Operator Carrier Billing Revenue to Near $15 Billion by 2029

A new study from Juniper Research has found that operator revenue generated from carrier billing transactions will rise from $9.3 billion in 2024 to almost $15 billion in 2029. This would represent a growth of 59% over the period.

This steady growth will be driven by increased consumer awareness of this payment method, alongside the introduction of standardized APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). APIs will enable network operators to increase the speed of carrier billing roll-outs, reduce reliance on third-party aggregators, and increase end-user availability.

The report urges MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) to deploy standardized APIs, including the Carrier Billing Checkout API, to reduce time-to-market; improve scalability and ensure compliance with stringent payment regulations. This standardization will strengthen the MNO’s position and influence within the digital payments ecosystem.

Standardized APIs will reduce MNO reliance on third-party aggregators, boosting their revenue share from carrier billing transactions. However, limited API availability in key markets such as Africa and the Middle East makes ongoing collaboration among MNOs, aggregators, content providers, and regulators essential for sustaining carrier billing growth.

“Over the past decade, MNO services such as voice, messaging, and data have become increasingly commoditized, leading to significant revenue loss. Carrier billing allows MNOs to diversify their revenue streams by acting as a distributor and payment facilitator for third-party services. Standardization enables MNOs to accelerate carrier billing availability, making it a more viable alternative to competing digital payment methods,” remarked research author Elisha Sudlow-Poole.