Finnish mobile operator DNA, this week launched carrier billing on the Google Play app store by partnering with mobile payments firm, Fortumo. Customers of DNA can now purchase apps and games from Google Play by completing a 1-click payment and charging the purchases to their phone bill.
Fortumo’s direct carrier billing platform allows users to make payments over a data connection by confirming purchases. Payments are processed without any additional information from the mobile user, which leads to a significant conversion improvement compared to any other online payment method.
Fortumo in its statement said that carrier billing will be a major enabler for online purchases made via mobile devices, citing data from eMarketer which showed that 68% of people in Finland own a smartphone and another report by Gartner Line which said that 90% of phones sold currently in Finland are smartphones. At the same time, the Android operating system accounts for nearly half (48%) of all smart phones in Finnish mobile networks, shared the company, pointing to a strong potential demand in the Finnish market for mobile payment facilitation services.
Fortumo accelerates the launch of app store partnerships for carriers by providing a turn-key billing solution. This means mobile operators can move at speed as they do not have to do any additional development on their side. We are excited to launch carrier billing on Google Play for DNA as the first mobile operator in Finland.
Cedric Kamtsan, Vice President of Handset Business at DNA
DNA wants to offer its customers the opportunity to effortlessly buy content online by phone and to pay for purchases via a telephone subscription invoice or prepaid credit. Fortumo impressed DNA with its expertise and experience in the field of international mobile payment solutions.
