Zong was a mobile payments company that allowed users to make purchases online by charging the cost to their mobile phone bill. This method, known as direct carrier billing, bypassed the need for credit cards or bank accounts. Zong operated as a payment platform, partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide access to their subscriber base for merchants.
The company was founded in 2008 as a spin-off from Swiss mobile technology firm NetSky. Zong focused on providing a convenient and secure payment alternative for digital goods and services, particularly in areas with low credit card penetration or where users preferred the simplicity of charging purchases directly to their mobile account.
Key features of Zong's service included its global reach through partnerships with various mobile carriers, its ease of integration for merchants, and its accessibility for consumers without traditional banking infrastructure. The platform supported a range of payment options, including one-time purchases and recurring subscriptions.
In 2011, Zong was acquired by PayPal for $240 million. PayPal integrated Zong's technology into its own platform, expanding its mobile payment capabilities and reaching a wider global audience. The Zong brand was eventually phased out as PayPal integrated its functionalities. The technology developed by Zong continues to be a part of PayPal's offerings for mobile payments and direct carrier billing.