A system and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless user equipment (UE) device. In one embodiment, a first database structure is provided that associates a plurality network selection control codes with a corresponding plurality of network selection criteria, the network selection criteria for defining different treatment options for networks identified in a network list associated with the wireless device. A second database structure is populated with a list of networks identified by corresponding network identifiers, wherein each network identifier is associated with a corresponding network selection control code identified in the first database structure. The contents of the database structures, which may be provisioned as part of removable storage module or within a memory of the wireless device, are operable to be updated only by a home network operator.