Canal Plus to launch mobile payments in Africa

Canal Plus Afrique, the African arm of the French pay TV operator, is launching a new service enabling subscribers to pay using their mobile phones.

The operator has teamed with Orange to enable mobile customers to pay for Canal Plus and Canalsat services using the Orange Money service. It will launch initially in Madagascar in June, before rolling out to other African markets by the end of the year.

Canal Plus Afrique operates in over 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, providing its subscribers with various TV channel packages that can either be prepaid or paid via direct debit. The majority of users opt for the prepaid option, according to the operator, which means going to a retailer to renew their subscription. Orange Money will provide a way for them to pay their bills anytime.
Guy Lafarge, president of Canal Plus Overseas, said: “We are very pleased with this partnership with Orange on mobile payment. With Orange Money, we will provide our subscribers with an innovative and simple means of payment which is both quick and secure.”