Primetweets
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has announced the implementation of harmonized shortcodes that will allow users of any mobile network in the country to recharge, check account balances, and carry out other services. The codes, which include 300 for Call Centre/Help Desk, 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 Recharge, will be effective as of May 17, 2023. Data Plan across networks will use the common code 312, while 321 is for Share Services and 323 is for Data Plan Balance. 996 is now for Verification of Subscriber Identity Module Registration/NIN-SIM Linkage, while 2442 is retained for Do-Not-Disturb unsolicited messaging complaint management and 3232 is retained for Porting Services.
The NCC has stated that this policy is in line with its consumer-centric approach to telecom regulation. This means that the code for checking airtime balance is the same across all mobile networks for the same function, regardless of the network a consumer uses. The period between now and May 17, 2023 is provided by the NCC to enable telecom consumers to become familiar with the new codes for various services. This initiative 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.
