USSD - what is it? USSD-requests from MTS. USSD-team "Megaphone"

Everyone who uses a mobile phone knows that there is a set of technical commands with which you can perform various actions related to your subscriber number. For example, you are able to check your balance in this way, find out the status of one or another service, check the balance of bonuses and so on. All this is possible thanks to the interactive function - the interaction of the subscriber-person and the operator system in real time. Thus, you can directly send some data that the service perceives and processes.

Message exchange

All this is possible due to a special exchange of commands. On your device, as you can see, in the form of messages comes information about what you have left, what the tariff is connected, about the actions that are available, and much more. Your task after the message arrives is to respond appropriately. If it is an informational alert, you do not need to do anything - just read it. It is also possible that this is a command menu, and in it you need to select a specific item using the numbering. For example, this could be a list of actions that can be performed by specifying their number in the list.

All this is familiar to you, since every user has already faced this before. All these commands and actions are called the common term - USSD. What it is, will be told in our today's article. It will be devoted to this format of data reception and transmission. In it, we will talk about the features, applications, as well as the most popular USSD-teams of Russian operators.

What is USSD?

First, we decipher and translate the abbreviation. "Unstructured Supplementary Service Data" translates as "an additional service that allows data transfer." If you figure it out, then it really is. We know: a lot of technical requests are made through the USSD (what kind of requests, we'll talk further). Organize their reception and an instant response in some other way and in such a timely time would not have happened - only the quality of this service can achieve this result. Internet connection is not available on all devices, and receiving information via SMS takes more time. And knowing the USSD-code, any operation can be done quickly and simply, in a matter of seconds! Because of this, obviously, the system has received such a mass distribution in the form of technology used on every mobile phone.

Even before the advent of the mobile Internet, various messengers and numerous software, with which communication is taking place now, the technology discussed in this article has successfully performed its functions on the connection between the subscriber and his device with the operator's center - the company that serves the user.

Request Format

It's also important to mention what rules and requirements are set for the teams. After all, there are a number of restrictions applied to the USSD. What are these restrictions and requirements, it is easy to understand - it is enough to remember how you type a team to verify the account. That's right, for starters you enter the symbol "*" (the so-called "asterisk"), then - the number you would like to contact for the operation (for example, 111); Followed by the symbol "#" (the so-called "lattice"). Obviously, she closes the team.

In addition to the marked characters, the USSD request can also contain prefixes. Typically, they serve to select an option within an existing command. For example, you need to type * 111 * 1 #. The prefix from the main number is separated using the asterisk. This means that the subscriber, within the given command, allocates the first option (for example, when switching to a certain tariff plan, this is important).

Interaction

If we talk about how the interaction between the subscriber and the server is going on, then we should mention the session technology. This means that the exchange of information takes place in one session, without involving the database. In turn, this means the following: if in the case of SMS messages the subscriber can receive them even after sending (for example, when his phone was disconnected), then with USSD-requests the data is not saved anywhere and only one session "lives". Due to this and we can say that this interaction is instantaneous and immediate, without a long existence.

It is also important to say about the USSD that this is an exclusively text service. It does not support the transmission of a voice signal, and you can not make a call with it. From SMS technology, it is distinguished by the fact that the latter is intended for information exchange between subscribers, and USSD allows sending requests to the server. That is why we mentioned it in the initial part of the article as a "technical" way of communication.

Where is it used?

We have already partially explained the purpose for which the USSD-request is used in the previous parts of the article. However, in order to more clearly form the view of the reader about this technology, we will tell a little more.

So, as for the service, we figured out: operators using USSD send people information about their balance, about the latest new tariff plans, about how many people can use this or that service, and so on. In order to play a particular function, for each of them there are special USSD-commands. Entering them in the phone, the subscriber receives preprogrammed information, which interests him. Easy, simple and free - everything that meets the ideals of service. But this is only one of the spheres of application.

Any USSD number can also be used for entertainment. Media content providers offer subscribers by introducing a request to receive the latest music hits, videos and other options on their mobile. It is done this way: first the subscriber accesses the service, then his device displays a menu with available services. To select one of them, simply enter the number that corresponds to the menu item. This is how the interaction takes place.

Among other things, information is an excellent use for technology. The operator can set up a short number to provide the subscriber with data on a particular subject in the shortest possible time - as simple and easy as possible. And, in truth, some operators use it. For example, sometimes through the USSD, the location of the nearest communication store where the subscriber is served is reported; Or by using the service menu called by such short requests, you can show the user various interesting commercial offers.

USSD on tablets

Since USSD commands are introduced on mobile devices, it is obvious that their use is somewhat difficult on some tablet computers. It's about using SIM cards with wireless Internet on tablets without GSM-module. In this situation, the subscriber sees notifications from the operator, but, in the absence of access to the menu of calls, can not dial the necessary command. It is impossible to check the balance of the account because of this.

For this, there are special applications and add-ons for your device. For example, this USSD-Widget for tablets on Android can be downloaded from Google Play. This will allow the subscriber to use all communication services with less restrictions. For iOS, such software, respectively, can be downloaded from Appstore.

Such applications are required exclusively for those tablets that do not have the ability to make calls. After all, as you know, there is a category of devices that are able to dial the phone numbers of other subscribers using the built-in GSM module. True, this applies primarily to the so-called "Fablets" - small tablets that differ from the phone only in the size of their displays. Larger devices such as the iPad of this feature, of course, do not have. Applications to send USSD-requests that are installed on the operating system of such devices allow you to do this.

