Telkom, Samsung and mobile payments company Bango have introduced direct operator billing - an integrated carrier billing service for local Samsung smartphone and tablet customers, allowing them to purchase applications and content from Samsung's Galaxy Apps store and charge it directly to their mobile phone bill or airtime.
Justin Hume, director of product marketing and integrated mobility at Samsung Electronics SA, said the company aims to enhance the way consumers experience and engage with its services.
According to Telkom, customers can also make in-app purchases such as additional content or new levels for a gaming app, without interrupting running apps. The telco said this "frictionless" payment experience is emerging as "the preferred model for payment in app stores, enabling more consumers to access paid content, without the need for credit or debit cards, or to register personal details".
To make secure purchases and payments, customers should ensure the following:
* Have a Telkom mobile SIM card in a Samsung device
* Ensure they have upgraded their software to Android 4.4
* Sign up for a Samsung account
* Open the Galaxy Apps store on the device, choose an item to buy, and select Telkom phone bill as a payment method.
Improved awareness
Telkom said a double opt-in process is included so that customers are aware they are purchasing an app or a game and are not surprised when their account is billed for the purchase.
Details of each transaction will be itemised on customers' invoices, and Telkom said customers can also call customer care to further validate purchases.
Bango CEO Ray Anderson said: "One-click Direct Operator Billing is setting the standard for app store payment. Telkom's consumers will now find it easier than ever to access the paid content that brings our smartphones to life."
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