The harmonization of shortcodes across all networks has started, according to telecom carriers.
The Nigerian Communications Commission’s regulatory modernization drive, according to the announcement made yesterday in Lagos by the umbrella organization Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), was the reason for the harmonization (NCC).
The harmonization of shortcodes is intended to implement a streamlined process for common shortcodes across the industry, by making life simpler for Nigerians through the memorization of single codes, for various services across all networks, as well as providing a cogent regulatory framework that is consistent with international best practices, according to ALTON Chairman and Head of Operations, Gbenga Adebayo and Gbolahan Awonuga, respectively.
The Association informed the public as per the NCC’s directive that the Network Operators have started implementing the shortcodes, working closely with the NCC. The Commission has given subscribers enough time to adjust to this new development. This will improve customer experience across networks, we are convinced.
The existing and new common codes will coexist during the migration, which is scheduled to be finished by May 17, 2023, after which the old codes will be phased out.
The body listed the proposed harmonised shortcodes to include: 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 and Porting Services (MNP) – 2442.
ALTON went on to explain that the harmonization of shortcodes means standardizing the widely used shortcodes by customers across all networks. For instance, all mobile networks can use the same code to perform the same task while recharging a line. The body claimed that no unique code is required to activate the shortcodes.
The telecoms sector umbrella body responded to the question of whether respective network codes automatically became inactive by stating that both shortcodes would operate simultaneously for a year before the previous codes were rendered obsolete.
