Beyond ONE, the global digital services provider and owner of Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi Mobile operations across the Middle East, has partnered with global technology provider TIMWETECH to deliver premium digital content to mobile users across Saudi Arabia and Oman. The agreement, signed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will see TIMWETECH’s Digital Service Delivery platform deployed across Beyond ONE’s affiliate networks – Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia and FRiENDi Oman.
In markets where credit card penetration remains below 30%*, this partnership addresses a critical barrier to digital inclusion by enabling growing customer demand for integrated entertainment options by enabling 3.5 million subscribers to access and pay for digital content directly through their mobile accounts. Customers will be able to subscribe to premium streaming, gaming, and infotainment services – including on-demand video, live sports updates, interactive quizzes, and AI-powered productivity tools – without needing traditional banking relationships, a significant advantage for Beyond ONE’s largely prepaid customer base.
“This partnership fundamentally transforms how our customers access digital experiences,” said Hani ELKukhun, Beyond ONE CEO of MEA. “In fast growing economies, mobile accounts often serve as people’s primary financial tool. By connecting these accounts directly to digital content, we’re removing long-standing barriers and democratizing access to services that can educate, entertain, and improve quality of life. This aligns perfectly with our mission to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem in high-growth markets.”
Under the agreement, Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi customers will benefit from Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), allowing them to subscribe and pay for services using their existing mobile balance with just two clicks. For the significant segment of Beyond ONE customers who use prepaid services, this eliminates the complexity of separate payment systems while maintaining complete transparency and control.
The implementation includes robust consumer protections, with mandatory double opt-in confirmations, clear subscription terms, and AI-powered real-time fraud detection. These enhanced security measures are expected to reduce unauthorized charges drastically compared to traditional third-party billing systems.
“We’re bringing our carrier-grade VAS aggregation technology to Beyond ONE to create both a seamless and secure experience for millions of mobile users,” said Diogo Salvi, CEO at TIMEWWTECH. “Our platform will operate invisibly beyond Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi’s trusted brands, ensuring a consistent customer experience while dramatically expanding content options.”
The partnership delivers four key benefits:
1. Expanded Content Ecosystem: Starting Q3 2025, customers will gain access to premium entertainment, including regional/global streaming services, educational platforms, and gaming subscriptions directly through their trusted mobile provider
2. Financial Inclusion: Prepaid users can instantly subscribe to premium digital services without needing credit cards or band accounts, making advanced digital experiences accessible to underserved populations.
3. Enhanced Consumer Protection: Clear subscription terms, automatic spending alerts, and simplified management tools give customers complete control over their digital spending
4. Faster Service Deployment: New digital services will be rolled out up to 50% faster, with automated onboarding for new entertainment providers ensuring customers always have access to the latest content options
Implementation will begin immediately, with a phased rollout starting Q3 2025. This strategic integration not only enhances Beyond ONE’s value proposition by connecting telecommunications directly with premium content delivery, but also establishes new revenue opportunities in the Middle East’s rapidly evolving digital economy – all while maintaining the seamless experience customers expect from Virgin Mobile and Friendi brands.
