Signal & Syntax · Networks, HLR and porting

What Is a Serving Network?

The serving network is the operator holding a phone number's subscription today. For a ported number, the serving network is the latest recipient.

Also calledcurrent carrier · current network

Example

Carrier Vodafone · resolved through MNP

Serving Network in Practice

The serving network is where SMS and calls terminate. For an unported number, the serving network and the range holder match. A roaming handset also attaches to a visited network abroad. The serving network in routing terms stays the home operator.

Where ScoreMachine Fits

score.phone.validation.mnp
carrier

carrier is the serving network after porting.

Related Terms

Range holder The range holder is the operator allocated a numbering range. Recipient network The recipient network is the operator a phone number ports to. MNP MNP (mobile number portability) lets a subscriber keep a phone number when switching operators. MNO An MNO (mobile network operator) runs its own radio network under a spectrum license.

Read the Guide

Guide

Mobile Number Portability and SMS Routing

Why the range holder is the wrong carrier for a ported number. Read the guide →

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