Bango has announced its first integration of operator billing on Google Play with the Telstra mobile network in Australia.

Telstra subscribers can now purchase digital content without sending an SMS or registering credit or debit cards.
Bango has been approached by various MNOs to use Bango’s payment platform to connect their billing systems and the Android platform – this is the first partnership to go live.

Telstra’s board said they do not want to speculate on the level of business which will be generated.

“Aussies love their mobile apps. Telstra research shows that on average we download 36 apps each year and one in five of those are paid for,” said Telstra’s director of consumer applications and services, Freddie Jansen Van Nieuwenhuizen.

“With more than 700,000 games, apps, books, movies and magazines now available on Google Play, including a wide selection of paid titles, many of our customers have told us they would like a simpler way to buy.

Bango CEO Ray Anderson said: “As user numbers soar, we will see an increasing flow of developer talent and compelling content channelled through Google Play. We’re expecting that operator billing from Bango will boost conversion rates and developer monetization. It’s a new weapon in Google’s armoury.”

Bango already works with Facebook, Blackberry App World and Opera Mobile Store. Bango will also provide payment services to Amazon and has become a technology partner for MasterCards PayPass mobile wallet.