Vodafone store to sell mobile apps

May 14, 2017

Vodafone has announced plans to launch a mobile application store in an attempt to emulate the success of Apple’s iPhone app store.

The news follows similar announcements from a host of leading players in mobile telecoms, including Research in Motion (RIM), Nokia, and Microsoft.

With 290 million worldwide customers, a well designed app store could prove lucrative for the world’s largest mobile operator, as well as for application developers.

Software developers will be able to use to store as a single point of access to Vodafone’s global customer base.

Vodafone said it will publish its API to ensure that any apps created by developers will work on Vodafone handsets,

Developers will be able to charge for apps directly through Vodafone’s billing system, with a share of their profit going directly to Vodafone.

“Vodafone is making these changes to make it easier for third parties to develop attractive new services as well as bill and support our customers through our network capabilities in all markets,” said CEO Vittorio Colao.

“By giving them simple access to our global customer base and network assets, such as direct billing and location awareness, we will help them to make more money while providing our customers with the innovative services that they want.”

Vodafone said its customers will also benefit from the app store through a greater selection of quality applications, flexibility in how they pay for applications, and a simplified and intuitive Internet experience.