The
Nigerian Communications Commission directed the telecommunications operators in
Nigeria to commence the implementation of the harmonized shortcodes for all
telecommunications services earlier in March this year. This means all mobile
network operators will now use the same code for the same service.
The
implementation will begin from May 17, when all old codes used to recharge,
subscribe for data, and check balance, among others, will cease to
function.
Until
now, each telecom operator has had its own unique code for checking balances,
recharging, borrowing credit, etc. These require a telecom subscriber with more
than one line to memorize the different codes for the respective operators.
With
this new development, you’ll be able to use the same codes to recharge on all
mobile networks. Same goes to buying data etc.
Here
are the new codes as approved by the NCC
300
is the code for Call Centre/Help Desk on all mobile networks
301
for voice Mail Deposit
302
for Voice Mail Retrieval
303
for Borrow Services
305
for STOP Service;
310
for Check Balance
311
is for credit recharge.
312
is for Data Plan
321
is for Share services.
323
is for Data Plan Balance
996
is now for verification of subscriber identity module (SIM) registration or
NIN-SIM linkage.
2442
is retained for Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unsolicited messaging complaint
management.
3232
is also retained for porting services, otherwise called mobile number
portability.
The
old and new harmonized shortcodes have been running concurrently up until now
and will remain so until May 17, 2023, when all networks are expected to have
fully migrated to full implementation of the new codes. The NCC said the period
between March and May 17 for concurrent usage of the codes was provided to
enable telecom consumers to familiarize themselves with the new codes for
various services.
NCC believes that the new codes will make life easier for telecom subscribers. All you have to do is to memorize the new codes.
Let us know what you think in the
comments…
