Telenor Linx brings Norwegian tech to the global stage with Google partnership

• Telenor Linx, a subsidiary of Telenor Group, has been selected by Google as one of the few trusted global integrators to enable Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) as a payment option in the Google Play Store.

This prestigious appointment solidifies the longstanding partnership between Telenor Linx and Google, which dates back to 2011, and underscores Telenor Linx’s expertise in providing seamless and secure payment solutions to millions of mobile users worldwide.

“Telenor has a long history of serving emerging markets in Asia, combined with the sophisticated technological demands of our Nordic subscribers. Our Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) service is designed to meet the needs of customers in Telenor’s global mobile operations, striking a balance between the sale of premium content and services and the critical aspects of security and privacy. By leveraging our strong subscriber relationships, we can deliver exceptional connectivity and premium offerings. I am especially proud that, in partnership with Google, we are now extending our experience and insights to third-party mobile operators around the world,” says Stig Waagbø, CEO of Telenor Linx.

“We also provide cash collection and security solutions to ensure safe and frictionless payments for customers and revenues for mobile operators and app providers. Through this, we also deliver on Telenor’s ambition to explore the potential of new technology through partnerships and to create new solutions and business opportunities”, he adds.

As a pioneer in telco-driven technology, Telenor Linx ensures that users can effortlessly access premium content on Google Play Store through Direct Carrier Billing with their mobile operators. This solution is particularly crucial for unbanked users, who can now enjoy high-quality content using their existing mobile payment relationships. The Telenor Linx DCB platform is designed to optimize service for multiple mobile operators, minimize fraudulent activities, and maximize benefits for both mobile operators and subscribers.

In 2023 alone, the value of content transactions processed through the Telenor Linx DCB platform exceeded 4 billion NOK, contributing over 400 million NOK in revenue to Telenor affiliates. The platform supports all major app stores and hosts additional content providers of global and regional significance, making it an essential tool for mobile operators.

This partnership with Google opens exciting opportunities for Telenor Linx to collaborate with mobile operators worldwide.

“We are thrilled to take Norwegian tech to the world,” says Stig Waagbø, CEO of Telenor Linx.

“This agreement with Google, built on a decade of collaboration, energizes our engineering team and presents a significant opportunity to extend our technology beyond the Telenor Group. Google’s recognition is a testament to the quality of Norwegian technology and the vital role Telenor Linx plays in bridging the gap between a global subscriber base and the ecosystem of Google Play Store users and developers”, he adds.