An MCC (Mobile Country Code) is a 3-digit code that identifies a country, and an MNC (Mobile Network Code) is a 2 or 3-digit code that identifies a mobile network inside it. Together, MCC and MNC identify one operator, and SMS providers use them to price, route and report traffic per network.
How the codes are built
MCC and MNC are defined in ITU-T Recommendation E.212. The ITU assigns MCCs, and each country's numbering authority assigns MNCs to its operators. Together they form the first digits of every SIM's IMSI (the subscriber identity stored on the SIM).
| MCC | Country | MNC example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 234 | United Kingdom | 234-15 | The UK also uses MCC 235 |
| 262 | Germany | 262-01 | 2-digit MNCs |
| 310 to 316 | United States | 310-260 | 3-digit MNCs, several MCCs |
| 404, 405 | India | Many | Codes were historically assigned per licence area |
A country can have more than one MCC, and an operator can have several MNCs after mergers or for different technologies. MVNOs (virtual operators) may have their own MNC or use their host network's code.
MCC, MNC and the phone number
MCC/MNC is not the same as the dialling code. The country code in a phone number (+44, +49) is from the E.164 plan, explained in E.164 number format. You cannot always tell the network from the number prefix, because of number portability: a subscriber can move to another operator and keep the number. To find the current network you need a lookup. See HLR lookup explained and mobile number portability and routing.
How SMS providers use MCC/MNC
- Price lists: rates are often listed per MCC/MNC, because operators in the same country charge different A2P rates. See how A2P SMS pricing works.
- Routing: a platform resolves each destination number to its current MCC/MNC, then picks the supplier configured for that network. A supplier can be direct with one network and indirect with another, as explained in direct SMS routes.
- Reporting: delivery rate and latency are tracked per network, so you can see when one operator starts blocking.
- Billing reconciliation: invoices list traffic per MCC/MNC, and mismatches between your data and the supplier's often come from different portability data.
Prefix routing vs MNP routing
| Method | How it works | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix routing | Number ranges mapped to operators using the national numbering plan | Ported numbers are sent to the wrong network and may fail or be charged at the wrong rate |
| MNP or HLR routing | A lookup gives the current network before sending | Lookup cost and a little latency, but correct routing |
In countries with high porting rates, routing by prefix alone can send a large share of traffic to the wrong place. Ask your supplier whether it routes and bills by the original or the current network.
Where to find the codes
The ITU publishes the list of MCCs and the MNCs countries notify to it in its Operational Bulletin. National regulators publish their own MNC assignments. Many SMS platforms include an MCC/MNC table in their price list or API documentation, but check against an official source when a new operator launches or two merge.
Using it in route requests
If your traffic goes mostly to one or two networks in a country, say so when you request a route: the best supplier for those networks may differ from the best for the country overall. VoIPMatcher sources A2P SMS routes per network from its carriers. Request an SMS route with the networks you need.
Frequently asked questions
What does MCC MNC mean?
MCC stands for Mobile Country Code, a 3-digit code for a country, and MNC stands for Mobile Network Code, a 2 or 3-digit code for a network inside that country. Together they identify one mobile operator, for example 234-15 in the United Kingdom. They are defined in ITU-T Recommendation E.212.
Is the MCC the same as the country calling code?
No. The MCC identifies a country in the mobile network system, while the calling code in a phone number, such as +44 or +49, comes from the E.164 numbering plan. The United Kingdom uses MCC 234 but calling code 44. You cannot reliably read the MCC or the network from a phone number.
How do I find the MCC and MNC of a phone number?
The number prefix only shows which operator originally held the range. Because subscribers can port numbers to another operator, the reliable way to find the current MCC and MNC is a lookup: an HLR lookup queries the network, and an MNP lookup checks the portability database. Many SMS platforms do this automatically before routing.
Why do SMS prices differ between networks in the same country?
Each mobile operator sets its own A2P termination rate, so two networks in one country can charge senders different amounts. That is why SMS price lists are often written per MCC and MNC rather than per country. A supplier may also be direct with one network and reach another through a partner, which changes price and quality.
Can a country have more than one MCC?
Yes. The United States uses MCCs 310 to 316, India uses 404 and 405, and the United Kingdom uses 235 as well as 234. An operator can also hold several MNCs, for example after a merger or for different technologies. Check against the ITU list and the national regulator when operators launch or merge.
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