What a USSD Shortcode Does
USSD is a session-based exchange between a mobile phone and a service. A customer dials a shortcode, sees a menu and replies with a choice. Your system receives that choice and returns the next screen. The exchange continues until the customer finishes or the session ends. It works on any handset, including feature phones, and needs neither internet access nor an app installation. The customer still needs access to a mobile network that supports your service. Unlike an app, USSD does not provide a graphical interface or keep a screen available for later use. Unlike SMS, it is an interactive conversation rather than a message stored in an inbox. It suits short tasks with clear choices, such as checking information or requesting a transaction. Your business supplies the service logic behind the menu.
Getting a Shortcode Registered
Choose a code format. Describe the service and decide whether a shared or dedicated shortcode fits. Thermolinks checks the available options before you commit to a particular code. [CODE FORMAT AND AVAILABILITY — confirm with operations].
Submit your application through an aggregator. Businesses do not obtain a shortcode directly from mobile operators. Thermolinks, a licensed aggregator, handles the application and coordinates the connection. Explain your intended users, menu journey and service purpose. [APPLICATION FEE — confirm].
Obtain operator approval. Thermolinks takes the application through the relevant operators and follows up on their review. Availability and conditions must be confirmed for your proposed service. [OPERATOR-SPECIFIC RULES — confirm]. [TIMELINE — confirm with operations].
Confirm NCC requirements. Thermolinks explains which regulatory requirements apply and what your organisation needs to provide. Do not assume that another service’s paperwork applies to yours. [NCC REQUIREMENT — confirm]. [NCC DOCUMENTS — confirm].
Complete technical integration. Connect the USSD menu to your application through Thermolinks. Define each menu choice, validate customer inputs and test successful and failed requests. Agree how your team will investigate errors. [SETUP FEE — confirm].
Go live. After approvals and testing, agree the launch arrangements with Thermolinks. Confirm support responsibilities, monitoring and ongoing operation before inviting customers to dial. [GO-LIVE TIMELINE — confirm with operations]. [MONTHLY COST — confirm].
Shared vs Dedicated Shortcodes
A shared shortcode gives your service a route within a code also used by other businesses. Customers reach your menu through an assigned option or extension, depending on the agreed format. It can suit a pilot, a smaller service or a business that does not need a standalone dialling identity. A dedicated shortcode is assigned to your service rather than shared with other businesses. It gives you a distinct code to communicate in your branding and customer instructions. It can suit services where recognition and a direct entry point matter. The trade-off is the commercial commitment and the responsibility of maintaining your service. Shared access can reduce that commitment, but gives you less control over the entry format. Confirm both options before choosing: [SHARED COST — confirm], [DEDICATED COST — confirm] and [CODE FORMAT — confirm].
Common Deployments
In banking, a customer dials a code, authenticates and chooses an account balance check. The menu retrieves the balance from the bank’s system and displays it on the phone. For airtime or data purchase, the customer selects a recipient and product, reviews the request and confirms payment. A bill payment journey asks for the biller and customer reference before showing the amount or accepting a payment instruction. Customer self-service can let someone check an order, update a service preference or raise a support request without calling an agent. Surveys present short questions and record each response; voting menus let participants select an option and confirm their choice. In agent networks, an agent can use a menu to check working balances, initiate permitted transactions or look up their status. Each deployment needs a connection to the business system behind it, with clear authentication, error messages and a way to resolve incomplete requests.
Start Your Application
Email info@thermolinks.com with a short description of your service, the customers it will serve and the menu journey you have in mind. Thermolinks will discuss code options, the application process and technical integration. Do not include passwords or customer records in your enquiry.
info@thermolinks.com