NCC answers your FAQs on telecoms operators’ new Common Short Codes 

*The Nigerian Communications Commission, as part of its regulatory modernisation programme to ‘make life much easier for telecoms consumers’ and improve their Quality of Experience, provides answers to some of the telecoms consumers’ Frequently Asked Questions on the harmonised Common Short Codes the Commission approved recently

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of the Commission’s consumer education and sensitisation series, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has provided answers to some of the telecoms consumers’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the harmonised Common Short Codes, which the telecoms regulatory Commission approved recently.

ConsumerConnect had reported Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, early March this year, had stated under the new harmonised short codes regime, the telecoms sector regulator approved 13 common short codes.

The regulatory Commission said these 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; and 302 for Voice Mail Retrieval.

Others are 303 for Borrow Services; 305 for STOP Service; 310 for Check Balance, and 311 for Credit Recharge.

The Commission also stated that the common code for Data Plan across networks is now 312.

In accordance with the new direction, the regulator noted 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 NCC as well said both the old and new harmonised short codes would run concurrently up until May 17, 2023, when all networks are expected to have fully migrated to full implementation of the new codes in Nigeria.

The Director of Public Affairs further states under the harmonised short codes regime, the telecoms sector regulator had approved 13 common short codes.

According to the regulatory Commission, these 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; and 302 for Voice Mail Retrieval.

It also stated the NCC has provided the window between now and May 17, to enable telecoms consumers to familiarise themselves with the new codes for various services.

It further stated: “The initiative, which is in tune with NCC’s regulatory modernisation programme, is essentially to make life much easier for telecoms 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).”

The telecoms sector regulator added the new policy would provide an opportunity for licensees in the Value-Added Services (VAS) segment of the telecoms sector to use freed-up/old codes for other services, besides enhancing cohesive regulatory framework in keeping with world-class practices in the country.

Answers to FAQs on Common Short Codes

Below are answers to some of your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Common Short Codes, courtesy of NCC:

What are Common short codes?

Common Short Codes have unified Short Codes used across all the Mobile Networks, to check or access Network Services, such as customer care, recharge, check balance, buy data, etc. These Short Codes are the same across all networks.

How do I remember the Common Short Codes?

You can simply dial *301# from your mobile phone to view the list of all the Operator Common Codes on your Network.

When will the old Short Codes stop working?

The old Short Codes will stop working from June 17, 2023.

What are the benefits of Common Short Codes to subscribers?

The Common Short Codes provide clear and easy-to-remember Short Codes for the subscribers to access services across all networks.

There is no need to memorise different Short Codes for the individual operators.

Will I be charged for using the Common Codes?

No, the Common Codes are FREE, and attract no charge for using them. However, voicemail service might attract a fee to enable the feature.

Will the same Codes work if I port my number?

Yes, the Common Codes are the same across ALL the networks.

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