MACH to enable new mobile payment option for Skype Credits globally
MACH has been selected by Skype as the first vendor to deliver direct operator billing to new and existing Skype users in markets across the globe, starting in October. The rollout will enable Skype to offer its customers an additional way to purchase Skype Credit, with the hope it will create new revenue streams in existing markets, as well as in new markets where other payment methods have low penetration rates.
When the solution is live in October, Skype users will be able to purchase Skype Credits from desktop PCs and mobile devices, through browser-based purchases and in the future, through in-app functionality. Direct Operator Billing from MACH will enable Skype users to charge their Skype credit to their mobile phone bill or pre-paid account – at the same price points as current payment methods.
Neil Ward, General Manager, Business Operations, Skype Division, Microsoft, said, “Delivering a strong user-experience has been at the heart of Skype’s adoption by millions of users globally, and we want to extend this philosophy to the payment options we provide. We expect ease of payment to attract new users, while existing users will become more profitable customers as they increase their spend with us.”
Morten Brøgger, Chief Executive Officer, MACH, said, “With MACH’s Direct Billing Gateway, Skype has a far more flexible, secure and reliable billing solution than, for example, premium SMS. Our Direct Operator Billing solution also provides a great boon for the operators we work with by allowing them to enter the e-commerce value chain and start to win market share from the major credit card brands and companies, which have traditionally dominated the space. Being able to play in this value chain will be critical to raising operator revenues in the future and it’s fantastic to have a high-profile merchant like Skype on board.” (Bold text highlighted by Mobile Europe)
MACH’s Direct Billing Gateway provides an operator billing service for mobile applications, content and mobile internet services, allowing providers to charge subscribers for services direct to their mobile phone bill or pre-paid balance.