INTERNATIONAL MOBILE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY

GSM Glossary

GSM — International Mobile Subscriber Identity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argos Home

 

 		 
 


Information on International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)

The International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is a number uniquely identifying a GSM subscriber. The number contains two parts: the first identifies the GSM network operator with whom the subscriber has an account. The second part of the number is allocated by the network operator to identify uniquely the subscriber.
     Once a mobile has affiliated, the network allocates a temporary IMSI (TIMSI), which is used to identify the subscriber in future exchanges. This provides limited anonymity, or privacy.
     The international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) are independent.


Other topics in our resources on GSM related to International Mobile Subscriber Identity include: 
 
  • temporary IMSI (TIMSI)
    		•
  • subscriber identity module (SIM)
    		•
  • international mobile equipment identity (IMEI)

    •  

    Please contact Argos Press to nominate other terms to extend this glossary. Please contact Argos Press for information on licensing Argos Press content (such as this glossary entry on International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)). © Argos Press Pty Ltd, Canberra, 2003-2004. All rights reserved.