Smart launches carrier billing for App Store

Smart Communications launched a new service last week that will allow subscribers to pay for App Store and iTunes purchases on their monthly mobile bill in the Philippines.

Smart will allow its subscribers to pay for apps, games, books, magazines, music, and movies on their Apple devices using only their prepaid load or charged on top of their monthly postpaid bill.

Dubbed “Pay-With-Mobile,” the new service eliminates the need for a credit card to get paid content and make in-app purchases through the App Store and iTunes. Lack of s credit card has long been a barrier for many Philippine when trying to maximize the full potential of their Apple devices.

The service works by giving subscribers the ability to sign up for a Pay-With-Mobile number which they can use exclusively with their iTunes accounts. All app downloads, in-app purchases, and digital content bought using Pay-With-Mobile will be deducted from users’ prepaid load, or charged on top of their monthly postpaid bills.

The service will begin rolling out on February 16, with full availability by February 18, the company said.

“Smart understands that not everyone owns a credit card, but that shouldn’t stop people from realizing the full potential of their mobile devices,” said Charles Lim, EVP and Wireless Consumer Division Head at Smart.

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