Google India today announced that it is introducing carrier billing in the Google Play Store in India. The company has tied up with Idea Cellular, the third largest mobile network operator in the country, for this.

Going forward, Idea Cellular subscribers in India will have the option of paying for their app and game purchases directly through their monthly phone bill i.e. any purchase they make will be directly added to their phone’s bill. All purchases will show up on the bill under “Google Play purchases.” For prepaid subscribers, the amount will be deducted right away from their balance.

Do note that Idea will be charging a convenience fee of up to 15% on the total amount of purchase. This convenience fee is not applicable if one purchases a media using credit or debit card from the Play Store.

Idea Cellular is the first operator in India to support carrier billing on the Google Play Store.

Considering that credit and debit cards are not that widely used in the country, carrier billing should make it significantly easier for Android users in the country to purchase apps from the store. Hopefully, Google also manages to get Airtel and Vodafone, the two largest operators in the country, support carrier billing, which should encourage more Android users in the country to buy apps for their smartphones.