by anton | Sep 9, 2013 |
If you render services that can operate with menu or session based interactions, you will find a use for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) in your business. Let’s have a look at some of the ways this service can be utilized. Mobile banking: Instead of visiting a branch or going to the ATM, you can do back? Sending people info about the symptoms and where they can get help could go a long way to save lives. Patients who suffer from chronic diseases can benefit by receiving reminders to take their medicine and education on how to live healthy. Updating mobile software: You might not have realised it, but when you put your sim card in a brand new phone and have to request new settings from your service provider (by dialling a number with an asterisk and hash character), you are using USSD. Updating all the software on a mobile phone will take this a step further, but with the power of USSD this should be easy as pie. Customer self-management and service: Instead of having a consultant or even an Interactive Voice response system on the other end, you could have Unstructured Supplementary Service Data menus. Customers can use these menus to order/ buy products, subscribe to your services, browse through a list of frequently asked questions etc. You can also use USSD to send once off communications like promotions, updates, voting, polling, news and much more. Talk to Integrat about about USSD and USSD Push services for your business. We can help you find the right solution to fit your needs or those of your company...
by anton | Sep 6, 2013 |
Often times a business is faced with the decision of choosing between USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) or SMS (Short Messages Services) as a communication tool. What is the difference? SMS uses a store-and-forward bearer. The customer receives a text message in the inbox of their phone. After the message is read, the user can delete, save or forward the SDCCH (stand-alone dedicated control channel) when the handset is not in a call. When the handset is busy with a call, USSD will use the FACCH (fast associated control channel) with a significant improvement in transfer speed (1000 bits/second). Depending on your communication needs, you use either SMS or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data or both to achieve different...
by anton | Sep 2, 2013 |
People working in the field of mobile are very familiar with the term Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) but it often leaves clientele scratching their heads when a mobile aggregation service provider offers it as a product. What is it exactly? USSD is a GSM technology that allows for a two way exchange of data in real time. It is almost like a live telephone conversation without speaking or using words. The user has to dial a number sequence from his mobile phone in order to access certain mobile services or applications. We are all familiar with sending a “please call me” or buying airtime/ vouchers via your phone – this is done through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. The number you dial usually starts with an asterisk or hash character followed by a sequence of numbers and ends with an asterisk or hash character again. The phone recognises the number and will use the USSD bearer instead of a voice call. In other words, you are directed to an infrastructure instead mobile service...
