Following the directive for telecom operators to harmonise service numbers, MTN Rwanda on Friday announced change in codes for the different services required from the operator.

MTN Rwanda follows in the footsteps of Airtel Rwanda and Tigo Rwanda in harmoniising the code—both the latter have been on the standard code ever since they launched.

The harmonisation, which in Rwanda was directed by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (Rura), will mean that all operators in the East African Community have similar codes for the convenience of users.

A statement from MTN Rwanda says that effective June 15, the code for loading airtime will change from *111*voucher number# to *130*voucher number# and checking airtime balance from *110# to *131#.

The MTN Rwanda call centre toll free line has also changed from 456 to 100. Voicemail deposit and retrieval service have will be accessed by dialling 123 and 121 respectively.

MTN Rwanda chief marketing officer, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, said that initially, the new codes will run concurrently with old ones to ease the transition and give customers enough time to adapt to the new codes.

"The old codes will still be working alongside the new ones until the end of the year to ensure that all our customers have adapted to the new codes,” she said.

According to Rura, harmonisation of the service numbers seeks to improve user experience by enabling mobile phone subscribers to recharge, check their airtime balances or get customer services using similar codes, regardless of the service provider across all the East African countries.

Other telecom firms in the region have also taken up on harmonising the codes, with MTN Uganda being the most recent at implementing the changes.