Samsung claims it is the first OEM to provide operator billing module for an Android-based app store.
Samsung has announced partnerships with telecom operators Vodafone and Aircel to provide operator billing integration for its app store. Available for prepaid and postpaid customers, the new service allows users to make payments for any app on the app store through operator billing. The service is available for users, starting May 1.
Besides apps and games, Samsung is also rolling the service for the recently announced Kindle book service built for Samsung. The App has already been introduced in the country along with existing Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets above Android 4.0 worldwide. As part of this service, Samsung and Amazon will launch Samsung Book Deals, available to all customers using Kindle for Samsung.
Talking about the tie-up, Mr. Tarun Malik, Director of Media Solutions Center-South West Asia, Samsung Electronics, says, "..This exclusive tie-up on Samsung App store further showcases our commitment to providing the best service experience to our customers. Given the poor credit card penetration in the country, we are positive that this move will be welcomed by customers. It is another step forward to expand our engagement with the publisher and developer community by enhancing adoption as well as monetization from the store.”
Commenting on their partnership with Samsung, Mr. Vivek Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, Vodafone India says, “With the growth of smartphones and mobile internet, people are increasingly showing more interest in mobile apps and content services. This partnership will provide Vodafone customers ready access to the Samsung App Store with the convenience of operator billing. The limited penetration of credit cards makes this service a huge convenience for customers who can now use their Vodafone account to purchase apps and content.”
Mr. Anupam Vasudev, Chief Marketing Officer, Aircel adds, “With a low penetration of mobile application purchase through credit cards, there is need for telecom operators to play a significant role in order to improve customers’ mobile usage experience. Aircel is delighted to partner with Samsung, with an objective to offer its customers the convenience and flexibility to buy paid applications through the operator billing system. Through this service, Aircel customers will easily.”
Trend of operator billing integration has grown in the recent times. Nokia has been providing operator billing on Nokia Store for users for quite some time. Earlier this year, Vodafone introduced a new platform that allows purchase and sale of apps and content via operator billing.
According to reports, Microsoft is in talks with the Indian telecom operators to provide operator billing for apps on its Windows stores.
“We are in the process of announcing a telecom operator for the above facility within the next few months,” Microsoft India director for Windows Phone category Vineet Durani is quoted as saying.
Do you think operator billing integration is a better option to purchase apps and games? Let us know your views in the comments section below:
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