Softbank adds your Amazon payment direct to your mobile bill via Bango
Bango’s online payments model is now underpinning a partnership between mobile phone provider SoftBank and Amazon.
The partnership enables SoftBank subscribers in Japan to purchase Amazon goods directly via mobile with payment made through their SoftBank mobile bill (rather than with a credit card stored on Amazon account).
The technology that enables this – including provision for refunds, try-before-you-buy, subscriptions, gift cards and discounts – is provided by AIM-listed Bango.
Bango CEO Paul Larbey told the Cambridge Independent: “This is not the first collaboration with SoftBank. Bango has previously partnered with SoftBank to launch carrier billing for Google Play. The business has also partnered with other mobile network operators in Japan previously, namely docomo and KDDI.
“Bango discussions with SoftBank started several years ago, as a result of Bango activities in Japan with our major partners. This is the first announcement of the Bango relationship, however SoftBank has existing interests in Cambridge, such as Arm. Now they have joined the Bango circle, SoftBank can connect to the other global players in the ecosystem and can benefit from the data insights the Bango platform provides.”
Bango provides this option to pay on around 100 mobile networks, reaching 3billion users worldwide. This number is continually growing – in the first five months of 2020 Bango has enabled this payment method for new users in South America, North and South Africa, Hong Kong and Japan.
“Japanese consumers use Bango technology to buy physical products, food, and digital services on their mobile phone bill rather than using credit cards or cash on delivery,” adds Paul. “Amazon relies on Bango technology to enable phone bill payments for its products. We expect payment for physical items on your phone bill to expand outside Japan in the years to come.”
Making the payment straight to the phone is made easy by the Westbrook Centre company.
“This is the easiest way to pay for something online,” says Paul. “Bango technology works out which mobile operator you are connected to, wherever you are in the world. You simply select ‘pay on my phone bill’ as your preferred payment method. Bango asks your operator to add the charge to your account, or deduct from your pre-paid balance, that’s it. No need to enter your personal card or bank details. It is quick, convenient and safe, and is growing in popularity with users everywhere.”
Bango shares were up 3 per cent at the news.