What is an MNC (mobile network code)?
An MNC is the two- or three-digit code that identifies one specific mobile operator within a country. MCC 310 + MNC 410 is AT&T; MCC 262 + MNC 01 is Deutsche Telekom.
Definition
The Mobile Network Code (MNC) is a two- or three-digit code that, combined with the Mobile Country Code, uniquely identifies a mobile operator: the pair is called a PLMN ID (Public Land Mobile Network identifier). MCC 310 with MNC 410 is AT&T in the US; MCC 262 with MNC 01 is Deutsche Telekom in Germany. MNCs are assigned nationally, so the same MNC digits mean different operators in different countries — the code is only meaningful with its MCC.
MNCs surface in the same places MCCs do: inside the IMSI (digits four to five or six), in HLR and MNP lookup responses that report the live serving network, and in roaming agreements between carriers. One operator commonly holds several MNCs — acquired brands, MVNOs it hosts, or IoT-specific ranges — which is why a serious carrier lookup table maps thousands of MCC/MNC pairs rather than one per brand name.
Why it matters
The MCC/MNC pair is the canonical carrier key for routing, pricing, and analytics. When an HLR lookup returns 310/260 you know the number is on T-Mobile US today regardless of what its prefix suggests — and that is the fact your routing table and your fraud model both need.
See it in action
Look up any carrier by MCC/MNC →