Hi.
I'm not sure the OP was asking for a way to set the /network name/ as a string, the way it was,at some point in time, possible via the Identity.ShortName configuration key first introduced in OpenBTS, and that was later on removed from the opensource source tree of YateBTS (and probably kept in the commercial tree).
But if it actually was your question, I don't think it would be that difficult to get this feature back: digging into the OpenBTS/YateBTS SVN/git repositories history should provide you with enough material to get started.
Though, I think this does not answer your question. My 2 cents are that you configure YateBTS for an existing/legit PLMN (255 for your country, and 06 for the Life network): in that case, your phone will basically identify /your network/ to the /legit network/, and display that accordingly. Then, when you configure YateBTS with a different /non existing/ MNC, like 006, you create a /new/ network, and your phone will display it.
BTW, for testing purpose, it's recommended that you configure your BTS with the well-known test PLMN, MCC=001, MNC=01.
Kind regards,
spina.