The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to implement approved Harmonized Short Codes (HSC) for certain telecom services offered to Nigerian consumers. The Commission has set a deadline of May 17, 2023, for all mobile networks to fully transition from diverse shortcodes to harmonized codes.

 

The harmonized shortcodes will promote uniformity in common short codes across networks. This implies that the code used to check airtime balance remains consistent for the same function across all mobile networks, regardless of the network used by the consumer.

 

The new codes enable consumers using the over 226 million active mobile lines in Nigeria to access services across networks using the same codes. The Commission has approved 13 common short codes under the new harmonized shortcodes system. The codes cover services such as Call Centre/Help Desk, Voice Mail Deposit and Retrieval, Borrow Services, Check Balance, Credit Recharge, Data Plan, Share Services, Data Plan Balance, SIM Registration/NIN-SIM Linkage Verification, Do-Not-Disturb unsolicited messaging complaint management, and Porting Services (Mobile Number Portability).

 

The old and new harmonized shortcodes will run concurrently until May 17, 2023, when all networks must have fully migrated to the new codes. The NCC has provided this period to allow consumers to familiarize themselves with the new codes.

 

The initiative aims to make life easier for telecom consumers by enabling them to memorize 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 opportunities for licensees in the Value-Added Services (VAS) segment of the telecoms sector to use freed-up/old codes for other services, This move will also promote a more cohesive regulatory framework that aligns with global standards and best practices.

 

[Guardian]