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USSD Steps










USSD Steps

USSD commands can be used to send/receive certain information or change settings. For example, to check a subscriber's balance by sending an account enquiry. The available USSD codes depend on the phone, the network operator and whether it is a prepaid phone or not.

USSD Configuration

USSD codes can be configured as Context Objects in a .conf file.

Syntax 

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ContextObjects {
    ...
    <name Identifier> = <ussdCode String>
    ...
}

Parameters

  • name - The name assigned to the USSD code

  • ussdCode - The USSD code

Example 

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ContextObjects {
    ...
    ussdAccEnq = "*106#"
    LastTransactionCost = "*102#"
    ...
}

Sending a USSD Code

Sends the USSD Code

Syntax 

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<name Identifier> sends the following ussd <ussdCode String>

Parameters

  • name - The name assigned to the USSD code

  • ussdCode - The USSD code

Example 

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And A sends the following ussd ussdAccEnq

This Step is eligible for:

  • Timed

  • Deferred

Receiving a USSD Response

Checks if a response to the USSD code has arrived. The response will be saved as a variable.

Syntax 

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within <time Number> seconds, <name Identifier> receives an ussd response as <ussdName Identifier>

Parameters

  • time - A number referring to the amount of time in seconds

  • name - The name assigned to the phone receiving the USSD response

  • ussdName - The name assigned to the USSD response

Example 

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And within 30 seconds, A receives an ussd response as RESP1

This Step is eligible for

  • Deferred

Responding to a USSD

Creates a response to a received USSD code. For example, if the USSD code sent has accessed a menu. Use the following Step to navigate through the menu.

Syntax 

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<name Identifier> responds to interactive ussd with <response String>

Parameters

  • name - The name assigned to the phone responding to the USSD

  • response - The response sent by the phone

    • This string will always be numeric

Confirming the correct response to a USSD may require manually navigating through a menu.

Example 

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And A responds to interactive ussd with "2"

This Step is eligible for:

  • Timed

  • Deferred

Canceling a USSD Dialog

Exits a USSD menu.

Syntax 

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<name Identifier> cancels interactive ussd dialog

Parameter

  • name - The name assigned to the phone canceling the USSD dialog

Example 

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And A cancels interactive ussd dialog

This Step is eligible for:

  • Timed

  • Deferred

Using a Data Extractor for USSD

intaQt's Extractor can be used to filter or extract data from a USSD response.

Syntax 

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extract <variable1 String> with <extractor Identifier> from <variable2 String>

Parameters

  • variable1 - The variable that stores the data from variable2

  • extractor - The name assigned to the extractor

  • variable2 - The content of the USSD response

Example 

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And extract data1 with ussdFirstAccEnq from RESP1.text

In the example above, data1 holds the amount received after the extraction from RESP1.

Test Case Example: Sending and Receiving USSD

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Feature: USSD
  Scenario Outline: USSD
    Given an Android phone as A
      And an Android phone as B
      And A sends the following ussd "*100#"
      And within 20 seconds, A receives an ussd response as RESP1
      And extract data1 with ussdFirstAccEnq from RESP1.text
    When A dials the number B.number
      And within 50 seconds, B detects an incoming call from A.number
      And after 2 seconds, B answers the incoming call
      And within 5 seconds, A connects
      And after <dur> seconds, A ends the call and, within 10 seconds,
      he and B disconnect
      And A sends the following ussd "*100#"
      And within 20 seconds, A receives an ussd response as RESP2
      And extract data2 with ussdFirstAccEnq from RESP2.text
    Then the charge for <charge>(<dur>) is (data1.bal - data2.bal)
  Examples:
    | dur | charge        |
    | 5   | VoiceCharge   |
    | 10  | VoiceNational |