But not for phones not recognised by the system - HLR down means if the MSC
needs to look your phone up it won't get an answer - so no calls you.

That was also my reaction when I read it initially but put it to one side,
the HLR is indeed just a massive database of subscriber records.

The MSCs will request data from the HLRs, and may even end up querying VLRs
that are co-located in the same building - but precisely right, HLRs don't
route calls. I may drop El Reg a mail later if I remember.

Regards

Jon.