Optus announces mobile payments using phone number

New payment option works with Facebook, BlackBerry App World.

Optus customers can send charges for mobile purchases directly to their phone bill, through partnerships announced with BlackBerry and payments company Boku.

Optus customers can enter their phone number to buy credits, games and apps. The charges appear later on customers' monthly bills. Customers don’t have to register bank accounts or credit cards.

The billing option can be used to buy Facebook credits and BlackBerry App World apps and games. It also works for in-app purchases on BlackBerry. More compatible services will be announced later, Optus said.

To make a purchase, customers provide their mobile number and then confirm through an SMS text message. Optus said this method of payment is more secure than using credit and debit cards.

“The partnerships announced today take us another step closer to the seamless connected world we’re aiming to offer Optus customers,” said SingTel and Optus vice president of digital communities and ecosystems, Austin Bryan.

“We’re committed to providing customers with a simpler, safer and easier user experience when it comes to making payments online.”

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