Method and system for usage of manual PLMN selection mode

A user equipment (UE) configured to:

• check if an elementary file (EF) is present in a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) inserted in the UE, if the UE initiates a procedure for selecting a public land mobile network (PLMN), wherein the EF includes a PLMN selection mode;
• select a PLMN based on the PLMN selection mode;
• and
• when the EF is not present in the UICC, to select the PLMN automatically upon detecting a change in at least one of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and the UICC.

A user equipment (UE), comprising:

• a UE controller;
• at least one universal integrated circuit card (UICC) connected to the UE controller, wherein the at least one UICC includes an elementary file (EF) containing a public land mobile network (PLMN) selection mode;
• a user interface connected to the UE controller;
• a non-volatile memory connected to the UE controller;
• and
• a communication module connected to the UE controller,
• wherein when the EF is not present in the UICC, the UE controller is further configured to select the PLMN automatically upon detecting a change in at least one of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and the UICC.