MTN implements phased approach for new *130* and *131# short codes.
05/03/2015
After substantial engagement with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), MTN is implementing
a phased plan to migrate its short codes for loading airtime from the current *155* to *130* and for
checking airtime balance from *156# to *131#, in line with regulatory requirements. The migration is
aimed at improving user experience by enabling subscribers to recharge, check their balance and get
customer support using similar codes regardless of the network operator.
The communication of the new short codes was implemented on the 1st March to all customers, enabling
them to perform the following functions:
1. *130* - Loading Airtime
2. *131# - Balance Enquiry
The old codes will however be in operation for the next 6 months whilst MTN embarks on an intensive
and nationwide customer education campaign aimed at ensuring that customers including those in rural
and remote areas of the country are aware of the changes and do not have their services disrupted over
the next few months whilst this migration happens.
MTN has also begun printing the new recharge cards with the *130* and *131# codes.
Since then, we have been actively engaging and putting together the necessary plans to implement the
changes on our side while ensuring that our customers experience a seamless transition, both from a
system and customer experience perspective. Any old recharge card will still be valid and will not be
impacted.
Our customer services team will also advise any customer who calls in and will notify them of the change.
All SIM cards are currently programmed with the old short codes. There are currently 10.4 million
customers who could be impacted and would have to be migrated manually.
All customers who are using the MTN menu feature will also be contacted by MTN to change their settings.
For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the MTN Customer helpline on 100.
-EndsAbout MTN Uganda
Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and
Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 31 March
2014, MTN Uganda recorded 9.5 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for
our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and
www.twitter.com/mtnug for assistance.
About the MTN Group
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22
countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in
South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 31 March 2014, MTN recorded 210.1 million subscribers
across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea
Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South
Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. More info on www.mtn.com
For more information, please contact:
Justina Ntabgoba on +256 (0) 312 121 064 or ntabgoj@mtn.co.ug
Wendy Angu' Deyo on +256 (0) 312 120 762 or angudew@mtn.co.ug.