Vyke turns off data roaming for its VoIP users

12 December 2011

There is some talk around about how operators might manage the integration of "carrier WiFi" into the overall user experience. Do users get bumped to WiFi automatically if it is available? If so, would they care about that, or actually welcome the measure?

But one aspect where it could certainly come in handy is when roaming - making sure that cellular data roaming is only invoked where necessary, or where the user opts in. And it's not just operators that need to consider the impact of data roaming charges. VoIP provider Vyke has introduced an Android app that will disable use of its service unless the user is connected on a WiFi network.   The app is designed to stop users racking up data charges whilst thinking they are being smart by using a VoIP app.

The app's principal features are automatic detection of roaming when travelling abroad with prompts that allows users to choose how they want to call or text while away and a ‘welcome home’ message on return. As soon as Vyke detects roaming it automatically alerts the user to select one of two options – standard Vyke or VykeAbroad.  Selecting standard Vyke will incur roaming charges when connecting over a 3G network. However by selecting VykeAbroad, users can limit or eliminate altogether any roaming charges.

VykeAbroad without Vyke’s ‘callback or call@’ options automatically restricts connections to WiFi calling over Vyke’s interface without any risk of incurring outgoing or incoming roaming charges.

VykeAbroad with ‘callback/call@’ does not restrict use to WiFi only but limits roaming charges. Use of ‘callback’ incurs a small roaming charge in setting up the call over the user’s normal data connection and then restricts further roaming to incoming charges only, which Vyke says are cheaper than outgoing ones. Vyke’s ‘call@’ option allows users with access to a local landline abroad, to set up calls from phones anywhere in the world by sending a small data package, the only roaming cost involved.

Although the new VykeAbroad feature is limited to Android phones for the time being with a further release in Q1 for other handset makes, there are standard Vyke apps for most handsets using other operating systems.

“Vyke pioneered mobile VoIP apps in Europe and our new VkyeAbroad feature reinforces our commitment to reducing the cost of international calling and texting from mobile phones.  As the European Commission has recognised, exorbitant roaming charges are a source of serious concern and irritation to mobile users and our new app is designed to make the avoidance of these charges where possible absolutely foolproof,” said Vyke Chief  Executive Tore Hellebo.