Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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H-202153
METHOD OF PROVIDING MOBILE APPLICATION SERVICES TO
VEHICLES OVER A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
TECHNICAL FIELD
The technical field of the invention is the provision of mobile
application services to vehicles over a wireless telecommunications network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The development of wireless telecommunications has enabled
the provision of mobile application services to vehicles throughout most of
North America by mobile application service providers such as GM OnStar ~.
Call-in service for Global Positioning System (GPS) determined vehicle
location or directions to a desired vehicle destination, tracking of stolen
vehicles, automatic notification of supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR)
activation with dispatch of emergency services, and notification of a vehicle
security system violation are examples of the mobile application services now
available to properly equipped vehicles; and such mobile application services
have provided improved convenience and security to vehicle operators.
Mobile application services have been provided to vehicles
equipped with mobile stations operating in cellular geographic service areas
(CGSAs) of North America. These mobile stations are familiar cellular
telephones, with general dialing capabilities in addition to any push-button
activated automatic dialing. To support general dialing, such cellular
telephones are registered with a cellular wireless telecommunications service
provider. Thus, to receive mobile application services in a vehicle, a
subscriber must enter into separate agreements with two providers: (1) a
provider of the mobile application services themselves, and (2) a provider of
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wireless telecommunication services in a home CGSA. This results in
problems for the subscriber and for both providers.
One such problem is that each subscriber receives two separate
bills: one from the mobile application service provider and one from the
wireless telecommunication service provider. This can create confusion for
subscribers and generate extra billing costs.
Another problem is undesirable cost and service variation to
subscribers. Although the mobile application service provider can provide
consistent services at consistent prices throughout the wireless
telecommunications network, the costs and service level for wireless
telecommunications services, which are billed separately by the wireless
telecommunication service providers, can vary significantly from one provider
or CGSA to the next. There are 734 CGSAs in the United States; and each
such CGSA is allowed two competing cellular service providers - the "A-
side" and the "B-side" providers - which generally vary from one CGSA to
another. The cost of wireless telecommunication service within these areas
varies from one CGSA to another, as does the level of service provided. Use
of the mobile station outside the home CGSA - known as "roaming" -
depends on roaming agreements between the subscriber's cellular service
provider and the cellular service providers in other CGSAs through which the
subscriber travels. Roaming charges thus tend to vary greatly and
unpredictably throughout the wireless telecommunications network. Similar
problems exist in the Personal Communication Service (PCS) band.
Yet another problem is inconvenience in the installation and
programming of the mobile station. A mobile application service provider
may provide and install a mobile station pre-programmed for the mobile
application services, and may provide "over-the-air" programming changes of
these services; but the mobile station must also be activated by the wireless
telecommunication service provider for use in the wireless telecommunications
network. Any change in the wireless telecommunications service provider,
either because of a move by the subscriber to a different CGSA or because of
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a change in providers in a CGSA for lower prices or better service, requires
reprogramming of the mobile station by the new wireless telecommunication
service provider. Such reprogramming generally requires an inconvenient
visit to a facility of the new wireless telecommunications service provider.
Fraud is another problem which is shared by all users of
wireless telecommunications equipment. At times, mobile stations are
required to broadcast identifying information such as the phone mobile
identification number (MIN) and equipment serial number (ESN), which can
be intercepted and programmed into another mobile station. The other mobile
station is a clone which imitates the legitimate mobile station in the system
and
thus fraudulently shifts charges for system use to the legitimate mobile
station.
