Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have begun to roll out unified Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes or shortcodes for customers.
This development is happening half a decade after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) published a report advocating for the consolidation of shortcodes in Nigeria.
The purpose of this standardization is to simplify shortcodes and create a more cohesive regulatory atmosphere across the nation.
During an event attended by executives from various sectors including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Bank Executives, Representatives from CBN, Value Added Service (VAS) Licensees, and Executives of the Wireless Application Services Providers in Nigeria (WASPAN), Engr. Paul Dinwoke, the Chief Executive Officer of Molcom Multi-Concepts Limited, the Project Consultants carrying out the Short Code Harmonization, explained that the purpose of the harmonization project is to ensure that the licensing and utilization of shortcodes in Nigeria is in line with the requirements of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and international best practices.
The licensed telecommunications operators of Nigeria (ALTON) also spoke on the launch of unified USSD shortcodes, stating that the implementation of these shortcodes will result in a streamlined process for standard shortcodes across the industry, bringing relief to subscribers through the modernization of single services across all networks, and providing a balanced regulatory framework consistent with global practices.
ALTON disclosed that network operators are currently implementing the shortcodes in collaboration with the NCC and subscribers have adequate time to adjust. The migration process is expected to be completed by May 17, 2023, during which both old and new common codes will run concurrently before the old ones are discontinued.
The proposed harmonized shortcodes are:
- Call Center/Help Desk – 300
- Voice Mail Deposit – 301
- Voice Mail Retrieval -302
- Borrow Services – 303
- STOP Services – 304
- Check Balance – 310
- Credit Recharge – 311
- Data Plan – 312
- Shared Services – 321
- Data Plan Balance – 323
- Verification of SIM Registration/ NIN – SIM Linkage – 996
- Porting Services (MNP) – 2442
Before now, every operator had its unique code for balance inquiry, airtime recharge, and borrowing credit, among others. With the rollout of unified codes, banks and telecoms customers will not need to struggle with memorizing different codes.
Investors King understands that unified shortcodes are commonplace globally.
