Phone and SMS Micro Billing

Small transactions via SMS and Phone

Axontek Micro Billing allows content providers and entertainment services to charge for low value items via SMS and phone using premium rate and credit card mechanisms.

Axontek Micro Billing is an ideal way to pay for low value items such as web services, downloadable software, online and magazine subscriptions, plus tickets and mobile content.

Micro Transactions

The merchant advertises a product code for each item on offer and once the micro billed transaction is completed, the customer is given a PIN Number which they then use to to purchase the product.

There are 3 basic transaction mechanisms:

Mobile SMS Tariff

The customer sends a SMS message to a mobile phone short code number which contains the product code assigned to the desired product. In some situations their text message may also contain information such as the postcode and house number.

The customer is then sent 'reverse billed' SMS messages to the value of the product on their mobile phone and billing their mobile account. The final SMS will contain their PIN number and order confirmation.

Landline Phone Tariff

The customer dials a premium rate order line and enters the product code via their phone keypad. In some situations they may need to enter additional information such as their postcode.

The value of the product will determine the length of the call thereby billing their landline account. At the end of the call, the customer is given a PIN number and order confirmation.

Credit or Debit Card Tariff

The customer dials national rate phone number and enters the product code. In some situations they may need to enter additional information such as their postcode.

Once entered, the customer's credit card details and security information are validated and the card are transaction are authorized by secure link to the bank while the customer holds. The customer is then given a PIN number.

Note: A credit card Merchant Account valid for customer not present (MOTO) transactions is needed for card transactions.

Product Delivery

The methods the customer uses to complete the transaction once in possession of the PIN Number depend on the type of product:

Mobile Content

Mobile content such as SMS messages, mobile entertainment such as ringtones and logos), MMS content and WAP site bookmarks can be delivered directly via the PIN number generated by the Axontek billing system. The merchant can also integrate with their own or third party gateways if preferred.

Web Download

PIN Numbers generated by the Axontek billing system can be sent by email or HTTP allowing the merchant to enable download from their web site.

Pay for Product

Additional delivery and purchase information can be gathered on the merchant web site once the PIN Number has been entered with the results sent by email allowing order fulfilment

Pay for Ticket

The PIN Number will provide proof of purchase for the customer. The merchant will be sent valid PIN Numbers for tickets by email or to entry systems via HTTP. Alternatively self-printed tickets can be produced by entering the PIN on the merchant web site.

Additional Capabilities

Additional features can include customer-unique product codes, dedicated dial up numbers, customized telephone greetings, demo services, signup online and custom customer data capture.

Case Study

An Axontek client wanted to generate revenue payments from the content on their website. Axontek generated a number of unique codes or 'pin numbers' which were issued to the client.

The user sends an SMS message with a specific advertised keyword to a shared short code. The unique pin number is sent to the user in a billed message. The user then enters the pin number on the website and gains access to the content they require.

This service generates a healthy revenue for the client, offers 24 hour revenue stream and instant access to the web content for the user.  In addition to all these benefits, the user is billed as usual by their networks and it becomes an 'anonymous' payment.