Telefónica, O2 in the UK, has declared its partnership with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) to improve its billing services.

With O2’s new Direct to Bill system, purchases on digital goods such as an Android application, a Windows or Blackberry smartphone, or even a Farmville shed on Facebook, will all reflect as additional costs to the O2 phone bills, providing more convenience to subscribers.

“Enabling direct-to-bill with Telefónica Digital is yet another important step to continue growing our more than 100,000 apps in the Windows Phone Marketplace. Direct-to-bill for Windows Phone makes it convenient for Telefónica subscribers to make digital purchases on their Windows Phones and also helps grow our app developer ecosystem with increased monetization,” said Tony Mestres, VP for Partner and Channel of Microsoft’s Windows Phone Division.

“Mobile payments are an important part of the business model for mobile web developers, but today the options are too complicated for users. We’re excited to be working with Telefónica to implement a streamlined operator billing solution that simplifies the purchase process for their consumers and expands pricing options for mobile web developers,” added Dan Rose, VP for Partnerships of Facebook.

The service will be available in the UK, following its release across Europe, and will be able to reach 14 regions globally by the year-end.

Image by bjoern.gramm, via Flickr (CC)

About Francis Rey Balolong

A coffee junkie who spends most of his time writing about the latest news on social media and mobile technology. I would definitely consider myself a nerd (in the coolest most hipster way possible). That being said, I love technology, music, writing, and all things mobile. Follow me: Google+ Twitter

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