---
title: "MCC/MNC"
description: "MCC/MNC is the pair of codes that identifies a mobile network: the Mobile Country Code (3 digits) identifies the country, and the Mobile Network Code (2 or 3 digits) identifies the operator within it."
canonical: "https://omnichannels.ai/glossary/mcc-mnc/"
language: "en"
updated: "2026-10-10"
publisher: "BroadNet Technologies"
brand: "OmniChannels.ai"
---

# MCC/MNC

Canonical: https://omnichannels.ai/glossary/mcc-mnc/
Language: en
Publisher: OmniChannels.ai by BroadNet Technologies

**Definition:** MCC/MNC is the pair of codes that identifies a mobile network: the Mobile Country Code (3 digits) identifies the country, and the Mobile Network Code (2 or 3 digits) identifies the operator within it.

The codes are defined in ITU-T Recommendation E.212 and used in 3GPP specifications (TS 23.003) as the first part of the IMSI. Together they form the PLMN identity.

In messaging, MCC/MNC is the standard key for routing and rate cards: an aggregator routes to and prices by MCC/MNC, and HLR or MNP lookups return the MCC/MNC of the operator that currently serves a number.

A country code in a phone number (E.164) is not the same as an MCC. For example, the UAE has calling code +971 and MCC 424; Saudi Arabia has +966 and MCC 420.

Some countries have several MCCs, and operators can hold several MNCs. Always map a number to MCC/MNC through a lookup rather than guessing from its prefix where porting exists.

## Sources

- [ITU-T Recommendation E.212 — The international identification plan for public networks and subscriptions](https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-E.212)