Direct Carrier Billing Index reveals the most favourable countries for DCB growth in the MEA region

The first DCB Index developed by Evina and Telecoming is released today

  • Bahrain, Egypt, and Qatar are the most attractive markets for DCB, leading the index
  • The innovative tool measures the maturity of this mobile payment method in 18 countries
  • The development of the DCB Index is one of the commitments established in the alliance signed earlier this year by both companies

Analysts from Evina, experts in DCB protection, and Telecoming, experts in DCB implementation, have developed the first Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) Index. This rating aims to provide market players with a comprehensive overview of the current state of the DCB business and its overall potential.

Bahrain, Egypt, and Qatar lead the list according to the results of the first DCB Index created to measure the development of this market in MEA. The innovative tool[1] uses 4 KPIs focused on Fraud Protection, Mobile Payments Innovation, DCB Penetration levels, and DCB Growth Potential.

As a result, the DCB Index establishes a ranking based on the score achieved by each country. It is presented on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 as the lowest indicator and 5 being the most advanced pointer.

Download the full DCB Index here: https://www.evina.com/resources/dcb-index-evina-telecoming/

According to the analysis, Bahrain (3,7) stands out for its extensive DCB protection against fraud. The country shows full support for DCB, seeing that all local mobile operators have implemented this payment technology, yet innovation remains a weak point to develop.

Local mobile operators and merchants are working together to promote DCB as an effective payment method in Egypt (3,3). It’s a true breeding ground for the development of DCB, and efforts must continue to strengthen DCB protection to realize its full potential. Forward-thinking MNOs have enabled in-app purchases in Qatar (3,2). Its overall innovative approach to mobile payments, such as paying employees via mobile money, demonstrates the country’s predisposition to implement new uses of DCB.

According to the index, mobile payment partnerships centred around DCB are growing in Kenya, while Morocco shows ample room for growth in DCB Innovation.

South Africa has a high DCB uptake but has had to deal with fraudulent mobile payment attempts. Hence, increased protection is vital for the sustainable development of DCB as an easy and reliable payment method in the region.

According to Roberto Monge, COO of Telecoming, “DCB has been gaining presence in the region’s digital economy. This innovative indicator shows that many countries are on the right track. Technology is already in place, but there are still some challenges to face. All the payments tech industry players need to work together to develop a new, reliable, secure and stable mobile economy that benefits the whole market “, says Monge.

David Lotfi, Founder & CEO of Evina, states, “the DCB Index indicates that fraud on DCB remains as a top barrier to countries maximizing the potential of direct carrier billing.” Lotfi adds, “these findings strongly suggest that anti-fraud measures need to be more extensively and consistently implemented so that DCB becomes not only a widely used effortless payment method but a source of greater revenue for mobile players.”

 

[1] The figures provided are algorithmic-based estimations calculated from Evina sensors and Telecoming intelligence data. The DCB Index is intended for information purposes only.

 

Joanna Cox is speaking at the Global Carrier Billing Summit

Carrier Billing Summit Panel with aimm members 6th October

The Global Carrier Billing Summit begins tomorrow and aimm will feature prominently through the afternoon (6th October).

Joanna Cox our General Manager will be conducting an interview with Ana-Rosa Broster from Telefonica discussing ‘Building and balancing consumer confidence with the ease of doing business‘, she then takes part in a lively panel discussion with our Vice Chair Rob Weisz from Fonix, Joel Stern from Global and Peter Garside from EE, discussing how industry can lower the barrier for entry for new merchants.

Then don’t forget to tune in for the Carrier Billing Awards at the end of the afternoon where the winners from across the awards categories will be announced.

aimm members can claim their 10% discount off their passes by using our Media Partnership discount code: AIMM10

 

Member Spotlight: Meet DMB

Dynamic Mobile Billing offers payment solutions to e-commerce merchants focused on mobile via established mechanics across messaging, carrier billing, mobile wallets and voice billing.

We spoke to Kevin Dawson the CEO of Dynamic Mobile Billing (DMB) to find out more about what they offer and their plans for the future in our interview.

If you are a charity then check out the special offer that DMB have made to help during this time!

Global Carrier Billing Summit 2018 – tickets still available

As the only, global, focused event specifically made for the Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) ecosystem, the Summit is a must-attend event for all mobile payments and VAS specialists, digital merchants, operators and businesses who are looking to expand their portfolio into the DCB space, which has shown steady growth over the last few years.

Taking place this 25-26 September at the Millennium Gloucester in London, this event will be covering both developed and emerging markets, the Summit showcases operator case studies, merchant perspectives, partnership models and innovative examples from other payments providers who can partner or inspire the carrier billing community. You can find out more about the summit from here: https://bit.ly/2xwTGqs

MEMBER DISCOUNT

aimm members can get a 10% discount on their 2 day pass prices by using the link: https://tmt.knect365.com/global-carrier-billing-summit/purchase/select-package?vip_code=GCBAIMM10

The discount will be applied once you click on the Add to Basket button.

If you are an operator or merchant you could qualify for a free pass to attend the summit.

To apply for your pass click here: https://bit.ly/2xwTGqs

SLA Digital signs Global Framework Agreement with Telenor Group

SLA Digital Signs Global Framework Agreement with Telenor Group to Deliver Digital Content via Direct Carrier Billing

SLA Digital and Telenor Group, one of the world’s largest mobile telecommunications service providers, have signed a global framework agreement making SLA Digital a delivery agent for digital content to a number of Telenor subsidiaries across Europe and Asia.

The agreement offers Telenor subsidiaries access to SLA Digital’s ecosystem of local and international content that their customers can access via direct carrier billing. SLA Digital’s diverse ecosystem of merchants,including global brands,offers both one-off and subscription content across verticals including gaming, video-on-demand and music streaming.

SLA Digital is live with Telenor Myanmar, with other subsidiaries following imminently. Telenor’s customers in Myanmar now have access to more digital content that they can charge directly to their mobile phone bill.

 

Nic Stirk, CEO of SLA Digital commented, “We are pleased to have partnered with Telenor Group in order to leverage our key relationships with global and local merchants. Our engagement with Telenor is an important step for us as it allows us to provide their customers with key value added services whilst continuing to extend our footprint.” Nic continued, “We are proud to have partnered with an innovative mobile operator like Telenor Group and look forward to embracing future opportunities.”