The USSD codes, which are currently owned and operated by the telephone operators, are now open to all players, especially value-added service providers. The Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP) of Senegal, which launched the launch ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday, intends to “increase competition in the telecommunications sector, particularly in the telecommunications segment. mobile telephony “, as stated by the Director General. Abdou Karim Sall announces that a new procedure for assigning these codes, described as numbering resources that provide access to telecommunications services, will be implemented in order to enhance competition and innovation in a context where USSD code access “for the benefit of non-OTM actors” is discussed at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Interoperability at the heart of the new regulations
One of the big news related to what Mr. Sall has called the “beginning of a new era for many actors” is above all the interoperability now imposed on all conventional operators such as Sonatel, Tigo and Expresso . “If you want to use Rapido charging services (for example, for toll motorway users), for example, you are obliged to be a Sonatel customer. If you do not have a Sonatel subscription, you can not do it because this service is implemented through the # 144 # Sonatel. Now, if a supplier wants to give this service, he goes to the ARTP which gives him a code now in the form # 2 xxx #, “says the Chief Regulator who adds that all” other operators “are obliged to Implement the same code once a contract has been signed with an operator to allow all users of the three operators to use the Rapido service.
The liberalization of access to USSD codes requires lower tariffs
The Telecommunications and Post Office Regulatory Authority, which ensures that the work has been conducted through a “concerted and inclusive approach”, is concerned with promoting innovation, lowering the price of services, respecting the principle of non-discrimination and alignment of regulatory practices with the best international standards. And speaking of pricing, the regulator announces that it has lowered prices. “The service in terms of access fees cost 1 million, we asked the operators to reduce it to 500,000 francs,” says Abdou Karim Sall, who also asked “that access fees that were 1 million be reduced to 350,000 francs for the three operators. The new regulatory text has the advantage of clarifying the obligations for all actors, including ARTP Senegal which is committed to organizing other meetings for “lighting”.
Cio Mag
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