The Nigerian Communication Commission has released standardized shortcodes for the nation’s mobile networks.
Users of MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile will now be able to recharge, check account balances, and access other services using the same shortcodes thanks to this development.
The standardized code for call centers and help desks across all mobile networks is 300. Other codes include 301 for voice mail deposit, 302 for voice mail retrieval, 303 for borrow services, 305 for STOP service, 310 for check balance, and 311 for credit reload.
Moreover, 312 is now used as the standard network code for data plans. 323 is for Data Plan Balance in accordance with the new direction, while 321 is for Sharing Services. The verification of Subscriber Identity Module Registration/NIN-SIM Linkage code is now 996.
The common code, 3232, is also preserved for porting services, popularly known as mobile number portability, while the code 2442 is retained for Do-Not-Disturb unwanted messaging complaint management.
The NCC has instructed the mobile network operators to start implementing the harmonised codes as soon as possible, with a deadline of May 17, 2023.
Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, stated in a statement that the action is intended to achieve uniformity in common short codes across networks.
The statement read in part, “This means that the code for checking airtime balance is the same across all mobile networks for the same function, irrespective of the network a consumer uses.
With the new codes, the telecom consumers using the over 226 million active mobile lines in the country, can now use the same codes to access services across the networks.”
It added, “The old and new harmonised shortcodes will run concurrently up until May 17, 2023, when all networks are expected to have fully migrated to full implementation of the new codes. The period between now and May 17, 2023 is provided by the NCC to enable telecom consumers to familiarise themselves with the new codes for various services.
“The initiative, which is in line with NCC’s regulatory modernisation programme, is essential to make life much easier for telecom consumers, as it is now easier for Nigerians to memorize single codes for various services across all mobile networks they may be using, thereby improving consumer quality of experience.
“In addition, the new policy will provide an opportunity for licensees in the Value-Added Services segment of the telecoms sector to be able to use freed-up/old codes for other services, as well as enhance cohesive regulatory framework in keeping with world-class practices.”
