Technavio issued a forecast claiming the direct carrier billing market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.6% between now and 2023 to $20.1 billion, amid rising demand for OTT content and the high use of mobile phones and slow credit card penetration in the developing world. 

The report cited the high rate of mobile phone ownership in the Middle East and Africa, which has led to increased need for digital content. Direct carrier billing allows subscription purchases that are paid directly through the mobile carrier, as many consumers in these markets do not have credit cards, according to Technavio. 

The report also shows direct carrier billing growing at 14% in the U.S. between now and 2023 to a total of $1.82 billion. 

Cover image courtesy of Technavio.