Boku Thursday announced an expanded agreement with Microsoft Corp. to bring Boku direct carrier billing to the new Windows Store for the first time, according to a press release.

As part of the new integration with Boku, consumers will be able to use their mobile phone number to add their mobile operator account as a payment option when making purchases of applicable content in the Windows Store. Boku said in the announcement this is the first time carrier billing will be offered as a payment option to the full range of Windows devices, including mobile phones, tablets, PCs, or laptops. Starting Thursday, carrier billing will be available to mobile subscribers on carriers in the U.S., with further expansion underway.

"Microsoft is a great example of a company that has always understood the value of carrier billing and, with the new Windows Store, they are creating a tremendous opportunity for developers and consumers alike," Jon Prideaux, CEO of Boku, said in a press release. "What's worth highlighting about this particular implementation is that carrier billing will be offered across all Windows 10 devices, not just the mobile phone. This is consistent with the way in which we consume digital content today and proof that carrier billing is hardly just a payment method for on-mobile purchases. Its convenience, security, and ubiquity make it a great general-purpose alternative payment in any setting."

According to data released by Microsoft, Windows Phone carrier billing contributes, on average, an 8x lift in purchase rates in emerging markets and 3x in developed markets. Over 60 percent of Windows Phone Store monthly paid users originated from carrier billing, according to the announcement. This new alliance will extend this capability to all Windows 10 devices.