MTN Nigeria migrates FibreX short codes to 5-digit format in line with NCC directive

Leading telecoms operator MTN Nigeria has announced the restructuring of its home broadband and FibreX service short codes from 3-digit to 5-digit. This forms part of ongoing compliance with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) directive.

In an SMS sent to its home internet customers on Wednesday, June 26, MTN Nigeria noted that the 3-digit USSD codes used for the product’s digital service will be changing to 5-digit. 

As such, the USSD code 461 used to get started, check availability, or buy and manage unlimited broadband plans and FibreX changes to 49061. Also, 217, the designated customer support line for MTN Broadband and FibreX users, changes to 49117. 

“In line with the NCC directive, our 3- digit service short codes change to 5-digit from 30th June. 461 becomes 49061, and 217 becomes 49117. No changes to your service. Thank you,” the message reads. 

The development is part of MTN’s ongoing compliance with the NCC’s directive under its short code plan. 

Recall that in 2023, the commission directed all mobile network operators to adopt a harmonised 3-digit short codes for essential services. This allows subscribers to use the same USSD codes for services such as checking airtime, buying data, and contacting customer care, regardless of whether they are using MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile. 

Under the directive, as contained in the NCC Guidelines on Shortcode Operation in Nigeria (2023), non-critical customer care, value-added services (VAS), previously using 3 digits, were required to migrate to 4- or 5-digit bands.

Since then, telecom operators have been adjusting, with the need for new short code numbering and approvals from the commission. 

The 4-digit or 5-digit number structure is assigned based on pricing and the specific type of content or VAS being delivered. This includes SMS lotteries, caller tunes, betting, sports alerts, daily devotionals, and broadband services.

Also Read: How to transfer mobile data on MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile via USSD and app.

On MTN shortcode: how other telcos have been complying 

Since the NCC restructured short code numbering in 2023, Nigerian telecom operators have gradually implemented the changes.

The latest adjustment isn’t the first for MTN Nigeria. Content such as news alerts, job updates, and financial market tracking was migrated to the 33123 or 38145 5-digit codes. The operator has also moved all its massive text-to-win promotional campaigns to the 50017 or 55011 series.

When the operator launched its MTN Farm Direct, an agricultural initiative that provides farmers with daily agronomy tips, weather forecasts, and market prices, it commenced with the 5-digit short code 30037.

Just as MTN Nigeria, Airtel and Globacom have also been migrating their legacy 3-digit Value-Added Services (VAS) and third-party content codes into 5-digit bands. 

For instance, Airtel Nigeria moved its premium ringback tunes under a 5-digit text structure where subscribers now text START or STOP to 60600 (or use the 4-digit legacy 6060) to manage musical tunes. Also, its mobile number portability is now a 5-digit short code where subscribers can text PORT to 60000 to initiate their swap of networks to Airtel. 

In the case of Globacom, its seasonal lottery games and premium text trivia have moved from the old 3-digit numbers, where users opt-in by texting keywords such as “WIN” to 55011 or 50010. Content providers hosting services on the Glo network have been transferred to the  35120.

While all 3-digit codes are used without any billing to customers, some of the VAS codes carry daily or weekly billing. The NCC’s restructuring brings about clear labelling and prevents all forms of accidental billing.