MTN implements new short codes

MTN will be introducing new short codes in accordance with the new numbering guidelines gazetted by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
From 24 March 2018 the short codes that MTN customers use to check their airtime balance, retrieve voicemail messages and to contact the call centre, will be replaced with a new set of numbers.

To allow customers time to familiarise themselves with the new codes, the old and new codes will run concurrently, until MTN is comfortable our customers are at ease with the new system.

The new short codes aim to reduce complexity by harmonising numbers so that there will no longer be a wide range of different codes. The new short codes will also create an environment where the regulator can provide proper guidance on future assignment of short codes.

The introduction of the harmonised short codes will make it easier and simpler for our customers to interact with us.

The new codes that will come into effect on 24 March 2018 are:

“Our customers want to be able to interact with us simply and easily,” says Jacqui O’Sullivan, executive for corporate affairs at MTN SA. “They are already using the best network in the country and now we want to make sure that all their interactions with us are as seamless as the network we provide.

“These short codes are numeric, so they will be easier to remember and we won’t phase out the old codes until we are sure our valued customers have made the transition to the new codes.”

In line with the stipulated regulatory changes, MTN will also be making some changes to its point of sales platforms (the actual till points where sales are captured and from where receipts are generated). These changes will also be made in branded MTN stores and MTN stores within retail chains such as PEP and Edgars).