The widespread fraud problem has led to the introduction of authentication
methods in wireless telecommunications based on authentication keys in
mobile stations and network equipment which are not broadcast and thereby
cannot be intercepted. But, due to the expense of converting equipment, many
cellular service providers, particularly in less populated CGSAs, have not
implemented this technology. Thus, the level of protection against fraud also
varies widely across the wireless telecommunications network. In addition to
fraudulent charge shifting, fraudulent use of the network consumes limited
network bandwidth which is not available to legitimate users. Also, because
wireless telecommunication service providers often absorb the costs of
fraudulent calls, much time and effort is expended by such providers in
reaching agreements with each other to apportion these costs. Thus, the prior
art arrangement for providing mobile application services over the wireless
telecommunications network results in confusion, inconvenience and extra
cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The process of this invention restricts use of the mobile stations
in vehicles to the provision of mobile application services and places the
mobile application service provider in control of the marketing and delivery
of
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these services over the wireless telecommunications network. In so doing, the
process provides a new class of service in the wireless telecommunications
network which reduces cost and confusion, improves convenience and
substantially eliminates fraud. The process also creates, in effect, a new
virtual network overlaying and using the wireless telecommunications network
to connect a mobile application service provider to its subscribers.
In this process, embedded mobile stations are provided in
vehicles. Each embedded mobile station is authentication capable, has a
predetermined dialable, non-geographic mobile identification number, and
provides programmed dialing restricted to one or more predetermined mobile
application service directory numbers. A home location register containing
identification and profile information for the embedded mobile stations is
connected to the wireless telecommunications network via a service control
point. A mobile application service center provides mobile application
services to the vehicles via the embedded mobile stations. The embedded
mobile stations are responsive to calls only from the mobile application
service center.
In addition, the home location register is programmed to
restrict calls from the embedded mobile stations to the predetermined mobile
application service directory numbers. Furthermore, the mobile application
service center authenticates all incoming calls from the embedded mobile
stations, and the embedded mobile stations authenticate all incoming calls.
The restrictions on calls from the embedded mobile stations to
the mobile application service center ensure that any call from a mobile
station
identifying itself as an embedded mobile station is routed only to the mobile
application service center, where it is subjected to authentication
independent
of any provided elsewhere in the wireless telecommunication network. Even
if a mobile station is cloned, the clone could not complete any call over the
wireless telecommunications network except to the mobile application service
center; and such a completed call would be dropped when authentication
failed. The clone would thus be useless. Likewise, authentication of all
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incoming calls by the mobile units ensures that only calls from the mobile
application service center are completed to the mobile stations. Fraud is
essentially eliminated in the provision of mobile application services.
The process is managed by the mobile application service
provider, which provides the mobile stations to controlled specifications,
maintains a home location register for the mobile stations, provides
specifications for the new class of service to necessary entities in the
wireless
telecommunications network, and authenticates all calls in the provision of
mobile application services. The mobile application service provider is thus
able to manage its risks and costs to provide lower rates to its subscribers.
Furthermore, there is no need for support to the subscriber by
the wireless telecommunication service providers. The mobile application
service provider may enter into agreements with all wireless
telecommunication service providers whereby it assumes all subscriber service
responsibilities and charges involved in the provision of the mobile
application
services via the mobile stations. Thus, the subscribers subscribe for services
only from the mobile application service provider and receive a single bill
for
the provision of mobile application services to their mobile stations. The
mobile application service provider negotiates with the wireless
telecommunication service providers on a continuing basis to obtain consistent
service at the lowest available rates for wireless telecommunication services
in
all geographic service areas and provides "over-the-air" programming of
embedded mobile stations, in a manner transparent to the subscriber, when
preferred wireless telecommunication service providers are changed.
The process provides benefits to the wireless telecommunication
service providers. The substantial elimination of fraud in the provision of
mobile application services frees bandwidth for legitimate network users and
lowers costs, particularly for those providers who have not adopted call
authentication. The assumption of customer service for the embedded mobile
stations by the mobile application service provider lowers costs and reduces
customer confusion and complaints. For these and other reasons, it is
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anticipated that the new class of service will be less costly and will thus
attract
more subscribers for the mobile application service provider. The increase in
subscribers will result in increased business to the wireless
telecommunication
service providers at a lower operating cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile application service
network providing mobile application services to mobile stations in vehicles
through a wireless telecommunications network.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile station for use in the
network of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A and 3B show a process flow chart of a call from an
embedded mobile station to mobile application service center in the network of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 4A and 4B show a process flow chart of a call from an
application service center to an embedded mobile station in the network of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a process flow chart illustrating a process of
providing mobile application services to vehicles over a wireless
telecommunications network.
