3 Technical Description

Figure 3-1 shows the key procedure of Idle Mode Management.

Figure 3-1 Key procedure of Idle Mode Management

3.1 PLMN Selection

UEs select a public land mobile network (PLMN) and register on the PLMN. Figure 3-2 shows the PLMN
selection procedure.
When a UE is powered on, or returns from an area with no signal coverage:
1. The UE first selects the last RPLMN or a PLMN in the EPLMN list and attempts to register on the
selected PLMN.
2. If the registration on that PLMN is successful, the selected PLMN is displayed on the UE, and the
UE can now obtain services from the operator. If the last RPLMN is unavailable or if the registration
on the selected PLMN fails, another PLMN can be selected, either automatically or manually,
depending on the PLMN priority information stored in the USIM.
For details about PLMN selection, see section 4.4 in 3GPP TS 23.122 R10, which was released in March
2011.
Figure 3-2 PLMN selection procedure

3.1.1 PLMN Selection in Automatic Mode

If a UE fails to register on its most recent RPLMN or EPLMN, the UE attempts to select another PLMN. In
automatic network selection mode, the UE selects a PLMN in the following preferential order:
1. The EHPLMN with the highest priority if the EHPLMN list is present and is not empty, or the
HPLMN if the EHPLMN list is not present or is empty.
2. Each PLMN/radio technology combination in the User Controlled PLMN Selector with Access
Technology data file in the USIM, in priority order.
3. Each PLMN/radio technology combination in the Operator Controlled PLMN Selector with
Access Technology data file in the USIM, in priority order.
4. Other high-quality PLMN/radio technology combinations, in a random order. If the reference signal
received power (RSRP) value of a cell in the PLMN/radio technology combination is greater than or
equal to –110 dBm, the combination is considered a high quality PLMN/radio technology
combination.
5. Other PLMN/radio technology combinations in order of decreasing signal quality.
When the UE finds a Suitable Cell in a PLMN following this procedure, the UE attempts to register on the
PLMN. If the registration is successful, the UE camps on the Suitable Cell; otherwise, the UE tries the
next PLMN.
If the registration on none of the PLMNs is successful, the UE enters the Limited service state. If no
PLMN is available, the UE cannot obtain any services.

NOTE:
Limited service, Normal service, and Operator service are three service types that can be provided for
UEs in idle mode in Acceptable Cell, Suitable Cell, and Reserved Cell, respectively. For details about
Acceptable Cell, Suitable Cell, and Reserved Cell, see section 4.3 in 3GPP TS 36.304 R10, which was
released in March 2011.

3.1.2 PLMN Selection in Manual Mode

If a UE fails to register on its most recent RPLMN or EPLMN, the UE attempts to select a new PLMN. For
manual network selection, the UE displays a list of detected PLMNs in the same order as the PLMNs to
be selected for automatic network selection.
In manual mode, the UE can also try forbidden PLMNs, which are determined by the EPC. If the UE
successfully registers on the selected PLMN, the UE no longer considers the PLMN to be forbidden.