What are MCC and MNC in APN?
Let me walk you through the concept of MCC and MNC in APN (Access Point Name), which plays a crucial role in the way your device connects to mobile networks. In previous articles, we’ve discussed how mobile devices interact with networks, and understanding MCC and MNC will further clarify how your device identifies and connects to the right network when you use mobile data services.
When you want to connect your device to the internet or use any mobile services like sending messages or making calls, your device needs to know which mobile network to connect to. This is where the APN (Access Point Name) comes into play, as it helps your device to establish a connection with the mobile network’s gateway. Two important identifiers in the APN are MCC (Mobile Country Code) and MNC (Mobile Network Code). Let’s dive into each one to make it clear.
MCC (Mobile Country Code): MCC is a three-digit code that uniquely identifies a country in the mobile network. This code is part of the mobile number system, and it helps the device determine which country’s network it should connect to. For example, the MCC for the United States is “310,” while the MCC for the United Kingdom is “234.” By using MCC, your device can ensure it connects to the right country’s mobile network, especially when you are roaming abroad.
MNC (Mobile Network Code): MNC, on the other hand, is a two or three-digit code that identifies a specific mobile network within a country. For example, if you’re in the United States and you’re trying to connect to Verizon’s network, the MNC for Verizon would be “00,” while T-Mobile’s MNC might be “260.” MNC, combined with MCC, ensures that the device knows which network provider within the country it should connect to.
Together, MCC and MNC form a unique identifier for each mobile network. When you enter these codes in your APN settings, your device can connect to the correct network based on your location and service provider. Without these codes, your device wouldn’t be able to know which network it should use to route your calls, messages, or mobile data traffic.
For example, when you’re traveling internationally, your device uses the MCC to identify the country, and the MNC to identify the specific network within that country. If you are traveling in Europe, for instance, and your mobile device is set to use the APN settings with the correct MCC and MNC for the local mobile operator, it will seamlessly connect to the right network, ensuring you can use mobile services as usual.
In previous articles, we’ve looked at how mobile networks are structured and how devices connect to them. Understanding the role of MCC and MNC in APN adds another layer to this knowledge, especially when it comes to roaming and ensuring that your device can access the right services from your network provider.