Under the deal, Vodafone UK is set to allow consumers to purchase apps and games on the Android Market without the need to enter credit card details with Google Checkout. This is expected to provide developers with direct access to millions of Android users who can charge their Android Market purchases straight to their phone bills or prepay accounts.
The service will initially be available to users who have purchased their devices through Vodafone online and retail channels. For security reasons, there are a number of limitations in place for carrier-billed items, whose maximum value cannot exceed GBP 30. A GBP 250 maximum monthly purchase threshold has also been set in place.
Direct carrier billing has been rolled out in the US in 2010 and in Japan in 2011. The addition of direct operator billing services is a step forward made in preparation for Google’s expansion into NFC-powered mobile payments via its Nexus smartphones.
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