a network node (341) in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) a wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 f2, f3, f4, f5) are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the management node (372) and the network node (341) operate in a first wireless communications network (301) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), and wherein the network node (341) serves the wireless communications device (350), the method comprising:

transmitting (401 , 402c, 801), to the network node (341), a first mapping (311) between one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3), out of the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5), and the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein each one or more radio frequency (f1 , f2, f3) is associated with a respective wireless communications network (301 , 302).

The method according to claim 27, further comprising:

transmitting (402a, 402c, 802), to the network node (341), a second mapping (312) between a network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless

communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) is configured to provide the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3); and/or

transmitting (803), to the network node (341), a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

29. A management node (372) for assisting a network node (341) in controlling which at least one radio frequency out of a plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) a wireless communications device (350) uses for measuring one or more radio signals (421 , 422) from one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5) are supported radio frequencies of the wireless communications device (350), and wherein the management node (372) and the network node (341) are configured to operate in a first wireless communications network (301) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), and wherein the network node (341) serves the wireless communications device (350), the management node (372) being configured to:

transmit, to the network node (341), a first mapping (311) between one or more radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3), out of the plurality of radio frequencies (f1 , f2, f3, f4, f5), and the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein each one or more radio frequency (f1 , f2, f3) is associated with a respective wireless communications network (301 , 302).

The management node (372) according to claim 29, further configured to:

transmit, to the network node (341), a second mapping (312) between a network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3) and at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) out of the one or more wireless communications networks (301 , 302), wherein the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) is configured to provide the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3); and/or

transmit, to the network node (341), a condition for using the at least one wireless communications network (301 , 302) for the network service (NS1 , NS2, NS3).

A computer program product (991 , 1091 , 1 191 , 1291) comprising software instructions (992, 1092, 1 192, 1292) that, when executed in a processor (980, 1080, 1180, 1280), performs the method of any of claims 1 to 8, 15 to 19, 23 to 24 or 27-28.