Ericsson IPX, mobile payments, Badoo social network, IPX mobile payment
The social networking site Badoo is now offering premium services that users in the United Kingdom can pay for using their mobiles. The payment solution is provided by Ericsson and its IPX mobile payment service. Badoo.com is a location-based service for people looking to chat, flirt and meet other people nearby. The social network uses a “freemium” business model, where users can register, create a profile and upload unlimited images at no cost. Premium features such as ‘Super Powers’, gifts and featured profiles can be paid for via a range of methods including credit/debit card, PayPal or SMS.
Badoo is available in over 180 countries, has more than 114 million registered users and is growing rapidly. It is currently the 2nd largest Facebook Application (behind CityVille)
Bart Swanson, COO of Badoo, says: “Providing consumers with a mobile payment method for premium services is vital for the success of any freemium based business, by making purchases simple with SMS, we expect more of our members to be able to use and appreciate premium services. Transactions will be charged to their mobile phone bill in the case of postpaid clients, or deducted from their credit in the case of prepaid.
“IPX’s operator payment services in many countries are also likely to support Badoo as we look to quickly launch the service in other markets,” said Swanson.
Johan Rosendahl, President, Ericsson IPX, says: “Our direct connections to operators globally and unrivalled experience in the payments space allows companies like Badoo to quickly and effortlessly implement secure, reliable mobile payment solutions.”
Ericsson Internet Payment Exchange (IPX) is a global mobile commerce and connectivity enabler. As a carrier/operator payment broker, Ericsson provides delivery and charging, using direct billing, premium SMS, Web and online mobile payment. Customers are more than 1000 successful multinationals reaching consumers with high disposable incomes in many countries across the globe.
