Build interactive USSD menus

Reach feature phones and smartphones, no internet required. Describe the menu you need and AI builds it.

Everything you need to run USSD services

Telerivet handles the infrastructure. You focus on what your service should do.

Describe your menu and AI builds it

Tell the AI Operator built into Telerivet what your USSD service should do, in plain language, and it builds the menu for you. Prefer to build it yourself? Design simple menus with the drag-and-drop Rules Engine, or write advanced logic in a few lines of JavaScript with the Cloud Script API.

Learn more »

AI Operator building a USSD menu from a plain-language request
USSD menu on a feature phone after dialing a short code

Works on any phone, no internet required

People dial a short code such as *384*123# to open your menu on any mobile phone, from basic feature phones to smartphones, without mobile data or an app. USSD sessions aren't stored on the phone, and menus can be protected with a PIN, so USSD works well for account lookups and sensitive questions.

Store answers and follow up automatically

Save answers to contacts and data tables in Telerivet without running your own servers, or connect to your own systems via API. Import data from a spreadsheet so people can look it up from their phone. From the same service, send an SMS confirmation, transfer airtime, start a voice call, or add people to a group for future campaigns.

USSD answers saved to a data table, followed by an SMS confirmation, airtime transfer and group update
Live USSD session dashboard with statistics and active sessions

Monitor sessions live, at any scale

Watch active USSD sessions in real time and search each contact's session history. View statistics and graphs, export session data to a spreadsheet or your own system, and handle thousands of concurrent sessions, with detailed runtime statistics to optimize performance.

Use Cases

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User Registration

Let customers register for your program, check account balances, or respond to surveys directly from a feature phone, even in areas with no data coverage.

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Account Information

Let customers securely look up information about their account, such as balances or payment due dates, with menus protected by a PIN.

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Data Collection

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.

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Offline Data Access

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a USSD code?

Telerivet doesn't provide USSD codes itself. Request a code from a USSD provider such as Africa's Talking or Infobip (see Availability and Pricing below), then connect it to Telerivet as a route. If you already have a USSD code from another provider or mobile network, Telerivet can integrate with other USSD providers on request.

What's the difference between a shared and a dedicated USSD code?

A shared code is an extension of the provider's code, such as *384*123#. It's quicker and cheaper to set up, usually within 1–2 business days where available. A dedicated code is your own short code, such as *123#. It's easier for people to remember, but each mobile network must approve it, which can take from a few weeks to a few months.

How much does USSD cost?

USSD providers charge per session, plus setup and monthly fees for the USSD code, which vary by country, mobile network and code type. In some countries you can choose who pays for sessions: your organization, or your users, with the mobile network deducting the cost from their airtime. Telerivet counts each USSD session as one message toward your plan's limits.

Do people need a smartphone or internet access?

No. USSD works on any mobile phone, including basic feature phones, and doesn't use mobile data. This makes USSD a good way to reach people in rural areas or with limited data access.

Can I combine USSD with SMS?

Yes. From the same Telerivet service you can send an SMS confirmation during or after a USSD session, send reminders, transfer airtime as a reward, or start a voice call. Learn more about SMS in Telerivet.

Do I need to know how to code to build a USSD service?

No. You can describe your menu to the AI Operator in plain language and it builds the service for you.

The AI Operator generates JavaScript code for your USSD menu using Telerivet's Cloud Script API.

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:

africastalking
Provides USSD access codes in Dem. Rep. of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia (learn more).
infobip
Provides USSD access codes in Botswana, Chad, Dem. Rep. of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Telerivet can also integrate with other USSD providers on request for an additional fee.

All Telerivet plans support USSD access codes. 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

Select your country to see USSD providers and how to get started: