MACH, payvia Partner to Sell Mobile Payment Tech

MACH, looking for a way to sell carrier billing services in the U.S. and expand in other markets, says it’s found the right partner in mobile payments company payvia. 

The two companies will integrate their carrier billing technologies in an effort sell an easier user experience for app, in-app and online purchases. They consider these functions a key element in driving mobile payment adoption among consumers.

Based in Luxembourg, MACH will also leverage payvia’s U.S. footprint, giving MACH readymade access to many of the country’s largest mobile operators, and an alternative to credit card and text-message premium billing. Los Angeles-based payvia in turn will gain access to MACH’s presence overseas.

Direct carrier billing allows providers to charge payments to consumers' mobile phone bill or prepaid balance. Payvia, which is part of the m-Qube carrier billing transaction network, provides the connection to the carrier. MACH provides outsourced managed communication services as well as clearing and settlement. Its clients include Orange, Telefonica, T-Mobile, Telus, Verizon, Wireless and Microsoft, as well as messaging customers such as KLM.

Other mobile payment companies such as Boku, which teamed with O2 in Germany, have entered into similar partnerships to tap direct carrier billing, and PayPal last year launched a direct billing network. Proponents say carrier billing is easier to use than card billing, since it usually requires less navigation from a mobile handset.

“MACH shares our view that carrier billing offers unique benefits over other mobile payment technologies…direct carrier billing offers a superior checkout on the mobile device and boosts the mobile ecosystem though new revenue streams which is why we strongly believe it to be the payment model of the future,” said David Wedd, president of payvia, in a press release.