CAMBRIDGE, UK -- Bango, Telkom and Samsung today announced Direct Carrier Billing, an integrated carrier billing service for Samsung smartphone and tablet customers in South Africa.

The service is made possible through Telkom’s Event Billing service and will enable Telkom customers to purchase applications 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.

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.

Telkom and Samsung have partnered with mobile payment leader Bango in order to launch the service. Bango CEO Ray Anderson said: “One-click Direct Carrier 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.”

Bango Inc.