LIVE FROM APPS WORLD, LONDON: The uptake of direct operator billing is being limited by the need to upgrade IT systems to support the process, according to the head of Swisscom’s mobile payment project Sachin Mittal.

“From the operator point of view, the network is improving but the IT systems have not yet been upgraded to what the industry needs,” Mital said in a panel discussion about direct operator billing.

He added that getting IT support systems to the level that allow items bought through direct operator billing to be accurately measured and charged for is a “huge cost”.

“It’s not as simple as plugging in a system. There’s much more integration to be made,” he added.