What is MNC?
MNC (Mobile Network Code) is a two or three-digit code that, combined with the MCC (Mobile Country Code), uniquely identifies a specific mobile network operator within a country. The MCC+MNC combination forms the PLMN ID (Public Land Mobile Network Identity) which is the fundamental identifier used throughout 3GPP systems for network selection, roaming, billing, and subscriber management.
How Does MNC Work?
MNCs are assigned by national telecommunications regulators. For example, in Morocco (MCC 604), Maroc Telecom uses MNC 00, Orange Maroc uses MNC 01, and Inwi uses MNC 02. The full PLMN ID (e.g., 604-01 for Orange Maroc) is broadcast by every base station in the System Information Block (SIB1 in 5G NR) and is stored on the SIM/USIM card as part of the IMSI. During network selection, the UE reads the PLMN IDs of detected cells and compares them with its home PLMN and any equivalent or preferred PLMNs configured on the SIM. The MNC is also used in GTP tunnel establishment, inter-operator signalling (Diameter/SS7), and roaming hub routing.
Use Cases
Operator identification and network selection, roaming partner identification, regulatory licensing and spectrum assignment, interconnection and billing between operators, and MVNO identification (MVNOs receive their own MNC).
3GPP / Standards Reference
ITU-T E.212 (International identification plan), 3GPP TS 23.003 (Numbering and identification), 3GPP TS 23.122 (PLMN selection)
Related Terms
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This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
