USSD Short Codes

A shared short code means your service sits behind a menu option on a code that other businesses also use, which is faster and cheaper to set up. A dedicated short code is registered exclusively to your business, giving you full control over the menu structure and is the better option once transaction volumes grow or you're handling financial or membership services.

Approval timelines depend on the mobile network operator and whether you're applying for a shared or dedicated code. We handle the application and technical configuration on your behalf and can give you a clearer estimate once we know which operator and code type fits your business.

No. A short code on its own doesn't do anything, it needs a menu built on top of it to handle what happens when someone dials in. That's what our USSD app development service covers, so the two are typically set up together.

Yes. USSD app development builds the menu logic and system integrations, but it still needs a short code to run on. If you don't already have one, we set both up together as part of the same engagement.

Set-up and monthly maintenance costs depend on the code length and whether you choose a shared or dedicated code, see the pricing table above. Per-session costs also apply on top of these, see the note under the pricing tables for details.