Abstract: In one illustrative method, a method in a mobile station for use in reducing delays for data communications is described. The mobile station causes a request for packet data service to be sent to a wireless communication network. If the request for the packet data service is denied in response to the request, then the mobile station is set in a deregistered state. In addition, the mobile station initializes a timer with an initial value that is less than a periodic location update timer value which is broadcasted by the wireless communication network, and runs the timer. In response to an expiration of the timer, the mobile station causes another request for the packet data service to be sent to the wireless communication network.

Abstract: A network selection method for a mobile station which is associated with a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) identified by a home Mobile Network Code (MNC) and Mobile Country Code (MCC) pair. The mobile station identifies a plurality of PLMNs in a geographic area, and selects a non-home PLMN identified by a non-home MNC/MCC pair and designated as a Registered PLMN (RPLMN). In response to regaining signal coverage from an out-of-coverage condition with the RPLMN, or being powered-on from a power-off state entered while operating with the RPLMN, the mobile station selects the HPLMN if the HPLMN identified by the home MNC/MCC pair is available. Otherwise, if the HPLMN is unavailable and the RPLMN identified by the non-home MNC/MCC pair is available, the mobile station selects the RPLMN. However, if the RPLMN is unavailable, the mobile station selects an alternate PLMN in accordance with an automatic or manual network selection method.

Abstract: In one illustrative example involving automatic network selection, a mobile station selects and operates with a non-home communication network. The mobile station then experiences an out-of-coverage condition with the non-home network (or a power down condition) but subsequently regains signal coverage (or is powered back on) in response, the mobile station scans to identify a plurality of communication networks in its coverage area. If a home network is identified as being available, the mobile station selects and operates with the home network. Otherwise, if the previous non-home network (e.g. the RPLMN) is identified as being available, the mobile station continues operation with the previous non-home network.

Abstract: Reject code handling is utilized for a more time-efficient selection of data-capable networks.

Abstract: In one illustrative method, a periodic location update timer value is broadcasted by a wireless communication network and received and stored in memory of a mobile station. A request for data service is transmitted by the mobile station to a wireless communication network, and the request is reattempted at least one time in response to identifying a rejection of the request. If the request for the data service is accepted in response to the request, the mobile station operates in the wireless communication network using the data service. On the other hand, if the request for the data service is not accepted, the mobile station is set in a data service deregistered state. A timer is initialized with an initial value that is less than the periodic location update timer value and started. In response to an expiration of the timer, the mobile station repeats the transmission of the request for the data service and any reattempts in response to any rejections of the request.

Abstract: Reject code handling is utilized for a more time-efficient selection of data-capable networks. One illustrative method for use in selecting a wireless communication network for communications involves the steps of causing a request for data connectivity to be transmitted through a first wireless network; reattempting the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network one or more times if a reject code comprising a non-critical error is received in response to the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network; and attempting to select a second wireless network for communications without reattempting the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network one or more times if a reject code comprising a critical error is received in response to the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network.

Abstract: An electronic device having an alterable configuration includes a non-volatile memory configurable to include at least a first partition and a second partition, the non-volatile memory storing a boot ROM. The boot ROM is operable when executed by a processor of said electronic device to, in the event that a third partition is available, boot an operating system in the third partition, the operating system operable when booted to cause the third partition to be deleted and the second partition to be expanded to encompass memory freed by the deletion; and otherwise boot an operating system in the first partition.

Abstract: An electronic device having an alterable configuration and methods of manufacturing and configuring the same are provided. The electronic device includes a processor and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory stores a boot ROM and can store a first operating system in a first operating system partition and a second operating system in a second operating system partition. The processor executes the boot ROM, which boots the first operating system if available in the non-volatile memory, and boots the second operating system if the first operating system is unavailable in the non-volatile memory when the electronic device is powered up.

Abstract: In one illustrative method, a periodic location update timer value is broadcasted by a wireless communication network and received and stored in memory of a mobile station. A request for data service is transmitted by the mobile station to a wireless communication network, and the request is reattempted at least one time in response to identifying a rejection of the request. If the request for the data service is accepted in response to the request, the mobile station operates in the wireless communication network using the data service. On the other hand, if the request for the data service is not accepted, the mobile station is set in a data service deregistered state. A timer is initialized with an initial value that is less than the periodic location update timer value and started. In response to an expiration of the timer, the mobile station repeats the transmission of the request for the data service and any reattempts in response to any rejections of the request.

Abstract: Reduced delays in data service offered by data-capable networks are provided. One illustrative method includes the steps of receiving and storing in memory a first timer value which is broadcasted by a wireless communication network for use in the mobile station; causing a request for data connectivity to be transmitted through the wireless network, and reattempting the request up to a plurality of times when data connectivity fails; after the one or more reattempted requests for data connectivity fail, activating a timer based on a second timer value which is less than the first timer value; and repeating the transmitting of requests for data connectivity after expiration of the timer.

Abstract: Network selection methods and apparatus with home network prioritization in country border regions are disclosed. In one illustrative example, a mobile station (200) is associated with a home communication network (402) having a home mobile country code (MCC). Being outside of the home network country, however, the mobile station (200) selects and operates with a non-home communication network (406) having a visiting MCC. After expiration of a timer, the mobile station (200) scans to identify a plurality of networks in a coverage area within which the mobile station (200) is operating. If the home network (402) having the home MCC is identified as being available, the mobile station (200) selects and operates with the home network (200). Otherwise, if the non-home network (406) having the visiting MCC is identified as being available, the mobile station (200) selects and operates with the non-home network (406).

Abstract: Reject code handling is utilized for a more time-efficient selection of data-capable networks. One illustrative method for use in selecting a wireless communication network for communications involves the steps of causing a request for data connectivity to be transmitted through a first wireless network; reattempting the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network one or more times if a reject code comprising a non-critical error is received in response to the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network; and attempting to select a second wireless network for communications without reattempting the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network one or more times if a reject code comprising a critical error is received in response to the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network.

Abstract: An electronic device having an alterable configuration and methods of manufacturing and configuring the same are provided. The electronic device includes a processor and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory stores a boot ROM and can store a first operating system in a first operating system partition and a second operating system in a second operating system partition. The processor executes the boot ROM, which boots the first operating system if available in the non-volatile memory, and boots the second operating system if the first operating system is unavailable in the non-volatile memory when the electronic device is powered up.

Abstract: Reject code handling is utilized for a more time-efficient selection of data-capable networks. One illustrative method for use in selecting a wireless communication network for communications involves the steps of causing a request for data connectivity to be transmitted through a first wireless network; reattempting the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network one or more times if a reject code comprising a non-critical error is received in response to the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network; and attempting to select a second wireless network for communications without reattempting the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network one or more times if a reject code comprising a critical error is received in response to the request for data connectivity through the first wireless network.