creating and implementing USSD system on networks

[matme]

Hi guys

Im trying to find out how one would go about creating a USSD platform in terms of:
1) Coding and development - Language and what level of expertise it requires.
2) Hosting it on the major networks (Do the networks allow this sort of thing and where does one go about enquiring?)
3) Costs involved

Any information with regards to any of the above would be greatly appreciated

Thank you!

 

[stricken]

You approach an aggregator like clickatell. Then a USSD session initiated by a user calls a URL you provide, to which you respond with the text that appears on the phone screen - meaning it can be any language that implements an HTTP stack. About R2k setup and R1k / month.

 

[BlindMelonChitlin]

Why an aggregator like Clickatell - what are the advantages / disadvantages as opposed to approaching mobile providers directly?