press release

release detail

Truphone Ups The VoIP Ante With SMS Over IP, Presence, And 'Smart' Log-On

Also extends 'free calls to 40 countries' offer until the end of 2007

29th June 2007

Truphone, the mobile internet network operator, has added a suite of advanced features to its beta VoIP service for mobile phones, and simultaneously extended until the end of 2007 its offer of free calls to 40 countries.

Truphone's new capabilities demonstrate the distinct advantages of its true IP approach over 'bridging VoIP' services that ultimately have to rely on traditional telephony.

Core facts
 
• The new SMS over IP capability brings the prospect of unlimited free SMS messages between on-net Truphone users, with a flat-rate tariff of GBP0.07/USD0.15 to all other regular mobile numbers worldwide.  [See 'notes to editors' for temporary limitations on non-UK SMS users.]
• Presence functionality enables users to know exactly when they can make a free call or send a free text message to another Truphone user.
• Smart log-on means a Truphone-enabled handset now 'takes care of its owner' by automatically connecting to previously used Wi-Fi access points.
• Truphone over 3G is made available at the request of customers with suitable 3G tariffs. While this allows low cost VoIP calls from many more locations, Truphone still recommends VoIP over Wi-Fi as being of higher call quality and less susceptible to high charges data charges.
• Multi-SIM capability means Truphone supports travellers who take international SIM cards with them abroad. Calls to their Truphone number will reach them whichever SIM they're using at the time.
• Truphone 3.0 also brings compatibility with a greater number of routers, reducing the likelihood of port-blocking; a simplified, more intuitive installation process; and a significant number of bug-fixes.
• Existing Truphone customers and anyone signing up for Truphone before September 30th can make free Truphone calls to 40 countries until the end of 2007.
• Anyone can get Truphone by sending a text message with the word 'Tru' to +44 7624 000000.

Quotes

James Tagg, Truphone's CEO, said:

"We were the first company to demonstrate SMS-over-IP in our preview version at the beginning of June and we've been delighted at the feedback we've received.  People love free and low-cost text messages. Today, the new Truphone service is ready to download for everyone."

"The ability to see presence - to know a contact is online and callable for free - has particular significance for mobile users, because there are far greater savings to be had. Now you know for sure when that mobile call to your uncle in Australia is free."

"The introduction of these new IP-enabled services gives a glimpse of the potential for pure IP mobile telephony and demonstrates the clear benefits of true IP telephony over bridging solutions. We envisage a world where content-rich, location-based services and much more will be possible via Truphone."

[ends]

Notes to editors

1.    SMS over IP is a breakthrough technology developed by Truphone, but is still in beta.  It should not be relied on for important messages. In particular, note:

• Truphone users with a +1 US number can send SMS messages over IP and benefit from free/low-rate texts. However, as these Truphone numbers are not currently SMS-able inbound, such messages are sent showing the customer's regular GSM number. This ensures that replies to those SMS messages are received as normal.
• Texting premium numbers from Truphone is not supported.  Such messages will not reach their intended destination.

2.   Truphone over 3G means the ability to make VoIP calls or to send SMS-over-IP from many more places.  Note that the cost and availability of 3G services vary enormously.  Truphone users must check both that their operator allows VoIP and what their tariff is - especially when roaming overseas.

3.    Truphone roams effortlessly onto commercial Wi-Fi hotspots including The Cloud's City of London network and its other 7,500 hotspots across the UK.  Since September 2006 Truphone's mobile VoIP service has enabled the latest mobile smartphones to make calls over Wi-Fi and the Internet instead of over their normal cellular network, slashing the cost of international mobile calls in particular.  Truphone is currently available on Nokia's E60, E61, E61i, E65, E70, N80i and N95 handsets, and will be supported on the E90 handset as soon as that handset becomes available.  Truphone is working to support additional handsets from Nokia and other manufacturers, and is also developing a version for Windows Mobile.

[ends]

About Truphone (www.truphone.com)
In mid-2006, Truphone was the first company to introduce true internet telephony (‘VoIP’) for mass market mobile phones, enabling free and low-cost calls from handsets via Wi-Fi and the Internet. The company is closely involved with the open source community and is developing the Truphone service in accordance with internationally-recognised open standards.  The company has development teams and partners in locations across Finland, Romania, USA and the UK.
In December 2006 Truphone was selected as a ‘Technology Pioneer for 2007’ by the World Economic Forum.  At the end of 2006 it received the biggest Series-A venture capital investment of the year for a European technology company. Truphone is the trading name of Software Cellular Network Limited (SCN), a privately-owned UK technology company founded in 2000.  For further information, visit www.truphonepressoffice.com.

Important information about emergency calls: Truphone is not a replacement for an ordinary telephone service and emergency calls cannot be made using Truphone.  However Truphone does not prevent emergency calls being made via a handset’s normal cellular service provider.

Truphone and Google Talk may be trademarks or registered trademark of their respective owners.