Boku Lets You Purchase Virtual Goods via Cell Phone [Cell Phones]

We've previously covered services like TextPayMe (since bought by Amazon) and PayPalMobile that let you make purchases using your cell phone. Today we see another called Boku, a mobile payment service designed to make getting your virtual goods easy.

Admittedly, the market for virtual goods is larger abroad than here in the United States (though that may change in the future, see Mafia Wars), but the service—available in over 50 countries—is useful for those looking to buy virtual goods on Facebook, hi5, and other social sites.

To use it, click the "Pay by Mobile" button that's listed on the web site, punch in in your cell phone number, and reply "Y" to the text message confirmation. The purchase will then be added to your cell phone bill. No credit card information or registration is required, and the service works for both monthly cell phone and pre-paid subscribers.

The Boku site lists compatible carriers for each country (in the U.S, for example, the service works with Alltel
AT&T, Cellular One, Sprint/Nextel/Boost, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, and Virgin), though you should make sure to ask what, if any, additional charges your carrier may apply for using the service.

Check out the above demo for a rundown or browse the Boku site for more information.

[Boku]