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The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has started implementing a new system where shortcodes will be the same across all telecom networks, following a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This move aims to make life easier for Nigerians by allowing them to use one simple code for various services, no matter which telecom network they are on. The goal is to make things more straightforward for customers while aligning with global best practices.
In a statement signed by ALTON’s national chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and operations head, Gbolahan Awonuga, they confirmed that telecom operators have begun rolling out the new codes, working closely with the NCC. The NCC has given subscribers enough time to adjust, and they believe this will improve the overall customer experience.
The transition to the new codes will be completed by May 17, 2023. Both the old and new codes will be available during the transition, after which the old codes will be discontinued.
Here are the new harmonised shortcodes:
- 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
- Share Services: 321
- Data Plan Balance: 323
- SIM Registration/NIN Verification – SIM Linkage: 996
- Porting Services (MNP): 2442
According to NCC, these harmonised shortcodes will be the same across all networks, so services like recharging your line will work with the same code no matter which mobile network you use.
