Vonage issues new Android app with VoIP calling 30 percent cheaper than Skype

9to5 Staff | Feb 8 2012 - 10:04 am PT

VoIP startup Vonage is determined to continue challenging Skype and other VoIP incumbents, so today it issued new Android and iOS clients, replacing the previous iPhone offerings Time to Call and Vonage Mobile application for Facebook. Dubbed “Vonage Mobile,” the new program boasts up to 30 percent lower international per-minute calling rates compared to its rival Skype. This is based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. Additionally, Vonage Mobile for Android offers as much as 70 percent lower rates compared to major wireless carriers.

Calling and texting other Vonage Mobile users or Vonage’s VoIP home or business customers is free, and outgoing calls are placed using the user’s existing cell phone number. You do not need to be a Vonage phone service customer to use the app. Calling credits are available for in-app purchase in increments of $4.99 and $9.99. Vonage Mobile is a free download for Android devices on Android Market in over a hundred countries. If you are interested in iOS version, check out a post at our parent site 9to5Mac.com.

Vonage Mobile features

Talk and Text for FREE, worldwide

Vonage Mobile is a free downloadable app that lets you talk and text worldwide for FREE with anyone else who has the app* (also available on Android).

App-to-App calls are made using high-definition audio which provides dramatically better voice quality than traditional cell phone calls. The app works over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G data networks worldwide.

In addition, when calling those who don’t have the app, you get ultra low-cost international calling with per-minute rates that are on average 70% less than major mobile carriers and 30% less than Skype**. Add calling credit directly from your iTunes® account.

Use your existing phone number and address book to show who already has the Vonage Mobile app and invite those who don’t. The more people you get to download the app, the more you can call and text for free.

You do NOT need to be a Vonage phone service customer to use the app. However, as an added benefit to all app users, calls to any Vonage number are also free.

Vonage Mobile combines the best of free voice and message services with exceptional high-definition audio, along with incredible value for traditional international calling, all while using your existing mobile phone number and address book, providing a better experience than competitive apps.

PLUS calls to any phone in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico from anywhere in the world will be free for a limited time.***

* Data rates may apply.
** Based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. Comparison reflects published rates of leading mobile carriers in markets representing the majority of iPhone and Android users.
*** Limited time free calling offer to the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico is for personal, non-commercial calling and excludes calls to certain geographic locations, premium and special services numbers, satellite telephony services and other call forwarding services. Not to exceed 3000 minutes per month.