Social Newsroom

 

New Rebtel Survey Projects 58.8 Million Americans Now Calling Abroad and Spending $23.8 Billion Annually

San Francisco, USA & Stockholm, Sweden – November 5, 2010 - Rebtel, the world’s largest independent mobile VoIP company, today announced part two of a two-part survey conducted on their behalf by Harris Interactive online in September, which measured consumer sentiment on International calling services and providers.

According to the study, 1 in 4 U.S adults make international calls, and of those who spend money to make such calls, the average spend is approximately $34 every month. With an estimated 235 million U.S. adults, this works out to roughly 58.8 million Americans shelling out nearly $1.98 billion on international calls outside of the U.S. monthly and $23.8 billion annually.

For adults who make international calls, the majority do so using a landline (51%), either a traditional landline service provider (42%) and/or a VoIP service such as Vonage (12%). Another 44% make international phone calls via their mobile phones, through carrier calling rates (25%), special long distance packages (20%), and/or a VoIP service/application (9%). Another 25% of those who make international phone calls do so using their computer through software based services like Skype, while 20% use calling cards and 4% use something else.

“The international calling industry for calling from the U.S. abroad is now estimated at a $23.8 billion market,” said Andreas Bernstrom, CEO of Rebtel. “Over the next few years we believe this will shift in a dramatic way, to low calling solutions on mobile phones away from the landline.”

Men call Mars. Women call Venus.

• Of those who make international phone calls men are more likely than women to do so via their computer through software based services like Skype (31% vs. 19% respectively).

• Men are more likely than women to say that if they were going to change the way they make international phone calls they would switch to use their mobile phone VoIP service/application (10% vs. 2% respectively) or a landline (26% vs. 10% respectively).

• Men are more likely than women to say they make video calls (16% vs. 11% respectively). Of men and women who do make video calls, men are also more likely than women to say that they would be willing to pay a monthly fee to be able to do so (42% vs. 24% respectively).

Ethnic breakdown: General U.S populations vs. Hispanic and Black/African American respondents

The study also took a look at two of the most heavily represented ethnic groups and found that Hispanic respondents led the way in international calls with 36% saying they make them, whereas only 26% of the Black/African American respondents said they make calls internationally.

Have a smartphone with an application for international calling:

Hispanic respondents – 14%

Black/African American respondents – 14%

U.S / General population – 8%

Make video phone calls:

Hispanic respondents – 22%

U.S / General population – 14%

Black/African American respondents – 10%

Those who make video calls would be willing to pay a monthly fee for the service:

Hispanic respondents – 58%

Black/African American respondents – 37%

U.S / General population – 34%

For those who spend money to make calls, the average spent per month is:

Hispanic respondents – $46

Black/African American respondents – $35

U.S. / General population – $34

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Rebtel from September 1 – 3, 2010 among 2,258 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Eric Gonzalez at eric@vscconsulting.com.

By: Alex Drewniak, November 10th, 2010 Tags: , , , ,

A Massive 56% Of Consumer Who Make International Calls Are Looking To Switch Services According To New Survey

San Francisco, USA & Stockholm, SWEDEN – September 28, 2010 – Rebtel, the world’s largest independent mobile VoIP company, today announced part one of a two-part September 2010 survey conducted on their behalf by Harris Interactive online, which measured consumer sentiment on long distance calling services and providers.

According to responses, a strong majority (56%) of U.S. adults who make intertional phone calls would switch the way they make them. The study also found that more than 2 in 5 of these adults (43%) say they would switch to using their mobile phone to make those calls. “The message seems clear, consumers want to change their existing provider and change to calling from a mobile hand-set,” said Andreas Bernstrom, CEO of Rebtel.

According to responses, a strong majority (56%) of U.S. adults who make intertional phone calls are would switch the way they make them.

Of the adults who said they would switch to their mobile phone, 19% said they would switch to using special long distance packages, while 16% said they would switch to using their mobile phone using regular carrier calling rates. A surprising 11% said they would use a VoIP service/application.

“This signals a major opportunity for calling companies and services to capture a majority of the U.S. consumer market. Our findings demonstrate that international calling is a wide open market for innovative and inexpensive calling services, and will allow services like Google Voice to pose a real threat to operators.”

