
A USSD Gateway is essentially a software that enables communication between mobile networks and other systems, allowing for the exchange of data and messages.
It acts as an intermediary, translating data between different protocols and formats, making it possible for various systems to communicate with each other seamlessly.
The USSD Gateway plays a crucial role in facilitating USSD services, which include services like balance inquiry, recharge, and other value-added services.
By providing a standardized interface, the USSD Gateway simplifies the process of integrating USSD services with other systems, making it easier to develop and deploy new services.
Key Features
The Opencode USSD Gateway is a powerful tool that offers a range of features to help service providers and developers create and deploy USSD applications efficiently.
One of the key features of the Opencode USSD Gateway is its ability to support multiple service access with 50+ external integration interfaces and standards.
It's also worth noting that the gateway has a highly scalable architecture, which makes it suitable for large-scale deployments.
You might like: Node B
The Opencode USSD Gateway has a number of technical specifications, including support for Docker image, RPM or DEB package software packaging.
Here are some of the key technical specifications of the Opencode USSD Gateway:
The Opencode USSD Gateway also supports USSI function of the USSD Gateway, which enables applications to run in IMS networks without re-development.
This means that service providers can leverage the USSD Gateway for bulk campaign push notifications, reaching a wide audience quickly.
The gateway's AI-enabled real-time interaction capabilities facilitate immediate responses to user queries or actions, ensuring timely and efficient communication.
Overall, the Opencode USSD Gateway is a powerful tool that offers a range of features and technical specifications to help service providers and developers create and deploy USSD applications efficiently.
Technical Details
The USSD gateway is a key component of mobile networks, and understanding its technical details is essential for anyone interested in this technology.
A USSD gateway exposes APIs to external applications, such as mobile banking or content providers, allowing them to send USSD requests and receive responses.
The USSD gateway interfaces with the SS7 network for routing USSD requests to the appropriate service provider in traditional GSM/3G mobile networks.
The USSD gateway is based on the ability of the delivery agent or the source to send and receive USSD messages, which travel over GSM signalling channels.
USSD messages are used to query information and trigger services, and unlike SMS and MMS, which are store and forward based, USSD establishes a real-time session between the mobile handset and the application handling the service.
The USSD gateway can be packaged in various formats, including Docker image, RPM, or DEB package.
Here are the technical specifications of a USSD gateway:
Operations and Monitoring
Operations and Monitoring is a crucial aspect of any USSD Gateway system. Mobius USSD Gateway supports flexible operations and monitoring using industry standard protocols.
This means you can easily manage and troubleshoot your system without needing to learn complex proprietary tools. Java JMX is one such protocol that enables you to monitor and manage your system in a standardized way.
Mobius USSD Gateway also provides a scriptable command line interface, allowing you to automate tasks and customize your system to meet your specific needs. This level of flexibility is a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline their operations.
Full CDR, logging, and auditing reporting capabilities are also available, giving you a comprehensive view of your system's performance and activity. This level of transparency is invaluable for identifying issues and making data-driven decisions.
Deployment and Integration
The Mobius USSD Gateway offers flexibility in deployment options, supporting both on-premise and cloud deployment, including network functions virtualization (NFV) and clustered virtual machine (VM) deployments.
This flexibility is a significant advantage, allowing service providers and enterprises to choose the deployment model that best suits their needs. The gateway can be easily scaled up or down to accommodate changing requirements.
Mobius USSD Gateway also provides open APIs for seamless integration with third-party systems, expanding service capabilities and connecting to external resources effortlessly.
The open API integration is further enhanced by AI frameworks within AARYA, which enable adaptive decision-making across integrated systems, ensuring smooth and efficient communication between different systems.
Here are some of the key features of the USSD gateway's modular operation:
- Balance Check: sends a Process Supplementary Service request (PSSR) to the home zone, which forwards it to the correct application, and receives a PSSR response via USSD gateway, HLR, etc.
- Voice Chat: uses the same process as balance check, highly useful when VoIP enabled phones are not available.
- Advertising: allows applications to advertise their product using USSD, which is less invasive than telemarketing.
- Roaming: provides huge advantages while roaming, as USSD services are well available in roaming networks, and all USSD messages are directed towards the subscriber's Home Network itself.
Http Integration
Mobius USSD Gateway makes it easy to integrate over HTTP for any proper solution. This is a great advantage for developers who want to quickly and easily connect their systems to the USSD gateway.
The Mobius USSD Gateway fully supports Intel and Dialogic cards, making it a versatile option for a wide range of applications. This means that developers can use their existing hardware and software infrastructure to integrate with the USSD gateway.
Open API Integration offers seamless integration with third-party systems, expanding service capabilities and connecting to external resources effortlessly. This is a key benefit for businesses that want to offer a wide range of services to their customers.
The Opencode USSD Gateway also offers easy integration with existing and new SMS, WAP, STK, and other mobile applications after a proper IP reconfiguration. This allows businesses to offer a seamless user experience across multiple channels.
The Opencode USSD Gateway can easily integrate with other systems, making it a great choice for businesses that want to offer a wide range of services to their customers. This includes utility payments, marketing, mobile banking, location and news services, and food ordering.
