By Telecoms operator revenue generated from carrier billing transactions will rise from $9.3bn globally in 2024 to almost $15bn in 2029 – a growth of 59% over the period.
Acccording to Juniper Reseach, this steady growth will be driven by an increased consumer awareness of this payment method, alongside the introduction of standardised APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). APIs will enable network operators to increase the speed of carrier billing roll-outs, reduce reliance on third-party aggregators, and increase end-user availability.
Carrier billing is a mobile payment method allowing users to make purchases by charging payments to their mobile phone bill.
The report urges MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) to deploy standardised APIs, including the Carrier Billing Checkout API, to reduce time-to-market; improving scalability and ensuring compliance with stringent payment regulations. This standardisation will strengthen the MNO’s position and influence within the digital payments ecosystem.
Standardised APIs will reduce MNO reliance on third-party aggregators, boosting their revenue share from carrier billing transactions. However, limited API availability in key markets such as Africa and the Middle East makes ongoing collaboration among MNOs, aggregators, content providers, and regulators essential for sustaining carrier billing growth.
Research author Elisha Sudlow-Poole remarked “Over the past decade, MNO services such as voice, messaging, and data have become increasingly commoditised, leading to significant revenue loss. Carrier billing allows MNOs to diversify their revenue streams by acting as a distributor and payment facilitator for third-party services. Standardisation enables MNOs to accelerate carrier billing availability, making it a more viable alternative to competing digital payment methods.”
