Smartfren launches carrier billing with Fortumo
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Indonesia’s Smartfren has launched direct carrier billing for the operator’s 12.5 million subscribers, in collaboration with mobile payments company Fortumo.
The partnership will allow Smartfren to support carrier billing from Google Play and the Windows Phone Store, as well as select digital media and gaming companies.
The World Bank estimates that only around 5 million of Indonesia’s 250 million citizens have a credit card, limiting most customers’ access to online content. By contrast over 65 million Indonesians own a smartphone.
“With direct carrier billing supported by Fortumo, our subscriber will be able to purchase their in-app items and premium memberships as easy as deducting their own Smartfren balance or bill, and this is fully supported by our widest 4G LTE network for the best experience to enjoy the services,” Smartfren SVP of digital services Revie Sylvaina said.
In August, Smartfren rival Indosat Ooredoo made a similar deal to bring Fortumo’s direct carrier billing services to its own mobile customer base. Fortumo has also recently announced partnerships with Tri in Indonesia and Globe Telecom in the Philippines.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary benefit of direct carrier billing for Smartfren's customers?
What is the primary benefit of direct carrier billing for Smartfren's customers?
Direct carrier billing allows Smartfren subscribers to purchase in-app items and premium memberships easily. They can pay by deducting the cost from their Smartfren balance or adding it to their bill, making online content more accessible.
Q.Why is direct carrier billing particularly important for online content access in Indonesia?
Why is direct carrier billing particularly important for online content access in Indonesia?
It is important because only a small fraction of Indonesia's population, estimated at 5 million out of 250 million, possess credit cards. This payment method opens up online content to the much larger number of smartphone owners.
Q.Which specific online content providers will Smartfren's new carrier billing service support?
Which specific online content providers will Smartfren's new carrier billing service support?
The partnership with Fortumo will enable Smartfren to support carrier billing from Google Play and the Windows Phone Store. It will also extend to selected digital media and gaming companies.
Q.Has Fortumo partnered with other mobile operators in Indonesia or the region for similar services?
Has Fortumo partnered with other mobile operators in Indonesia or the region for similar services?
Yes, Fortumo has recently partnered with Indosat Ooredoo and Tri in Indonesia for direct carrier billing. They have also established a partnership with Globe Telecom in the Philippines.
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