Despite the growth of mobile internet, the region’s digital divide remains. With mobile penetration exceeding 150% in some markets and banking access still near 50%, USSD continues to be the most inclusive, cost-effective way to deliver essential prepaid and financial services. For operators, extending USSD through USSD-R is a small upgrade with outsized impact: more roaming revenue, stronger prepaid resilience, and customer loyalty that lasts across borders.