Nordic-based operator group Telenor said it had started to update its app propositions following its November 2011 deal with Google. Starting in Sweden, it said that customers will be able to pay for apps and games purchased on Google Play via their phone bill, as well as having access to an “exclusive shelf” in the store.

The operator said that the full solution, with support for operator billing, is “in the pipeline” for Norway and Denmark. The in-store shelf will be launched in Hungary, Malaysia and Thailand shortly, with Google and Telenor working on operator billing for these markets as well.

Rolv-Erik Spilling, SVP and deputy head of digital services for Telenor, said: “There are more than 675,000 apps and games available on Google Play, and Telenor's app panel will carefully select a maximum of 50 apps which they will recommend exclusively for their Android users. This will enable Telenor customers to easily discover better and richer content opportunities.”

The upgrade will be rolled out to customers automatically.