On-premises and Cloud Deployment
Mobius USSD Gateway offers flexibility in deployment options.
It supports both on-premise and cloud deployment models.
This flexibility is beneficial for service providers and enterprises that need to adapt to changing requirements.
The gateway is fully self-contained and highly optimized, making it suitable for various environments.
It can be deployed as a network functions virtualization (NFV) solution or as a clustered virtual machine (VM) deployment.
Use Cases and Examples
USSD Gateway can be used for various services like checking balances, recharging accounts, mobile banking, and accessing different mobile operator services. It's a convenient way to perform tasks without needing an internet connection.
Suggestion: Radio Resource Location Services Protocol
To check your account balance, you typically dial a specific code provided by your mobile carrier, such as *123# or *151#. This service is available on most mobile networks and is free or low-cost.
You can also use USSD Gateway to create new revenue streams for the mobile operator and its business clients. This can be done through real-time charging, content delivery, polling and surveys, banking services, and more.
Here are some benefits of using USSD Gateway:
- Full compliance with both Phase 1 & Phase 2 USSD standards
- A simple and easy to use restful HTTP API, which allows for the development of additional USSD services by any web developer
- High speed message transfer
- Highly scalable architecture
- Allows easy creation of menu-based services
- No-coding capabilities
Modular Operation and Management
The USSD Gateway offers a range of modular operation features that make it a powerful tool for managing USSD services. With the Balance Check feature, users can send a Process Supplementary Service request (PSSR) to their home zone, which will forward the request to the correct application.
The USSD Gateway can also provide Voice Chat services using the same process as Balance Check. This is highly useful when VoIP enabled phones are not available. The application sends an acknowledgement via USSD gateway, HLR etc., known as PSSR response back to the user.
The USSD Gateway also provides a flexible way of managing USSD services through its flexible operations and monitoring capabilities. This is achieved through industry standard protocols including Java JMX and scriptable command line interfaces.
Here are some examples of the modular operation features of the USSD Gateway:
- Balance Check: sends a PSSR request to the home zone and receives a PSSR response
- Voice Chat: uses the same process as Balance Check
- Advertising: uses USSD messages to advertise products
- Roaming: provides a Virtual Home Environment (VHE) in visited networks
This allows for easy monitoring and management of USSD services, making it a valuable tool for service providers.
Modular Operation
Modular operation is all about breaking down complex services into smaller, manageable parts. This approach enables seamless interaction between different network applications and user services.
One of the key benefits of modular operation is the ability to send a Process Supplementary Service request (PSSR) to the home zone, which can then forward the request to the correct application.
Users can also receive balance notifications at the end of a charged call using Unstructured Supplementary Service Notify (USSN) messages. This is a convenient feature that keeps users informed about their account balance.
On a similar theme: Unstructured Supplementary Service Data

Voice chat is another service that can be enabled through modular operation, using the same process as balance notifications. This is particularly useful when VoIP-enabled phones are not available.
Modular operation also allows for advertising services, which can be less invasive than traditional telemarketing methods. This is achieved through USSD messages that can be sent to users.
Here are some examples of services that can be enabled through modular operation:
- Balance Check
- Voice Chat
- Advertising
- Roaming
Roaming services are especially beneficial when users are traveling abroad, as they can still access the same set of services that are available in their home network. This provides a Virtual Home Environment (VHE) for subscribers.
Dynamic Menu Management
Dynamic menu management is a game-changer in modern operations. It allows service providers to create and modify menus in real-time, making it easier to adapt to changing customer needs.
USSD Gateway Services make this possible, giving service providers the flexibility to update menus on the fly. This means no more tedious manual updates or outdated menus that don't reflect current offerings.
With AI capabilities from AARYA, predictive personalization is also a reality. This means menus and offers can be tailored to individual user preferences, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
Opencode Overview
Opencode Systems has been a pioneer in USSD technology for the past 20 years, with its Opencode USSD Gateway used by more than 50 mobile operators worldwide as of 2020.
The company developed its first USSD Gateway, later known as USSD Center, in early 2000 and has since set the standard for the ultimate and smart USSD Gateway.
Opencode Systems is a responsible pioneer in the USSD gateway field, providing modern technological solutions to many mobile operators that appreciate the advantages of Opencode iUSSD Center.
Here are some key features of Opencode USSD Gateway:
- USSD All-G and USSI IMS/CSCF/CSFB conformance;
- In-house developed Sigtran MAP and IP SIP stacks, as well as Menu Browsing Server;
- Web-based Studio and simulators with do-it-yourself cross-channel and multi-language service creation and deployment;
- Multi-HSS, Multi-OCS, Multi-BSS Network Access;
- Multiple Service Access with 50+ external integration interfaces and standards;
- Multiple Enterprise Access allowing manageable third-party APIs;
- Interactive Broadcast and Sponsoring;
- SMS_MT Network Interface;
- Opencode SaaS Cloud-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does USSD cost?
USSD costs 20c per 20 seconds of usage
What is the USSD code for?
USSD is a protocol used by GSM phones to communicate with mobile network operators, enabling various services and features. It's essentially a way for phones to send and receive short codes to access specific services, such as checking balances or accessing menu options.
Featured Images: pexels.com


