Infobip Introduces Direct Mobile Billing in Russia

Mobile payments and messaging provider Infobip has added direct mobile billing connections for its network of merchants and retailers in Russia.

Subscribers of the five largest Russian mobile operators—covering about 98% of the country—will be able to make payments via Infobip's Centili platform, which charges transactions to mobile phone bills. Subscribers enter their mobile phone number into the Centili widget to authorize a purchase, and the purchase amount is charged against the consumer's prepaid mobile account.

"The Centili platform is aligned with our strategy of integrating local payment flows and options, helping our clients reach as many subscribers as possible," says Paolo Rizzardini, vice president of mobile payments at Infobip, in a Feb. 19 press release.

The London-based Infobip is active in more than 80 countries, and is also expanding in the U.S.

A separate carrier billing company with an international focus is Bango, which recently raised more than $10 million to offer its services in emerging markets.