TECHDIGEST – In line with its consumer-centric approach to telecoms regulation, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed mobile network operators (MNOs) to commence implementation of approved harmonised short codes (HSC) for providing certain services to telecom consumers in Nigeria.

The Commission has already set a deadline of May 17, 2023, for all mobile networks to fully migrate from hitherto diverse short codes to the harmonised codes.

The use of harmonised short codes is aimed at achieving uniformity in common short codes across networks. This means that the code for checking airtime balance is the same across all mobile networks for the same function, irrespective of the network a consumer uses.

With the new codes, the telecom consumers using the over 226 million active mobile lines in the country, can now use the same codes to access services across the networks.

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Consequently, under the new harmonised short codes regime, 13 common short codes have been approved by the Commission. They include the following codes: 300 to be used as the harmonised code for Call Centre/Help Desk on all mobile networks; 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.

Also, the common code for Data Plan across networks is now 312. In line with the new direction, 321 is for Share Services, while 323 is for Data Plan Balance. The code, 996, is now for Verification of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration/NIN-SIM Linkage.

The code, 2442, is retained for Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unsolicited messaging complaint management, while the common code, 3232, is also retained for Porting Services, otherwise called Mobile Number Portability.

The old and new harmonised short codes will run concurrently up until the May 17, 2023, when all networks are expected to have fully migrated to full implementation of the new codes.  The period between now and May 17, 2023 is provided by the NCC to enable telecom consumers to familiarise themselves with the new codes for various services.

The initiative, which is in line with NCC’s regulatory modernisation programme, is essentially to make life much easier for telecom consumers, as it is now easier for Nigerians to memorise single codes for various services across all mobile networks they may be using, thereby improving consumer quality of experience (QoE).

In addition, the new policy will provide opportunity for 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.

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TECHDIGEST – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged network subscribers to leverage on its short code 2442 to end unsolicited messages by the Value Added Services (VAS) providers and network providers.

The Zonal Controller, NCC, Enugu, Ogbonnaya Ugama, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu.

Ugama noted that most often, the VAS providers and network forcefully sent unsolicited messages and marketing calls to its customers which they did not requested for.

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He described the provision of the short code by the NCC as “protection of the right of the consumers” to choose freely, the services they desire for.

“To stop unsolicited messages, use our do not disturb code of 2442 by typing ‘STOP’ and sending to 2442, to stop all unsolicited messages, or send ‘HELP’ to same code and follow the prompt to choose the options of the types of messages you want to receive.

“You can also send ‘STATUS’ to 2442 to see if your choices have been implemented”, Ugama advised.

The zonal controller also advised Nigerians to use the 112 toll free line provided by the commission in any event of an emergency.

He said the number was easy to remember and toll free to reach any first responders they want to call.

“You can use the number to call Police, Road Safety, Fire Service, Ambulance and Health authorities,” he said.

Ugama, however, expressed the determination of the commission to protect the rights of customers of the telecommunication companies in the country.

He stated that NCC had the interest of the public and telecom consumers at heart and would do their regulatory duty to protect it.

On SIM Card Porting, the zonal controller said with it, consumers could easily move from one network to another and still retain the phone number they were using.

According to him, some people find it difficult to switch from one network provider to another, stressing they were afraid of losing their number or contacts.

“With the ability to port, their number contacts is secured,” he added. (NAN)

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