New handset offers cost savings to SMEs

Johannesburg, 03 Mar 2005

A cost-saving handset focused on the small business and home user market has been released by eTel, the telecoms arm of Pinnacle Micro.

The GoFone is based on Tellumat`s M762 dual network telephone, and has been modified with eTel`s international call back functionality.

According to the company`s technical director, Herman Cremer, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has granted approval for the GoFone, as it makes use of SMS-based call back instead of traditional call back.

"This means that the user can call any international number by simply lifting the handset and making a call, and can expect to connect within 20 seconds," says Cremer.

"The least cost routing function means the handset can route calls over a GSM network, fixed lines, or eTel`s own network intelligently, meaning that it can assess the time of day and available tariffs, choosing the cheapest route for the call."

He claims that the phone also offers per-second billing on GSM and can cut international call costs by some 60% and cellular costs by around 30%.

"The GoFone incorporates all the functionality of a typical mobile phone, including a voicemail service, phone book, SMS function, a hands-free mode, PIN-locking, selectable ring tones and a configurable alarm button," says Cremer.

"Anyone spending R900 or more per month on telephony costs - which will most notably be players in the SME market or private household users - should see a return on investment within one month, should they replace their current handset with the GoFone."