Nigerians are set to benefit soon from a harmonised set of shortcodes for telecommunications services across all network providers going by the latest development in the industry facilitated by a directive of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).
Following the regulatory modernisation initiative of the NCC, network operators in Nigeria, under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), have announced the commencement of harmonised short codes across all networks.
The Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, made this known in a statement today.
The Association explained that the harmonisation of shortcodes is aimed at implementing a streamlined process for common shortcodes across the industry by making life easier for Nigerians by memorising single codes for various services across all networks as providing a cohesive regulatory framework that is consistent with global best practices.
“Following the directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Association hereby informs the general public that the network operators have begun implementing the short codes, 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.”
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON
The common short codes customers use must be the same across all networks as part of the shortcode harmonisation process. Simply put, the same function can be performed across all mobile networks using the same codes
Adebayo said that during the migration period to be concluded by May 17, 2023, old and new common codes would run concurrently, after which the old codes would 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
- Shared Services – 321
- Data Plan Balance – 323
- Verification of SIM Registration/ NIN – SIM Linkage – 996
- Porting Services (MNP) – 2442
While Nigeria does not yet have a unified shortcode for that purpose throughout the states, it is unclear whether the NCC will permit a shortcode between ALTON and security providers like the Nigeria Police Force (NPC) to assist Nigerians during security emergencies.
Read also: NCC reveals dedicated toll-free number as 2023 presidential election incident hotline
What do the shortcodes mean for Nigerians?
Singular system
Before its introduction and implementation, it is worth noting that every network provider had its shortcode for services that Nigerians refer to when trying to complete their daily activities.
In some instances, this also entails recharging their phones, renewing their data plans, paying their bills, transferring money, and perhaps even communicating with customer support.
These shortcodes would provide a single system that Nigerians can access to meet their everyday needs and services, regardless of the network provider they choose to use.
Enhanced customer service delivery
The fact that Nigerians would receive customized customer service depending on their needs is another advantageous aspect of the shortcodes. Shortcodes used to be unique to each network provider and were not as specific as they are now.
For instance, a code may promote a list of services in which a customer has little interest, rendering the entire procedure unnecessary and tedious for people who lack the patience to wait for their requirements to be satisfied immediately. Nigerians can dial a specific code across the board and have a particular service met with little waste of time.
Ease and Simplicity
Certain service-related shortcodes are easier to remember than many codes for even one network provider, which is a huge advantage. Users may occasionally be forced to guess a specific code using different network providers.
The standardized shortcodes for all networks enable customers to communicate effectively with these network providers and produce a permanent record that is simple to store and access anytime.
Nigerians can only hope that the development is not another policy action leading to inefficient service delivery and unnecessary struggle to solve one of their major challenges communicating with network providers. It is still unclear how effective implementing the shortcode would be.
Read also: NCC debunks rumour of a network shutdown ahead of 2023 polls
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