Abstract: A communications network may include a translation server containing a NGPN-to-HLR mapping table. The translation server may be a single, centralized translation server; or several TSs may be on the network. When a number of translation servers are used, a VLR or other network entity receiving an NGPN determines which translation server contains the mapping for that NGPN. One way to do this is when a subscriber roams out of his “home” region, his NGPN is presented to the “foreign” service provider's TS. The foreign TS broadcasts a query to all other TSs in the network either simultaneously or in stages. Another way is that a VLR receiving a NGPN performs a hash function on the NGPN. The hash function identifies a translation server. The VLR may then query the translation server and obtain the NGPN-to-HLR mapping. Where a hash function is used, an extendable hash function to accommodate the addition of new TSs without changing the VLR operating systems.