Operator carrier billing revenue to near $15 billion globally by 2029
Growing from $9.3 billion in 2024
A new study from Juniper Research, a leading expert in telecommunications, has revealed that global operator revenue from carrier billing transactions is set to grow from $9.3 billion in 2024 to nearly $15 billion by 2029 – a rise of 59%.
This substantial growth is expected to be driven by increased consumer awareness of carrier billing as a payment option and standardised Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) rollout. Introducing APIs will allow mobile network operators (MNOs) to speed up the deployment of carrier billing systems, reduce reliance on third-party aggregators, and improve accessibility for end users.
Carrier billing is a payment method enabling consumers to charge purchases directly to their mobile phone bill. This system offers users convenience and security, contributing to its rising popularity.
The report calls on MNOs to adopt standardised APIs, including the Carrier Billing Checkout API, to reduce time-to-market and improve scalability. It also highlights the importance of complying with stringent payment regulations to strengthen MNOs’ positions within the digital payment ecosystem. Standardisation will also reduce reliance on third-party aggregators, increasing MNOs’ revenue share from carrier billing transactions.
However, the research points out that key markets, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, still lack widespread availability of these APIs. To sustain carrier billing growth in these regions, ongoing collaboration between MNOs, aggregators, content providers, and regulators will be required.
The report’s author, Elisha Sudlow-Poole, said: “Over the past decade, MNO services such as voice, messaging, and data have become increasingly commoditised, leading to significant revenue loss. Carrier billing presents a new opportunity for MNOs to diversify their revenue streams by facilitating third-party payments.
“Standardisation will enable faster and broader adoption of carrier billing, making it a competitive alternative to other digital payment methods.”
The research provides a detailed assessment of the carrier billing market, including forecasts for 60 countries and over 34,000 market statistics. It also includes a segment-by-segment market analysis and competitive benchmarking, providing valuable insights into the sector’s current and future opportunities.
Hero image: Carrier billing is a payment method that enables consumers to charge purchases directly to their mobile phone bill. Credit: Andrea Piacquadio
