Short Codes
1. Introduction
Short Codes are telephone numbers with fewer digits than the standard national significant number and dialed without a national destination code. They are commonly used to access specific services.
According to the Uganda National Numbering Plan, short codes can either be three (3) or four (4) digits long. The short codes that have been categorized under the Uganda National Numbering Plan are summarized in Section 2.
UCC retains the responsibility of managing all the numbers in the National Numbering Plan.
2. Short Codes Categories
The ranges of the available Short Codes are shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Showing the Different Short Code Ranges
| Short Code | Application | Elaboration | License Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 - 119 | Emergency Services and Safety Services | The number must be common to all networks for the particular service. | Exempt from authorization fees (However, if the provider decides to charge for the service, they shall also be required to pay for the use of the number). |
| 120 – 129 | Customer Service enquiries | Selected numbers common to all networks depending on service type. | Exempt from authorization fees (However, if the provider decides to charge for the service, they shall also be required to pay for the use of the number). |
| 130 – 139 | Billing related enquiries | Selected numbers common to all networks depending on service type. | Exempt from authorization fees (However, if the provider decides to charge for the service, they shall also be required to pay for the use of the number). |
| 140 – 189 | Other Network Services | Other Network Services | Exempt from authorization fees (However, if the provider decides to charge for the service, they shall also be required to pay for the use of the number). |
| 190 – 198 | Specially defined UCC applications; e.g., Directory services | For those services specially defined by UCC at different times. | Exempt from authorization fees (However, if the provider decides to charge for the service, they shall also be required to pay for the use of the number). |
| 200 - 298 | Application /Information Service Providers, Value Added Service Providers | For USSD based services and applications. | Authorisation fee (US $ 10,000 p.a) excluding VAT |
| 900 – 999 | Emergency Services and Safety Services (e.g. 999) and specially defined UCC applications | The number must be common to all networks for the particular service. | Exempt from authorization fees (However, if the provider decides to charge for the service, they shall also be required to pay for the use of the number) |
| 6000 - 8999 | Application/Information Service Providers, Value Added Service Providers | For SMS and MMS based services and applications | Authorisation fee (US $ 2,000 p.a) excluding VAT |
3. Processing Procedure
An information or application provider in this case, shall be one that creates and delivers informational products to the general consumer through computer-based applications or other electronic services over the network of licensed public providers.
- An application shall be made through the online portal at https://eservices.ucc.co.ug/ and all associated required legal and approvals shall be uploaded (All legal documents should be certified).
- Account registration procedure for first-time user
- (a) Follow the steps below to submit applications or if already registered, ignore steps a and b
- (b) Click on the link; https://eservices.ucc.co.ug/ or copy paste the link onto your browser address bar
- (c) First time registration – Register your email address and password
- (d) Login in as the applicant with your registered login credentials
- (e) Populate the new short code application form and or renewal application form for existing assignees
- (f) Attach the supporting documents
- (g) Submit the application
- (h) You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt once the application is successfully submitted
- (i) You will receive periodic updates by email and/or through user account updates in the portal on the progress of your application
3. An application shall be reviewed and if found to be eligible for the short code applied for, the applicant shall be invoiced, and the authorisation letter shall be issued after payment of the applicable fees
N.B: UCC shall not involve itself in the commercial arrangements between the assignee and the service/network provider unless consumer interests are compromised.
4. Applications Forms
Accessible at https://eservices.ucc.co.ug/. Click on the link https://eservices.ucc.co.ug/ or copy paste the link onto your browser address bar
5. Fees Structure
According to the Commission Fees structure, the applicable fees for short codes are summarized in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Applicable Fees for Short Codes
| SN | Short Codes | Fees In USD Per Annum (Unless Stated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Short Code application fee | 250 |
| 2. | Initial entry fees – One time | 1,000 |
| 3. | Range 140 - 189 | 2,000 |
| 4. | Range 6000 - 8999 | 2,000 |
| 5. | Range 200 - 298 | 10,000 |