Powerful, scalable platform for USSD services
Quickly configure and deploy custom USSD services, without needing to build your own application from scratch.
Build data-driven USSD services
Use Telerivet as your data store for contact information and other data, without needing to run your own servers. Import data from a spreadsheet or via API. Access data sources on your own servers if necessary.
Integrate with other communication channels
Easily trigger SMS messages, send voice calls, or transfer airtime from your USSD service. Add contacts to groups so that you can send text campaigns.
Monitor USSD sessions from your browser
View active USSD sessions in real-time. Search and view the USSD request history for each contact.
Get insights from advanced analytics
View statistics and graphs of USSD sessions, or export session history to a spreadsheet or your own system.
Scalable USSD session capacity
Telerivet can process thousands of concurrent USSD sessions. View detailed runtime statistics to optimize performance.
Telerivet provides two ways to develop USSD services:
Rules Engine
Visually create simple USSD services via drag-and-drop, without writing code.
Cloud Script API
Build advanced USSD services in a few lines of JavaScript code.
Use Cases
Allow your customers to register your product or service via their mobile phone.
Let customers securely look up information about their account, such as balances or payment due dates, with menus protected by a PIN.
Send multiple questions and collect numeric responses. Since USSD sessions are not stored on the user's phone, USSD can be a good way to collect sensitive information.
Allow mobile phone users to access data sources even without an internet connection.
What is USSD?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) enables two-way communication with any mobile phone – including feature phones and smartphones – and doesn't require an internet connection.
USSD services are invoked when a mobile phone user dials a special access code ending with the # key, such as *123#. The USSD service can display text to the user or prompt the user to enter a menu option, PIN, or another numeric input. A single USSD session can contain multiple prompts and user responses.
Unlike SMS messages, USSD interactions are not stored on the mobile phone, making USSD a good choice for implementing services that involve sensitive data or require authentication.
Availability and Pricing
Deploying a USSD service requires a USSD access code assigned by one or more mobile networks in your country. Telerivet itself doesn't provide USSD access codes. You can connect USSD access codes from third-party providers:
Provides USSD access codes across multiple mobile networks in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa (learn more).
Provides USSD access codes across multiple mobile networks in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, DR Congo, Zambia, Benin, Chad, Gabon, Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, and Romania.
Provides USSD access codes on at least one mobile network in Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Liberia, Swaziland, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Peru, Slovakia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Jordan.
Telerivet can also integrate with other USSD providers on request for an additional fee.
To connect a USSD access code to your Telerivet account, the Pro plan or a higher Custom plan is required. Each access code will count as one route toward the limits of your plan. Each USSD session counts as one message towards your plan limits.
For high-volume services, additional fees may apply depending on the number of concurrent USSD requests. Contact us to learn more