MNC Mobile Network Code

Last updated on May 5, 2023

Mobile Network Code (MNC) is a unique three-digit code that is assigned to a mobile network operator (MNO) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to identify their network within a specific country or region. MNC, along with the Mobile Country Code (MCC), makes up the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is used to identify and authenticate mobile devices on a cellular network. In this article, we will discuss in detail the Mobile Network Code, its purpose, history, and how it is used in modern-day telecommunications.

History of Mobile Network Code

The history of Mobile Network Code dates back to the early days of cellular telecommunications. In the 1970s, the concept of cellular networks was introduced to provide wireless communication to the masses. The first cellular network was launched in the United States in 1983, and soon after, other countries followed suit.

As the number of cellular networks increased, there was a need for a standardized method to identify these networks. This led to the development of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which is now the most widely used cellular network technology in the world.

The GSM standard introduced the concept of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a unique identifier for each mobile device on a cellular network. The IMSI consists of three parts: the Mobile Country Code (MCC), the Mobile Network Code (MNC), and the Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN).

The MCC is a three-digit code assigned to a country by the ITU, while the MNC is a two or three-digit code assigned to a mobile network operator within that country. The MSIN is a unique number assigned to each mobile device by the MNO.

Purpose of Mobile Network Code

The primary purpose of Mobile Network Code is to identify a specific mobile network operator within a particular country or region. The MNC is used in combination with the MCC to create the IMSI, which is used to authenticate a mobile device on a cellular network. This process allows the cellular network to identify the subscriber's home network and to route calls and data to the correct MNO.

The MNC is also used for other purposes, such as roaming. When a subscriber travels to another country, their mobile device will connect to a foreign network. In this case, the IMSI will include the MCC and the MNC of the foreign network. The subscriber's home network will then use this information to identify the foreign network and to route calls and data to the subscriber's device.

In addition, the MNC is used for billing purposes. When a subscriber makes a call or uses data, the call or data usage is recorded and billed to the subscriber's account. The MNC is used to identify the MNO that provided the service, and the subscriber's home network will use this information to calculate the cost of the service.

Structure of Mobile Network Code

The Mobile Network Code is a three-digit code that is assigned to a mobile network operator by the ITU. The code consists of two parts: the first digit represents the technology used by the network, while the second and third digits represent the MNO.

The first digit of the MNC represents the technology used by the network. The values used for the first digit are as follows:

0: The network uses time division multiple access (TDMA) technology.
1: The network uses code division multiple access (CDMA) technology.
2: The network uses wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) technology.
3: The network uses long-term evolution (LTE) technology.
4: The network uses time division-synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) technology.
5: The network uses time division duplex (TDD LTE technology.
6: The network uses advanced mobile phone system (AMPS) technology.
7: The network uses global system for mobile communications (GSM) technology.
8: The network uses universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) technology.
9: The network uses LTE technology.

The second and third digits of the MNC represent the mobile network operator. The ITU assigns these digits to the MNO, and each MNO can have up to 100 codes assigned to them.

For example, in the United States, the MNC for Verizon Wireless is 480, which indicates that they use LTE technology. The MNC for AT&T is 310, which indicates that they use GSM technology.

Using the Mobile Network Code

The Mobile Network Code is used in several ways in modern-day telecommunications. One of the primary uses of the MNC is to identify a mobile network operator within a specific country or region. This allows the cellular network to route calls and data to the correct MNO.

In addition, the MNC is used for roaming. When a subscriber travels to another country, their mobile device will connect to a foreign network. The IMSI will include the MCC and the MNC of the foreign network, and the subscriber's home network will use this information to identify the foreign network and to route calls and data to the subscriber's device.

The MNC is also used for billing purposes. When a subscriber makes a call or uses data, the call or data usage is recorded and billed to the subscriber's account. The MNC is used to identify the MNO that provided the service, and the subscriber's home network will use this information to calculate the cost of the service.

The Mobile Network Code is also used for network management and optimization. The MNO can use the MNC to identify the technology used by their competitors and to optimize their network accordingly. For example, if a competitor is using LTE technology, the MNO may need to upgrade their network to LTE technology to remain competitive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mobile Network Code is a unique identifier that is assigned to a mobile network operator by the ITU. The MNC is used in combination with the MCC to create the IMSI, which is used to identify and authenticate mobile devices on a cellular network. The MNC is used for several purposes, including identifying the MNO, roaming, billing, and network management. The structure of the MNC includes a first digit that represents the technology used by the network and a second and third digit that represents the MNO. The Mobile Network Code is a critical component of modern-day telecommunications and plays a significant role in enabling seamless communication and connectivity around the world.