Mobile Network Code（MNC）

MNC is used to uniquely identify a specific GSM PLMN network in a certain country (decided by MCC).

MNC is composed of two decimal numbers. The coding range is decimal 00-99

 

MNC is used in international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and location area identity (LAI).

 LAI. It is periodically transmitted in system information of each cell. Here, MNC indicates the network number of GSM PLMN. MS uses the received information as the important basis for network selection.

IMSI also contains MNC. It shows the home GSM PLMN network of the subscriber. When MS logs on the network or applies for a certain service, it must report IMSI to the network (When TMSI is unavailable.). The network judges whether this subscriber is roaming subscriber according to MNC in IMSI,  and uses it as one of the important parameters for addressing subscriber HLR.

If a country has more than one GSM PLMN, different networks must have different MNC. MNC is allocated by relevant telecommunication management department of the country. One operator can have one or more MNC (which regard to the scale provided by the service.). Different operators can share the same MNC. Currently, China have two GSM networks, which are operated by China Mobile and China Unicom. Their MNC are 00 and 01 respectively. Due to the special meaning of MNC, modification is prohibited once it has been set in the network.