The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC would soon start implementation of the harmonisation of operations in the telecom sector, by collapsing short codes to a uniform number across all telecommunications operators.
From May 17, 2023, recharging mobile phones, checking credit balance for either airtime or data and all that services will be done with a uniform number irrespective of the network service subscribed to.
This appears the second phase of telecom industry harmonisation after NCC introduced the Mobile Number Portability in April 2013
Mobile number portability (MNP) enables mobile telephone users to switch from one mobile network carrier to another and still retain their original mobile telephone numbers.
In the new harmonised short codes, one unique code will perform short code services for subscribers of all telecom operators in the country.
Dropping the hint, umbrella body of telecom operators, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria, ALTON, said its members were ready to implement the new policy because it reflected modern regulatory practice which obtains globally.
In a statement signed by the duo of Chairman and Head Operations of the Association, Engr Gbenga Adebayo and Gbolahan Awonuga, the association said: “ALTON has announced the commencement of harmonised short codes across all networks pursuant to a regulatory modernisation initiative by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“The harmonisation of short codes is aimed at implementing a streamlined process for common short codes across the industry, by making life easier for Nigerians through the memorisation of single codes, for various services across all networks as well as providing a cohesive regulatory frame work that is consistent with global best practices.
The proposed harmonised short codes
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.
Others are, Share Services – 321, Data Plan Balance – 323, Verification of SIM Registration/ NIN – SIM Linkage – 996 and Porting Services (MNP) – 2442
