[AusNOG] Mobile network-provided time zone

[John Edwards]

Network Identity and TimeZone (NITZ);

https://portal.3gpp.org/desktopmodules/Specifications/SpecificationDetails.aspx?specificationId=576

"The feature Network Identities and Timezone shall make it possible for a
serving PLMN to transfer its current identity, universal time, DST and LTZ
to MSs, and for the MS to store and use this information. Each one of these
elements is optional. The feature significantly enhances roaming as
itenables the accurate indication of network identities that are either
newer than the ME or have changed their name since the ME was manufactured
or sold. Additionally time and timezone information can be utilised by MEs
as desired."

John


On Sun, 7 Oct 2018 at 07:07, Paul Gear <ausnog at libertysys.com.au> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> In the past 10 or so years, I've used every major mobile carrier's
> network, through both the carrier directly and often through various
> resellers, and one thing remains consistent.  Every year on this
> weekend, when in Queensland, the network-provided time zone changes to
> UTC +11 (Sydney/Melbourne).  This is very handy when roaming overseas,
> but not so handy when it changes your time zone when it shouldn't.
>
> What's causing this?  I know it's not NTP on the handset - I know a
> little about that, and it doesn't include time zone in packets, nor does
> it care about time zone when it adjusts the kernel.  I assumed that this
> feature was implemented on the mobile network side, and the mobile base
> station broadcasts its time zone along with the other information
> handsets need to connect to it.  But I don't know enough about the
> technical side of that to be sure.
>
> The usual suggested remedy when I contact my carrier to complain that
> they're sending my phone the wrong time zone is to ask for the handset
> to rebooted.  Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't.  But why would
> it make any difference?
>
> Can anyone shed any light on this?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Paul
>
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