Google is reportedly in talks with Telecom giant Airtel, to bring Carrier Billing for the Google Play Store, in India.
This could prove to be an instant hit, as the majority of Indians do not own/use a Credit Card.
Carrier Billing is already available in 26 Countries around the Globe, and could be welcomed by Indian Android users. Especially because, Google Wallet isn’t supported by the majority of the Debit Cards issued by the Nationalised Banks in India.
Airtel has approximately 40 million data subscribers in India, and 12.5 million of them use 3G. Carrier Billing isn’t new to the Country, as it has been around for half a year thanks to news reading app, NewsHunt, who have tied up with a few mobile service providers, to allow users to download paid ebooks.
According to the Times Of India, Google and Airtel are holding talks, to allow the telecom users’ clientele to buy premium apps/games, ebooks, and in-app purchases through Airtel, without the hassle of providing banking information.
Google doesn’t realise what is stopping it’s digital sales is the Wallet system itself, and not the lack of credit cards. If only they were more open to allow users to buy apps/games directly with their card, and a security system such as VISA verification, instead of Wallet, things would be much better.
