Truphone Now Makes Skype Calls Using iPhone and iPod Touch

Truphone has announced the debut of the ability to make and receive Skype calls and instant messaging (IM) to the entire Skype user base from its iPhone (News - Alert) and iPod touch applications. Truphone has planned for the service to be available to all customers during the week of January 12.


This latest introduction from Truphone (News - Alert) was made at “ShowStoppers @ MacWorld 2009”. It also caught the attention of TMCnet’s Tom Keating, who mentioned in his blog that Truphone is the “must have” for iPhone and iPod touch.  

Truphone’s announcement is positioned as one more step towards making Truphone the open “all-in-one conversations hub” for iPhone and iPod touch users. In achieving “must have” status, the company can drive its own demand through the popularity of the Apple (News - Alert) products in the global market.

 

The company’s customers using either of the Apple devices can now reach their Skype (News - Alert) friends through their Skype IDs, further expanding the universe of people with whom Truphone customers can stay in touch.

In a separate announcement, Truphone shared the news of the availability of well-known instant messaging services using the Truphone applications on the iPod touch and the iPhone.

 

“The introduction of Skype calling and instant messaging represents yet another breakthrough for Truphone,” said Geraldine Wilson, Truphone CEO, in a Tuesday statement.

 

“What this means for Truphone’s customers is that they can now call or message all their Skype friends using their iPhone or iPod touch. This allows iPhone and iPod touch users to have a choice in how they stay in touch with friends and colleagues around the world—all within the one application,” added Wilson.

Truphone-to-Skype communications are free over the Internet. iPhone users can also place and receive Skype calls and messages when not in a WiFi (News - Alert) accessible location. The only cost is that of a local call while using the Truphone Anywhere feature. Users should keep in mind that operator roaming charges will apply if users are abroad.

This latest announcement from Truphone demonstrates that the company is on a strong path for success. Skype reports more than 300 million downloads of its software and ensuring it can offer Skype functionality enables Truphone to expand its reach and drive loyalty among the customer base.

Truphone for iPhone and Truphone for iPod touch are free to download from the App Store and offer no rental, subscription or hidden fees. The Truphone application used on the Apple products is designed to be as simple as possible to ensure customer stickiness. So far, the approach is working and helping to continue to strengthen Truphone’s position in the global market.