Common Short Code For Telcos Instituted

Paarock VanPercy
The National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with Mobile Network Operators, has come out with a common short code for all mobile phone users irrespective of their network.

The exercise, which began on September 8, forms part of NCA’s plans to harmonize all short codes for general customer services across all networks.

Paarock VanPercy, Director General of NCA, in a release, said all short codes for accessing services, including Credit Recharge, Credit Balance and Call Centre enquiries and other services will be uniform for all mobile telephony consumers in Ghana.

He indicated that the new harmonized codes will run concurrently with the old codes until April 2015 in order to give consumers enough time to learn and adapt to the new codes.

In line with this, the Director-General said the NCA and the mobile network operators would be embarking on a sensitization campaign to create awareness of the new initiative.

Explaining further, he said consumers would have to replace the old short code with the new short codes.

However, Mr. VanPercy said, ‘Current recharge vouchers are still valid and will be phased out entirely by April, 2015, adding that with the exception of depositing or retrieving Voice Mail, consumers will not be charged for using these harmonized short codes to contact service providers or perform other functions.

He said the NCA, as the regulator, will work closely with the network operators and other stakeholders to enhance consumers’ experience.

The common short code for recharging credit for all networks is *134 followed 14-digit Recharge PIN and the hash-tag.

By Cephas Larbi
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Caption: Paarock VanPercy