What is required to send messages via USSD?

I'm trying to get started with USSD. I'm familiar with other forms of SMS. Ultimately i want to use USSD as part of a real-time payment platform.

Thanks.

From stackoverflow

• I just Googled around and gathered info.

  According to Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD):

  Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) allows for the transmission of information via a GSM network. Contrasting with SMS, it offers real time connection during a session. A USSD message can be upto 182 alphanumeric characters in length. Unstructured Supplementary Service Data allows interactive services between a MS and applications hosted by the Mobile Operator. These messages are composed of digits and the #, * keys, and allow users to easily and quickly get information/access services from the Operator.

  USSD messages are simple to form and easy to send. User can directly enter the ussd string and press call to send the message. A typical USSD message starts with a * followed by digits which indicate an action to be performed or are parameters. Each group of numbers is separated by a *, and the message is terminated with a #. The USSD gateway in turn can interact with external applications based on the USSD command. This allows access to number of value added services via USSD.

  • USSD works on all GSM handsets of Phase II or later.

  However, if you are writing Java MIDlet on a Nokia device, it does not work.

• vote up 0 vote down

  Here are some of the questions you'd like to find answers for as you proceed with your USSD plan.

  •. How do we want the channel to work?

  For starters, USSD is just like connection-oriented SMS communication i.e, USSD is to SMS what IM is to email. The initiation of the communication can either be USSD-PUSH ( Mobile-terminated & provider originated) or a USSD-PULL (Mobile originated & provider terminated). In your case, I believe it would probably be a mobile originated USSD pull where the mobile subscriber dials a USSD short code on his mobile to access the app.

  •. If it is USSD-PULL... what is our short code?

  Every app requires a separate short code. USSD shortcodes are site addresses scheme similar to the website addresses in the internet world. I am not sure what country you are from, but here in India, USSD shortcodes are owned by the mobile service providers and one needs to get the service provider to configure the right short codes for you.

  •. Now, what is the communication interface?

  USSD works using a connection oriented SMPP. However, USSD gateways ( service-provider owned middle-ware that relays USSD messages to and from the subscribers' mobiles, these days are capable of acting as bridges where their app interface can be over HTTP or HTTPS. In this case, I'd think you'd need HTTP or HTTPS connectivity opened between the mobile operator's gateway and your app. From then on, it is just matter of building a web-app with a text response!

  Hope this helps. Good luck!

  CharlesO : Thanks for the very informative response i guess the next step is to aquire a network shortcode and setup a htp service to act as a bridge like you suggested. What forms of applications have you been able to develop using this technology? thanks.

• Thanks for the very informative response i guess the next step is to aquire a network shortcode and setup a htp service to act as a bridge like you suggested. What forms of applications have you been able to develop using this technology? thanks.

• There is plug-in for new Symbian phones (3rd edition FP2)

• Application can be develop for the following purposes in USSD.

  Querying the train, airliner and ship information Querying the finance and stock information Querying the foreign exchange transaction information Querying the match result Querying the ticket booking information of the cinema Querying the account information of the bank Querying the lottery information Querying the weather information And Menu Services.

• How do you upload infromation via ussd for e.g call logs