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VPLMN Visited PLMN

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VPLMN (Visited Public Land Mobile Network) is a term used in the context of mobile telecommunications and roaming. It refers to a mobile network that a subscriber accesses when they are outside their home network coverage area. When a mobile subscriber roams to a different geographical location or country, their device connects to a VPLMN to access voice, data, and other mobile services. Let's delve into the details of VPLMN, its significance in roaming, and how it relates to the home network:

Roaming and Home Network:

In the world of mobile telecommunications, roaming occurs when a subscriber travels to an area outside the coverage of their home network operator. In such cases, the subscriber's mobile device automatically connects to an available VPLMN in the visited area. The home network refers to the mobile operator with which the subscriber has a primary service contract and is associated with their mobile phone number.

How VPLMN Works:

  1. Location Update: When a mobile subscriber roams to a different location, their mobile device scans for available mobile networks. If the subscriber's home network has a roaming agreement with an operator in the visited area, the device registers with the VPLMN.
  2. Authentication and Authorization: The VPLMN authenticates the roaming subscriber by checking their SIM card and credentials. The VPLMN then requests authorization from the home network to allow the subscriber to access services on the visited network.
  3. Service Provision: Once the authentication and authorization are successful, the roaming subscriber is granted access to voice, data, and other mobile services provided by the VPLMN.
  4. Data Routing: When the roaming subscriber makes a call or accesses data services, the VPLMN routes the traffic between the subscriber's device and the home network to ensure seamless service delivery.
  5. Billing and Charging: The VPLMN tracks the usage of services by the roaming subscriber and provides the necessary data to the home network for billing purposes. The home network then bills the subscriber for the usage while roaming.

Roaming Agreements and Roaming Partnerships:

For a subscriber to roam onto a VPLMN, there must be a roaming agreement between the home network and the visited network. Roaming agreements are commercial arrangements between mobile network operators that enable their subscribers to access services while traveling outside their home network coverage. These agreements outline the terms and conditions of service usage, including pricing, data allowances, and quality of service.

Roaming Charges and Roaming Zones:

Roaming charges are the fees incurred by subscribers when they use services on a VPLMN. Roaming charges can vary significantly depending on the operator, the country being visited, and the type of services used.

Roaming zones are geographic regions where roaming charges may differ based on specific agreements. For example, an operator might have different roaming rates for European countries, North America, or Asia.

Regulations and Roaming Costs:

In some regions, regulators have introduced regulations to reduce roaming costs for subscribers. These regulations aim to promote competition, transparency, and fair pricing in roaming services, ensuring that subscribers are not subjected to excessively high charges when they travel.

Conclusion:

VPLMN (Visited Public Land Mobile Network) is a mobile network accessed by a subscriber when they roam outside the coverage area of their home network. When a subscriber travels to a different location or country, their mobile device connects to the VPLMN, which provides access to voice, data, and other mobile services. Roaming agreements between home networks and visited networks facilitate this seamless roaming experience, ensuring that subscribers can stay connected and use mobile services while traveling.