This timeline outlines the key dates and events for the automatic deduction of monthly maintenance fees, starting with the first deduction on 1st October 2025.
19th of the preceding month: Deadline to cancel any code/voice number
20th of the preceding month: Alerted about an upcoming deduction on 1st of the month for any active service
1st of the month: Monthly maintenance fee deducted based on active service
If a Deduction Fails (Due to Insufficient Funds)
If the deduction on the 1st causes your wallet balance to become zero or negative:
Immediate Service Suspension: All your services that rely on a positive wallet balance are suspended immediately. You will not be able to send messages, make calls, etc.
On the 20th of the month: If the wallet has not been funded, the specific short code, USSD code or phone number is formally disabled.
Code Deactivation at the End of the month: If there is still no payment, the code/voice number is deactivated.
⚠️ Please Note: Phone numbers and USSD codes will be returned to the telco at the end of first month of non-payment while shortcodes are returned after three months of non-payment.
Services That Accrue a Monthly Maintenance Fee
SMS Shortcodes
USSD Service Codes
Voice Phone Numbers
Sender IDs (Uganda only)
Service Termination Process:
To Avoid Next Month's Billing:
Deadline: Cancel your code/voice number by 19th of current month
Method: Written notice to the product specific email:
Shortcode messaging@africastalking.com
Voice voice@africastalking.com
Confirmation: We'll confirm termination and final billing
Example: To avoid 1st October billing
Termination notice: By 19th August, 11:59 PM
Service ends: 31st August, 11:59 PM
1st September: No maintenance fee deducted and the code/voice number is deactivated