MNNC.net

2008-01-12

Dear MNNC.net user,

In preparation for a site redesign that will add new features to the site, I’m currently having to work on the live site to do some testing.

The search facility can still be used at this temporary address: http://mnnc.net/index_old.php. Other areas of the site are currently unavailable, and any other links you see may not lead to anything substantial.

I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. I include some frequently asked questions and answers below.

To contact me in the meantime, use gazza@ followed by the domain name of this website.

Regards,
Gary.

About the site:

1. What is the MNNC?
2. What does the MNNC do?
3. How does the MNNC work?
4. Why does the MNNC exist?

Site Re-design:

1. When will the re-designed site be ready?
2. What features will there be on the new site?
3. What will be available at the launch?

About the site:

1. What is the MNNC?

   The MNNC stands for the Mobile Number Network Checker.

2. What does the MNNC do?

   Almost exactly what it says it does. It checks which network a UK mobile number or service (prefixed by 070/075/076/077/078/079) was originally assigned to. This can also work with personal numbering (070) and paging services (076).

3. How does the MNNC work?

   It works by comparing the first 6 digits (not 5 as most people would think) of a mobile number to its database of stored numbers that then gives back the network that number was originally registered to. This database is built from files offered freely by OfCom. The key file that I use to fill my database can be found at Ofcom Administrered Numbers.

4. Why does the MNNC exist?

   On 28th April 2001, as part of the National Code and Number Change, all mobile numbers had to start with a standard 07 prefix. Before this it was possible to work out which network a number might have been on. Although numbers can now be transfered from one network provider to another, the MNNC can work out which network the number was originally registered to. This allows you more confidence about ringing numbers on the same network (if you get free calls etc). Recent phone scams also encourage you to ring certain 07 numbers (to then charge you at high costs per minute) — by using the MNNC you could see that this number was not one of the major known-name networks, and so approach ringing the number with extreme caution. As for why I decided to build the MNNC, it was mostly as a practice project, which found a niche on the Internet — there simply was not that many websites that could offer the same service. I continued to develop it in my free time, and add more features.

Site Re-design:

1. When will the re-designed site be ready?

   I’m currently working on it, though getting it all up and running to the level it was may take a while. I can’t guarantee dates.
   The existing search can still be accessed although other areas of the site are not currently working.

2. What features will there be on the new site?

   The features that are currently planned include:

   • A new layout (see below), though this may well change slightly
   • AJAX results feature for those that support it, standard return of results for those that don’t
   • News/Blog section for the site
   • Changes behind the scenes that basically amount to a complete rewrite
   • Statistics area that includes charts updating in real time
   • A members section, which will include other useful tools.

   

3. What will be available at the launch?

   If I can get the search working as before, then I’ll be happy. The other bits can be added in as and when they are done. :o)