FIG. 6 is a process flow chart illustrating steps for installing
embedded mobile stations in the process of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a process flow chart illustrating steps for providing
billing and subscriber support in the process of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows a network model of a mobile application service
network using a wireless telecommunications network. The model shows
functional entities in a manner consistent with specification ANSI/TIA/EIA-41
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("IS-41 "); the actual apparatus used is known to those skilled in the art,
except as described herein.
Referring to FIG. 1, vehicle 10 is mobile: either self-propelled
(a motor vehicle) or propelled by another (a trailer). Vehicle 10 is provided
with an embedded mobile station (MS) 11 capable of two-way radio
communication with a fixed base station (BS) 20 having an antenna 22. MS
11 communicates with BS 20 within a limited coverage area around BS 20, as
well as with other base stations as it moves through their limited coverage
areas. BS 20 is connected by land communication lines to a mobile switching
center (MSC) which, because it is shown as currently serving MS 11, will be
referred to as the serving mobile switching center (SMSC) 30.
Base station 20 and SMSC 30 are operated by a wireless
telecommunication service provider in a defined geographic service area.
SMSC 30 is part of a wireless telecommunications network providing mobile
stations such as MS 11 communication capability with other stations, either
mobile or stationary. In this embodiment, MS 11, BS 20 and SMSC 30
preferably operate in the cellular license band, but they are not limited to
such
operation: the personal communications (PCS) band and others are
alternatives .
In addition to BS 20 and SMSC 30, the wireless
telecommunications network comprises at least a digital signaling network 35
(ISDN, SS7, X-25) capable of carrying IS-41 data messages and a public
switched telephone network (PSTN) 40 capable of carrying voice and data
transmissions. Digital signaling network 35 and PSTN 40 extend over a large
geographical area - potentially all of North America - over which mobile
application services are provided to moving vehicles. SMSC 30 is further
connected to a visitor location register (VLR) 32 containing temporary
location, status and service information concerning MS 11 and other mobile
stations registered as visitors with SMSC 30. SMSC 30 may optionally be
connected to an authentication center (AC) 33 for performing authentication
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functions relative to mobile stations, including MS 11, attempting access
thereto.
MS 11 is a subscriber to a mobile application service provider
having a mobile application service center (MASC) 42 connected to the
wireless telecommunications network via PSTN 40. The mobile application
service provider is a business concern that provides mobile application
services to vehicles via the wireless telecommunications network. These
mobile application services may include vehicle operator call-in services such
as providing GPS determined vehicle location to a lost driver, providing
directions to a desired vehicle destination or tracking a stolen vehicle, and
may include automatic vehicle interface services such as notification of
supplemental inflatable restraint activation with consequent dispatch of
emergency services, or notification of a vehicle security system violation.
The provider of these application services via the wireless telecommunications
network may or may not be also a provider of telecommunication services in
the network itself. In this preferred embodiment, the mobile application
service provider is a manufacturer of vehicles and provides these services, as
well as the embedded mobile stations used in providing these services, to the
purchasers and other operators of those vehicles.
MASC 42 is operated by the mobile application service
provider and includes communication stations staffed by operators who
receive calls to MASC 42 from MS 11 and other mobile stations and also
communicate with information data providers, government and emergency
service providers and others in order to provide the mobile application
services requested or required by the operators and systems of vehicle 10 and
other vehicles having embedded mobile stations. It should be clear that a
mobile application service provider having a large number of subscribers over
a diverse area may provide staffed communication stations in a plurality of
locations; and a11 are considered part of MASC 42 for purposes of this
description. MASC 42 also has authentication capability with MS 11 and all
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other embedded mobile stations and performs authentication on all incoming
calls from embedded mobile stations.
