TechSmart News sponsored by the Huawei Global Developer Programme

It was just last week that we were highlighting Microsoft’s emphasis on collaboration at its recent LevelUp event. Today, Vodacom and Microsoft put that principle into action, announcing a new partnership that should leave a smile on gamers’ and SMEs faces.

Vodacom announced that it has become the first mobile operator in Africa to enable its customers, and users of Microsoft and Xbox Stores, to buy content from Microsoft’s stores on their Vodacom account.    

According to the company, the partnership with Microsoft will enable its customers to have a broader access to high-quality gaming content through the Xbox Store, while more business-minded Vodacom customers will be able to add apps and software services from the Microsoft Store and pay for it through their mobile phone bill.

The Microsoft partnership is the most recent addition to Vodacom’s Direct Charge to Bill (DCB) offering, with the tech titan joining the list of global video, music and gaming content partners.

 “This proposition is a continuation of Vodacom’s efforts to ensure the best customer experience through a trustworthy, personalised, and digital experience,” explained the managing executive of Vodacom’s Digital Lifestyle Services, Ashraff Paruk.

By closing the gap on the constraints of accessibility and safety through Direct Charge to Bill, all Vodacom customers have equal access to premium content from global brands, simply and securely, elaborated Paruk.

“Not only does the service allow for increased simplicity and safety in how Vodacom delivers premium content to our customers, but it will also bridge the gap to access of such content to the unbanked in South Africa,” added the chief officer of Vodacom’s Consumer Business Unit, Jorge Mendes.

Mendes continued that the service enables Vodacom customers to charge any purchase, from entertainment to games, and apps to software, to their Vodacom account in a safe, simple and secure manner without having to use a credit card.

 “We are extremely excited about this partnership. It will provide value to small business customers, students and gamers, and in addition it creates accessibility to an extensive library of content, apps and software,” concluded Deniz Ozen, the regional general manager of the Consumer and Device Segment from Microsoft.

As part of the launch, Vodacom will be running a competition, giving away an Xbox One X console every day, for 9 days from tomorrow (03 December) till the 11th.