Fast-growing Jordanian Mobile Network Operator Umniah has chosen Bango Payment Platform to deliver app store carrier billing. Umniah plans to activate a range of app store connections through Bango’s platform in the upcoming period, and begins with today’s launch of Microsoft’s Windows Phone Store.

Umniah subscribers using Windows Phone Store can now enjoy one-click carrier billing, charging the cost to their phone bill, without the need for credit cards or to register personal details. The Middle East is witnessing massive smartphone growth. IDC recently announced that smartphone penetration across the region grew from 27% in 2013 to 41.9% by the end of 2014, an increase of 83%, and forecasts indicate that penetration will exceed 60% by the end of 2015. Carrier billing is emerging as a vital enabler of mobile commerce, using the mass market of phone and phone bill to democratize access to the universe of games, apps, music and other digital content. Where carrier billing is introduced to fast-growing emerging markets such as in Jordan and the wider region, Bango routinely sees growth in digital content sales between 300% and 400%. Recognizing this transformative effect, the world’s app stores are racing to embrace carrier billing, and Bango has emerged as the global leader. Amazon, Samsung, BlackBerry, Facebook, Mozilla, Google and Microsoft have all chosen the Bango Payment Platform to power their carrier billing capability.

Windows Phone Store is the user-centric app store from Microsoft, with a range of recognizable and exclusive content. Features include Live Apps that update in real time and personalized app recommendations, while every app and game is tested and certified by Microsoft, so that users can download with confidence. Microsoft has shown strong commitment to carrier billing, with 86 live MNOs in 50 countries already live.

Commenting on the announcement, Bango CEO Ray Anderson said: “Carrier billing will open up access to popular games, apps and other mobile content, providing Umniah’s Jordanian subscribers with the very best frictionless payment experience. Bango is playing a leading role in rolling out carrier billing across the Middle East, and this is our first integration in Jordan. The world’s leading Mobile Network Operators continue to choose the Bango Payment Platform as a single point of integration to deliver carrier billing in the world’s app stores, and we look forward to activating further stores with Umniah.