

After Telstra added Google Play billing back in December of 2012, customers of other carriers began asking for it almost immediately. By Wednesday this week, Optus post-paid mobile customers will be able to add Google Play content to their Android devices and have the charge added to their monthly Optus bill.

Ben White, Vice President, Mobile Marketing, Optus said

We’re making it hassle-free for our Android customers – there’s no need to store a credit card or worry about paying multiple bills – so they don’t have to waste time before starting their next game of Angry Birds or buying extra lives in Candy Crush Saga. “We’re helping prevent bill shock by giving customers control to set up spend limits or add a pin for more security. Plus, people are protected from accidental or change of mind purchases with a 15 minute window for cancellations.

All content purchased by Optus post-paid customers must be accepted on their device, and any charges will be clearly listed on their bill, including apps, games, music, movies, TV Shows and eBooks. But there’s limits, to stop potential fraud, Optus and Google have limited transactions to a maximum of $49.99 up to a maximum of $200 per month on all content purchased through your Optus Account.

To access direct billing, you’ll have to select the option in Google Play on your phone or tablet. It requires a one-time registration but will take mere minutes and you can then begin purchasing content – including in-app purchases.



It’s unclear whether Virgin Mobile – an Optus subsidiary – will be offering direct carrier billing to their customers, we’ve reached out to Optus to clarify this and ask if it will be offered to pre-paid customers in the future. We’ve also asked Vodafone if they’re intending to offer the same service.

Do you have an Optus Post-Paid account? Will you be using this new payment method?