In May 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed all mobile network operators (MNOs) in the country to migrate to harmonized Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes. This means that all MNOs, including Airtel and MTN, now use the same USSD codes for common services such as airtime recharge, data plan subscription, and balance checking.
There are several reasons why Airtel and MTN are using the same code. One reason is to simplify and standardize the USSD code experience for consumers. In the past, consumers had to memorize different USSD codes for different services and different MNOs. This could be confusing and frustrating, especially for consumers who use multiple SIM cards.
Another reason for harmonized USSD codes is to reduce the cost of providing USSD services for MNOs. When each MNO has its own set of USSD codes, it has to maintain and update those codes separately. This can be expensive and time-consuming. Harmonized USSD codes allow MNOs to share the cost of maintaining and updating the codes.
Benefits of Harmonized USSD Codes for Consumers
There are several benefits of harmonized USSD codes for consumers. First, harmonized USSD codes make it easier for consumers to remember and use USSD services. Consumers only need to memorize a single set of USSD codes for all common services and all MNOs. This can save consumers time and frustration.
Second, harmonized USSD codes can help consumers to save money. When MNOs have to maintain and update their own set of USSD codes separately, they pass on these costs to consumers in the form of higher prices for USSD services. Harmonized USSD codes allow MNOs to share the cost of maintaining and updating the codes, which can lead to lower prices for consumers.
Third, harmonized USSD codes can help to improve the quality and reliability of USSD services. When MNOs have to maintain and update their own set of USSD codes separately, it is more likely that errors and problems will occur. Harmonized USSD codes allow MNOs to share their resources and expertise, which can lead to improved quality and reliability of USSD services for consumers.
Benefits of Harmonized USSD Codes for Telecommunications Companies
There are also several benefits of harmonized USSD codes for telecommunications companies. First, harmonized USSD codes can help telecommunications companies to reduce their costs. As mentioned above, when telecommunications companies have to maintain and update their own set of USSD codes separately, it can be expensive and time-consuming. Harmonized USSD codes allow telecommunications companies to share the cost of maintaining and updating the codes.
Second, harmonized USSD codes can help telecommunications companies to improve their efficiency. When telecommunications companies have to maintain and update their own set of USSD codes separately, it can be difficult to coordinate and manage these activities. Harmonized USSD codes allow telecommunications companies to centralize the maintenance and updating of USSD codes, which can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of errors.
Third, harmonized USSD codes can help telecommunications companies to innovate more quickly. When telecommunications companies have to develop and launch new USSD services for each of their own USSD code sets, it can be a slow and cumbersome process. Harmonized USSD codes allow telecommunications companies to develop and launch new USSD services for a single USSD code set, which can speed up innovation and bring new services to market more quickly.
Conclusion
The migration to harmonized USSD codes is a positive development for both consumers and telecommunications companies in Nigeria. Harmonized USSD codes will make it easier for consumers to use USSD services, potentially save them money, and improve the quality and reliability of these services.
FAQs
Why did the NCC direct all MNOs to migrate to harmonized USSD codes?
The NCC directed all MNOs to migrate to harmonized USSD codes to simplify and standardize the USSD code experience for consumers and to reduce the cost of providing USSD services for MNOs.
What are the benefits of harmonized USSD codes for consumers?
The benefits of harmonized USSD codes for consumers include easier memorization and use of USSD services, potential savings on USSD costs, and improved quality and reliability of USSD services.
What are the benefits of harmonized USSD codes for telecommunications companies?
The benefits of harmonized USSD codes for telecommunications companies include reduced costs, improved efficiency, and the ability to innovate more quickly.