The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a set of harmonised shortcodes for mobile networks across the country. This development means that users of MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile can recharge, check account balances and access other services using the same shortcodes, regardless of their network provider.
The new codes include: 300 for Call Centre/Help Desk; 301 for Voice Mail Deposit; 302 for Voice Mail Retrieval; 303 for Borrow Services; 305 for STOP Service; 310 for Check Balance; 311 for Credit Recharge; 312 for Data Plan; 321 for Share Services; 323 for Data Plan Balance; 996 for Verification of Subscriber Identity Module Registration/NIN‑SIM Linkage; 2442 for Do‑Not‑Disturb unsolicited messaging complaint management; and 3232 for Porting Services (Mobile Number Portability).
The NCC has directed mobile network operators to begin implementing these approved harmonised codes, with a deadline of 17 May 2023. In a statement, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, explained that the move aims to achieve uniformity in common shortcodes 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,” the statement read. “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.”
The old and new harmonised shortcodes will run concurrently until 17 May 2023, after which all networks are expected to have fully migrated to the new codes. This transition period is intended to give telecom consumers time to familiarise themselves with the new codes for various services.
The initiative, part of the NCC’s regulatory modernisation programme, is designed to simplify life for telecom consumers by allowing them to memorise a single set of codes for services across all networks, thereby improving the quality of experience. Additionally, the new policy will free up the old codes for use by licensees in the Value‑Added Services segment, enhancing a cohesive regulatory framework that aligns with world‑class practices.
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