Operators stand to generate up to $14 billion in revenue over the next five years from content paid for through carrier billing, new research has found.

According to Juniper Research, the sector is set for a dramatic rise as consumers seek a simpler way to pay for content on their tablets, consoles and smart TVs.

The move to carrier billing will also allow content owners to access the group of consumers that has become known as the “unbanked”, and younger users, while also boosting revenues through higher transaction values and increased volumes.

Juniper’s research found that billing directly to a carrier increased the number of people paying for content through apps, in app stores and within the software through bundled purchases.

Online content providers such as Amazon and Netflix could also move into sports broadcasting, researchers claimed.