What is the full form of USSD?

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The Full form of USSD is Unstructured Supplementary Service Data.

USSD is also called “quick codes” or “feature codes”. It is a communications protocol used by GSM cellular telephones to communicate with the mobile network operator’s computers.

USSD messages are up to 182 alphanumeric characters long. Unlike short message service (SMS) messages, USSD messages create a real-time connection during a USSD session. The connection remains open, allowing a two-way exchange of a sequence of data. This makes USSD more responsive than services that use SMS.

When a user sends a message to the phone company network, it is received by a computer dedicated to USSD. The computer’s response is sent back to the phone, generally in a basic format that can easily be seen on the phone display. Messages sent over USSD are not defined by any standardization body, so each network operator can implement whatever is most suitable for its customers.

Use of USSD

USSD can be used for:

  • WAP browsing
  • Prepaid callback service
  • Mobile-money services
  • Location-based content services
  • Menu-based information services
  • Configuring the phone on the network

Brief use of USSD:

  • USSD can be used to provide independent calling services such as a callback service (to reduce phone charges while roaming), enhance mobile marketing capabilities, or interactive data services.
  • USSD is mostly used by prepaid GSM cellular phones to query the available balance. The vendor’s “check balance” application hides the details of the USSD protocol from the user.
  • USSD can also be used to refill the balance on the user’s SIM card and to deliver one-time passwords or PIN codes.
  • Some operators use USSD to provide access to real-time updates from social-networking websites like Facebook and Twitter.
  • Wikipedia uses USSD to send articles to some feature phones.
  • USSD is sometimes used in conjunction with SMS. The user sends a request to the network via USSD, and the network replies with an acknowledgment of receipt: “Thank you, your message is being processed. A message will be sent to your phone.”
  • In such cases, SMS is used to “push” a reply or updates to the handset when the network is ready to send them.
  • In contrast, USSD is used for command-and-control only.

How to Use USSD?

For use USSD users are required to dial the service provider’s number, beginning with * and ending with #, from the user’s cell phone & registered mobile number for essential mobile banking services such as mini statement, checking balance, and so on.

USSD codes are linked to the registry of a bank and will also have access to the account.

Thanks for reading the USSD Full Form and its use.

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