BlackBerry device maker Research In Motion announced that more than 50 carriers have implemented a direct carrier billing solution for customers through the BlackBerry App World storefront. RIM said the announcement marks a milestone for the company and represents a big benefit for carriers, developers, content providers, and customers.

"We’re delighted to announce that over 50 of our carrier partners are now offering integrated carrier billing to customers on BlackBerry App World," said Ronjon Nag, RIM VP for the BlackBerry App World storefront. "We remain committed to developing innovative ways to support our carrier partners, while providing a platform that benefits the whole mobile ecosystem."

That sentiment was echoed by Bango CEO Ray Anderson. Bango provides a platform for BlackBerry App World that connects purchases back to the carriers' billing systems.

"Our relationship with RIM goes from strength to strength and we’re delighted to see the integrated carrier billing experience Bango enables on BlackBerry smartphones in the hands of more and more customers," Anderson said. "We’ve seen smartphone users increasingly rely on the ability to charge the costs of digital goods to their carrier bill, and with RIM, we’re providing them with a frictionless payment experience"

Direct carrier billing lets users place the purchase of digital goods on their monthly carrier bills. It's a simpler payment method than entering credit card and billing information and can often be accomplished with only a few clicks. It's particularly popular for gaming and social media applications whose young users might have limited access to credit or debit cards.

RIM said carrier billing services have demonstrated significant value for every member of the mobile ecosystem, from carriers to developers to content providers. Data indicates that customers actually purchase more apps on BlackBerry App World if carrier billing is offered, the company said.

BlackBerry App World is available in 170 markets and territories worldwide, and offers more than 100,000 BlackBerry smartphone apps, RIM said.

For more stories like this, visit the direct carrier billing research center.