Announced today, the newest release of Truphone – the VoIP solution for S60 handsets (iPhone is planned) Ewan discussed recently – has added an important feature to it’s existing WiFi-based features… routing calls over the mobile network itself via a local dial-in number or via a call-back mechanism. This allows people out of range of a WiFi hotspot (including a number of commercial ones for which an extra charge applies) and without a suitable 3G data tariff (or just reception) to continue to use the on-phone client as before. Depending on use this option costs the user either a call to a standard land-line or a text message (used to initiate the call-back), although the application takes care of establishing the calls regardless of the method chosen.
The greatest benefit will be to those using Truphone’s flat pricing (3p to landlines, 15p to mobiles) structure for international calling to supported countries (some locations such as the USA are 3pm for all calls) who can now access it from any location with a GSM signal, but either mechanism can be selected via the client for other calls too, for example to reduce high per minute charges on pre-pay tariffs. Local numbers and similar pricing benefits are available to users in all the countries Truphone operates in.
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This is an evolutionary step for Truphone – it’s the same mechanism a number of other providers already use (including the iSkoot-provided Skypephone service from 3 and RebTel’s local dial-though service) although packaged nicely for those able to run the client. However it makes sense to eliminate one of the current major criticisms that a WiFi or battery-munching 3G signal was required.
The client is available to download (existing users log-in and select the option to re-download the client from the account management page) and initial testing showed it to be as slick and easy as ever both in installation and use – I’m still amazed at the audio quality that can be achieved over 3G, but that might not be something to use regularly unless you have a particularly understanding network operator…
The next major step will be for Truphone to take advantage of their recent Sim4Travel aquisition and launch their own virtual operator issuing its own SIMs and enabling roaming data – something we’re eagerly anticipating and is promised soon.
do we know the number being used for the UK? is it one of those dogey IOM numbers that t-mobile love to charge a bomb for?
Don't think so – it's an 01xxx xxxxxx format. My handset's just died, but I'll confirm tomorrow.
no worries cheers ben! really cool for people who have no good data plans then and lots of landline minutes!
Who do we know who fits that description? 🙂
:: puts away his unlimited landline minutes and 3,000 any network calls
account ::
but think about how crystal clear the first leg of the call will be 😛
Yep… mine is the 01354 prefix which is the Doddington area.
I suppose I really should try this TruPhone thing out.
Is it really worth all the hype it seems to get?
They need to set themselves free from WiFi… Truphone on the sim card will
then be usable for the majority.
Hey Steve – why don't you try it – and report back?
The UK call through numbers are normal geographic (01xxx/02xxx) numbers and so will not cost a fortune or be excluded from your inclusive bundles.
James: Any thoughts on the network operators trying to block these numbers as dial-thru providers?
I would think that the view of the UK courts would be that any attempt to block a normal UK geographic number would be illegal – under the same argument that T-Mobile were ordered to route traffic to normal Truphone mobile numbers. Have you any examples or experiences of carriers blocking call through services? If so, what numbering/tariffs are the call through services using?
No specific examples to hand, but remembering back a few years Orange particularly (although I don't think it was just them) blocked numbers that attempted to use calling cards and the like. It may be an out-of-date practice now – I think it maybe related to 0800 numbers back when they were free on some tariffs.
No specific examples to hand, but remembering back a few years Orange particularly (although I don't think it was just them) blocked numbers that attempted to use calling cards and the like. It may be an out-of-date practice now – I think it maybe related to 0800 numbers back when they were free on some tariffs.
Hey Steve – why don't you try it – and report back?
The UK call through numbers are normal geographic (01xxx/02xxx) numbers and so will not cost a fortune or be excluded from your inclusive bundles.
James: Any thoughts on the network operators trying to block these numbers as dial-thru providers?
I would think that the view of the UK courts would be that any attempt to block a normal UK geographic number would be illegal – under the same argument that T-Mobile were ordered to route traffic to normal Truphone mobile numbers. Have you any examples or experiences of carriers blocking call through services? If so, what numbering/tariffs are the call through services using?
No specific examples to hand, but remembering back a few years Orange particularly (although I don't think it was just them) blocked numbers that attempted to use calling cards and the like. It may be an out-of-date practice now – I think it maybe related to 0800 numbers back when they were free on some tariffs.