An IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is a 15-digit identifier associated with a SIM card in a cellular network. The IMSI can be retrieved in our Sim Management Portal. Mobile devices transmit their IMSI when attempting to connect to a network. The network verifies the IMSI to authenticate the device and allow access to the network.
IMSI formats can vary, but are composed of three main parts:
- Mobile Country Code (MCC): 3-digits representing the country where the subscriber’s mobile network operator is registered.
- Mobile Network Code (MNC): 2 or 3-digits identifying the specific mobile network operator within the country.
- Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN): A variable-length number (up to 10 digits) that uniquely identifies the subscriber within the mobile network.
These three components create a unique identifier for each subscriber within a mobile network. The IMSI is stored on the SIM card and mainly used for network authentication, identification during roaming, and subscriber management.
The IMSI is considered sensitive information and is protected to ensure subscriber privacy and security. It is not typically displayed or accessed directly by mobile device users but is utilised by network operators and systems for network management and authentication purposes.