In terms of video calls, 14% of Americans said they currently make them, with a staggering 34% of respondents saying they would be willing to pay a monthly fee. “This opens up a new, non-ad based revenue model for providers like Skype who are looking to monetize on their video services”, said Bernstrom. Of those that replied ‘yes’ to paying for these calls, 15% said they would be willing to pay under $5, with 7% stating they would be willing to spend between $5 and $10 a month. 6% said they would spend more than $10, and another 6% said they would be willing to pay no matter what the cost.

In terms of video calls, 14% of Americans said they currently make them, with a staggering 34% of respondents saying they would be willing to pay a monthly fee.

Of those that replied ‘yes’ to paying for these calls, 44% said they would be willing to pay under $5, with 21% stating they would be willing to spend between $5 and $10 a month. 18% said they would spend more than $10, and 17% said they would be willing to pay no matter what the cost.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Rebtel from September 1 – 3, 2010 among 2,258 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Eric Gonzalez at eric@vscconsulting.com.

By: Alex Drewniak, September 28th, 2010 Tags: , , , ,

Widespread Fraud By Calling Cards Exposed In First-Ever Report On U.S. Calling Habits To Trinidad And Tobago

San Francisco – September 7 – People in the U.S. who use international calling cards to stay in touch with family and friends in Trinidad and Tobago said they almost never get all of the calling minutes purchased, and that calling card fraud has cheated some of them by as much as $1,000.

The first-ever report on calling habits to Trinidad and Tobago from the U.S. revealed that 75.3% believe they received fewer minutes than promised by calling cards.  The average loss due to fraudulent cards was $90, the study found, but many respondents said the total sum lost was far greater.

Conducted during August 2010 by Rebtel, the first-ever research uncovered fascinating facts and findings on U.S. calling habits to Trinidad and Tobago.

Nearly two-thirds – 61.2% – of Rebtel calls to Trinidad and Tobago that originate in the U.S. go to family members; 36.5% go to friends; only 2.4% go to business associates. Calling rates are hands-down the most important aspect of international calling among survey respondents, with call quality second.

Among survey participants, 73.2% said Rebtel rates are better than alternatives for calling Trinidad and Tobago.  Almost 71% said Rebtel offers superior call quality.

For calling Trinidad and Tobago, 96.5% of survey respondents said they would recommend Rebtel to friends.

Release of the study coincides with dramatic rate reductions by Rebtel on calls to Trinidad and Tobago: a 72% cut on calls to landlines and up to 22% on calls to mobile phones.

Founded in 2006, Stockholm-based Rebtel was established to give people around the world an alternative to rip-off phone cards’ rates for making international calls.

By: Alex Drewniak, September 9th, 2010 Tags: , , , , , ,

Free Calls To And From Dominican Republic

Stockholm – July 19, 2010 – Dominicans are again able to call any phone, anywhere in the world for just pennies per minute, and make free calls to loved ones in 50 countries – including the U.S. – now that Rebtel service has been restored.

The international calling service provided by Rebtel, the world’s largest independent mobile VoIP company, can be used with any phone, just the way it is, and without any modification to the customer’s current phone plan.

There is no charge to set up a Rebtel account. Everyone gets a free five minute call to test the service. Thereafter, subscribers only pay for the minutes they use, and on average realize savings of up to 95 percent compared to traditional long-distance rates.

Rebtel’s low-cost calls from the Dominican Republic to any phone in the United States, where Dominicans now represent the fifth largest Hispanic group, cost just $0.015 USD per minute

Smart Calls between the Dominican Republic and the 50 other countries served by Rebtel are always free, and only one of the two people on a call must be a Rebtel subscriber.

“With more than 1 million Dominicans living and working in the U.S., Rebtel is the cheapest, easiest way to keep in touch with your loved ones and now you can even make that international call for free,” said Andreas Bernström, Rebtel CEO.

