The Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN) is a term used in the context of mobile roaming. It refers to the mobile network that a subscriber uses when they are traveling or roaming outside their home network’s coverage area. In contrast, the Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) is the subscriber’s primary or home network where they have a regular mobile service plan.
Here’s how these terms relate to mobile roaming:
- Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN):
- HPMN is the subscriber’s home or native mobile network where they have a regular mobile service plan.
- This is the network where the subscriber’s mobile phone number is registered, and they typically receive their monthly bill from this network.
- When the subscriber is within the coverage area of their HPMN, they can make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and use data services as part of their standard mobile plan.
- Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN):
- VPMN is the mobile network that a subscriber connects to when they are traveling or roaming in an area that is not covered by their HPMN.
- When a subscriber roams into the coverage area of a different mobile network (often in a different geographic region or country), their mobile device automatically connects to the VPMN.
- While roaming on the VPMN, the subscriber can still make and receive calls, send text messages, and use mobile data, but the services may be subject to different rates and charges, which are often higher than the subscriber’s home network rates.
In summary, the Visited Public Mobile Network is the network used by a mobile subscriber when they are outside the coverage area of their Home Public Mobile Network. Roaming allows subscribers to use their mobile devices and stay connected while traveling, but the cost and terms of usage may vary depending on the roaming agreements between the HPMN and VPMN operators.