The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed mobile network operators (MNOs) to start implementing authorized harmonised shortcodes (HSC) for the usage of specific services to telecom users in Nigeria.
This directive is to keep up with its consumer-service approach to telecoms regulation and ultimately improve consumer quality of experience (QoE). The Commission has already set a deadline of May 17, 2023, for all mobile networks to fully migrate from hitherto diverse shortcodes to harmonised codes.
Last week, network operators in Nigeria, under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), announced the commencement of harmonised short codes across all networks.
This implies that, regardless of the network a customer uses, the code for checking airtime balance is the same across all mobile networks for the same function. Telecom customers can now use the same numbers to access services across networks on more than 226 million active mobile lines nationwide.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, said, “Following the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directive, 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.”
Amid these instructions, it is worthy of note that until May 17, 2023, when all networks are anticipated to have fully implemented the new codes, the old and new harmonised shortcodes will be functional. According to the NCC, this would allow telecom users to become familiar with the new codes for various services.
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
Most importantly, the goal of the initiative, which aligns with the NCC’s regulatory modernization program, is to simplify life for telecom users by making it simpler for Nigerians to remember just one code for various services across any mobile networks they may be using.
The new policy is to allow licensees in the Value-Added Services (VAS) 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.
Read More; 3 ways the NCC uniform shortcodes for telcos can benefit Nigerians
How NCC’s proposed harmonised shortcodes can benefit Nigerian mobile users
These shortcodes would provide a single system that Nigerians can access to meet their everyday mobile needs and services, regardless of the network provider they choose to use.
The fact that Nigerians would receive customised 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.
The 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.
The telecommunication sector encourages healthy competition in the communications sector and the defence of providers of communications services and facilities against abuses of market dominance or unfair and anti-competitive behaviour
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