USSDkomennoilla

USSD komennoilla refers to the use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) commands to interact with mobile network services. It describes the way short codes are entered on a mobile device to request information or trigger actions via the operator’s platform. USSD, unlike apps or mobile data, relies on the network’s signaling channel and does not require an active data connection.

Operation and flow: A user dials a code that begins with a star and ends with a hash, for example *123#. The network forwards the request to an interactive service, which may present a text menu or return immediate information. The session remains open, allowing the user to respond to prompts and receive successive messages until the session is exited or times out.

Common uses: USSD komennoilla is frequently employed for balance checks, mobile top-ups, data plan activations, and service provisioning. It is also widely used for mobile money transactions and other banking or utility services on devices without reliable data connectivity. Because USSD works on most feature phones, it provides broad accessibility, especially in regions with limited smartphone penetration or data costs.

Technical considerations and limitations: USSD content is not encrypted, so sensitive information shown during a session can be exposed if someone else views the screen or if the device is compromised. Codes are operator- and country-specific, and there are limits on length and formatting that can vary by network. Sessions can be interrupted by network conditions or time out if left idle.

See also: USSD, mobile banking, SIM Toolkit.