For the first time in South Africa, customers can securely and conveniently purchase apps and content from the Samsung Galaxy App Store using their Samsung devices and charge it directly to their Telkom mobile bill or airtime, thanks to Direct Operator Billing.
This is an integrated carrier billing service for Samsung smartphone and tablet customers in South Africa, made possible through Telkom’s Event Billing service that will enable Telkom customers to purchase applications and content from Samsung’s Galaxy Apps store and charge it directly to their mobile phone bill or airtime, using their Samsung devices.
Customers can also make in-app purchases, such as additional content or new levels for a gaming app, without interruption to the app experience. 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/debit cards or to register personal details.
To make secure purchases and payments, customers should follow the below process:
* Have a Telkom mobile SIM card in a Samsung device;
* Ensure you have upgraded your software to Android 4.4;
* Sign up for a Samsung account; and
* Once you have done this, you will be able to open the Galaxy Apps store on your device, choose an item to buy, and select Telkom Phone Bill as a payment method.
A double opt-in process is included so that customers are aware that 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. Customers can also call Telkom customer care to further validate purchases.
“We are thrilled to be the first to introduce Direct Operator Billing for Samsung in South Africa,” says Enzo Scarcella, chief marketing officer at Telkom. “Telkom and Samsung customers are now able to buy apps and content with their airtime or by adding purchases to their account, giving them a richer and more enjoyable experience.”
Justin Hume, director of product marketing: Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa, adds: “Samsung is excited about this partnership as it further strengthens our commitment to deliver innovative solutions that accompany our mobile services. We continue to enhance how our consumers experience and engage with our services and the direct operator billing on Galaxy Apps will provide a hassle-free and simple buying experience.”
Telkom and Samsung have partnered with mobile payment player Bango to launch the service. Bango CEO Ray Anderson says: “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.”