RIM And Telefonica To Introduce BlackBerry App World With Integrated Carrier Billing

By Mauricio

Another news bit RIM announced at MWC 2011 is a partnership with Telefonica where they will soon offer integrated carrier billing through BlackBerry App World. The press release is short so here it is in full:

Barcelona, Spain – Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) and Telefonica (NYSE:TEF) today announced that they are working together to introduce BlackBerry® App World™ with integrated carrier billing on a global basis.

Carrier billing will allow Telefonica customers to purchase apps from BlackBerry App World and charge the purchases directly to their monthly bill. Customers will also be offered the flexibility of charging in-app purchases to their carrier bill which allows for the purchase of digital goods to be made without interrupting their application experience.

“Carrier billing is a payment method that brings a unique user experience and will further develop the on-device virtual goods and applications business,” said Joaquín Mata, Global Head of Financial Services for Telefónica.

“BlackBerry App World is now available in over 100 countries”, said Patrick Spence, Regional Managing Director, RIM. “Integrated carrier billing will make it easier than ever for Telefonica customers to purchase apps for their BlackBerry smartphones.”

Congrats to RIM and Telefonica on the partnership. Now subscribers through Telefonica will soon be able to take advantage of carrier billing with the convenience of simply adding it to their monthly mobile subscription bill.