Etisalat Egypt customers can now purchase digital goods and services using their mobile phone number as a payment method. This is made possible by the launch of Direct Carrier Billing with Google through the partnership between Bango, TPAY, and Etisalat Egypt
Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) is a payment method that allows consumers to purchase digital goods and services using their mobile phone number as a payment method. With DCB, the cost of the digital content is charged to the customer’s mobile phone bill or deducted from their pre-paid balance. DCB eliminates the need for the customer to have a credit card or bank account, making it a convenient payment option, particularly for those who do not have access to traditional payment methods.
Through this collaboration, Etisalat users can utilize their mobile numbers (Direct Carrier Billing) to pay for in-app purchases and service subscriptions, making Google Play Store’s content more accessible to over 60% of Egypt’s population who lack access to conventional payment methods such as credit or debit cards.
Paul Larbey, Bango CEO, said, “This is an important launch for carrier billing, providing phone users in Egypt with an easy payment opportunity in the world’s biggest app store. Our partnership with TPAY brings Bango Payment technology together with TPAY’s operational expertise, enabling developers to monetize their apps more successfully.”
Ahmed Yehia, Etisalat Egypt Chief Consumer Officer, added, “We are delighted to enable Direct Carrier Billing for our customers – the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to pay for the vast range of content and services available on the Google Play store. Customer satisfaction is our key focus and DCB adds even more value for our customers.”
Raj Soni, TPAY COO, commented: “We are committed to provide our merchants with the most convenient/secure payment method for micro payment transactions and the best-in-class payment journey to help them sustainably grow their business in our region, which is evidently the next growth frontier for global merchants. Our partnership with Bango – a global leader and innovator in online commerce – remains a significant milestone in TPAY’s journey, reiterating our vision to be the leader in payments across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa”.
The Google Play store is the official application store for Android smartphones and tablets. Google makes software applications, music, movies, and books available for purchase and download through the store. The Google Play store, which comes pre-installed on Android devices, allows users to purchase, download and install applications from Google and third-party developers.