The mobile application service provider also provides and
maintains a home location register (H:LR) 48, connected via a service control
point (SCP) 46 to digital signaling network 35 and public switched telephone
network (PSTN) 40. HLR 48 contains subscriber profile data for all
embedded mobile stations, the data including such information as MS location,
subscriber status, call restrictions and directory numbers. As will be more
fully described at a later point in this description, the call restrictions in
HLR
48 for MS 1 I and other embedded mobile stations allow routing of calls from
these mobile stations through the mobile telecommunications network only to
MASC 42. If more than one physical home location register is provided, each
contains the basic subscriber data, including call restrictions, for all
subscribers. A separate communication link, indicated by dashed line 45 in
FIG. 1, may be provided between HLR 48 and MASC 42 to facilitate data
flow in providing enhanced mobile application services.
Mobile station (MS) 11 is shown with its vehicle interfaces in
FIG. 2. The heart of MS 11 is transceiver 12, which is manufactured by or to
the specifications of the mobile application service provider and is provided
by
the mobile application service provider to be installed as an embedded unit
within vehicle 10. It may be installed by the mobile application service
provider itself, by an automotive dealer, or by another installer on behalf of
the mobile application service provider. The word "embedded" means that it
is installed in the vehicle and intended for use in the provision of
application
services to the vehicle, and further means that it is a subscriber of the
mobile
application services provided. In this embodiment, transceiver 12 is
technically capable of operating in either the "A" or the "B" portions of the
cellular band, but mobile stations using similar technologies, such as the PCS
band, are also possible.
Transceiver 12 is provided with electric power from a DC
electric power supply 50, which may be the normal vehicle DC power supply
CA 02256176 1998-12-15
or a supplemental DC power supply, and is connected by an RF connection to
antenna 14. A control and interface 57 provides interfacing and co-ordination
with vehicle systems and accessories. For example, a speaker 52 and
microphone 54 are used for voice communications to and from transceiver 12.
5 Other accessories and monitored vehicle systems may provide digital data
through control and interface 57 apparatus to transceiver 12. For example,
GPS receiver 55, which includes an antenna, not shown, provides vehicle
position information used by MASC 42 to locate vehicle 10. Supplemental
inflatable restraint (SIR) control 56 may provide an SIR activation signal
from
10 a vehicle crash sensor, not shown, whereupon control and interface
apparatus
57 will initiate a call from MS 11 to notify MASC 42 of a possible crash.
Likewise, vehicle security system 58 may provide a security violation signal,
whereupon control and interface apparatus 57 will initiate a call from MS 11
to notify MASC 42 of a possible vehicle security problem. Control and
interface apparatus 57 may comprise a programmed digital computer. This
and apparatus described in this paragraph may be essentially the same as that
already used in the commercially available GM OnStar ~ system.
An operator call-in activation interface 60 is simple and limited:
preferably one or more dedicated push-button or similar one-touch activators,
each providing automatic dialing of a preprogrammed directory number.
Push-button activated switch 61, used for non-emergency calls, is
programmed to dial a directory number of MASC 42. This is preferably a
non-geographic dialable directory number, such as an "800" number, which
provides direct connection to MASC 42 over PSTN 40 from any serving
mobile switch center such as SMSC 30. Push-button activated switch 62 is
used for emergency calls. It may be programmed to dial the same directory
number as push-button activated switch 61, in which case the resulting call
provides call identification indicating an emergency. Alternatively, it may be
programmed to dial a similar but different dialable directory number to MASC
42, which number is used for emergency calls. One or more additional such
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push-buttons may be provided as desired, with or without additional dialable
numbers .
Transceiver 12 of MS 11 is provided with identification data
comprising a non-geographic, dialable, mobile identification number (MIN),
S and an equipment serial number (ESN), and this data is stored in HLR 48 as
part of its profile data. The MIN of MS 11 is preferably an N00-NXX-XXXX
non-geographic Service Access Code as specified in the Industry Carriers
Compatibility Forum (ICCF) Personal Communications Services N00 NXX
Code Assignment Guidelines.
