Mobile operator Digi, which is part of Telenor Group, and mobile payments company Fortumo today launched direct carrier billing in Malaysia, according to a press release. Thanks to the partnership, 12 million subscribers of Digi will be able to make online payments by charging the purchases to their mobile phone bill.

"Digi is one the most innovative operators in southeast Asia and we are proud to launch direct billing with them first in Malaysia," said Gerri Kodres, chief business officer at Fortumo. "Carrier billing has evolved a lot during the last years and has now become the preferred emerging markets' choice for many digital merchant categories, including music and video streaming, digital media, gaming and social. Fortumo is happy to bring its portfolio of top merchants to Digi and expand our partnership with Telenor Group."

Fortumo and Telenor Group have been working together since 2013. In addition to Malaysia, the partners offer direct carrier billing to Telenor networks in Pakistan and Thailand, according to the announcement.