System identification number
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System Identification Number can represented by the acronym SID. It is a Global number to identify base stations for AMPS, TDMA or CDMA networks. This number sometimes has conflicts (see IFAST).
SID Codes
These codes are 15/16 bit values and can be listed within a Wireless Device to show preference for one network over another. TIA TR-45.2 assigned ranges to every country in the 1980's and national regulators assigned individual numbers. IFAST took over in 1997. This number space is 90% utilized, however many countries do not use all of their allocated codes.
SID is assigned by IFAST to every carrier(e.g., Verizon, sprint). SID is programmed into the phone when you purchase/buy a plan.
When the phone is powered ON, it listens to SID. If it receives an SID, it compares with the one that is stored in the phone. You have service if there is a match. Else you are "roaming"
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