MNC (Mobile Network Code)

The Mobile Network Code is a two- or three-digit identifier (per ITU-T E.212) that, together with the Mobile Country Code (MCC), uniquely identifies a mobile operator within a country. The MCC+MNC pair forms the PLMN-ID broadcast on every cell and embedded in the IMSI/SUPI, and is used for network selection and roaming partner identification.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkRoaming and InterconnectIdentity and Subscriber

MNC in context

The radio access network is where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations and downgrade attacks; defenses rest on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

Roaming and interconnect are where two operators exchange signaling and user-plane traffic. Trust boundaries here are the primary attack surface for location tracking, SMS interception and fraud, which is why GSMA now mandates SEPP with PRINS on 5G interconnect.

To place MNC in the wider telecom-security picture, review AKA, iSIM, SUPI, vSIM, SUPI Concealment and PLMN ID — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

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