What Is IMSI?

Previously we discovered what IMEI is (the abbreviation of International Mobile Equipment Identity). This time we bring you another code that you may have not heard of before. It is the IMSI. Does it sound familiar to you?

Do not worry if not! In this article, we will detail exactly what IMSI is, specifying each part that composes it.

Continue reading and learn much more about the IMSI number:

What you need to know about IMSI numbers

We need to start defining what IMSI means. It stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identifier. It is a unique number that identifies your SIM card within your mobile network operator and has nothing to do with your mobile phone model. Remember that the number that identifies your mobile phone is the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).

This time we are going to focus on the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier, from now on IMSI. The number usually has 15 digits, but it can have fewer digits than that. The digits are divided into three different parts that we will detail below:

Mobile Country Code (MCC)

This code represents the three digits of the IMSI number. Together with the Mobile Network Code (MNC), identify GSM networks worldwide. From the three digits that make up the MCC, the first digit represents the geographic region. Below you can see the corresponding number for each region:

• 2 Europe
• 3 North America and the Caribbean
• 4 Asia, India, Middle East
• 5 Australia and Oceania
• 6 Africa
• 7 South America
• 9 Worldwide

Now, let’s mention some examples of MCC for each region:

• Spain (214)
• The United States (310)
• India (404)
• Indonesia (510)
• Egypt (602)
• Venezuela (734)

Mobile Network Code (MNC)

This code works in conjunction with the MCC. It consists of one, two, or three digits, which identifies the Mobile Network Operator (MNO). An MNO is a company that provides communication services in specific countries or regions. The number will depend on the country and the mobile operator. Let’s see some examples about Vodafone:

• Vodafone Spain (06)
• Vodafone India (15)
• Vodafone Egypt (02)
• Vodafone UK (07)
• Vodafone Portugal (01)

Mobile Subscription Identification Number (MSIN)

This number identifies a subscriber from a mobile network. It is the last part of the IMSI. The number is unique, meaning that another subscriber will not have the same subscription identification. The length will depend on the mobile operator, but it has a maximum of 10 digits.

Now that we have clear the different parts of the IMSI numbers, let’s detail one last example:

Imagine the IMSI number is 21406123456789.

We know that the first three digits refer to the Mobile Country Code (MCC). As we mentioned before, the digits 214 belong to Spain.

After that, we have the numbers 06. They refer to the Mobile Network Code (MNC). In this case, the mobile network operator is Vodafone Spain.

Finally, the last nine digits refer to the MSIN.

Is IMSI the same as the phone number?

If what you need is to call or send a message to a second person, the IMSI will not help you much. Remember that the IMSI is a number that network operators use to identify a subscriber. On the other hand, what you need to make a call is the MSISDN number.

MSISDN stands for Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network. One of the differences between this number and the IMSI is that MSISDN can change if the subscriber requires that. However, the IMSI will be always locked to a particular SIM card.

To understand better what the MSISDN is, let’s explain the three components of the code:

Country Code (CC)

This code made of one, two, or three digits represents countries and dependent areas. For instance, if you want to communicate with a person in a different country, you need to know the CC to be able to make the call or send the message.

Now, let’s mention some examples of CC for the countries we have mentioned before:

• Spain (34)
• The United States (1)
• India (91)
• Indonesia (62)
• Egypt (20)
• Venezuela (58)

National Destination Code (NDC)

It is also known as area code, and refers to a prefix made of two or three digits that identify the geographical region or the mobile network. It will be different for every country (and region) and every mobile network. You do not need to dial the NDC if you are calling a cellphone in the same region or within the same network.

Subscriber Number

This number is unique for every user. The mobile network with which you get your SIM card will provide you with this number.

So now, you know that your phone number is also called MSISDN, and this code works with the IMSI to enable voice calls and any other type of communication.

Is IMSI the same as ICCID?

ICCID stands for Integrated Circuit Card ID. It consists of a code of 18 – 22 digits that are used to identify the SIM card’s country, home network, and identification number. You can commonly find the number printed on your SIM card or in the package where it came from.

So the main difference between the IMSI and the ICCID is that the first identifies the subscriber, and the second identifies the SIM card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IMSI stand for?

It stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identifier.

What exactly is the IMSI number?

It is a unique number that identifies a subscriber from a network.

What are the parts of the IMSI code?

The Mobile Country Code (MCC), the Mobile Network Code (MNC), and the Mobile Subscription Identification Number (MSIN).

Is the IMSI my phone number?

No, it should not be used as the phone number.

We know very well how to use smartphones, however, we also find it convenient to know a little about how technology works. We hope that this article has been useful to fulfill that.
Do not miss our next articles where we will continue talking about topics like this!

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