@Mobile 2.0 Karl Good Technical director Truphone on distribution strategy

I started interviewing Karl Good the Application and Technical Director at Truphone at Mobile 2.0 and he started telling me about some press release just launched. I quickly steered the interview away from that and started getting competitive.

Bena:What is the value of a TruPhone mobile VoIP product?

Karl:We have been very strategic about our growth. So we have VoIP services but we haven’t gone head to head with Skype we are focusing on the global low cost calls market.

Bena: How?

Karl:We made a strategic acquisition of SIM4Travel and that provide users with SIM with a number where when users call them its free. If they call they pay but it reduces the need to getting in touch as it eliminates roaming incoming charges.

Bena: Interesting but can you scale and make money with that?

Karl: Most definitely. Our services focus on calling and making things affordable but we are not totally free you have an easy entry to market and then when the value is realised you can make cheaper calls or send SMS when abroad.

Bena: What about distribution?

Karl:Distribution is vital and we have a killer app store distribution strategy and also in the retail market with the SIM4travel service.

(Karl hands me a SIM4travel card and says there is 10 pounds on it for me to go and test).

What we think?

I see Skype as the leader in VoIP and a huge innovator in the operator market. But Truphone is not on the sidelines. After talking to Karl I realise the difference in direction and focus on the global and roaming market with SIM4Travel and the rich IM interoperability is an asset.

I am going to sign-up for the 17 dollar unlimited package and report back.