Big News for Smartphone Users: This Service to Close from April 15
Smartphone users are in for a significant change as the Department of Telecommunications has announced the closure of USSD-based call forwarding services starting April 15. This action is in response to an increase in fraud targeting unsuspecting individuals through call forwarding services.
The decision aims to protect smartphone users from fraudulent actions initiated by scammers. While this instruction is a step toward improving user security, it may frustrate some users, especially those who rely significantly on call-forwarding services.
The Department of Telecommunications has ordered mobile device operators to stop providing USSD-based call forwarding on April 15. Although the duration of this shutdown is unknown, users can still use USSD services for things such as checking IMEI numbers and mobile balances by dialing the respective codes on their devices.
USSD, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, is used for a variety of purposes other than call forwarding, such as obtaining critical information and services. However, its discontinuance focuses on call forwarding services due to their vulnerability to fraudulent exploitation.
The Department of Telecommunications highlighted that this approach is critical in combating mobile fraud. The end of unconditional call forwarding services, such as USSD-based facilities, was officially announced on March 28.
Affected users looking for alternatives to call forwarding services should look into other options for their communication needs. The Department of Telecommunications’ proactive approach emphasizes the need to protect smartphone users from potential security threats in the digital age.
