The message “Absent subscriber. No paging response via MSC” is a telecom network status or fault indication that typically comes from the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) when it tries to reach a subscriber (mobile device) and fails. Let’s break down what it means:

Meaning of the Message

  • Absent Subscriber – This indicates that the subscriber’s mobile device is not currently registered on the network. The MSC does not have an active location entry for the device in the VLR (Visitor Location Register).

  • No Paging Response – The MSC sent a paging request to locate the mobile device through the Base Station Subsystem (BSS), but did not receive a response.

  • Via MSC – Confirms that the paging attempt and the response check were managed through the MSC.

Possible Causes

  1. Phone is switched off – Common and most likely cause.

  2. Out of coverage – The subscriber is in an area with no GSM/UMTS/LTE signal.

  3. SIM card not registered – The SIM may have been removed, faulty, or not yet registered on the network.

  4. Temporary network issue – A paging or signaling fault between the MSC and the BSC (Base Station Controller).

  5. Roaming issue – If the subscriber is roaming, the visited network may not have updated location information with the home network’s HLR.

  6. VLR/HLR mismatch – The HLR believes the subscriber is on a certain MSC/VLR, but the MSC has no active record.

? Troubleshooting / Analysis

  1. Check the subscriber’s IMSI/number in the HLR – Ensure the location information is valid.

  2. Ping or trace paging attempts from MSC logs – Confirm if paging messages were sent and if any response occurred.

  3. Verify signaling paths between MSC, BSC, and BTS – Paging may be lost due to A-interface issues.

  4. Check radio coverage – The cell might be down or the signal too weak.

  5. If persistent, perform a location update reset or cancel-location procedure to clear stale records in HLR/VLR.

✅ Resolution

  • Wait until the subscriber reconnects (turns phone on or moves into coverage).

  • If it’s a system issue, clear the VLR entry and force re-registration.

  • Ensure interconnect signaling (MAP, SCCP, etc.) is working properly if this involves roaming.