Microsoft Mobile, Idea Cellular tie up for paid applications

Microsoft Mobile and Idea Cellular have tied up to provide paid applications to Idea users, which will be based on operator billing on the Windows Store.

All Microsoft Lumia devices and Windows-based smartphone users on the Idea network can avail of this offer. Users can download premier apps and games from the Windows Store and pay for them through integrated operator billing.

While post-paid customers can pay the amount on their generated bills, for pre-paid users, it would be deducted from their balance amount, the companies said, adding that this would make the payment experience more seamless, especially for those who do not own credit cards.

“Microsoft is constantly working on expanding monetisation options for developers on our platforms and this partnership is another step in that direction. With the introduction of operator billing, we have seen an increase in consumer commerce across developed and emerging markets,” Harish Vaidyanathan, Director – Evangelism at Microsoft India, told reporters here.

There are 34 million smartphone users who use the Idea network and 5.50 lakh apps available on the Windows Store.

“This development eases a consumer’s access to premium apps on the Windows Store through a convenient purchase process,” Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, said.

Both the companies said this was the first step and many tie-ups would follow with other device makers and operators as well.

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