EHPLMN (Equivalent Home PLMN)
EHPLMN, or Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network, is a term used in mobile network technology that refers to the list of Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) that a mobile device can access when it is in its home country or region. In simpler terms, EHPLMN is a list of preferred mobile network operators that a subscriber is allowed to connect to when they are in their home country.
When a subscriber uses their mobile device in their home country, the device will typically search for available mobile networks and automatically connect to the network with the highest signal strength or the one that is preferred by the subscriber. The network that the subscriber connects to is determined by the EHPLMN list that is stored on the subscriber's SIM card.
The EHPLMN list is created by the subscriber's home network operator, who is responsible for providing mobile services to the subscriber. The list typically includes a number of networks that are affiliated with the home operator, as well as other networks that have roaming agreements with the home operator. The list can vary depending on the operator and the region, but typically includes at least one network that is operated by the home operator.
The EHPLMN list is an important concept in mobile network technology because it determines which networks a subscriber can access when they are in their home country. If a network is not included in the EHPLMN list, the subscriber will not be able to connect to that network, even if it is available and has a stronger signal than the networks in the list.
There are several factors that can influence the composition of the EHPLMN list. One factor is the home operator's business relationships with other mobile network operators. For example, if the home operator has a close relationship with a particular operator, they may include that operator in the EHPLMN list, even if other operators offer better coverage or services.
Another factor is the subscriber's preferences. Some subscribers may have strong preferences for certain operators or may be willing to pay extra to access certain networks. In these cases, the home operator may include these networks in the EHPLMN list, even if they are not affiliated with the home operator.
The EHPLMN list can also be influenced by regulatory factors. For example, some countries may require that certain operators be included in the list in order to promote competition and ensure that subscribers have access to a range of services.
In addition to the EHPLMN list, there are other lists that are used in mobile network technology. These include the Forbidden PLMN list, which contains networks that the subscriber is not allowed to access, and the Visited PLMN list, which contains networks that the subscriber has accessed in the past.
Overall, the EHPLMN list is an important concept in mobile network technology because it determines which networks a subscriber can access when they are in their home country. The composition of the list can be influenced by a range of factors, including the home operator's business relationships, the subscriber's preferences, and regulatory requirements. Understanding how the EHPLMN list works is essential for anyone who uses a mobile device, as it can have a significant impact on the quality and availability of mobile services.