Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for providing to a mobile computing device the carrier identity, expected connection quality and pricing information related to each radio service available in the location where the mobile computing device is attempting to make a radio communications connection. This location-specific connection quality information for each carrier is provided by a system that gathers real connection quality information for each wireless carrier operator's signal in a given location, as reported to the system by mobile computing devices operating in that given location, thus creating a database of connection quality information that is automatically updated over time. This system also links the identity and usage pricing structure information of each radio carrier operator to each location. Preferably, this system makes the aggregated map of information available to a mobile computing device via a data communications connection in real time, so a mobile computing device could download a current ‘map’ and use it immediately, or store it for future use in the same, or other locations. By looking up the information available in the map for its own current location, a mobile computing device can make an informed decision as to which carrier is the most appropriate for a connection at that location. The determination of the mobile device's current location can be obtained via an internal or linked GPS receiver, or by other mechanisms or methods.

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First Claim