USSD
With USSD, even users with the most basic devices can engage with your brand, share feedback, and participate in campaigns. Whether it’s surveys, competitions, feedback campaigns, or full-service solutions, USSD makes it happen - fast and easy.
It’s simple, fast, and familiar. In fact, you’ve probably used it before - think of dialing *100# to check airtime. That’s USSD in action.
Our USSD API gives developers the flexibility to design custom USSD menus using HTTP/S and XML. With a simple integration to our USSD Gateway, you can launch interactive services fast and at scale.
Why USSD?
- Universal Reach: Works on all handsets and across every South African network.
- Cost-Effective: No need for smartphones or internet access.
- Versatile: Run surveys, competitions, feedback campaigns, or even full-service solutions - all through a simple code.
If you want to connect with anyone in South Africa who owns a cell phone, USSD is your gateway.
Unlock the Power of USSD – The Mobile Tool That Works Everywhere
USSD remains one of the most accessible and effective digital channels in South Africa. Why? Because it works on any mobile phone - no apps, no data, just instant connectivity.
With USSD, even users with the most basic devices can engage with your brand, share feedback, and participate in campaigns. Whether it’s surveys, competitions, feedback campaigns, or full-service solutions, USSD makes it happen - fast and easy.
It’s simple, fast, and familiar. In fact, you’ve probably used it before - think of dialing *100# to check airtime. That’s USSD in action.
Our USSD API gives developers the flexibility to design custom USSD menus using HTTP/S and XML. With a simple integration to our USSD Gateway, you can launch interactive services fast and at scale.
Why USSD?
- Universal Reach: Works on all handsets and across every South African network.
- Cost-Effective: No need for smartphones or internet access.
- Versatile: Run surveys, competitions, feedback campaigns, or even full-service solutions - all through a simple code.
If you want to connect with anyone in South Africa who owns a cell phone, USSD is your gateway.
Reverse Billed USSD – Seamless, Cost-Free Engagement for your customers
Empower your brand with Reverse Billed USSD, a solution that makes mobile interaction free for your customers. No airtime required, no barriers - just instant connectivity.
Our Reverse Billed USSD API gives developers the flexibility to design custom USSD menus using HTTP/S and XML. With a simple integration to our USSD Gateway, you can launch interactive services fast and at scale.
Why Choose Reverse Billed USSD?
- Zero cost to the consumer or staff – participation is completely free.
- No airtime required – ideal for reaching all market segments.
- Universal compatibility – works on any mobile handset, across all networks.
- Familiar and trusted – widely used for airtime top-ups, mobile banking, and “Please Call Me” services.
- Rapid deployment – get your service live in days, not weeks.
Powerful Use Cases
- Mobile surveys for real-time insights
- Banking and balance checks
- Interactive competitions and gamified campaigns
- Opt-in consumer database creation
- Loyalty programs and mobile engagement
Why It Matters Today
In a mobile-first world, accessibility drives engagement. Reverse Billed USSD removes cost barriers, making it the perfect tool for brands that want to reach every consumer, regardless of their mobile device or airtime balance.
It’s fast, familiar, and frictionless - ideal for surveys, campaigns, and customer service.
USSD Push: Real-Time, Interactive Mobile Engagement
What is USSD Push?
USSD Push - also known as Network-Initiated (NI) USSD - takes traditional USSD to the next level. Unlike standard USSD, where users dial a code to access a menu, USSD Push delivers an interactive menu directly to the user’s screen in real time, automatically “popping up” without any action required from the user.
This makes USSD Push a powerful tool for instant, secure, and interactive communication - similar to SMS delivery, but with the added ability for users to respond, navigate menus, and input information immediately.
Where is USSD Push Used?
Currently, USSD Push is restricted by mobile network operators for high-security applications in the financial sector, ensuring trust and compliance. Common use cases include:
- Transaction Confirmations
- One-Time Passwords (OTPs)
- Call Center Authentication
- ATM Transaction Verification
Key Advantages
- Free for Users: Costs are reverse-billed to the brand (approx. 20c per 20 seconds).
- Quick Interaction: Network timeouts range from 2–4 minutes.
- Compact Messaging: 160-character limit, similar to SMS.
- Instant Engagement: Unlike SMS, users can respond immediately to confirm or query transactions.
Availability
USSD Push is supported by all major South African mobile networks:
Vodacom | MTN | Cell C | Telkom
Why use USSD Push? USSD Push combines reach, familiarity, and interactivity - making it the ideal solution for secure, real-time customer engagement in financial services.
USSD API – Powering Mobile Engagement
Our USSD API empowers developers to build custom, interactive mobile experiences using simple HTTP/S and XML integration. With direct communication to our USSD Gateway, you can launch dynamic menus and services in record time - no app downloads.
Why USSD?
- Universal Access: Works on all mobile phones - from basic feature phones to smartphones - across every cellular network.
- Always-On Connectivity: No internet needed. Perfect for markets with limited data access.
- Session-Based Interaction: Unlike SMS, USSD creates a real-time, interactive experience, similar to a mobile site.
- Familiar & Trusted: Widely used for airtime top-ups, mobile banking, and “Please Call Me” services in South Africa.
- Rapid Deployment: Get your service live quickly and cost-effectively.
How It Works
Users dial a short code like *120*716# to access your menu. From there, they navigate through clear, simple options - ideal for surveys, transactions, and engagement campaigns.
USSD Use Cases
- Customer Engagement: Interactive competitions, gamified campaigns, opt-in databases.
- Financial Services: Mobile banking, balance checks, airtime recharge.
- Market Research: Quick, qualitative surveys with real-time responses.
- Brand Activation: Drive participation and loyalty through mobile experiences.
Number Ranges & Costs
- *120* – Consumer pays 20c per 20 seconds.
- *130* – Free to consumer (airtime charging only).
- *134* – Free to consumer; brand pays 20c per 20 seconds.
Technical Highlights
- Cost: R0.20 per 20 seconds (reverse billing available).
- Session Timeout: 3 - 5 minutes.
- Character Limit: 160 (ideal for numeric or short text input).
- Best For: Quick selections (e.g., Likert scale), but supports text input.
USSD is the ultimate solution for reaching customers anywhere, anytime - without the barriers of apps or data.
Ready to build your next mobile experience? Start with our USSD API today.
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