Viettel launches carrier billing for Google Play
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Viettel has become Vietnam’s first operator to offer to offer direct carrier billing for the Google Play store.
The operator has teamed up with carrier billing company Fortumo to offer carrier billing to its 55 million subscribers.
Both postpaid and prepaid customers will be able to take advantage of the new function.
Announcing the move, the companies said that smartphone penetration in Vietnam has reached 36.2% of all mobile users, but only 1.9% of the population have a credit card and 26.5% have a debit card. This makes the market well-suited to carrier billing services.
“The key reason for Viettel selecting Fortumo was our industry-leading technical platform that is capable of simultaneously handling large app stores as well as leading OTTs,” Fortumo chief business officer Gerri Kodres said.
“Additionally, Fortumo has been preferred choice for carriers in Asia because of our strong focus on the region and local presence.”
In Asia, the operator’s platform is also used by music and streaming providers such as Sony, Alibaba’s UCWeb, Tencent and Huawei.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which payment method does Viettel now offer for Google Play purchases?
Which payment method does Viettel now offer for Google Play purchases?
Viettel has introduced direct carrier billing, allowing its customers to pay for Google Play content through their mobile phone bill. This service is available to both postpaid and prepaid subscribers of the operator.
Q.Why is Vietnam considered a suitable market for carrier billing services?
Why is Vietnam considered a suitable market for carrier billing services?
Vietnam is well-suited for carrier billing because of low credit card penetration. Only 1.9% of the population holds a credit card and 26.5% have a debit card, despite smartphone penetration reaching 36.2% of mobile users.
Q.What was the main reason Viettel chose Fortumo as a partner?
What was the main reason Viettel chose Fortumo as a partner?
Viettel selected Fortumo primarily due to its industry-leading technical platform. This platform can simultaneously manage large app stores and major Over-The-Top (OTT) services, making it a robust solution.
Q.Which other companies in Asia use Fortumo's platform?
Which other companies in Asia use Fortumo's platform?
In Asia, Fortumo's platform is also utilised by various music and streaming providers. These include Sony, Alibaba's UCWeb, Tencent, and Huawei, demonstrating its broad reach in the region.
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