SFR and Bouygues Telecom have launched direct operator billing using the online mobile payment service provided by Boku. The two operators join Orange France, which is already using the Boku payment platform.
The news means almost all mobile phone users in France will be able to use the "Internet + Mobile" service from US-based Boku.
"France accounts for more than 50 million mobile subscribers and has one of the most advanced online markets in the world," said Mark Britto, CEO of Boku. "France is already one of Boku's top ten markets, and these new connections will undoubtedly keep them in that category and growing fast."
According to Boku, its Internet + Mobile service allows mobile users to purchase goods online and have the charges transferred to their mobile phone account. The service, said the company, is a fully integrated, 2-click purchase process that results in higher payouts and gives online merchants access to a range of pricing levels up to €10.
While the likely success of direct billing has been given a further push following Vodafone's global deal to support billing for Android apps, uptake is heavily dependent upon the service being adopted by retailers.
Also, Boku has been the subject of rumours as a possible takeover target for both Google and Apple. Boku's major rival Zong was acquired by eBay earlier this year for US$240 million.
For more:
- see the Boku press release
- see this FinExtra article
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