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Mobile roaming billing hub MACH is set to revolutionise content and app billing as it moves what it calls “industrial scale direct billing” into the market.
With many independent apps developers finding it hard to find a suitable billing tool that is easy for consumers to use, yet doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg, MACH – which has made its name as the company that settles two thirds of the world’s roaming charges between networks – is looking to roll out an IP billing solution that makes one click, direct to phone bill billing simple.
“To date anyone who is trying to sell apps, mobile content or mobile web services has only had operator billing, PSMS, PWAP and IVR to use and these are relatively cumbersome messaging tools, not payment and settlement tools,” explains Bernadette Lyons, MD of MACH’s mobile applications and content billing arm. “Consumers, developers and network operators all want a much more simple and easy way to pay and to settle payments for these services – and that is what we are offering.”
The service, which is likely to be rolled out across a number of yet to be named apps stores by the summer, offers a simple way to bill for apps, and to deliver in-app billing, says Lyons.
And everyone has to gain from it. Consumers get an easier way to consume, apps developers and apps stores get a simple and trusted way to pay and network operators get direct billing from which they can take a cut. It also removes cross border price point issues too, she says.
“It finally brings proper IP billing to the market,” she adds. “The mobile content market had plateaued before apps came along because getting content and paying for it was so cumbersome. Apps have made that more attractive and easier for users and we hope our direct billing will make it really take off.”
Marking out the first steps to bringing the plan to fruition, MACH has appointed Chris Burke to the new position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Announcing the appointment, the CEO and President of MACH, Guy Dubois said: “Our mission is to bring together the growing universe of Communication Service Providers (CSPs), encompassing public and private companies in the telecom, Internet, cable, satellite and managed services businesses, enabling them to fulfil their mobile visions, quickly, cost-effectively and to the highest standards of quality. The marketplace is expanding and diversifying – evolving technologies and new market entrants are increasing the range and scope of products and services available. At the same time, growing consumer sophistication and higher expectations are increasing demand for new telecommunications services.”
MACH’s investment in innovative technology unifies this diverging market, providing a single source of multi-lateral applications that accelerate the accurate exchange of traffic, service delivery and financial settlement between CSPs of every type, in any location.
The establishment of the CTO position and the appointment of a uniquely-qualified CTO mark a major step forward in the realisation of a major service implementation programme, the first steps of which will be announced at the Mobile World Congress.
Chris Burke has joined MACH as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to achieve these objectives, bringing a wealth of international wireless and IT expertise, having held both technical and general management positions as MD EMEA for Research In Motion, CTO/CIO for Vodafone UK Ltd, CTO/CIO of Fixed Line Service Provider, Energis, and Director R&D, Bell Northern Research (formerly Nortel R&D), in a career spanning Europe and North America. In addition to his responsibilities as CTO of MACH, Chris will continue to supplement his wide-ranging industry experience in parallel – as a board member, industry advisor and private investor. |
