Experiential squatting: a disruptive new way to help mobile users choose networks

Contract-less wireless plans, in which customers are not locked into terms with providers, are becoming prevalent. The next step in this evolution is a contract-less competitive mobile wireless market in which a customer can, quite fluidly and seamlessly, choose to switch amongst wireless providers based on competitive terms at almost any time or place. This paper explores the concept and design of a system that would, in the above case, help the user experience and choose the available Radio Access Networks (RAN´s) and services using software on the mobile device coordinating with various servers. While the approach we present is disruptive and forward-looking, the concept is important and, according to most industry projections, likely in our futures in at least a few wireless markets.