Abstract: A method is provided that can include activating at least two wireless communication channels in parallel, between a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver. Each of the at least two wireless communication channels can operate at a different radio carrier frequency, and the first wireless transceiver may be part of a first vehicle. The method can also include transmitting, by the first wireless transceiver, common information in parallel on the at least two wireless communication channels to the second wireless transceiver and deactivating the at least two wireless communication channels.

Abstract: Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information can be stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed), thereby facilitating grant or denial of access to services at an NIU while the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider can store a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and used at any of a plurality of NIUs, thereby facilitating payment for the services following the SIM.

Abstract: Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information is stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed) to facilitate an NIU at a location granting or denying access to a plurality of services when the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider stores a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and transported among a plurality of NIUs so that paid-for services follow the SIM. Each NIU may receive data from a single source and distribute appropriate telephony, data and video services to telephones, computers and televisions, respectively, based on the level and duration of the services requested by a user/subscriber. Thus, services access and billing are user-associated and location-independent. The SIM can be renewable or disposable, and can be programmed before or after purchase by a subscriber.

Abstract: Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information is stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed) to facilitate an NIU at a location granting or denying access to a plurality of services when the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider stores a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and transported among a plurality of NIUs so that paid-for services follow the SIM Each NIU may receive data from a single source and distribute appropriate telephony, data and video services to telephones, computers and televisions, respectively, based on the level and duration of the services requested by a user/subscriber. Thus, services access and billing are user-associated and location-independent. The SIM can be renewable or disposable, and can be programmed before or after purchase by a subscriber.

Abstract: Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information is stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed) to facilitate an NIU at a location granting or denying access to a plurality of services when the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider stores a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided.

Abstract: A converged multi-media portal for coupling a plurality of multi-media signals carried on a single network medium to a plurality of corresponding multi-media devices includes a backplane, having a plurality of connectors, wherein the at least one connector is capable of accepting a network interface module. A plurality of the connectors are capable of accepting multi-media processing modules. Within the converged multi-media portal, the backplane enables communication between the network interface module and the multi-media processing modules disposed within the connectors. The network interface module receives at least one type of data signal and directs the at least one type of data signal to one of the multi-media processing modules according to a signal destination address. Each of the multi-media processing modules receives a multi-media signal from the network interface module and routes at least one multi-media signal to a corresponding multi-media device.