SingTel mobile customers who use Windows smartphones can now charge their app purchases from the Windows Phone Store to their monthly mobile bill, the telco said in a statement on Thursday.

This is part of the telco's mobile commerce push.

Since August last year, SingTel customers have also been able to charge their app purchases on the Google Play store to their mobile bill. Such a billing method is also available in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and the US.

Before SingTel's tie-ups with Microsoft and Google, local consumers could pay for apps on the Windows Phone and Google Play stores only through a debit or credit card.

Said SingTel's vice-president of mCommerce Gan Siok Hoon: "Direct carrier billing is ideal for customers who are looking for an alternative to credit card payments. It is part of our ongoing efforts to provide our customers with the best and most seamless mobile commerce experience."

StarHub also said on Thursday that it will allow its customers to charge their Google Play and Windows Phone store purchases to their monthly mobile bill by June this year.