About Mobius USSD Gateway

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), sometimes referred to as "quick codes" or "feature codes", is a communications protocol used by GSM cellular telephones to communicate with the mobile network operator's computers. USSD can be used for WAP browsing, prepaid callback service, mobile-money services, location-based content services, menu-based information services, and as part of configuring the phone on the network. 

USSD messages are up to 182 alphanumeric characters long. Unlike short message service (SMS) messages, USSD messages create a real-time connection during a USSD session. The connection remains open, allowing a two-way exchange of a sequence of data. This makes USSD more responsive than services that use SMS. 

The advantage of USSD for message delivery and notification is that it is session-based and very efficient. Session-based communications are more reliable than services like email and SMS. This makes it useful for fast and simple real-time applications like balance checking, voice chat and advertising. Because USSD supports process supplementary service (PSSR) and unstructured supplementary service notify (USSN) requests and messages, real-time services like balance checking and voice chat work even when roaming. 

In addition, since USSD is so efficient, there is a huge advantage to using it when subscribers are roaming. All USSD messages are directed to the subscriber's home network but they can also be directed to a visiting network enabling a virtual home environment (VHE), which reduces operator costs and greatly improves user experience as all services work the same wherever they are. 

And, while modern 4G/LTE networks support voice chat applications using SIP, USSD-based voice chat applications can work seamlessly and well across older GPRS, 2G and 3G networks, providing the widest possible compatibility footprint for services important to the subscriber. 

A USSD gateway routes USSD messages from the signaling network to a service application and back. A 'USSD gateway' service is also called a 'USSD center'. 

USSD gateway is based upon the ability of the delivery agent or the source to send and receive USSD messages. A USSD is a session-based protocol. USSD messages travel over GSM signaling channels, and are used to query information and trigger services. Unlike similar services (SMS and MMS), which are store and forward based, USSD establishes a real time session between mobile handset and application handling the service. 

The difference between USSD gateways and other messaging gateways is that USSD gateways maintain a single interactive session once the connection is established. SMS and MMS store and forward messages independently of the user session, similar to the way email is sent over the internet. 

Detailed Look at Mobius USSD Gateway

Mobius USSD Gateway is a bidirectional signaling platform that routes messages between the network and its service applications. The platform delivers interactive content like balance updates, marketing messages, low balance alerts, and more directly to most subscribers' devices - and they do not need downloading specialized apps or going online. The platform is mostly designed for VAS vendors and consumers. 

Mobius USSD Gateway is built on a fully Open-Source server written in Java and strictly adheres to the standards and specifications defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). With full support for virtual machine (VM) and network functions virtualization (NFV) architectures, the Mobius USSD gateway is very easy to install and deploy in different environments, allowing you start providing interactive messaging and content delivery services with a minimum of support and training. 

Mobius USSD gateway utilizes a modern extensible middleware platform providing easy integration with any third-party communication protocol or system using industry-standard telecom interfaces including SS7 MAP, TCAP, INAP, or ISUP. It also supports Internet-based communication interfaces and protocols including SIP and HTTP. 

Mobius USSD Gateway provides a scriptable Command Line Interface (CLI) tool allowing you to completely configure the Gateway at run-time and manage it using simple commands. In addition, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool is provided to allow you to configure, monitor and manage the Gateway through a convenient user-friendly interface. 

Key Features 

Multi-tenant 

Mobius USSD gateway enables operators to provide native real-time services and interactive content delivery applications to mobile subscribers with both network push and menu-based interaction across multiple branded services. As the provided content and services operate natively in the mobile operating system, the subscribers do not need to download an app and create yet another account on a separate service to receive rich content or notifications. 

Carrier-grade scalability and reliability 

Integrated load balancing and clustering support for automated failover delivers an excellent user experience for mobile subscribers. Unlike other more limited solutions, all Mobius services are load-balanced, providing unparalleled redundancy, especially as the platform scales. 

Multilingual support for both UCS2 and GSM 7-bit format 

Enables world-wide support for rich content and notifications in Latin (e.g, English, Spanish, French) and non-Latin (e.g., Cyrillic, Hebrew, Arabic) languages. 

Mobile network connection 

Mobius USSD Gateway can be connected to any Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) core network over SS7 MAP. 

HTTP integration 

Mobius USSD Gateway is easy to integrate over HTTP for any proper solution. 

SS7 hardware full support 

Mobius USSD Gateway fully supports Intel and Dialogic cards. 

SIGTRAN (M3UA), HTTP and SIP interface support 

Industry-standard network integration into IMS and LTE networks is provided. 

On premise and cloud deployment 

Mobius USSD Gateway provides outstanding flexibility for service provider and enterprise applications. Fully self-contained and highly optimized, the USSD gateway supports both network functions virtualization (NFV) and clustered virtual machine (VM) deployments. 

Flexible Operations and Monitoring 

Mobius USSD Gateway support flexible operations and monitoring using industry standard protocols including Java JMX and scriptable command line interfaces with full CDR, logging and auditing reporting capabilities. 

Open Source 

The code is well documented and tested, allowing your staff to learn, optimize and customize the Mobius USSD gateway to your evolving requirements – free from vendor lock-in. Our license subscription model provides indemnification and full support, along with your ability to provide input to our product development roadmap.