du and Nokia extend the convenience of purchasing Nokia Store apps without a credit card

Press release

Published March 26th, 2012 - 08:33 GMT

App-happy customers who want the latest Nokia downloads can keep their mobiles up to speed even easier than ever, thanks to du. du customers with Nokia phones will now have the option to purchase all the latest applications including games and premium content from the Nokia Store and be charged directly to their du post- or pre-paid line, offering customers a quick, convenient and secure form of payment. The service also offers du customers the additional choice and convenience of availing WiFi hotspots for downloading applications.

du and Nokia’s easy billing service provides consumers with the flexibility to easily download mobile games, applications, videos and images, delivering more personalization options directly to a wide range of more than 75 Nokia devices. With over 90,000 applications available in the Nokia Store, Nokia consumers across the globe download over 11 million applications a day. During 2011, the Nokia Store has witnessed a significant 280% growth in the number of downloads in the region.

The direct-billing initiative reiterates Nokia’s commitment to further enriching the customer’s user experience by offering a more convenient and secure payment option.

“Who doesn’t like convenience? We are making things even easier than ever for our customers, allowing them to make purchases from the Nokia Store in a much simpler way. Without credit card details to worry about, our customers can purchase Nokia apps from anywhere, at any time, providing them with the flexibility to download the very latest in mobile enhancements as and when they want them,” said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

Nokia customers can download a superb range of free and paid applications from the Nokia Store including over 2000 locally developed Arabic applications. Applications available to consumers include the top gaming sensation ‘Angry Birds’ and ‘Need for Speed’ for gaming fanatics. The service extends to social networking programs and instant messaging applications on offer including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. Additionally there are many locally relevant applications including applications for Datawatch, UAE Football league, Stock Tracker, Dubai Parking, Al Jazeera, Sport360, Channel 4 Radio Network, Gulf News and a host of local Arabic language and Islamic applications.

“Today’s smartphone users demand handsets and services that can respond to their everyday lifestyle requirements and keep with up their social and entertainment needs. Consequently, mobile applications are an essential element for mobile users whose handsets are more than just a phone, they are a lifestyle accessory. The new Nokia and du direct billing service makes it even easier and safer for our consumers to stay connected and enjoy all the latest applications, providing a valuable and convenient smartphone experience,” said Vithesh Reddy, General Manager, Nokia, Lower Gulf.

Background Information

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du)

Ever since we opened for business in 2006, we have worked hard to enhance and expand our bouquet of services in an industry that is at the heart of economic and social transformation. Bringing people and businesses together is what we do best, offering mobile and fixed telephony, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to people, homes and businesses all over the UAE. We also provide carrier services, a data hub, internet exchange facilities and satellite services for broadcasters.

Company Profile

Nokia

Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. We adhere to the highest ethical business standards as we create technology with social purpose, quality and integrity. Nokia is enabling the infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things to transform the human experience.