Buying apps, games and movies from the Google Play Store using your airtime credit or mobile money has a been long wanted dream here in Africa. Starting with Telkom South Africa partnering with mobile payment service Bango to process the transactions, Google Play Store carrier billing is now a reality. Android smartphones account for over 89% of the phones in Africa. Telkom SA’s deal has the potential to boost adoption of paid content on the Play Store.
When one wants to buy an app, they will now have the ability to enable one-click carrier billing for purchasing apps, games, music and movies, with the amount reflected in their monthly bill or deducted directly from their airtime. This move will see an increase in digital content purchased after introducing carrier billing in emerging countries, with a similar growth trajectory expected in Africa’s largest market. We hope other telcos on the continent pick a leaf.
Image Credit: Android Central
