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Roaming SMS

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(@wotsits)
Posts: 253
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Topic starter
 

The metadata collected on communications is pretty uniform across all EU and English speaking countries.

What exactly is recorded by the cell provider when a roaming SMS is sent to a user who turns their phone on in a different country?

In a previous discussion we established that if person takes UK Sim to USA, and another USA number sends SMS to UK Sim in USA then effectively the UK cell provider has no record of this transaction.

What about roaming messages sent by the cell provider to the user in a different country, what exactly is stored then?

 
Posted : 17/08/2016 5:20 pm
(@skywalker)
Posts: 152
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Date of sending.
Expiration date.
Number of sender and receiver.
SMSC number.

 
Posted : 19/08/2016 2:57 am
RolfGutmann
(@rolfgutmann)
Posts: 1185
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The roaming SMS is just a special version of a common SMS sent to a Mobile Station abroad. So the process of involved operators and appliances is comparable. NTT DoCoMo has a sheet which illustrates this simplified but enriched. Do not bother about the outdated design and keep in mind that SMS is an 'old' service 😉 for a long period of time.

https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/binary/pdf/corporate/technology/rd/technical_journal/bn/vol7_2/vol7_2_060en.pdf

Lawful Interception LI metadata collecting differs from roaming user information SMS as one layer is to inform the user, the other layer is all about location tracking and surveillance especially if the 'Five Eyes' are involved.

#wotsits What do you really want to know about the user abroad?

 
Posted : 19/08/2016 4:04 am
RolfGutmann
(@rolfgutmann)
Posts: 1185
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#wotsits - what are you looking for? Please tell me what element of evidence is required? Pls respond publicly to enable community learning

 
Posted : 20/08/2016 11:40 am
(@wotsits)
Posts: 253
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#wotsits - what are you looking for? Please tell me what element of evidence is required? Pls respond publicly to enable community learning

My understanding is a person could have their phone active in another country and as long as they are not making or receiving calls or SENDING SMS then the domestic network provider would be none the wiser EXCEPT potentially for a roaming message that was sent when said person turned on their phone in the new country. If it could be identified from the roaming message which country it was in then enquiries could be directed to that country for further communications data.

My question is will it be apparent what the relevant country is for any roaming message that was sent in response to a communications data request? Or does a roaming message in response to a communications data request look no different to any other SMS sent to the number?

 
Posted : 22/08/2016 2:40 am
RolfGutmann
(@rolfgutmann)
Posts: 1185
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You find out by yourself -)

As mobile broadband communication is (weakly) encrypted. Ask yourself where are the keys
stored for a successful initial attach?

 
Posted : 22/08/2016 11:42 am
jaclaz
(@jaclaz)
Posts: 5133
Illustrious Member
 

If it could be identified from the roaming message which country it was in then enquiries could be directed to that country for further communications data.

What do you mean?
Normally (at least my Italian network) sends me a bunch of SMS *like* (from memory)
1) Welcome to Spain (or France or Sweden, etc.),To call Italian numbers remember to use the +39 prefix.
2) Customer assistance from abroad call +39xxxyyyz. A fee will apply.
3) For informations, tariffs and fees visit www.xxx.it or send a SMS to number +39xxxyyy with text "Spain" (or "France" or "Sweden", etc.)

So at least two out of the three (or more) SMS do provide the info on the country the phone has been switched on.

jaclaz

 
Posted : 22/08/2016 1:40 pm
RolfGutmann
(@rolfgutmann)
Posts: 1185
Noble Member
 

#wotsits - did you figure out? Will assist you after -)

 
Posted : 22/08/2016 1:58 pm
(@wotsits)
Posts: 253
Reputable Member
Topic starter
 

If it could be identified from the roaming message which country it was in then enquiries could be directed to that country for further communications data.

What do you mean?
Normally (at least my Italian network) sends me a bunch of SMS *like* (from memory)
1) Welcome to Spain (or France or Sweden, etc.),To call Italian numbers remember to use the +39 prefix.
2) Customer assistance from abroad call +39xxxyyyz. A fee will apply.
3) For informations, tariffs and fees visit www.xxx.it or send a SMS to number +39xxxyyy with text "Spain" (or "France" or "Sweden", etc.)

So at least two out of the three (or more) SMS do provide the info on the country the phone has been switched on.

jaclaz

Yes BUT the metadata stored in communications data accessible to LE does NOT contain the content

 
Posted : 24/08/2016 1:32 am
(@wotsits)
Posts: 253
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Topic starter
 

#wotsits - did you figure out? Will assist you after -)

No I haven't…

Please do share D

 
Posted : 24/08/2016 1:34 am
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