James Delahunty
9 May 2012 0:33
App uses only data, without touching users quote of call minutes or texts.
Of course there are several alternative apps that have been around before Telefonica's new "Tu Me" app, such as Skype, Viber and Whatsapp, but Telefonica says it would rather keep the customer than lost them to other products and services. Providers have long viewed apps like Skype as a threat.
The app launches for iPhones first, with an Android app set to be released very soon.
Both the caller and recipient require the app to be installed to work. Users will receive a pop-up notification when someone is trying to get in contact, although unlike Skype, users cannot make calls to normal telephone numbers.
Messages transmitted using the app will also be encrypted to ensure privacy.
"We've seen the growing popularity of communication apps on smartphones but we believe we've gone one better with Tu Me using our knowledge and insights of how people use their devices," said Telefonica Digital's chief commercial officer Stephen Shurrock.