USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Eswatini.
Eswatini, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, has a growing telecommunication sector that reflects the broader trends in the region. The number of mobile phone users in Eswatini is approximately 1.4 million, representing a significant portion of the population. This widespread mobile penetration has contributed to the growing use of internet services, with internet penetration standing at around 60%.
USSD services are particularly popular in Eswatini due to their accessibility on basic mobile phones without requiring internet access. Some of the most popular USSD codes include *007# for MTN Eswatini, which offers a range of services from mobile money to airtime purchases, and *121# for Eswatini Mobile, which provides similar services. WhatsApp and SMS marketing are also prominent in Eswatini, with many businesses leveraging these platforms to reach customers. WhatsApp, in particular, is widely used for promotional campaigns, customer service, and direct communication.
In Eswatini, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Eswatini's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Eswatini for services like mobile banking, require approval from Eswatini's national communications authority. Eswatini's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Eswatini's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Eswatini face less stringent rules but must comply with Eswatini's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Eswatini, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Eswatini's regulatory body and must follow Eswatini's pricing transparency guidelines.
WhatsApp's popularity in Eswatini stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Eswatini's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Eswatini's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Eswatini. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Eswatini's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.
WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)
WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.
USD
0.0225
WhatsApp (Setup)
A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.
USD
49
USSD pricing in Eswatini
Eswatini leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Eswatini's digital inclusion efforts. In Eswatini, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Eswatini's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Eswatini's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Eswatini for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
Eswatini's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Eswatini's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Eswatini are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Eswatini's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Eswatini balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Eswatini leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.
