There is nothing in the documentation to indicate that issuing AT+COPS=0 will, “reset the PLMN search” - but this does, in fact, seem to be the case! For example: In such a case, it does seem that issuing AT+COPS=0 will, indeed, “reset the PLMN search” - and will allow the module to escape from …

Undocumented side-effect of AT+COPS=0

awneil February 26, 2013, 1:58pm 5

It has now been posted in a FAQ post

But is still not mentioned in the AT Commands manual

Topic		Replies	Views
PLMN selection order in automatic mode & use of at+cops=0 Documentation feedback	4	2795	February 27, 2013
PLMN selection order in automatic mode & use of at+cops=0 General wireless topics FAQ	0	11051	February 26, 2013
Network selection (+COPS,+CPOL+CPLS) General wireless topics	5	5615	August 13, 2020
[Hilo] How module select the PLMN during the start up? HL Series FAQ	0	1591	July 23, 2013
Roaming networks with AT+COPS General wireless topics	4	3923	May 21, 2014