Vodafone is claiming to be the first to offer operator billing for Android Market applications in Europe. The company says that its UK and German customers will now be able to purchase apps and games from Android Market without the need to enter their credit card details.
Vodafone, which says it has worked with Google to create this new facility, will enable its customers to make purchases without using the Google Checkout service. Instead customers can charge the amount directly to their phone bills or prepaid accounts.
Interestingly, the operator said that this move will provide app developers with direct access to millions of Android handset owners who are unwilling to use or don't have access to credit cards. In some regions this can be more than 90 per cent of the Android user base.
Vodafone says that it would impose purchasing safeguards by limiting single app purchases to £30, and a £250 monthly limit. Other countries where the company has operations are expected to be included shortly.
For more:
- see this Vodafone blog post
- see this Mobile Today article
Related Articles:
Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica O2, Vodafone create German m-payment JV
O2 Germany signs with Boku for direct mobile billing
Mallinson: Embracing OTT: You can't beat them so you might as well join them
Juniper Research: Mobile gaming revenue to surpass $11B by 2015