SK Telecom Joins Hands with Google to Strengthen Android Market

South Korea's SK Telecom says that it signed an agreement with Google to strengthen Android Market in Korea. The agreement includes provisions to cooperate on launching carrier billing for Android Market, setting up the Company Channel and supporting Android application developers.

As part of the agreement, SK Telecom and Google plan to launch carrier billing for purchases made on Android Market. With the introduction of carrier billing, SK Telecom users will be able to pay for Android Market content by having fees charged directly to their monthly bills.

Moreover, applications will be priced in the local currency (Korean Won) to prevent any confusion stemming from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

SK Telecom also announced plans to introduce and recommend useful applications for their subscribers by rolling out a SK Telecom channel on the main page of Android Market. The company said this will enable SK Telecom's Android phone users to discover high quality applications most relevant to their interests.

SK Telecom said, "As the largest wireless carrier in Korea, SK Telecom is in a unique position to help our customers discover and enjoy high-quality applications that best suit their needs. The Company Channel will help provide an even richer application experience for Korean customers."

SK Telecom's Executive Vice President Bae Joon-Dong said, "This agreement between SK Telecom and Google highlight's SK Telecom role in playing the leading role in boosting the Android Market in Korea. SK Telecom will make redoubled efforts to increase wireless data and applications usage in Korea by emphasizing the benefits of an open operating system. It is expected that such efforts will provide SK Telecom's customers with a more convenient and exciting experience in the Android ecosystem."

source