About USSD:

USSD stands for ‘Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a technology that operates on the GSM network, ensuring widespread coverage and availability for customers.

• The short code is easy to use and easy to memorize. Customers can readily engage in it and be serviced in real time.
•   Using USSD is free of charge.
•   To use the USSD service, the user must have at least a 2G network connection (GSM).
•   A customer can purchase airtime balance, P2P transfers, and bill payments by following on-screen instructions from the USSD menu.

What is Namaste Pay USSD feature?

Namaste Pay USSD is a feature provided by Namaste Pay that allows clients to access digital wallet services by dialing the short code *500# to use the Namaste Pay wallet offline. This service is currently available for Nepal Telcom customers only.

By dialing *500#, you will find the following service options (if you are already registered in Namaste Pay, just dial *500# and enter your pin to access the Namaste Pay wallet menu).

1. My Account
2. Check Balance
3. Recharge
4. Add Money
5. Send Money
6. Bill payments
7. Merchant Payments
8. Help and Support

If you are not registered yet, please follow the instructions given on screen.

•  Press 1 to register yourself and click on the send option.
•  Enter your OTP to verify yourself
•  Enter your first and middle name below and click on the send option.
•  Again, enter your last name and click on the send option.
• Enter your date of birth (YYY-MM-DD) and click on the send option.
• Select your gender

1 for “Male”

2 for “Female”

3 for "Other” and send

• Select your document

1 for "Passport”

2 for "Driving License”

3 for "Citizenship” and send

• Enter your ID Number and send
• Finally, confirm your registration details Name, Mobile Number, Date of Birth, Gender, and Document ID number and send for the registration.

Advantages of Namaste Pay USSD

• It does not require internet connectivity.
• It is not dependent on mobile applications.
• It is not dependent on the smartphone platform.
• It supports feature phones as well.
• It helps to provide digital financial services to the underbanked or underserved population where internet connectivity is low or not available, but GSM network is available (like in rural areas).
• It uses less resources to process the payments.
• This service can be used at any time if there is 2G network-sim connectivity.

How does Namaste Pay USSD work?

• Users will dial *500# from their cell phones. The request will be sent to a nearby cell tower. Note: Mobile devices should be at least on a 2G network.
• The Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) module receives the request and sends it to the USSD Gateway for third-party USSD communication.
• The USSD gateway sends the request to Namaste Pay’s user application server in a predefined format.
• Responses will be sent out by the Namaste Pay application server, which will forward them to the USSD Gateway in a defined format. 
• The USSD gateway will pass the response to the user's phone in a format and design shared by Namaste Pay.

Benefits of USSD Platforms

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) platforms provide numerous advantages, particularly in areas where internet connectivity may be restricted or inconsistent. Here are some of the main benefits:

1. Accessibility: USSD does not require internet connectivity, so it is accessible to customers of feature phones as well as Smart Phone. This inclusion guarantees that services are available to a larger customer base, including those living in rural or underserved locations.
2. Cost-effectiveness: USSD Services are free for customers making it a viable alternative for accessing a variety of services such as bill payments, recharge/top-ups, and P2P transfers.
3. Wide Reach: Since USSD is supported by all GSM phones, it can reach many customers without requiring them to download or install any specific software.
4. Security: USSD transactions occur on the mobile network's signaling channel rather than the internet; thus, the possibility of intervention or hacking is reduced.
5. User-friendly: USSD menus are often simple and easy to use, making them accessible to customers who are not technologically adept.
6. No app installation: Unlike mobile apps, USSD doesn't require the installation of an app or storage space. It can be accessed from the feature phone's dialer.
7. Offline Capability: USSD does not require internet connectivity; customers can access services in places with poor network coverage, like 2G.

Conclusion

Namaste Pay USSD provides a simple and convenient way for underbanked or underserved customers to gain access to digital financial services. It provides a smooth experience for customers, from purchasing airtime, topping up, and recharging to making bill payments offline.

Besides, it provides an accessible, user-friendly, and cost-effective method of delivering services and engaging customers, especially in areas where internet access is limited or there is a constraint on technological infrastructure.