About Mengistu

The ICCID is a globally unique serial number—a one-of-a-kind signature that identifies the SIM
card itself. It stands for Integrated Circuit Card ID, a 19- or 20-digit number that’s typically
printed on the back of a SIM card. The ICCID isn’t the only identification number visible on most
SIM cards.

The next set of numbers is the mobile network code (MNC), a 1–4 digit
identifier of the mobile network that issued the SIM—in other words, its home
network. If your device roams in another country, it must connect to a local
network, and the MNC allows it to identify itself to the new network. In today’s
world of many partnerships between cellular companies and service
providers, you might find that your SIM’s MNC indicates a partner company,
rather than the one you bought the SIM from.

How ICCID numbers are used and issued

As we’ve seen, the first several sets of numbers in an ICCID are dependent
on the card’s designated industry, global region, and home network. The
distinguishing portion of the ICCID is generally issued sequentially by your
issuing mobile network, your home network for that SIM. In some cases, a
SIM manufacturer in partnership with your carrier network might generate the
numbers.