A method in a wireless telecommunications device operative with a
plurality of radio access networks, the method comprising: when operating
with a first radio access network reading at least one ciphering variable
applicable in the second radio access network (e.g. in UMTS reading the
value of a variable START from the USIM of the device). When at least one
ciphering variable applicable in the second radio access network renders
ciphering in the second radio access network infeasible without further
authentication (e.g. in UMTS when the value of START in USIM is equal to
a value THRESHOLD), using a substitute value for the ciphering parameter
(e.g. START) when establishing a connection with the second radio access
network.