O2 has launched its own VoIP service, called TU GO, enabling O2 pay-monthly customers to send texts and make calls on any internet-connected device using their existing number.
The TU GO app is free to download, but calls and texts made using the app come from the customer’s existing O2 Pay Monthly tariff allowances. Installing the app allows users to use their existing number over an internet connection on compatible devices, which range from Apple devices like the iPad mini, Android handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S3 to PCs running Windows 7 only.
“Customers can now take their mobile number wherever they like, even away from their mobile,” said Sally Cowdry, Marketing and Consumer Director at O2 UK. “TU Go lets you take a call on a tablet, pick up text messages on a PC and have conversations in paces with Wi-Fi coverage but no mobile signal. We’re letting nothing stand between our customers and their number.”
Combining VoIP and the O2 mobile network, the Skype rivalling TU Go app syncs call data across all devices with the app installed giving customers access to their call history, address books and text conversations across all devices.
“TU Go is a clear demonstration of the way we are bringing new technological possibilities to our customers – taking access to our mobile network beyond the mobile phone,” added Cowdry. “While it is still in its early stages, and TU Go is a first step, we have plans to develop the services we can offer using this platform – bringing our customers an ever-wider range of digital services on a wider range of devices.”
When the TU Go app user receive a call the TU Go app will cause all connected devices to ring, and text messages will appear on all devices too. Using either a 3G or Wi-Fi connection, TU Go app users can connect up to five devices to the service for increased flexibility, especially if their smartphone battery has died.
Texts and calls will be received by non-app users in the same way as normal, so users’ contacts won’t notice the difference.
“Just as consumers’ demands of what their handset can do – and what they use it for – have changed, so we think their demands of their network will change,” concluded Cowdry.
“TU Go is a statement of intent from O2: that we will continue to develop services that meet the existing demands of our customers and will go beyond those creating new products that open their eyes to the possibilities that mobile technology can deliver.”
The O2 TU Go app can be downloaded from the O2 website, and is initially available exclusive to O2 Pay Monthly customers.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
