Equivalent PLMN List

Equivalent PLMN List Overview

The Equivalent PLMN (E-PLMN) list allows a network to provide the UE with a list of PLMN identities. A PLMN is identified by the combination of Mobile Country Code (MCC), and Mobile Network Code (MNC) that the UE should treat as equivalent for the purposes of PLMN selection, cell selection/reselection and handover. The UE adds the PLMN of the current network to the received E-PLMN list before storing it.

The E-PLMN list can be signaled to the UE as part of the location area update, routing area update or GPRS attach procedures. It is not signaled on the broadcast channel. Specifically, it can be included in the Location Updating Accept, Routing Area Updating Accept and Attach Accept messages.

Equivalent PLMN List Parameters

This section is only applicable to the lab application.

The E-PLMN list can contain up to 15 entries. Each entry in the PLMN list is comprised of three settings, where <n> is a value between 1 and 15:

• PLMN <n> MCC State / Value

  This parameter sets the MCC state and value for the specified entry in the list.

  GPIB command: CALL[:CELL]:PLMNetwork[:LIST][:EXTended]

• PLMN <n> MNC State / Value

  This parameter sets the MNC state and value for the specified entry in the list.

  GPIB command: CALL[:CELL]:PLMNetwork[:LIST][:EXTended]

• PLMN <n> MNC Length

  If an MNC length of Auto is selected, and the MNC value is 99 or less, then the test set uses 2 digits to represent the associated MNC, or 3 digits otherwise. If an MNC length of 3 Digits (1) is selected then the test set uses 3 digits to represent the associated MNC with leading added zeros as necessary.

  GPIB command: CALL[:CELL]:PLMNetwork[:LIST][:EXTended]

Operating Considerations

The Equivalent PLMN List is only applicable when the operating mode is set to Active Cell. If the Operating Mode is changed to anything other than Active Cell, you can still set up the Equivalent PLMN List, but this will have no effect on the message content.

The E-PLMN list is specified as a single variable length GPIB command that specifies the complete list (that is, it is not possible to edit a single entry using the GPIB command).

Related Topics

CALL:PLMNetwork