Just this morning we published a story on the EcoCash Droid app, an independent EcoCash app that replaces USSD codes with an interactive android interface that shortens EcoCash transaction speeds by up to about 50%. Sadly, we have just received information that the app is no longer functional as Econet have apparently disabled long USSD codes which was the foundation of the EcoCash Droid app.
So what it means is EcoCash is either skeptical of the app security wise and fear it may prejudice its subscribers security wise. Our sources at Econet however say the disabling of the long USSD is not a direct response to the EcoCash Droid.
Gedion Moyo, the EcoCash app developer conceded that Econet my have a stronger argument in disabling the long USSD on EcoCash transactions but maintains that his app “was meant to save people time” and there are no sinister intentions to it.
Econet has already been criticised by local developers for not releasing an EcoCash API and this apparent move to block an app’s functionality will likely fuel the criticisms against it.
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That was fast.
But they really do think low of us. Telling us the disabling of long short codes was not in direct response to this app is utter and sheer nonsense (and other unprintable words i’m thinking)
So those of us who had saved those long codes as contacts for convenience when buying airtime are also affected – THANKS FOR NOTHING ECONET!
There is an EcoCash API, get in touch with them I’ve been using it already since last year…
What email address/number do we use? Went to the shop and they seem unaware of it
Sorry to sound rude but access to Ecocash API will never be something you get by walking into a shop like you want to new SIM. Those in the business of working with APIs know this.
Those in the business of USING the API dont need to know the inner workings. If you want to show off got to “Techzim” else if you can not point me in the right direction, then dont waste my time typing the obvious
Eliazer if you are referring to pay4app’s API, that isn’t an Ecocash API in the strictest sense of the word. The face is, as things stand, Econet have not given anyone their API unless I’ve missed something (Which is highly unlikely). There is basically still no official seamless integration with the EcoCash platform.
I did not mean the Pay4App API which is a very good option by the way but EcoCash has an API check out on https://payonline.econet.co.zw/
Thanks for the information Eliazer Chikadzi. We’re going to be posting a separate article on this. Care to shed more? news@techzim.co.zw
If this was the states we could be reading something like: “T&T Mobile paid Gedion Moyo US$1 million for the USSD app he developed” etc etc if it was something the mobile giant wanted.
But heck this is Zimbabwe. I just hope this guy continues with his work and somehow gets hired by their competitors and develop even more.
True. When you make a truly good app, these giants will come to you and you will be successful. It just takes a lot of effort. Keep it up! If telecash are more receptive to these things, and gain mileage then good things will happen. I predict and mobile money exchange or clearing house like the banks do.
Welcome to Africa.
what did I say this morning…..atoita lucky angadai aitwa sued for unspecific reasons just to stall this developement
This is a security measure by EcoCash, though it is a great app security is a major concern.
What Gedion can do from this publicity is find a way he can do it the “right” way and get his app endorsed by EcoCash or even sell the idea to EcoCash competitors.
WHAT – WHAT – WHAT – WHAT are you talking about – the “right way” are you being Sarcastic (i hope you are )
because what you are advocating for is the DUMBEST e.g. that only Econet and other like minded Companies are the only ones that develop and therefore grow a company – Come on dude –
Security Measure Where, – Unless you work for Econet I do not see what this support and solidarity is about – Unless we are saying that ECOCASH HAS HAD A GAPPING SECURITY HOLE FOR THE LAST HOWEVER MANY YEARS AND OR MONTHS – NOT TO MENTION THERE WAS A TECHZIM ARTICLE ABOUT THIS AND THEY DIDNT BLOCK IT THEN, NOW A GUY MAKES AN APP AND THEY DISABLE THE FUNCTION –
am so angry i want to curse but i also want you to see my response
THIS PREVENTS GROWTH OF ANYTHING GOOD IN OUR TECH MARKET AND NOT TO MENTION DETERS, DISCOURAGES OTHER WHO MAY HAVE WONDERFUL THINGS TO SHOW AND MAKE AVAILABLE TO US.
good day to you sir
Uncalled for Harlin! Brian has a point. The least the developer couldve done was to contact Ecocash and tell them of his plans. Ecocash is part of a global brand and as such certain standards and protocols have to be met before anyone can jus develop an unsanctioned app.
My Wife would like to point out that ECONET has misplaced pride and you can expect to see an econet app with in the next 2weeks that will encompass all their USSD rubbish
to ECONET and the other 2 networks learn to eat that humble pie – its alright that you dont know things – we are here to help
I did not get a chance to use the app but assume the security problem was on the ENTER PIN area, perhaps the app could secretly capture the user’s PIN.
So we then ask if they quickly blocked the app, why have they not blocked PAY4APP?
Still he can improve it to take short codes. I think the news was prematurely