In today’s hyperconnected world, telcos play a pivotal role in the digital transformation of financial services. While apps and smartphones are driving innovation, USSD gateways remain the critical bridge between mobile banks and millions of unbanked or underbanked users in emerging markets.
As a telecom operator, your mobile banking customers expect more than just basic connectivity; they need a USSD that’s robust, intelligent, future-ready, and built for scale. Here’s what leading mobile banks are demanding from their USSD partners, and how telcos can position themselves as indispensable enablers.
1. Multi-Network Compatibility for Maximum Reach
Mobile banking services must function seamlessly across all network types, from 2G to 5G. In regions where legacy networks still dominate while others push ahead with 4G and 5G rollouts, this backward and forward compatibility is vital.
A USSD gateway that supports multi-generation networks in a unified application server is no longer a luxury — it’s essential. Telcos that deploy gateways like hSenid’s can guarantee consistent access to mobile financial services, regardless of the user’s device or network type.
2. Scalable, High-Performance Session Management
Banking transactions are session-sensitive. Whether it’s checking a balance or authorizing a transfer, interruptions can lead to failed transactions and customer frustration. Leading banks want uninterrupted, high-speed service delivery.
Gateways with intelligent session management, especially those supporting session resumption, are a must. hSenid’s USSD gateway handles over 15,000 transactions per second and includes smart timeout handling, ensuring that mobile banking sessions can pick up where they left off.
3. Integrated and Flexible Charging Models
One of the most critical commercial considerations for banks is how USSD services are billed. Whether the need is per-request or per-session charging, flexibility is key.
Telcos need to provide USSD that support multiple charging models and integrate with banks’ existing billing systems. This enables banks to build tiered services, control costs, and optimize revenues. hSenid’s gateway offers extensive charging flexibility, making it easier for telcos to tailor monetization strategies for different clients.
4. AI-Powered User Experience Enhancements
Gone are the days when USSD meant clunky, hard-to-navigate menus. Banks are now looking for intelligent, intuitive USSD interfaces powered by AI/ML. Features such as predictive menus, keyword search, and “My Favorites” personalize the experience for each user.
Telcos equipped with gateways that embed AI agents — like those from hSenid — can offer smarter, more responsive services that reduce drop-offs and increase satisfaction.
5. Rapid Service Deployment and Menu Customization
Speed to market is vital. Banks regularly introduce new services, update menus, and launch campaigns. A telco-provided USSD should empower banks to do all of this without relying on developers.
Graphical menu designers, drag-and-drop interfaces, version control, and scheduling features reduce technical overhead. hSenid’s USSD Menu Designer allows mobile banks to create, simulate, and deploy menu flows instantly, accelerating innovation.
6. Seamless Integration with Third-Party Systems
Today’s mobile banks are ecosystem players. They rely on external CRMs, fraud detection tools, payment processors, and loyalty systems. A USSD gateway must integrate easily with these external applications.
hSenid’s USSD exposes REST APIs and offers reliable third-party provisioning, enabling telcos to deliver robust ecosystems where banks can plug in whatever services they need.
7. Multi-Language and Personalized Menus
Serving diverse user bases means offering services in multiple languages. Additionally, personalization — such as menu shortcuts, recommended services, and user bookmarks — greatly enhances usability.
The best USSD support this natively. hSenid’s gateway, for instance, tracks frequently used options and allows banks to localize menus for better engagement.
8. IMS-Ready and 5G Compatible
With the global shift toward 5G and the decommissioning of 3G networks, mobile banks expect telcos to offer future-proof platforms. A modern USSD must support IMS integration, enabling seamless USSD over LTE and 5G without fallback issues.
hSenid’s USSD solution is optimized for 5G deployments, offering ultra-low latency and native support for IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) environments.
9. Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics
Banks need actionable insights for regulatory compliance, performance monitoring, and customer behavior analysis. A powerful reporting engine within the USSD enables banks to track transactions, usage trends, and revenue impact in real-time.
Telcos using hSenid’s gateway can offer hourly, daily, and monthly reports, enabling their customers to make informed strategic decisions.
10. Support for VAS, Surveys, and Promotions
USSD isn’t just about core banking—it’s a channel for growth. Banks use USSD for customer feedback, service promotions, and cross-selling. An ideal gateway supports network-initiated services, push notifications, and in-session ads.
hSenid’s gateway offers tag ads, voting tools, subscription flows, and callback services, empowering banks to build richer customer journeys and new revenue streams.
Why Telcos Must Get This Right
Telcos are not just connectivity providers—they are technology enablers for digital banking. Mobile banks are under pressure to deliver secure, real-time, and accessible services to users who may not have smartphones or reliable internet. The USSD gateway you offer is their gateway to success.
Choosing the right USSD gateway lets you:
- Deepen strategic partnerships with financial institutions
- Unlock new recurring revenue streams through service provisioning
- Offer differentiated service quality in highly competitive telecom markets
- Enable financial inclusion in underserved regions
Final Thoughts: Be the Partner Banks Can’t Live Without
USSD remains a lifeline for millions, especially in Africa, South Asia, and other emerging markets. For telcos, delivering a modern, intelligent, and reliable USSD isn’t just about staying relevant, it’s about becoming indispensable to your banking partners.
hSenid Mobile’s USSD suite checks every box: future-ready, AI-powered, developer-friendly, and proven at scale. With its modular architecture and enterprise-grade capabilities, telcos can meet and exceed the expectations of today’s leading mobile banks.
If you’re looking to solidify your place in the fintech ecosystem, investing in a best-in-class USSD gateway isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
