Cookies differentiate users and maintain data related to a user during navigation. Cookies are used for activities such as authenticating, session tracking, and maintaining specific information about users. An embodiment receives a first access request from a mobile device that corresponds to a first attempt by the mobile device to access the mobile network. The mobile device is authenticated using a set of authentication credentials provided by the mobile device. A gateway cookie is created that includes a second set of authentication credentials associated with the mobile device. The gateway cookie is provided to the mobile device and stored on the mobile device. A second access request, received from the mobile device, includes the gateway cookie and the second access request corresponds to a second attempt by the mobile device to access the mobile network. The mobile device is authenticated using the gateway cookie.