Telkom Mobile and BlackBerry have announced an integrated carrier billing service for BlackBerry customers in SA.
The new billing service will enable Telkom Mobile customers to purchase applications from the BlackBerry World storefront and charge it directly to their mobile phone bill or airtime. The service was made possible through Telkom Mobile's newly developed event billing service, says Telkom.
"Customers can also make in-app purchases, such as additional content or new levels for a gaming app, without interruption to the app experience.
"To make secure purchases and payments on BlackBerry World, customers will be required to enter their BlackBerry ID username and password."
BlackBerry ID provides customers with secure, device-independent user identification to access apps and services on the BlackBerry app store.
Telkom Mobile BlackBerry carrier billing purchases include a double opt-in process, which the companies instituted to ensure customers are aware they are purchasing an app or a game and not surprised when their account is billed for the purchase.
"Details of each transaction will be itemised on customers' invoices. Customers can also call Telkom Mobile customer care to further validate purchases," says Telkom.
Vishal Phlad, executive technical product development at Telkom Mobile, says BlackBerry is the company's first partner on carrier billing. "By providing a facility for BlackBerry users to pay for apps and content using their airtime, or by adding purchases to their account, we make it more convenient for them to transact."
Yudi Moodley, MD for Africa at BlackBerry, says the smartphone maker is expanding its relationship with Telkom Mobile via the partnership. "Telkom Mobile's integrated carrier billing for BlackBerry smartphones will make it easier for South African customers to get apps and games on BlackBerry World. It is a simple, secure and convenient way for our customers to get the most from their BlackBerry smartphones."
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