USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Lesotho.
Lesotho, has seen significant growth in its telecommunications sector. The country has over 2 million mobile phone users, representing a high penetration rate given its population of around 2.3 million. Internet penetration is also on the rise, with approximately 50% of the population having access to the internet, largely driven by mobile data services. USSD is widely used in Lesotho for various services, including mobile banking, airtime purchases, and checking account balances. Some of the most popular USSD codes include *120# for Vodacom services and *200# for Econet Telecom Lesotho services. Popular companies utilizing USSD include Standard Lesotho Bank, which allows customers to access banking services through USSD, and Econet Telecom, which offers a range of services, including mobile money transfers and bill payments through USSD codes.
The use of WhatsApp and SMS for marketing is also increasingly popular in Lesotho.
In Lesotho, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Lesotho's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Lesotho for services like mobile banking, require approval from Lesotho's national communications authority. Lesotho's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Lesotho's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Lesotho face less stringent rules but must comply with Lesotho's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Lesotho, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Lesotho's regulatory body and must follow Lesotho's pricing transparency guidelines.
WhatsApp's popularity in Lesotho stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Lesotho's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Lesotho'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 Lesotho. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Lesotho'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 Lesotho
Lesotho leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Lesotho's digital inclusion efforts. In Lesotho, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Lesotho's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Lesotho's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Lesotho for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
Lesotho's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Lesotho's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Lesotho are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Lesotho's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Lesotho balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Lesotho 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.
