Bango has partnered with Telkom to provide Direct Carrier Billing to Samsung smartphone and tablet customers in South Africa.
The service is made possible through Telkom’s Event Billing service and will enable Telkom customers to purchase applications from Samsung’s Galaxy Apps store and charge it directly to their mobile phone bill or airtime.
Customers can also make in-app purchases, such as additional content or new levels for a gaming app, without interruption to the app experience. This “frictionless” payment experience is emerging as the preferred model for payment in app stores, enabling more consumers to access paid content, without the need for credit/debit cards or to register personal details.
A double opt-in process is included so that customers are aware that they are purchasing an app or a game and are not surprised when their account is billed for the purchase. Details of each transaction will be itemised on customers’ invoices. Customers can also call Telkom customer care to further validate purchases.
“We are thrilled to be the first to introduce Direct Carrier Billing for Samsung in South Africa,” said Enzo Scarcella, Chief Marketing officer at Telkom. “Samsung customers are now able to buy apps and content with their airtime or by adding purchases to their account, giving them a richer and more enjoyable experience.”
Justin Hume, Director of Product Marketing, Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa, said: “We continue to enhance how our consumers experience and engage with our services and the direct operator billing on Galaxy Apps will provide a hassle-free and simple buying experience.”
Telkom and Samsung have partnered with mobile payment leader Bango in order to launch the service. Bango CEO Ray Anderson said: “One-click Direct Carrier Billing is setting the standard for app store payment. Telkom’s consumers will now find it easier than ever to access the paid content that brings our smartphones to life.”
