Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have begun the implementation of harmonised shortcodes.
Confiance News sighted from an IT Realms report on Tuesday.
The initiative which is in line with the regulatory modernisation initiative by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), would enable Nigerians memorise single codes, for various services across all networks rather than the rigorous task of memorizing different codes across various networks.
Confiance News also gathered from Techopedia- an IT education website that short codes are special numbers that are shorter than telephone numbers and are mainly used for short message service (SMS) and MMS.
Beyond the ease of memorising single codes across all networks, Confiance News gathered that it would provide a cohesive regulatory framework that is consistent with global best practices.
The migration, which is to be concluded by 17th May, 2023, would see old and new common codes run concurrently, after which the old codes will cease to operate.
Reacting to the development, chairman of Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Head of Operations, Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga said, “The Network Operators have begun implementing the shortcodes, working closely with the NCC. The Commission has provided adequate time for subscribers to get used to this new development. We are confident this will enhance customer experience across networks.”
According to the report, the shortcodes include 300 for call centres; 303 for airtime borrowing services; 310 for balance checking; 311 for credit recharge; 312 for data plan; and 2442 for porting services.
