The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made a significant shift in the telecommunications landscape of the country. Recently, it approved the implementation of a new uniformed Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes for all mobile networks in Nigeria. This marks a significant change for users accustomed to unique USSD codes for each network.
The move aims to streamline and standardize the codes across all network providers, making them more user-friendly and less cumbersome to remember. Whether you’re looking to buy airtime, purchase data plans, or carry out other transactions, you’ll now have to familiarize yourself with this new USSD structure.
New Unified USSD Codes For MTN, AIrtel, GLO and Others
The NCC directive to harmonize the USSD codes was issued in March 2023, with a deadline set for May 17, 2023. The new unified codes are as follows:
- NIN — *996#
- VAS — *305#
- Share services — *321#
- Account Balance — *310#
- Data plans — *312#
- Airtime recharge — *311#
- Borrowing services — *303#
- Data balance — *323#
These USSD codes are essential for several functions, including checking airtime balances, recharging airtime, and accessing value-added services. The transition has been ongoing for a while since March and now, all networks have implemented these codes and scrapped the old ones.
At present, all networks have scrapped the old codes, so if you were to dial *140# for Airtel or *131# for MTN, you’ll be asked to use the new codes.
For those unfamiliar with the term, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a global system for mobile (GSM) communication technology used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network. It’s a protocol used by GSM cellular telephones to communicate with their service provider’s computers.
In summary, the introduction of these unified USSD codes is a significant move towards standardizing and simplifying mobile transactions. As the changes roll out, users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new codes and adapt their mobile transactions accordingly. Remember, though the shift may require a bit of getting used to, it ultimately serves the purpose of making telecommunication transactions more effortless and more efficient. Stay tuned for more updates on this progressive development in Nigeria’s telecommunication sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the new USSD codes implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)?
The new USSD codes include the following:
- NIN — *996#
- VAS — *305#
- Share services — *321#
- Account Balance — *310#
- Data plans — *312#
- Airtime recharge — *311#
- Borrowing services — *303#
- Data balance — *323#
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Q2: Can I still use the old USSD codes?
Yes, while the transition is ongoing, you can still use the old codes to access USSD services. Full implementation by all networks is expected soon.
Q3: What are unified USSD codes?
Unified USSD codes are a set of standardized codes implemented across all network providers, aimed at making it easier for users to remember and use the codes for various functions.
Q4: Has MTN fully implemented the new USSD codes?
As per the latest updates, MTN has implemented all the new USSD codes except for the code for data plans.
Q5: How about Airtel? Have they fully implemented the new USSD codes?
Airtel has implemented all new USSD codes except for the one used for airtime recharge.
Q6: What does USSD stand for and what is its function?
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It’s a telecommunications system that enables users to perform certain functions such as checking airtime balance, recharging airtime, and accessing value-added services.
Q7: What is the deadline for all telecommunications providers to implement these new USSD codes?
The deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission was Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
Q8: Can I use the new USSD codes to buy airtime and data or perform other transactions?
Yes, the new USSD codes are designed for these kinds of functions, including checking balances, recharging airtime, and accessing various services.
