Operator group VimpelCom inked an alliance with Microsoft and Nokia to add operator billing support to the Windows Phone Store for subscribers, in a move it said will “deliver a new, enhanced digital entertainment experience for VimpelCom customers across its markets”.

The companies will also add a “VimpelCom Shelf” to the store, which will feature up to 200 selected apps, tailored to support local content and services.

Users will be able to buy applications, games and music from the store, with charges either deducted from prepaid credit or added to the monthly phone bill.

Services resulting from the partnership will be rolled out across VimpelCom’s operations “starting later this year”. The operator has 212 million mobile subscribers across markets including Russia, Italy, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Laos, Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic and Canada.

“With the ‘VimpelCom Shelf’ we will bring tailored content to VimpelCom customers around the globe who use Windows Phone smartphones and will provide them with the most convenient way to access and pay for apps. In many of our markets we will be the first operator to launch mobile account payments for the Windows Phone Store,” said Mikhail Gerchuk, group chief commercial and strategy officer at VimpelCom.