USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Gambia.
Gambia has a growing telecommunications sector, with an increasing number of mobile phone users. As of recent reports, there are approximately 2.7 million mobile phone users in the country, indicating widespread adoption of mobile technology. Internet penetration in Gambia is around 19%, showing that while a significant portion of the population has access to the internet, there is still room for growth in this area. USSD services are highly popular in Gambia due to their accessibility, even for those without smartphones or internet connections. Some of the most commonly used USSD codes include *120# for checking mobile balances, *135# for mobile money services, and *123# for accessing customer service. Major companies like Africell and QCell are leading the way in utilizing USSD for a variety of services, including mobile banking, airtime recharge, and bill payments.
WhatsApp and SMS are increasingly used for marketing in Gambia, given the high mobile phone usage.
In Gambia, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Gambia's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Gambia for services like mobile banking, require approval from Gambia's national communications authority. Gambia's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Gambia's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Gambia face less stringent rules but must comply with Gambia's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Gambia, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Gambia's regulatory body and must follow Gambia's pricing transparency guidelines.
WhatsApp's popularity in Gambia stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Gambia's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Gambia'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 Gambia. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Gambia'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 Gambia
Gambia leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Gambia's digital inclusion efforts. In Gambia, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Gambia's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Gambia's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Gambia for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
Gambia's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Gambia's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Gambia are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Gambia's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Gambia balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Gambia 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.
