TRAI suggests free USSD messages for all users to encourage digital payments

USSD messages are used by customers to get recharges done or to check their balance without an internet connection. The messages get displayed on the screen of mobile phones and are not stored like SMSes.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a proposal suggesting rationalisation of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) messages from 50 paise to zero rupees for all mobile customers to encourage digital payments in the country. USSD messaging service is predominantly used by feature phone users as it does not require the internet and uses shortcode for making transactions, which deduct money regardless of the transaction being successful.

USSD messages are also used by customers to get recharges done or to check their balance without an internet connection. The messages get displayed on the screen of mobile phones and are not stored like SMSes. This technology is widely used to display balance deduction in mobile phones where a message pops up on the device screen after a call or outgoing SMS.