Finnish handset maker Nokia has struck a deal with UK mobile phone operator Three to allow users of Nokia’s Ovi Store to buy apps and pay via a monthly phone bill.

Three will offer a section on the Ovi Store called ‘Three Likes’ that will feature a total of 40 apps recommended by the operator. The new section will be accessible to the operator’s customers using Nokia Symbian devices like that of the Nokia C7 and Nokia N8.

Commenting on the partnership, Charlotte Spencer from Three said, “By recommending apps that are relevant to our customers and allowing them to pay through their monthly phone bill, customers will have a better, easier and faster experience on the UK’s biggest 3G network.”

The partnership between Nokia and Three will allow users to avoid the third party financial service fees or premium rate SMS service to pay for apps from Ovi Store.

Nokia’s new X7 will be the first smartphone to be integrated with the newest version of Ovi Store and allow users to utilize the new service.

The new service will also be available for those on pay-as-you-go. The cost of the app will be deducted from the available amount of credit.