Pinpoint, a developer of mobile and infrastructure software for carriers, has launched Fuel, a mobile application platform, enabling network operators to implement a content-based billing system, which bridges the gap between operators and content developers. Fuel enables operators to deliver and charge for premium third-party services and share revenue with developers.

Using Pinpoint’s mobile searching directory, users can select from over 4,000 mobile content services and applications and subscribe to only those they want. Currently, deployed by Verizon Wireless and Terra Lycos.

"Fuel enhances a carrier's mobile offering by enabling billing for mobile content and applications, and serving as the essential link between the carriers, application developers, and mobile subscribers," said Jud Bowman, president and co-founder of Pinpoint.

• Supports per-use and subscription-based access to online content and applications

• Charges are routed directly to the carrier's existing billing system

• Aggregates application usage data across carriers and then remits payment back to the application developers

• Collects detailed information on application usage and customer behavior for improving marking analysis

• Delivers a highly customized, constantly evolving directory of mobile applications

• Manages relationships with hundreds of application developers

"The Fuel directory currently contains over 4,000 editor-selected and reviewed sites and applications that are available for free on the mobile Internet," said Dov Cohn, director of product management for Pinpoint. "Mobile operators can provide a dynamic, open selection of these free applications in combination with existing premium applications, creating a rich, compelling mobile experience for their users."