Rebel with a cause
Founded in 2006, Stockholm-based Rebtel took its name from its rebel stance in the telecom industry. Its vision was to replace fraudulent calling cards, cumbersome computer calling, and operators’ expensive international calling plans with the world’s first genuinely good, honest, trustworthy, and easy-to-use global international calling service.

The company’s mission was equally simple and straightforward: Make reliable, high-quality international calling extremely cheap or free worldwide.

Unlike Skype, which requires international calls to be made over Wi-Fi, a fixed Internet connection, or a $99 per month Verizon plan, Rebtel works with any phone – landline, feature phone, or smart phone – for just the low price of the call.

“Four million Rebtel customers pay only for the minutes they use – or make free calls – and you can too,” said Bernström. “It’s time to join the Rebtel revolution like millions have done worldwide, and just say, no, to fraudulent calling cards, fiddly computer calling, and carriers’ expensive international calling plans.”

By: zuzia, July 19th, 2010 Tags: , , , ,

Free Calling To Canada During Canada Day On The 1st of July

Stockholm – June 28, 2010 – Celebrate Canada Day, call home all day on the 1st of July free of charge.

Rebtel, the world’s largest independent mobile VoIP company, is offering unlimited free calling to Canada from 48 countries in celebration of Canada Day from Newfoundland Daylight Saving time (UTC – 2.5) to Pacific Daylight Saving Time (UTC – 7).

“Rebtel was founded to be the best way to stay connected to your loved ones without paying too much and since Canada day is a big celebration for our users we want to help them re-connect by making the calling free on that day. We also want to show people calling Canada that you can just call as normal with local numbers from Rebtel and save up to 95%.” said Andreas Bernström, Rebtel’s CEO. “We have over four million users who stay in touch with their loved ones using our services from over 190 countries.”

Rebel with a cause

Founded in 2006, Stockholm-based Rebtel took its name from its rebel stance in the telecom industry. Its vision was to replace fraudulent calling cards, cumbersome computer calling, and operators’ expensive international calling plans with the world’s first genuinely good, honest, trustworthy, and easy-to-use global international calling service.

The company’s mission was equally simple and straightforward: Make reliable, high-quality international calling extremely cheap or free worldwide.

Unlike Skype, which requires international calls to be made over Wi-Fi, a fixed Internet connection, or a $99 per month Verizon plan, Rebtel works with any phone landline, feature phone, or smart phone.

Today, millions of people around the world use Rebtel every day to call family at home.

By: Alex Drewniak, June 28th, 2010 Tags: , , , ,

Free Calling To The U.S. During Independence Day On The 4th of July

Stockholm – June 28, 2010 – Celebrate Independence Day, call home all day, free of charge on the 4th of July.

Rebtel, the world’s largest independent mobile VoIP company, is offering unlimited free calling to the U.S. from 48 countries in celebration of the American Independence Day. Free calling is offered from Eastern Standard Time (UTC – 5) to PST = Pacific Standard Time (UTC – 8) (State of Alaska and Hawaii excluded).

“We know it’s important to stay in touch with your friends or loved ones without paying too much and that is why Rebtel was founded. Since Independence Day is a big celebration for our users we want to help them re-connect by making the calling free on that day. We also want to show people calling the United States that you can just call as normal with local numbers from Rebtel and save up to 95%.” said Andreas Bernström, Rebtel’s CEO. “We are growing rapidly and have over four million users who stay in touch with their friends or loved ones using our services from over 190 countries.”

Rebel with a cause

Founded in 2006, Stockholm-based Rebtel took its name from its rebel stance in the telecom industry. Its vision was to replace fraudulent calling cards, cumbersome computer calling, and operators’ expensive international calling plans with the world’s first genuinely good, honest, trustworthy, and easy-to-use global international calling service.

The company’s mission was equally simple and straightforward: Make reliable, high-quality international calling extremely cheap or free worldwide. Unlike Skype, which requires international calls to be made over Wi-Fi, a fixed Internet connection, or a $99 per month Verizon plan, Rebtel works with any phone landline, feature phone, or smart phone.

Today, millions of people around the world use Rebtel every day to call family at home.

