Idea introducing carrier billing for Google Play
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India’s Idea Cellular is preparing to launch carrier billing for the Google Play store, bringing the capability to India for the first time for Android devices.
A Google representative confirmed to India’s NDTV that the company is in the process of implementing carrier billing to Google Play for Idea Cellular customers.
The capability will be progressively expanded to other Indian operators in the future, the report states.
Carrier billing makes a lot of sense for Google in the Indian market, where only around 645 million debit cards have been issued but there are around 1 billion mobile users.
Idea Cellular was the first Indian operator to offer carrier billing on the Windows Phone store back in 2014.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which Indian mobile network is introducing carrier billing for Google Play first?
Which Indian mobile network is introducing carrier billing for Google Play first?
Idea Cellular is the first Indian mobile operator preparing to launch carrier billing for the Google Play store. This will be the first time this capability is available in India for Android devices.
Q.Will this carrier billing service be exclusive to Idea Cellular customers in India?
Will this carrier billing service be exclusive to Idea Cellular customers in India?
No, a Google representative confirmed that while the service starts with Idea Cellular, it will be progressively expanded to other Indian operators in the future. It is not an exclusive arrangement long-term.
Q.Why is carrier billing particularly beneficial for Google in the Indian market?
Why is carrier billing particularly beneficial for Google in the Indian market?
Carrier billing makes sense for Google in India because there are approximately 1 billion mobile users, but only around 645 million debit cards have been issued. This offers a wider payment option.