International collaboration enables global merchants to accept payments for digital, virtual and physical goods
SAN JOSE, Calif. – MobilityWire® – August 31, 2011 – PaymentOne®, the pioneer in frictionless payment and carrier billing solutions, today announced a direct carrier billing relationship with Telefónica Germany. Telefónica Germany is part of Telefónica SA, a leading provider of broadband and mobile services and the second largest carrier group in the world. The mpass system – driven by Telefónica Germany, Telekom and Vodafone – enables merchants to accept direct carrier billed payments for virtual, digital and physical goods.
PaymentOne’s merchant customers can now offer Telefónica Germany subscribers the option to charge services up to 30 euros directly to their mobile phone carrier bill. The partnership enables one time transactions, recurring subscriptions, in-app billing and Web billing.
“PaymentOne’s agreement with Telefónica Germany further expands our direct international footprint and provides the broadest global reach and best payout rates to our merchants,” said Brad Singer, executive vice president of PaymentOne. “PaymentOne says ‘put your wallet away and use your phone number to pay,’ bringing the speed, security and convenience of mobile payments to the millions of Telefonica Germany subscribers.”
“PaymentOne is an established market leader in carrier billing with the financial stability and the broad product spectrum we look for in a payment partner,” said Robert Erdmann, manager direct-to-bill and enabling services, Telefónica Germany.
What we think?
EUR 30 is a good amount. It is not a micro-payment but significant enough to buy something that equates to real shopping. I like the fact that subscriptions can also be paid as that way in-app subscriptions can also become a reality. You can shop instantly in a game or app and use your mobile phone.
My only concern is the mention of a wallet system which puts the fear of God in me – as it reminds me of a very strict billing kind of operation. For this to take off – it must be kept as simple as possible with only one authentication or secure PIN number.
