Review of Truphone

[davidtheprof]

though to be honest I'm surprised their business has survived this long, given the excruciatingly slow rollout to more countries. I don't understand if its technical or contractual issues, Abroadband managed to launch with dozens of countries in February (data only).

[rfranzq]

Originally Posted by davidtheprof

....the excruciatingly slow rollout to more countries.................. Abroadband managed to launch with dozens of countries in February (data only).

My impression of Tru is that they are well capitalized for a company of their size. The 'slow rollout' is of great pain to them also. The no membership fee thing will be nice as more countries come online. As soon as they get some golden countries they will have an amazing product.

Who knows how long it took Abroadband to get their idea out to market?

Starting a telecom company is not for the faint of heart. Waiting for dozens of countries or two before starting is no doubt a terrifying choice when no money is coming in.

[rfranzq]

Did not want to start a new thread so I have put this here.
A long while ago, Tru announced that they were charging 1 minute rates on all calls. My US to US experience was that US outbound calls were charged a minimum of 30 seconds ==9cents. Received calls were always 1 minute =17cents. In the last month or so that has changed. Outbound calls are now also charged the one minute rate of 17cents.
[This is all US$ and for US to US calls.]

I had been making short outbound calls to keep my [8] SIMs alive. I will be sending SMSs now.

[davidtheprof]

Tru is still a decent option for PAYG in the US for a short trip, esp. if you need data - have lent a visiting friend a tru sim in an old samsung Vibrant. 15c/MB for data, Piranha wants 40c/MB.

[gkeeper]

Originally Posted by davidtheprof

Tru is still a decent option for PAYG in the US for a short trip, esp. if you need data - have lent a visiting friend a tru sim in an old samsung Vibrant. 15c/MB for data, Piranha wants 40c/MB.

Hi, are you sure it’s only 15 US cents per MB. I have used both Sims and I was charged £0.20 per MB with Truphone and £0.25 Per MB with Piranha, I prefer to use my Piranha Sim in the US as it has cheaper outgoing and incoming calling rates with same SMS rates, but that is a personal preference. I am UK based.

[rfranzq]

Originally Posted by gkeeper

Hi, are you sure it’s only 15 US cents per MB. I have used both Sims and I was charged £0.20 per MB with Truphone and £0.25 Per MB with Piranha, I prefer to use my Piranha Sim in the US as it has cheaper outgoing and incoming calling rates with same SMS rates, but that is a personal preference. I am UK based.

Two issues:
1. US rates are

Rates shown in U.S dollars are exclusive of all applicable taxes and surcharges.

US rates 15cents is really 17cents.

2. You UK SIM rate is:

Data usage will be: £0.20/MB

UK rate _is_ £0.20/MB.

Everyone is right, kinda!

[gkeeper]

Originally Posted by rfranzq

Two issues:
1. US rates are US rates 15cents is really 17cents.

2. You UK SIM rate is:

UK rate _is_ £0.20/MB.

Everyone is right, kinda!

if i am reading this right you are saying, there is one rate for US citizens and one for UK citizens, this all seems a little confusing and if they are defining cost on which country you come from a bit disturbing. I take the same applies in reverse. If this is the case I think I will stick with my Piranha Sim.