MS 11 is restricted to calling only the preprogrammed
numbers) of MASC 42. Call restrictions are provided as part of the profile
data for MS 11 and other embedded mobile stations in HLR 48; and these
restrictions will be provided to any querying entity of the wireless
telecommunications network to prevent routing of calls from MS 11 and other
embedded mobile stations to any directory numbers other than those of MASC
42. Additionally, the call restrictions may be provided in technical
specification sheets to wireless telecommunication service providers operating
mobile switching centers in the wireless telecommunications network; and
mobile switching centers having sufficiently capable equipment may be
programmed to provide call routing from MS 11 and other embedded mobile
stations only to MASC 42 based on the mobile stations' mobile identification
numbers, without the necessity of querying HLR 48.
The process of providing mobile application services to vehicle
10 over the wireless telecommunications network of FIG. 1 is shown in the
process flow chart of FIG. 5. The steps are shown not necessarily in the
order of performance, but in an order facilitating explanation. The mobile
application service provider provides (100) MS 11 for installation as an
embedded mobile station in vehicle 10. The mobile application service
provider may itself manufacture MS 11; but it is more likely that MS 11 will
be manufactured by a supplier to a set of specifications from the mobile
application service provider. These specifications include the non-geographic,
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dialable MIN. In addition, MS 11 has mutual call authentication capability
with respect to MASC 42: each is able to authenticate a call received to
verify
that it comes from the other. The specifications for MS 11 further provide
that a11 calls to MS 11 will be dropped except authenticated calls from MASC
42, as further described below.
The step of providing MS 11 includes installation and activation
of MS 11 in vehicle 10, which is shown in the process flow chart of FIG. 6.
Referring to FIG. 6, a purchaser, most likely the vehicle owner, first
subscribes (120) for mobile application services to vehicle 10 with an
installer.
The installer provides (l21) subscriber data to MASC 42, the including
information being at least sufficient to associate an MS 11 with the
subscriber
and vehicle 10. The installer then physically installs (122) mobile station 11
in vehicle 10, if it is not already installed. Mobile station 11 is already
registered in HLR 48; and the installer is thus able to initiate (123) a first
call
from MS 11 to MASC 42 by pressing one of the push-button switches in
vehicle 10. The call is connected to MASC 42 in the manner described below
in connection with FIG. 3A and 3B. MASC 42 recognizes the MIN and ESN
of mobile station 11 as identifying an installed embedded mobile station and
automatically activates (124) MS 11. Mobile station 11 is now ready for use
in providing mobile application services to vehicle 10. This "one-touch"
installation process is possible because the mobile application service
provider
retains control of all steps of the process, including activation of embedded
mobile stations.
Returning to FIG. 5, the mobile application service provider
provides ( 101 ) HLR 48 and programs it with profile information for the
manufactured mobile stations. The mobile application service provider also
provides SCP 46 for connecting HLR 48 to the wireless telecommunications
network: specifically to digital signaling network 35 and PSTN 40. Either or
both of HLR 48 and SCP 46 may be physically designed, built and/or
maintained by a telecommunication service provider on behalf of the mobile
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application service provider, but the latter controls the profile information
contained in HLR 48.
The mobile application service provider provides (102) MASC
42 and operates it in the provision of mobile application services to vehicle
10
and other vehicles via the embedded mobile stations. MASC is authentication
capable; and the mobile application service provider performs (103)
authentication in MASC 42 of all incoming calls from MS 11 and all other
mobile stations, as described below in connection with FIG. 3A and 3B. In
order that only calls from MASC 42 may be received by MS 11, the latter
performs (104) authentication of all incoming calls, as described further
below
with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B.
