Samsung Electronics will be the first OEM to integrate directly with Telefónica Digital’s billing capabilities via the BlueVia payment APIs.
Under the terms of the global framework agreement, Samsung Hub and Samsung Apps’ customers will be able to purchase apps and music, video, books, games and learning services from their devices by simply charging the payment to their phone bill or prepaid credit, avoiding the need for a credit card. The agreement covers both Samsung tablets and mobile devices.
“We strongly believe that carrier billing has the potential to drive the monetisation of digital content,” said Wayne Thorsen, vice president of Global Partnerships at Telefónica Digital. “Partnerships like this allow us to harness the power of the billing relationships we have with our customers to make it easier for them to consume content on their tablets and mobile devices.”
The companies believe that carrier billing for mobile apps will be especially useful in the developing world where the penetration of credit cards and even bank accounts is low.
Direct to bill on Samsung devices will be rolled out to Telefónica’s operating businesses in phases, and it is anticipated to start with Telefónica Germany in the coming months.
