Apple is starting to allow iPhone users to buy apps, music, and more through carrier billing.
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O2, which is owned by Telefonica, told the site that all O2 customers across Germany would have the option of paying via carrier billing by the beginning of November.
The addition of carrier billing may not seem revolutionary for more developed countries like the US.
Google already offers carrier billing across multiple countries for Android users, but Apple hadn’t made it available previously. Instead, purchases are added to a customer’s mobile phone bill and paid off at the end of the month.
For most customers, Apple charges iTunes or App Store purchases to a credit or debit card tied to your Apple ID.
Apple has started letting O2 customers in Germany pay for their iTunes purchases using carrier billing, reports TechCrunch.
“Telefónica Germany is working with Apple related to carrier billing”, a spokesperson said.
However, it looks like carrier billing is now only supported with O2 in Germany. What do you guys think about carrier billing?
Up to now, carrier billing players like Bango and Boku have integrated with other major app stores, barring Apple’s. The carrier billing option is a viable service for users in emerging markets where there are restrictions in eligibility criteria to apply for credit or debit cards.
As heard by TechCrunch, Bango and Apple may have partnered for the provision of this service.
Operators have traditionally seen themselves as “owners” of the billing relationship with mobile users, and all the rich data and upselling opportunities that come along with it.
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Rather than be billed immediately for your purchases, the purchases will show up on your carrier bill.
