Buying applications in Kenya on Windows Phone has been made much easier. This is after Microsoft and Safaricom announced that they have partnered introduce the Mobile Operator Billing services that allows customers to buy mobile phone applications using their airtime.
“One of the contributing factors to the smart phones penetration has been the uptake of mobile apps that has transformed the way we interact however, users have had challenges in accessing the apps due to limited payment options.,†said Kunle Awosika, Microsoft Kenya Country Manager.
The service will allow users to download apps from the Windows Phone Store and make payments using their mobile phones opening a reliable revenue channel for the developer community.
Available local apps and content that can be bought under this model include Daily Nation ePaper, Camera Pro+, Car Tracer, Find Me, FlashLight Elite Pro, MemoryGame, NumberTrack, Yoyo Paint, kTranslate and Pro,Paint+.
Other popular global apps include MetroTube, Phototastic Pro, Nextgen Reader, Runtastic PRO, SoundClouda, Podcast+ Pro, WordPress for Phone, Plants vs Zombies, Angry Birds Star Wars and PreSchool Essentials
Commenting on the partnership, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore said “Safaricom believes in supporting innovation and growing local entrepreneurs, we are aware that a majority of Kenyan tech start-ups have challenges in developing and showcasing their apps, this platform will go a long way in enhancing growth of paid-for mobile services.â€
To buy an app through mobile operator billing, a user will be required to go to the Windows Phone Store and select the application they would like to buy. The consumer will then be able to see the name of the app, the price, publisher, app size and payment method clearly displayed.