British Telecom has publicly announced the BT Callwise scheme for mobile users in the UK. With a Series 60 or UIQ Client, you load up your account with call credit, and save close to 80% on the regular international call rates from your handset. More information on BT.com
BT Callwise Offers Cut Price International Calling
BT ANNOUNCES TRIAL OF NEW TECHNOLOGY TO CUT THE PRICE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILE CALLS
BT today announced a trial of an innovative new mobile phone technology that will enable mobile phone users to obtain substantially lower prices for international calls.
The product, called BT Callwise, enables mobile phone users to use BT�s network for their International calls at significantly reduced prices, whilst enabling users to continue using their phone normally, including using their handset phonebook to make the calls.
It works by downloading new software onto a mobile phone that can re-route international calls onto BT�s cheaper fixed-line network.
BT has signed a deal with new mobile services company Intelli-Call to supply the price busting technology.
The application is free to install by anyone with a compatible mobile phone and can be simply downloaded from www.bt.com/callwise. Users can also send the application from their mobile to family or friends� mobiles using Bluetooth technology.
Initially customers will only be charged for calls on a pre-pay basis. Users can top up credit on their account with a credit or debit card.
David Pamplin from BT said: �Currently if a UK mobile phone user dials an International number, the call is routed from the mobile phone through the mobile operator�s network and cannot benefit from the lower costs of the fixed line international calling rates through BT. A mobile call can cost as much as �1 per minute whereas a call to the USA over BT�s fixed-line network can be as low as 5 pence per minute.
Now mobile users can have the convenience of making international calls from their mobile � whether it be to family and friends overseas or doing business on the move - but without having to worry about the cost of the call.�
Nick Hancock from Intelli-call added: �This technology offers mobile users significant price reductions and an ease of use that is unprecedented.�
An initial trial of the new technology was launched on the 28th October.
* Intelli-Call is a UK based company founded in 2003 with the objective of designing and developing innovative applications and services for mobile phone users. For more information visit www.intelli-call.com.
* Bluetooth is a wireless radio-based technology that allows devices to share information over a maximum range of 100 metres. Unlike other wireless technologies, such as infrared, the devices don't need to be 'looking' at each other. As long as two Bluetooth devices are close enough to each other, it should be possible to make a connection.
* BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions serving customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Its principal activities include IT and networking services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services.