A new worldwide tariff launched this week will target mobile-savvy travellers by allowing them use of their devices across the world without having to worry about running up huge data usage bills.
UK operator Truphone says its ‘Truphone World’ offering will allow customers to use their mobile devices in 66 countries just like they do at home.
The launch is timed ahead of new EU regulations, set to come into force in December 2015, which will bring down the cost of using mobile devices across all 28 EU member states.
The tariff is particularly focused on a selection of eight key countries, including Australia, Germany, the UK and the USA, known as the ‘Truphone Zone’, where users can get up to eight international numbers on a single SIM card, meaning their contacts can reach them on a local number, and at local rates, wherever they are in the world.
These financial benefits will now be extended to a further 58 countries across all five major continents, from Brazil to Singapore, covering most important international travel routes and 66 countries in total.
Mobiles sans frontiers
"Mobile phones should work in the same way as the internet; without regard for international borders," James Tagg, Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Truphone, said of the launch. "Truphone World will fundamentally change the way businesses behave internationally."
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Faced with a prospective surge in data usage on mobile devices, Truphone has also launched a number of new bundles for Truphone World customers, including the world’s first half a terabyte international plan.
"Our unique global mobile network connects people across international borders in a way which no one else can match," said Steve Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Truphone. "We bring businesses closer to their international contacts and give them an unparalleled global service experience.
"Last year data usage increased five-fold in some places; and the internet has added a new dimension to international trade. Right now, business urgently need to bring down the cost of roaming – waiting 18 months for limited EU roaming regulations to come into force isn’t enough for businesses competing in the global economy.
Dubbed ‘the mobile network operator without country borders’, Truphone, originally founded in 2001, gained headlines around the world last February when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich invested £70m into the company. The owner of Chelsea FC took owns a 23.3% stake in the company, with another Russian oligarch, Evraz chairman Alexander Abramov holding another 60%.
