Kuwaiti mobile operator Zain, which has operations in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, is to use mobile solutions provider SLA Mobile to provide customers with direct operator billing capabilities.
Direct operator billing, which is also known as carrier billing, is set to enable Zain's customers to pay for digital goods from a third-party content or service provider by charging the transaction to their mobile phone monthly bill or using their prepaid credit.
Zain Group says it is “one of the first operators” in the region to launch the service. Mobile operators in countries such as South Africa, though, utilise direct operator billing.
And in terms of Zain’s SLA Mobile deal, SLA is expected to provide customers with the ability to purchase apps from leading global app stores such as Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry.
The deal also means that customers can purchase digital content and services provided by Zain's local and regional partners with merchants and app developers.
"By being one of the first telecom providers in the Middle East to launch a direct operator billing service, we reinforce our dedication to providing customers with the best purchasing experience and we are confident this service will enable them to use mobile payments in a safe and easy manner," said Scott Gegenheimer, Zain Group chief executive officer.
Zain's direct operator billing service is set to be launched in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, first, followed by Iraq, South Sudan and Sudan.
Zain provides mobile voice and data services to over 44.4 million active customers.
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