Updated July 11, 2023
Introduction to Full Form of USSD
Full-Form of USSD is (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data). Unstructured Supplementary Services Data are sometimes also called quick codes used in telecom and communication, specifically GSM mobile, to help establish communication with the computer of the mobile network operator.
Explanation
Unstructured Supplementary Services Data are sometimes also called quick codes used in telecom and communication, specifically GSM mobile, to help establish communication with the computer of the mobile network operator. It is a Global System for Mobile communication techniques that sends text between the cellular phone and the application run by the network operator’s computer. These applications may include cellular chats and roaming on a prepaid basis. USSD is similar to SMS because it only happens during specific sessions.
Features of Unstructured Supplementary Services Data
There are a couple of features of USSD which are discussed below:
- First, one does not require GPRS on the phone as it can work simply on voice connectivity methodology.
- It is popular and functional among all GSM mobiles without any specific distinction or brand of phone.
- It is generally considered to possess enhanced security features and is also considered to be more secured than Short Message Service technology.
- No other external application installation is needed to run the code.
- It has many features and interactive menu options where easy communication is possible.
- It is a lot user-friendly and can target any mobile phone starting from low end to high end.
How Does it Work?
From the above diagram, we can elaborate on the overall process by which USSD works and how it benefits the user. The user usually sends a pre-generated code as a request through their mobile phone to the cellular network, which the user uses for communication. This can be any network like AT&T, Vodafone, British Telecom, etc. This request then flows to a USSD gateway. The gateway further sends a request to the application software hosting it. According to the requestor, the code sent by the user the logic is determined, which helps to understand the user’s requirement. The USSD application, when it understands the code and logic, it further shows the content it has in the form of a display to the user. The display can be in the form of some other code that the user needs to choose accordingly, e.g., choosing some numbers varying from 1-9. Again based on the choice of numbers, the request is processed accordingly.
Example of USSD
A basic example of a USSD code is checking a mobile balance. When he wants to check the balance available over his phone, a mobile user dials a specific code on his mobile. This can be like *123# or like *111*. This code varies from one network operator to another network operator. The USSD application, hosted on a gateway, will receive this request as a code. The logic created there will help it recognize the code and send back a further message to the user about the kind of specific service needed. This can be like current or previous balance or like data balance. Based on the different selections, the application will send back details to the user’s mobile about the balance he has or the top-up recharges required. The gateway may further ask the user how much credit they require if there is no balance. The user will then select the various option of credit available and send back the request. On receiving the amount to be processed, the application will transfer the credit amount to the concerned account, send an updated balance alert, and close the session.
Format of USSD
Unstructured Supplementary Services Data can be up to 182 alphanumeric characters long. When it is mobile-initiated, they are in the format of push services like USSD/PULL or USSD/P2A; when they are network-initiated, they are in the format of pull services like USSD/PUSH or USSD/A2P. So, for example, USSD code examples can be *111# or *121*2#.
Applications of USSD
USSD can be useful in the mentioned below following fields:
- Network Configuration and Request: The most commonly used application where USSD comes to use is network configuration and other requests. Whenever we change the SIM card to another phone to set up the SIM card, and for GPRS usage, the mobile sends USSD codes to the network operators to get this thing done. Also, in balance inquiries or other requests, USSD codes come in handy.
- Banking: The most common role of USSD here is a generation of a one-time password or OTP. This is also a security feature used in banking. Unlike mobile banking, where the internet or GPRS is required, USSD can provide basic banking requirements easily even if the user has no internet.
- Marketing Surveys: USSD is ideal for marketing companies where companies in the cost-effective phase can send surveys or questionnaires through the USSD method and collect the required information from their perspective or target customers.
- Order Confirmation: USSD comes extremely handy when we place orders with online shopping platforms where right after placing the order, the customer receives order confirmation updates and other updates related to the shipping of product and delivery on their registered mobile.
- Coupons and Vouchers: USSD can come into use by retailers to send coupons or vouchers to their customers in the form of offers on their next purchase.
Advantages and Disadvantages of USSD
Below are the points that explain the advantages and disadvantages :
Advantages
The following can be considered as the advantages of USSD:
- It can run on mobiles even without internet or GPRS service
- It is popular and functional among all GSM mobiles without any specific distinction or brand of phone.
- It is generally considered to possess enhanced security features and is also considered to be more secured than Short Message Service technology.
- No other external application installation is needed to run the code.
- Users can use its service anytime, 24*7.
- It is more convenient and saves user and bank/business unit time.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of USSD can be as follows:
- The message is for one-time use and cannot be saved or forwarded.
- On account of session-based time out of the activity, they are always unreliable.
- By changing the SIM Card, one can proceed with fraudulent transactions and use it incorrectly.
- USSD codes like common shortcodes are not memorable that easily.
Conclusion – Full Form of USSD
USSD code, as discussed, is a very convenient and time-saving way to process basic banking requests, mobile connectivity requests, or promotional activities. Though it has certain advantages, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
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