On Monday, Vonage launched a mobile calling application for smartphones. Dubbed Vonage Mobile, the free downloadable application offers smartphone users low-cost international calling over Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Vonage Mobile is available for the iPhone and BlackBerry.
Vonage estimates smartphone users can save more than 50 percent on calls to many countries, compared to current wireless carrier rates. Vonage is also pointing to convenience. Cost-conscious consumers can dial direct from the phone rather than using calling cards for lower international long-distance rates.
“Our new mobile app is an important step in establishing Vonage as a software technology company that enables high-quality voice and messaging across any device in any location, providing great value over any broadband network,” said Marc Lefar, CEO of Vonage.
Vonage Mobile for Globe-Trotters
Vonage Mobile lets globe-trotters call home from wherever they are or make calls from home base to friends, family and clients in dozens of countries. Vonage aims to make it easy, with no access numbers or distinct phone numbers to give to friends and family.
Here’s how it works: Smartphone users enter an international number or select a contact from the contact list on the iPhone or BlackBerry and hit send. Vonage works behind the scenes to make the international connections. The rates are lower than both traditional wireless and landline carrier rates and allow calls on the go. For example, smartphone users pay two cents per minute to call China and between two and three cents a minute to call Germany.
In the fourth quarter, Vonage plans to enhance the app to include its Vonage World plan that was introduced for home service in August. Vonage World will let users make unlimited calls to more than 60 countries for one flat monthly fee.
“When developing Vonage Mobile, we focused on creating a more convenient alternative for customers…