Mobile phones are such a normal part of our lives that we rarely think about the systems working in the background. Every call, text, or video stream depends on invisible identifiers that make sure your phone connects to the right network. Two of the most important identifiers are the Mobile Country Code (MCC) and the Mobile Network Code (MNC).

This guide explains what MCC and MNC mean, why they matter, and lists the updated codes for Indian networks in 2025. It also notes which codes are active today and which remain only for historical or technical reference.

What Are MCC and MNC?

  • MCC (Mobile Country Code): A three-digit number that represents a country.
  • MNC (Mobile Network Code): A two- or three-digit number that represents a mobile operator inside that country.

When combined, they form the Home Network Identity (HNI).
Example:

  • MCC: 404 (India)
  • MNC: 10 (Airtel – Delhi & NCR)
  • HNI: 40410

When the HNI is combined with the MSIN (Mobile Subscriber Identification Number), it creates the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). The IMSI is stored in your SIM or eSIM and uniquely identifies every mobile subscriber worldwide.

Why MCC and MNC Are Important

  • Network selection: Your phone uses them to find the correct operator, even when you are roaming abroad.
  • Billing and roaming: Operators depend on these codes to calculate roaming charges correctly.
  • Number portability (MNP): They make it possible to keep your number when switching operators.
  • IoT and eSIM devices: Smartwatches, cars, and connected devices also use MCC/MNC to get onto networks.

MCC and MNC in India

India uses two MCCs: 404 and 405.

  • 404: The original country code.
  • 405: Added later to handle new operators and capacity.

As of 2025, there are four main active operators:

  • Jio – Pan-India 4G and 5G
  • Airtel – Pan-India 4G and 5G
  • BSNL (includes MTNL regions) – 4G and starting 5G
  • Vi (Vodafone Idea) – 4G, slower 5G rollout

Indian MCC/MNC Codes (2025)

Jio (active, MCC 405)

  • 405-840 West Bengal
  • 405-854 Andhra Pradesh
  • 405-855 Assam
  • 405-856 Bihar
  • 405-857 Gujarat
  • 405-858 Haryana
  • 405-859 Himachal Pradesh
  • 405-860 Jammu & Kashmir
  • 405-861 Karnataka
  • 405-862 Kerala
  • 405-863 Madhya Pradesh
  • 405-864 Maharashtra
  • 405-865 North East
  • 405-866 Odisha
  • 405-867 Punjab
  • 405-868 Rajasthan
  • 405-869 Tamil Nadu (incl. Chennai)
  • 405-870 Uttar Pradesh (West)
  • 405-871 Uttar Pradesh (East)
  • 405-872 Delhi
  • 405-873 Kolkata
  • 405-874 Mumbai

Airtel (active)

404 series:

  • 404-02 Punjab
  • 404-03 Himachal Pradesh
  • 404-10 Delhi & NCR
  • 404-31 Kolkata
  • 404-40 Chennai
  • 404-45 Karnataka
  • 404-49 Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
  • 404-70 Rajasthan
  • 404-90 Maharashtra
  • 404-92 Mumbai
  • 404-93 Madhya Pradesh
  • 404-94 Tamil Nadu
  • 404-95 Kerala
  • 404-96 Haryana
  • 404-97 Uttar Pradesh (West)
  • 404-98 Gujarat

405 series:

  • 405-51 West Bengal
  • 405-52 Bihar & Jharkhand
  • 405-53 Odisha
  • 405-54 Uttar Pradesh (East)
  • 405-55 Jammu & Kashmir
  • 405-56 Assam

Vi (Vodafone Idea) (active)

404 series:

  • 404-01 Haryana
  • 404-05 Gujarat
  • 404-07 Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
  • 404-11 Delhi & NCR
  • 404-14 Punjab
  • 404-15 Uttar Pradesh (East)
  • 404-20 Mumbai
  • 404-22 Maharashtra & Goa
  • 404-30 Kolkata
  • 404-43 Tamil Nadu
  • 404-46 Kerala
  • 404-60 Rajasthan
  • 404-78 Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh
  • 404-82 Himachal Pradesh
  • 404-86 Karnataka

405 series:

  • 405-67 West Bengal
  • 405-70 Bihar & Jharkhand
  • 405-750 Jammu & Kashmir
  • 405-751 Assam
  • 405-753 Odisha
  • 405-755 North East

BSNL (active; includes MTNL areas)

  • 404-34 Haryana
  • 404-38 Assam
  • 404-51 Himachal Pradesh
  • 404-53 Punjab
  • 404-54 Uttar Pradesh (West)
  • 404-55 Uttar Pradesh (East)
  • 404-57 Gujarat
  • 404-58 Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh
  • 404-59 Rajasthan
  • 404-62 Jammu & Kashmir
  • 404-64 Chennai
  • 404-66 Maharashtra & Goa
  • 404-71 Karnataka (Bengaluru)
  • 404-72 Kerala
  • 404-73 Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
  • 404-74 West Bengal
  • 404-75 Bihar
  • 404-76 Odisha
  • 404-77 North East
  • 404-79 Andaman & Nicobar
  • 404-80 Tamil Nadu
  • 404-81 Kolkata

Former MTNL codes (now run by BSNL):

  • 404-68 Delhi
  • 404-69 Mumbai

Legacy and Retired Codes

These codes are no longer active for consumers but may still appear in records:

  • Reliance Communications (404/405 series) – shutdown
  • Aircel (405-800–811, 405-82x…) – defunct
  • Uninor/Telenor (405-81x/818…) – merged with Airtel
  • Videocon (405-824–843) – defunct
  • Etisalat DB (Cheers) (405-912–924) – defunct
  • MTS/Sistema Shyam (405-887–907) – defunct

Global Context

The MCC/MNC system is used worldwide.

  • USA: MCC 310, AT&T → MNC 410
  • UK: MCC 234, Vodafone UK → MNC 15

This standardization ensures phones and IoT devices work across borders.

Modern Applications (2025)

  • 5G and beyond: MCC/MNC help manage advanced 5G networks, including slicing and roaming.
  • IoT expansion: Billions of sensors, cars, and devices depend on them for authentication.
  • eSIM use: Devices can switch carriers smoothly thanks to these codes.
  • 6G preparation: India is setting up 6G testbeds in 2025, where MCC/MNC will still be central.

Conclusion

MCC and MNC codes might look like random numbers, but they are the backbone of mobile networks. They make sure phones connect correctly, bills are accurate, and roaming works worldwide.

In India, the list of codes has changed as operators shut down, merged, or expanded, but the system itself remains crucial. As we move into the 5G and 6G era, these codes are more important than ever—not only for phones but also for billions of connected devices.

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