Smart Solutions
Mobile Technology
I. What is USSD?
A. Definition: Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a protocol used by GSM cellular telephones to communicate with the mobile network operator's computers.
B. Technical characteristics: It uses short codes (usually starting with * and ending with #) to initiate services.
C. Comparison to SMS and other mobile technologies: Unlike SMS, USSD creates a real-time connection during a session, allowing two-way exchange of data. It's faster than SMS and doesn't store messages.
II. How USSD works
A. Session-based communication: When a user dials a USSD code, it opens a live session with the service provider.
B. Menu-driven interface: Users interact through a series of menus, selecting options by entering numbers.
C. Real-time interaction: Responses are near-instantaneous, allowing for quick back-and-forth communication.
III. Applications of USSD
A. Banking and financial services: Balance inquiries, fund transfers, and bill payments.
B. Customer support: Quick access to FAQs or customer service options.
C. Information services: Weather updates, news headlines, or sports scores.
D. Mobile money transfers: Sending and receiving money within a country.
E. Account management: Checking data balances, topping up airtime, or changing service plans.
IV. Advantages of USSD
A. Works on all mobile phones: Compatible with basic feature phones as well as smartphones.
B. No internet connection required: Operates on the GSM network, making it accessible in areas with limited internet.
C. Fast and responsive: Provides quick, real-time interactions.
D. Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than SMS for both users and service providers.
V. Limitations of USSD
A. Character limit: Messages are typically limited to 182 characters.
B. No multimedia support: Can only transmit text-based information.
C. Limited to mobile network coverage: Requires a cellular signal to function.
VI. Implementation considerations
A. USSD gateway: Necessary hardware/software to connect the mobile network to the service provider's system.
B. Integration with back-end systems: Must connect with existing databases and services.
C. User experience design: Creating intuitive, easy-to-navigate menus within the constraints of USSD.
USSD remains a vital technology in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, due to its accessibility and reliability on basic mobile networks.
USSD services can be used for SMS Banking, Wap browsing, mobile-money services such as (EzyPesa) Mpesa in Tanzania, mPay in Poland, VIVO PayPal in Brazil, Airtel Money and Movida in India, SWAP mobile in South Africa, MobiPay in Spain, used for Pay bill services, among other interactive services.
Moreover, USSD Services can also be used through sending an SMS to trigger a particular USSD product, whereby the user can receive an instantaneous text message indicating that their transaction has been received and is being processed.
USSD sessions are initiated by a mobile phone user on their handset efficiently, and when coupled with the solutions Connect Media offers which are highly flexible, comprehensive and easy to use; allows us to break all barriers of communication and generate opportunities for our customers to promptly reach out to a global audience.
USSD SOLUTIONS
USSD solutions are synonymous with flash like messages, as USSD is able to generate flash like messages that pop up on the screen that are not essentially stored on the mobile phone as such, leading to the user having to make the most for a particular message when the have access to it during a USSD Session.
Consequently, the user will only have access to the messages only when they are within a USSD Session. A USSD session can last anywhere from a couple of seconds to a prolonged period of time, dependent on the user’s need and resources in form airtime.
All GSM handsets supports USSD technology and all is required is for a mobile subscriber such as Vodafone, virgin mobile, 02, T-mobile, Safaricom, Three, AT&T, Airtel, Verizon Wireless, Yu and Orange to implement it.
USSD is a session oriented technology that is similar to SMS as it allows one to receive and send text messages and only. USSD technology is easy to incorporate into one’s everyday life by instituting interactive products that all mobile subscribers can get to utilize.
One of the most technological advantages of USSD technology is that USSD is available in roaming networks and users USSD messages can be aimed at the subscriber’s home network. The success of USSD can be demonstrated by the success Vodafone had with adopting it in Tanzania through the implementation of Mpesa, mostly it became so popular due to its ease of use and simplicity.
