Abstract: Communication service providers systems are dynamically selected for use by a subscriber device such as cellular telephone, other mobile device, or landline telephone based on the current location of the subscriber device and automatically comparing communication service characteristics of the communication service provider systems to determine the least expensive or otherwise preferable service provider. The communication service characteristics may include items such as current usage rates, signal strength, available bandwidth and network speed. Once a communication service provider system is selected, service provider identification information is automatically communicated to the subscriber device to enable seamless or nearly seamless switching to the selected communication service provider system, even while a current communication session is in progress using another communication service provider system.

Abstract: A content player receives a content carrier, which includes a first computer readable medium and a second computer readable medium, and determines whether a valid license exists for accessing content or a segment of content carried in the first computer readable medium. The first computer readable medium includes a first authorization token, and the second computer readable medium includes a second authorization token. The first and second authorization tokens or some portions thereof are associated with each other and are associated with the segment of content. The content player uses at least the first and second authorization tokens in determining whether to grant access to the segment of content.

Abstract: An intermediary system may mediate between two or more end user systems to provide access to electronic information in a format desired by one end user where the other end user employs an at least partially incompatible format. The intermediary system employs an intermediary translation table to identify electronic information that requires translation, and to cause the translation of the electronic information into the desired format. The intermediary system advantageously employs a many-to-many approach, allowing end users to take advantage of mappings created by other end users. The approach advantageously places the burden of defining or creating mappings on the end user desiring access to the electronic information of another end user.

Abstract: A content player receives a content carrier, which includes a first computer readable medium and a second computer readable medium, and determines whether a valid license exists for accessing content or a segment of content carried in the first computer readable medium. The first computer readable medium includes a first authorization token, and the second computer readable medium includes a second authorization token. The first and second authorization tokens or some portions thereof are associated with each other and are associated with the segment of content. The content player uses at least the first and second authorization tokens in determining whether to grant access to the segment of content.