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By Tino MuzovakaVP, Chief Editor

How Econet and NetOne short codes work & how to apply for yours

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Ever wondered how businesses such as banks end up with shortcodes that work on Econet and Netone sim cards? In this article I will guide you on how shortcodes actually work and how to register and apply for one.

How to register econet or netone business shortcode | IBZIM

Frequently asked questions about USSD shortcodes in Zimbabwe

What are USSD short codes?

Shortcodes are telephone numbers, usually 3 to 6 digits long but mostly 3 digits and are used for sending and receiving SMS messages or accessing USSD services. Econet and NetOne both provide such shortcodes.

Types of Shortcodes

Econet and Netone offer two main types of shortcodes:

  1. USSD - They start with "*" and end with "#", a common one is *151# and they provide menus for different services, such as mobile banking, buying and sharing airtime, and promotions.
  2. SMS - These are mainly used for sending and receiving messages, such as voting in competitions, subscribing to services, or receiving automated responses. A good example is "33555" for news updates.

Getting a Short Code on Econet


So, to get a short code from Econet, follow these steps:

  1. Consider what you need - Start by deciding whether you need an SMS or USSD short code.
  2. Prepare your Proposal - They'll need details about your service, the intended use, and expected traffic.
  3. Contact Econet Business Services - Submit your application via Econet's corporate department or visit an Econet business centre.
  4. Approval & Integration - Econet will review your request, and upon approval, you will receive integration details.
  5. Go Live - Once tested and configured, your shortcode will be activated for public use.

Getting a Short Code on NetOne


The process of acquiring a NetOne shortcode is quite similar to Econet:

  1. Determine the Type of Short Code – Decide if you need an SMS or USSD short code.
  2. Submit a Business Proposal – NetOne requires a business plan outlining how you will use the shortcode.
  3. Apply Through NetOne Corporate Services – Contact NetOne’s business department for an official application.
  4. Approval & Configuration – NetOne will assess your application and, upon approval, provide the necessary setup details.
  5. Launch Your Short Code – After successful testing, your short code goes live for customer interactions.

How Short Codes Work

USSD Short Codes

These work on what is called session-based communication which is a real-time connection between the user and the network. So when a user dials a USSD code, their request is sent to the MSC(Mobile Switching Center) which is the core component of all mobile networks, and in this case, it forwards it to the appropriate USSD gateway. The gateway then interacts with a backend server and sends responses back to the user.

SMS Short Codes

Here, a user sends an SMS to a short code, and the message is routed through an SMS gateway. These short codes use the SMSC which temporarily stores the message and forwards it to the recipient who could be another user or an automated service. So this simply works the same way as messaging, just with some SMS forwarding involved.

Costs and Considerations

  • Pricing – Both Econet and NetOne charge fees for short code acquisition and usage, which depend on traffic and service type.
  • Regulatory Approval – Some short codes require approval from POTRAZ.
  • Integration & Support – Businesses may need developers to integrate the shortcode with their existing systems.

Final Thoughts

If you are a business that requires automated messaging, customer engagement, or maybe some kind of USSD-based services the best way to appeal to the public is to use shortcodes. So if you’re considering getting one, contact the respective service provider and start your application process.