Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) says it is working with Indonesian operator Indosat to support its recently launched Application Incubator Programme, which it says is intended to “encourage and support the developer community to build differentiated mobile applications.” The infrastructure vendor said that it has deployed a cloud-based platform which will allow developers to use the telecom network assets of Indosat to build “more engaging and efficient applications.” The intention is to enable the operator to “safely” open its network APIs to developers, using best-practice security mechanisms and controls. Among the main benefits will be operator billing support, which is “particularly attractive in markets wherein there is a relatively low use of credit and debit cards,” NSN said.

Stephen Hobbs, director and CTO at Indosat, said: “Application developers, who build applications for different handsets, operating systems and the mobile web will benefit from the messaging and charging capabilities as well as the location information that we naturally possess as a service provider.”

At last year’s Mobile Asia Congress, XL, the nearest rival to Indosat in the Indonesian market, noted that smartphone penetration in the country was just 2.5 percent, with customers instead using a diverse range of featurephones. However, it was also noted that more than half of customers used mobile Internet and other value-added services, indicating a large potential for apps in this country.

According to Wireless Intelligence figures, Indosat is the second biggest operator in Indonesia, with more than 41 million subscribers. It is slightly ahead of XL, which has 40.3 million.