Industry News

Payforit – the mobile micropayment scheme backed by all four UK mobile network operators – is to launch an update of its scheme rules on 21st November 2013 to reflect new and emerging ways to use Payforit to make mobile payments, including in-app billing. The Payforit scheme has periodically been developed and revised since it was first launched to ensure that it keeps pace with changes in the Charge to Mobile payments arena, while continuing to provide a consistent and transparent standard that allows consumers to buy with confidence. The Payforit scheme provides a standardised set of payment/check-out screens that deliver clear pricing, after sales contact points, Terms & Conditions and an SMS receipt to ensure every consumer knows what, when and from whom they purchased digital products and services.

The latest version of the Scheme Rules – Payforit 4.1 – reflects all of the new flows that have been accepted by the cross-network Payforit Management Group, and in particular the In-App billing flow has been introduced following the development of Games and Apps that enable a consumer to purchase further services/content while using their App. The In-App payment flow has undergone significant trials and testing with the cross-network Approved Payment Intermediary Syniverse. Global Charge has been accepted as the first ( of several ) secure mobile payment libraries that can be incorporated into Apps to deliver this style of Payforit flow. Other significant revisions in this version include:

• Enhanced Single Click; a payment flow to allow consumers to buy multiple items, typically music tracks or videos and to receive a single SMS receipt to list all purchases covering a short period
• Taking on industry feedback to improve some payment screens.

The In-App payment capability, Enhanced Single Click, Document authoring and updating and other improvements were co-ordinated by the Payforit Working Group run by the micropayment trade association, AIME ( www.aimm.co ). The AIME Working Group brings together mobile network operators, their Payment Intermediaries, the premium rate regulator and online mobile merchants to discuss and agree how the Payforit scheme can be continuously evolved to provide services for mobile consumers in line with advancements in mobile technologies.

A Member of the Payforit Management Group said, “We’re delighted to be able to launch the revised Scheme Rules today and they will play an important role in ensuring that consumers are able to charge digital goods and services to their mobile account simply and easily, and this will help promote Payforit to merchants as an exciting and effective payment solution.”

AIME today announced that details of the new In-App billing function will be broadcast to all merchants attending this summer’s Payforit Summit. Whilst trials of the new billing mechanism on Android devices are still underway, the In-App billing capabilities are set to revolutionise the way customers purchase upgrades and add-ons whilst re-defining digital revenue streams for operators.

The Payforit Summit ( www.payforitsummit.com ), which takes place on June 26th at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace in Central London, will see the results of current In-App billing trials revealed. During the Summit announcement current and prospective Payforit merchants will learn more about the availability of the new function and how it will be rolled out across the mobile entertainment marketplace to capitalise on a new consumer audience.

Businesses, developers and app publishers will now be able to profit from app development and usage long after the initial download and sell their goods and services to consumers through the ease of micro payments.

Consumers will also benefit from the friction-free and secure checkout mobile payment system already offered by Payforit, with app users being able to purchase upgrades such as new lives and power ups without prolonged interruption to game play or app usage. The payment for upgrades will be deducted from their mobile phone’s prepaid balance or added to their monthly bill to ensure a smooth and seamless transaction without leaving the app and without the hassle and additional time spent inputting their credit or debit card details.

“In-app billing is the next stage in the continued development of Payforit,” said Toby Padgham, Director of AIME. “As an industry we are striving to make mobile payments through Payforit the best possible and smoothest payment mechanism for consumers, which will in turn increase the revenues of those merchants using Payforit and increase consumer choice. In-app billing is the next step for us.”

Following recent headlines regarding unauthorised in-app purchases on mobile devices, In-App billing using Payforit will enable operators and consumers to avoid premium pitfalls with a service that was designed with consumer protection at the fore. Payforit can apply a daily billing limit of £30, while for all apps defined as targeted at children, Payforit can help the developer or publisher avoid unwanted headlines by creating a children’s limit of £3 per month. To offer further security benefits Payforit’s In-App billing uses third party Accredited Payment Intermediaries ( APIs ) to take payment and provide a smooth and simple transaction between merchant and consumer.

Details regarding the launch of the In-App system and how the direct operator billing will affect mCommerce strategy for operators, developers and app publishers will be announced at AIME’s Payforit Summit. The event will take place on June 26th at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace in Central London.