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What is MCC (Mobile country code)

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Technical details of the Mobile Country Code (MCC):

  1. Definition and Purpose:
    • The Mobile Country Code (MCC) is a three-digit numerical code that uniquely identifies the country where a mobile network operator (MNO) is based.
    • It serves as an essential component of the global mobile network infrastructure, enabling the interconnection of mobile networks across the world.
  2. Structure:
    • The MCC consists of three decimal digits.
    • It is used in combination with the Mobile Network Code (MNC) to uniquely identify a mobile network operator (carrier) within various mobile communication technologies.
  3. MCC and MNC:
    • The MCC, along with the MNC, forms an MCC/MNC tuple that uniquely identifies a specific mobile network.
    • The MNC is typically composed of two or three decimal digits (e.g., MNC of 001 is not the same as MNC of 01).
    • Together, the MCC and MNC provide a way to distinguish different mobile operators within the same country or region.
  4. Geographical Region Identification:
    • The first digit of the MCC corresponds to a specific geographic region:
      • 0: Test networks
      • 2: Europe
      • 3: North America and the Caribbean
      • 4: Asia and the Middle East
      • 5: Australia and Oceania
      • 6: Africa
      • 7: South and Central America
      • 9: Worldwide (including satellite, air, maritime, and Antarctica)
  5. Technologies and Networks:
    • The MCC is used in various mobile communication technologies, including:
      • GSM (including GSM-R)
      • UMTS
      • LTE
      • 5G public land mobile networks
    • Some CDMA, iDEN, and satellite mobile networks also utilize the MCC/MNC tuple.
    • For WiMAX networks, a globally unique Broadband Operator ID can be derived from the MCC/MNC tuple.
  6. TETRA Networks:
    • TETRA networks use the MCC from ITU-T Recommendation E.212 along with a 14-bit binary Mobile Network Code (T-MNC).
    • T-MNC values range from 0 to 9999.
    • Some TETRA networks may also be assigned an E.212 network code.
  7. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs):
    • MVNOs are mobile operators that do not have their own radio access network.
    • They share the MCC/MNC of their host network.
    • MVNOs without their own MCC/MNC are not listed in official tables.
  8. Official Lists and Updates:
    • The ITU-T maintains an official list of mobile network codes in its Operational Bulletins, published twice a month.
    • However, the official list may not always be complete due to delays in forwarding changes from national MNC authorities.
    • The list does not include additional details such as frequency bands or technologies.

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