USSD "Megaphone"

Now, having described the capabilities of the technology, we will give information about the commands that telecom operators apply. Let's start with Megafon. USSD-requests of this operator can be found very simply - they are described on a single page of the official portal of the company. Here, first of all, a command is mentioned, to which all subscribers, without exception, check the balance. This can be done by introducing * 100 #. Do not forget that by typing a command, you need to press the call key on your device.

Other USSD-teams "Megaphone" divided into different sections, depending on their functions. For example, reference information can be found on the following commands: access to the private cabinet (* 105 #); Information about the service "My number" (* 205 #); Checking the remaining bonuses (minutes, megabytes) on the account (* 558 #); Getting information about paid services on your number (* 105 * 559 #). Also, do not forget about roaming - in order to learn about additional services when leaving the territory will help team * 601 #. This is, of course, not all USSD-teams. Megafon also lists requests to find out the last requests (* 512 #), the latest payments (* 105 * 12 #). You can find out about services by entering * 105 * 2 #, and about your tariff plan - * 105 * 3 #. To get information about available bonuses, you can dial * 115 #. To search for the nearest Megafon salon, the USSD-request * 123 # serves.

In fact, the teams are much more - some of them are responsible only for certain specific tariffs or options.

USSD Beeline

A set of commands that are allowed to apply to the subscriber, here is very similar to the set of "Megaphone". And in general, it should be noted that the functions that the subscriber can use with the USSD service are typical for most operators.

Judge for yourself. To determine your number (for those who can not remember it at all) there is a command * 110 * 10 #. The common for all team - checking the balance on the mobile account - is * 102 #.

To find the balance of other services from Beeline, USSD-commands from * 105 # to * 108 # are applied. It is now about SMS, MMS, Internet traffic. The last command allows you to check all at once with a single message.

In order to replenish the account with the help of a card, there is a request * 101 * X #, where instead of "X" it is necessary to indicate the number of the card purchased for replenishment. Another important code - * 110 * 09 # - allows you to determine what services are installed on your phone at the moment. If you do not know what tariff plan is in effect for you at the moment and what it is, dial * 110 * 05 #. To ask another person to call you back, dial * 144 * subscriber number #, and refill the account with the same number, only 143.

To order additional functions also have their own requests. To activate the "anti-determinator", use the command * 110 * 071 #; And to enter the chat - * 110 * 511 #.

USSD "MTS"

On another major Russian mobile operator, the situation is similar. USSD-requests of "MTS" are not much different from other operators. The command * 100 # allows you to find out the balance of the account, and * 145 # - get a list of the last five paid actions that were made on the phone number. The tariff plan on which you are serviced can be seen with the command * 111 * 12 #, and in order to transfer funds to another person, you need to enter the command * 121 #.

If you are serviced by a MTS operator, you can also order additional services through the USSD service. For example, the option "Credit method" can be activated through the number * 150 #, and packages for working with the Internet can be connected by sending requests from * 111 * 423 # to * 111 * 443 #.

Like Megafon, USSD-requests from MTS are clearly divided according to their functions into whole blocks. Thus, it is quite easy to find among them the service that you need at the moment.

USSD "Tele2"

Another operator whose commands I would like to describe is "Tele2". To check the balance of this operator, the subscriber should enter * 105 #. For the information on your phone number, use the command * 201 #, and to display data on the tariff plan on which you are served, - * 107 #.

If you are currently in roaming and would like to know what services are available to you in order to save on communications - dial * 146 #. A subscriber who wants to use entertainment content from a special "Tele2" -portal will benefit from the number * 111 #.

You can also order additional services with USSD here. In particular, the "Black list" option blocking calls from certain subscribers is ordered by sending a request * 202 * 1 * subscriber #.

In the event that you notice that you have lost funds in an unknown direction from the account, you need to enter * 153 # - this is a service for controlling connected paid services.

Finally, through the commands you can get the settings of WAP, MMS or GPRS. It's very simple - drive * 202 #, then press the call.

A more complete list of available commands can be found on the official website of "Tele2". There are a lot of them.

USSD Rostelecom

Such a communication operator, as Rostelecom, also uses USSD-codes. The standard and most common query is * 105 #. With its help, the subscriber can call the balance verification menu on his account. The main menu for changing tariffs, ordering additional services and connecting various paid options calls the USSD-code * 111 # for the operator of Rostelecom.

If you do not know which tariff plan is currently being serviced, - to the request * 107 #. For those who constantly forget their phone number, there is a command * 201 #.

You can replace the buzzer with * 115 #; Ask to top up your account - * 123 * subscriber #. The same goes for the opportunity to send a "call me back, please" - done with * 118 * phone number #.

Undoubtedly, the operator has other codes of requests, some of which concern specific tariffs and options. You can find them on the official website or with the consultant of the company.

USSD Velcom

Of course, USSD codes are not only in Russia. The Belarusian operator Velcom has a set of own requests. In particular: * 100 # - call help on how much is left on your account; * 100 * 1 # - information about available on the balance bonus minutes, SMS and MMS messages, as well as the amount of data in GPRS format.

With the help of some USSD "VELCOM" allows you to connect additional services. For example, * 200 * 1 # - ordering services "Stopotsot", * 424 # - Melofon, and * 126 * 1 * 4 # - activation of international roaming. With the help of other commands, you can simply control some settings: change "favorite numbers" (* 126 * 7 #); Set the home region for your number (* 126 * 4 #).

In the USSD menu, information services are also available, for example, you can get a list of all commands using the * 126 * 9 # query. This, perhaps, is the best opportunity to learn as much as possible how to perform the action you are interested in as soon as possible. Therefore, we recommend that you just remember this command to have access to everyone else.