A method of enabling mobile device communication via an access network, a method of managing a subscriber database in a home operator network, a method of

A method of enabling mobile device 220 communication via a satellite access network is provided. The method comprises receiving, at a satellite access node 210, a request from a mobile device to use the satellite access network. The request comprises a mobile subscriber identifier. The satellite access node sends a message to a subscriber database 240 in a home operator network of the mobile subscriber. The message comprises the mobile subscriber identifier and one or more of: (a) a timestamp indicating when the mobile device requested to use the satellite access network; and (b) information to enable the home operator network to determine that the access network is a satellite access network. The satellite access network does not have permanent connectivity with the subscriber authentication centre in the HPLMN and so the timestamp allows the home network to determine whether an access request via a terrestrial network 250 supersedes the satellite access request. A roaming hub may be deployed between satellite access network and home networks.