New handset launch initiates Primus Telecommunications’ fixed to mobile convergence plans
Primus Telecommunications, one of the top ten carriers in the world for international PSTN(public switch telephone network) voice traffic, today launched its own mobile handset as the first stage in the company’s fixed / mobile convergence strategy.
Customers using the new Primus PTL 888 handset will now be able to access the firm’s Global Call SaverTM service and benefit from least-cost routing on their outbound international calls. For the first time this will provide European consumers and business travellers with a true alternative to traditional mobile carrier tariffs. The service may cut the cost of outbound international mobile phone charges by up to 80%.
The Primus PTL 888 is the first GSM mobile handset to be released in Europe with Primus' own built-in Global Call SaverTM (GCS) TM technology which allows users to benefit from fixed line call costs through their mobile. The PTL 888 provides users with access to Primus' Global Network at the touch of one button - the Primus Hotkey TM. The underlying technology is totally seamless to the user. The customer dials their desired number, once the number is displayed on screen, the customer presses the HotkeyTM to connect. By building technology into the PTL 888 handset there is no need for the customer to dial PIN codes or access numbers.
All international calls made using the Primus HotkeyTM are routed to the nearest point of access on the Primus Network via geographic or non-geographic access numbers. In some cases, customers may be charged by their Service Provider for calling an access number but the combined cost of the access call and Primus' low international rate is, in almost all cases, better value for the customer than dialling direct from their Service Provider's network. (See table for the UK)
Table 1. Cost of three minute international outbound call from the UK based on Pay Monthly tariffs
Service Providers PRIMUS O2 ORANGE T MOBILE VIRGIN VODA-FONE Minimum
saved using
COUNTRY Primus*
AUSTRALIA £ 0.39 £2.97 £0.90 £2.10 £0.60 £3.87 54%
BANGLADESH £ 1.09 £4.50 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.87 119%
CANADA £ 0.42 £2.97 £0.45 £2.10 £0.60 £3.87 7%
FRANCE £ 0.40 £2.70 £0.60 £2.10 £1.20 £2.97 48%
INDIA £ 0.91 £4.50 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.87 162%
IRAN £ 0.61 £4.50 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.87 290%
N ZEALAND £ 0.42 £2.97 £0.90 £2.10 £0.60 £3.87 43%
PAKISTAN £ 0.91 £4.50 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.87 162%
RUSSIA £ 0.67 £4.50 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.57 256%
S AFRICA £ 0.55 £2.97 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.87 332%
SWAZILAND £ 0.91 £4.50 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.87 162%
USA £ 0.39 £2.97 £0.45 £2.10 £0.60 £3.87 15%
ZIMBABWE £ 0.61 £4.50 £2.40 £3.90 £2.40 £3.87 290%
* Minimum saved compared against lowest price of Primus competitor shown.
Comparisons made against the service providers rate type stated. Source the service providers website as at 05/02/04
Cost savings based on a three minute call duration being the average call for a Primus customer as at the 05/02/04.
The Primus rate is calculated on a three minute call duration and includes 10.5p per minute being the average cost payable to a service provider to access the Primus Network.
Subject to status and acceptance. Terms and conditions apply. The Customer must also pay his service provider a call charge to access the Primus Network. Comparisons and prices correct as at 05/02/04 and include VAT. Rates are only available to mobile phone users dialling from the UK.
Global Call SaverTM has full redundancy. The Primus International Network Operations Centre (INOC) proactively monitors both call-routing and access numbers. In the unlikely event of an access number failing, the Primus INOC will automatically update all users via SMS.
The PTL 888 will work on any national mobile GSM network with any SIM. The consumer is completely free to select their national service provider and can now enjoy the benefits of Primus’s Global network.
“The handset and service has been developed to address a major disparity in the market -- the excessive costs mobile customers have to pay for international calls,” said Andrew Reid, UK Managing Director of Primus Telecommunications.
“By using our new service, those customers may save up to 80% of the cost charged on their regular in-country mobile outbound international calls. Now available in Europe, we are particularly pleased with the PTL888 because it enables us to capitalize on the fast growing mobile phone segment, which has been credited with taking share away from the fixed line market.”
Mobile phone users can subscribe to PRIMUS’ Mobile Gateway Service even though they may not be using PRIMUS’ own handset. The Global Call SaverTM Service is an example of how PRIMUS intends to cost-effectively grow its share of wireless international telecommunications market by offering potential and existing customers both basic and value added services at reasonable rates while ensuring a high quality of service.
The Primus PTL 888 retails for £119.99* is available from www.primusmobiles.com or by calling 0800 036 9886.
* Price correct as at 05/02/04 and includes VAT
Ends.
Please contact:
For further information or to receive a PTL888 to review please contact:
Antony Poppleton at Lehmann Communications
Tel 0207 266 3020 email ap@lehmanncommunications.com
Credit: WebitPR