A call from vehicle 10 to MASC 42 is completed in the
following manner, with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B and assuming that MS
11 is already registered as a roamer with SMSC 30. When a call is initiated,
either automatically in response to a vehicle system event or by a vehicle
operator activating one of push-buttons 61 or 62, the appropriate directory
number for MASC 42 is automatically dialed (66) and a call-initiating data
message signals (67) base station (BS) 20. BS 20 sets up (68) circuits to
SMSC 30, which queries (69) VLR 32 for service qualification, call
restrictions and routing. VLR 32 answers (70) with information including the
call restrictions to the directory numbers(s) of MASC 42 and the routing for
those numbers obtained from HLR 48 during roamer registration of MS 11.
The dialed number is compared (71) to the restricted MASC numbers, and if
there is no match, the call is dropped (72). If there is a match, SMSC 30
routes (73) the call through PSTN 40 to MASC 42. At the beginning of the
call, authentication data is transmitted to MASC 42. MASC 42 is
authentication capable for a11 embedded mobile stations and challenges the
call
(74) in an authentication process. If the call is not authenticated, it is
dropped
(75). If it is authenticated, the call is continued to completion (76).
Important features of this process for providing mobile
application services to a plurality of vehicles are illustrated in the above-
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described call process. The restrictions on calls from the embedded mobile
stations ensure that any call from a mobile station or telephone identifying
itself as one of the embedded mobile stations will be routed only to MASC 42,
where it must be authenticated by MASC 42 or dropped. Thus, although MS
11 can be cloned, the mobile station clone cannot be used for anything useful.
Control over this process is entirely with the mobile application service
provider, which provides the embedded mobile stations, provides the call
restriction information via HLR 48 and technical specifications to wireless
telecommunication service providers, and provides authentication of a11 calls
from the embedded mobile stations.
A call from MASC 42 to MS 11 is completed in the following
manner, with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B. The call is initiated in MASC 42,
which dials (80) the MIN of MS 11. The call is routed (81) through PSTN 40
to the home network of MS 11 and all other mobile stations in the mobile
application service network, at SCP 46. 5CP 46 queries (82) HLR 48 for
registration, location and routing information. HLR 48 queries (83) VLR 32
for routing information via digital signaling network 35. VLR 32 passes on
the routing query (84) to SMSC 30; and SMSC 30 returns (85) a temporary
local directory number (TLDN) to VLR 32. VLR 32 passes on the TLDN
(86) through HLR 48 to SCP 46, which then routes the call (87) through
PSTN 40 to SMSC 30 using the TLDN. SMSC 30 routes the call (88) to BS
20, which completes the connection through the air to MS 11. Upon receipt
of the call, MS 11 challenges (89) the call in an authentication process. If
the
call is not authenticated, it is dropped (90). If the call is authenticated,
it is
continued (91) to completion.
The billing and subscriber service arrangement for the
provision of mobile application services are described with reference to the
process flow chart of FIG. 7. The mobile application service provider enters
into agreements with the wireless telecommunication service providers on the
wireless telecommunications network (l31) to take a11 charges generated and
provide a11 subscriber support in the provision of the mobile application
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services to its subscribers. These agreements, based on a new class of
service, may provide for lower charges due to projected or demonstrated cost
savings resulting from the process described herein. The wireless
telecommunication service providers bill the mobile application service
5 provider for the charges; and the mobile application service provider pays
(132) the wireless telecommunication service providers for these charges and
combines these charges with their own charges for mobile application services
so as to present (133) a single bill to each subscriber. The mobile
application
service provider also provides all subscriber support as required. The mobile
10 application services provider is able to negotiate the best rates and
service in
each geographic service area and is capable of reprogramming (134) mobile
stations "over-air" when switching preferred wireless telecommunication
service providers.
A11 parties are expected to benefit from this process. The
15 telecommunication service providers experience a cost reduction in
providing
billable air time. Many wireless telecommunication service providers will
also experience a freeing of bandwidth due to reduction in fraudulent use of
their facilities. The mobile application service provider benefits from the
ability to provide lower and more consistent rates and a consistent level of
support to subscribers. Subscribers benefit from a single, lower bill, better
support, no special return trips to a dealer for reprogramming, and less
confusion as to whom to contact with questions or problems.
