We all are familiar with the short code business because its been all over the media. We saw the TV 2.0 revolution with short codes. Even though an SMS would cost 3 Rs, millions of premium SMSs flowed through carried carrier networks when reality shows became popular.
But still, majority kept themselves away from this, just because of cost of sending a message. 3Rs for GSM networks, 2 RS for CDMA networks and 1Rs for BSNL. But now USSD promises to change all of that. Read my earlier post on USSD here.
Soon voting will be in this format.
Type *XXXX*YYY# and press call to vote.
Eg :- To vote for Kenney press *8888*kenney# and press call button.
(kenney is 536639 on the keypad)
Its much easier than sending and SMS and its faster and most probably free also. Many applications are being developed for the end user using USSD, ranging from fun apps to money transfer.
Free means any one can call at zero balance??
Comment by SAF — August 20, 2008 @ 10:48 am
USSD requests are currently free for the user. Not calls
Comment by Kenney Jacob — August 20, 2008 @ 10:53 am
definitely yes. This is very simple…., Want to know more about this.
Comment by Tony Jose — August 20, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
I know that for shortcodes, the shortcode has to be registerd on the SMSC of the MNO. What happens with USSD commands? for a thirdParty that wants to set up a USSD based service with a particular command (e.g. *123#), when a subscriber sends the command, how is it routed to the thirdParty application?
Comment by Omoye — June 24, 2009 @ 9:48 am
Indeed nice
Would like to know more about USSD
where can i get more details regarding USSD and book refer to it i have read 3gpp specs but would like to go more in technical details?
Please help
Comment by Sachin Parnami — July 16, 2009 @ 9:08 am
@Sachin Parnami
i have found some good insight about USSD on http://techkranti.blogspot.com
you can try that blog.
Comment by sachin — October 5, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
well this is very informative, down in africa things are catching up. we need to be advised on how to deploy this applications. Telecommunication companies withhold alot off info that could improve our economy and reduce drastically the poverty levels.
Comment by mutisya — March 21, 2010 @ 11:57 am