Location area identity

In mobile networks, location area identity is a unique identifier assigned to each location area of a public land [mobile network].

Overview

This internationally unique identifier is used for location updating of mobile subscribers. It is composed of a three decimal digit mobile country code, a two to three digit mobile network code that identifies a Subscriber Module Public Land Mobile Network in that country, and a location area code which is a 16 bit number with two special values, thereby allowing 65534 location areas within one GSM PLMN.

Broadcast

The LAI is broadcast regularly through a broadcast control channel. A mobile station recognizes the LAI and stores it in the subscriber identity module card.
If the mobile station is moving and notices a change of LAI, it will issue a location update request, thereby informing the mobile provider of its new LAI. This allows the provider to locate the mobile station in case of an incoming call.