Telecom companies in Nigeria has started the commencement of the regulatory modernisation on harmonised short codes across all networks initiated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), who disclosed this in statement noted that the harmonisation of shortcodes is aimed at implementing a streamlined process for common shortcodes across the industry.
The association believes the initiative will make life easier for Nigerians through the memorisation of single codes, for various services across all networks as well as providing a cohesive regulatory framework that is consistent with global best practices.
“Following the directive from NCC, the Association hereby inform the general public that The Network Operators have begun implementing the shortcodes, working closely with the NCC. The Commission has provided adequate time for subscribers to get used to this new development. We are confident this will enhance the customer experience across networks,” the statement reads.
The statement, which was jointly signed by Signed Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and Gbolahan Awonuga, ALTON’s Chairman and Head, Operations, added that during migration, which is to be concluded by 17th May 2023, the old and new common codes will run concurrently, after which the old codes will cease to operate.
The proposed harmonised 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
- Share Services – 321
- Data Plan Balance – 323
- Verification of SIM Registration/ NIN – SIM Linkage – 996
- Porting Services (MNP) – 2442
Harmonisation of Shortcodes in succinct terms entails making the common shortcodes utilised by customers to be uniform across all networks. For instance, the code for recharging a line can be used across all mobile networks for the same function.