What is a mobile network code (MNC)?

[suhashini25]

Can you explain what a Mobile Network Code (MNC) is and how it is used in mobile communication?
What is the structure of a Mobile Network Code?
mobile network code definition
MNC in SIM card
MCC MNC explained
cellular network identification
A Mobile Network Code (MNC) is a unique numerical identifier used in mobile telecommunications to distinguish a specific mobile network operator within a particular country. It works in conjunction with the Mobile Country Code (MCC) to form a complete and unique identifier for any mobile network globally.

Here's a breakdown of what an MNC is and how it's used:

Structure and Components:
The MNC is a crucial part of a larger identifier known as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is stored on a subscriber's SIM card. The IMSI is a unique 15-digit code structured as follows:

Mobile Country Code (MCC): This is a three-digit code that identifies the student phone number list country where the mobile subscriber is registered (e.g., 470 for Bangladesh, 234 for the UK, 310-311 for the USA). The ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector) assigns these codes.
Mobile Network Code (MNC): This is a two- or three-digit code that uniquely identifies the specific mobile network operator within that country. For example, within Bangladesh's 470 MCC, different MNCs would identify Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, etc. The national regulatory authority (like BTRC in Bangladesh) allocates these MNCs to carriers.
Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN): This is the remaining part of the IMSI, which uniquely identifies the individual subscriber within that specific mobile network.
So, the combination of MCC and MNC creates a unique identifier for each Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is essentially a mobile network operated by a specific carrier in a specific country. This MCC-MNC combination is often referred to as the Home Network Identity (HNI).

How MNCs are Used:
MNCs play a pivotal role in various aspects of mobile communication:

Network Identification and Affiliation:

The primary purpose of an MNC is to allow a mobile device to identify and connect to the correct mobile network. When your phone searches for a network, it reads the MCC and MNC from the available networks' broadcast signals to determine which operator it should connect to.
It helps distinguish between different mobile operators within the same country, ensuring that your device connects to your subscribed network.
Subscriber Authentication and Identification:

The IMSI (which contains the MCC and MNC) is crucial for authenticating a mobile subscriber on a cellular network. When a device attempts to register with a network, the network uses the IMSI to verify the subscriber's identity and determine their home network.
This is fundamental for managing subscriber accounts, applying correct tariff plans, and tracking usage.
Roaming:

MNCs are essential for seamless international roaming. When a subscriber travels to another country, their device connects to a foreign network. The foreign network uses the MCC and MNC from the subscriber's SIM card (IMSI) to identify their home network. This information is then used to route calls and data back to the home network for billing and service provisioning according to roaming agreements.
Call Routing and Billing:

MNCs guide call routing. When a call or SMS is initiated, the network infrastructure uses the MCC and MNC to route the communication to the correct destination network, whether it's within the same country or internationally.
For billing purposes, the MNC helps identify which operator provided the service, allowing for accurate inter-operator settlements and billing to the subscriber's account.
Network Management and Optimization:

Network operators use MNCs internally for network management, troubleshooting, and optimization. They can track network performance, congestion, and subscriber distribution based on MNCs.
In essence, the MNC, in conjunction with the MCC, acts as a critical digital "address" for mobile networks, enabling devices to find their home network, roam internationally, and facilitate the complex processes of call routing, billing, and subscriber management that underpin global mobile communication.