By: Alex Drewniak, June 28th, 2010 Tags: , , , ,

Cameroonians In U.S. Keep International Calls Home Short And Sweet

San Francisco – April 15, 2010 – A new study issued this month shows several remarkable changes in the ways people in the U.S. are communicating with family and friends in the central western African Republic of Cameroon.

The research, provided by the Internet phone company, Rebtel, shows several fascinating facts and findings based on its calling volume in the first three months of 2010.

  • Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays are the days that most Cameroonians abroad call home.
  • The largest number of calls to Cameroon from the U.S. originate in Maryland, Texas, Georgia and California.
  • The vast majority of calls go to mobile phones vs. landlines.
  • Average call duration to Cameroon from the U.S. is just 5.6 minutes.
  • Among the more than 1,000 survey respondents, 85.9% of calls are to family, 12.3% are to friends, and only 1.8% call business associates in Cameroon, where MTM Mobile and Orange Mobile are the hands-down leading mobile phone providers.

Top U.S. Cities Calling Cameroon:

  1. West Maryland (Silver Spring, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Camp Springs, Prince George’s County)
  2. Houston, Tx.
  3. Atlanta, Ga. and suburbs
  4. Oklahoma City
  5. East Maryland (Baltimore, Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay area, Ocean City)
  6. Dallas, Tx.
  7. Washington, D.C.
  8. St. Paul, Minn.
  9. West Los Angeles (Beverly Hills, West Hollywood)
  10. Fort Worth, Tx.

“Reliable and clear connections, combined with service ease of use and low rates are driving a significant increase in international calling to Cameroon from the U.S. on Rebtel,” said Andreas Bernström, Rebtel CEO.

Of the Cameroonians participating in the survey, 78.8% said Rebtel call quality was noticeably better than other phone services for calling family in Cameroon; 86% said Rebtel was easier to use.  And just over half – 50.2% – said Rebtel rates consistently beat the competition.

Starting this month Rebtel, which works with any carrier or phone, cut its calling rates to 15.5 cents per minute to landlines in Cameroon and 20 cents per minute to mobile phones, representing a 3% and 15% reduction respectively.

By comparison, Skype charges 32.8 cents per minute to landlines in Cameroon and 31.4 to mobile phones.  AT&T charges 49 cents per minute to landlines in Cameroon and 61 to mobile phones for customers who pay $3.99 a month for an international calling plan.  And calling cards, which promise outlandishly low rates per minute, are tough to figure out actual cost because the small print reveals hidden charges such as 3 minute rounding, per minute surcharges, connection fees, and weekly fees.

Founded in 2006, Stockholm-based Rebtel was established to give people around the world an alternative to mobile operators’ rip-off rates for making international calls. Today, thousands of Cameroonians living in the U.S. use Rebtel every day to call family at home.

Rebtel has been ranked No.1 in international calling by Technology Appraisals and has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and The International Herald Tribune for its unique calling service.

By: Alex Drewniak, April 15th, 2010 Tags: , , , ,

Overseas Filipinos Cheated by Calling Cards Switch to Internet Calling

STOCKHOLM – March 18, 2010 – The average overseas Filipino has been cheated out of hundreds of dollars by calling cards that don’t deliver the minutes promised, according to new research by Rebtel, the Internet phone company used by more than 4 million people every day for their international calls.

Overseas Filipinos said they were cheated out of $500 on average by fraudulent calling cards, and many said they had been ripped off for up to $3,500 or more, according to Rebtel’s survey of more than 1,000 customers who regularly use Rebtel to call the Philippines.

As of December 2008 there were more than 7.5 million Filipinos working abroad, the most recent figures available from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. Wikipedia puts the numbers between 8.7 million to 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, equivalent to about 11 percent of the total population of the Philippines.

Sick and tired of calling card fraud, overseas Filipinos said they switched to Internet-based calling services like Rebtel, that starting today lets them call home for just 0.109 USD/min to landlines, 0.129 USD/min to mobiles.

Of the Rebtel customers who previously used calling cards to stay in touch with calling family and friends at home, 61 percent said calling cards were not trustworthy and 72 percent said they regularly received fewer minutes than promised.

In contrast, 76 percent of survey respondents said Rebtel consistently offered lower rates than calling cards or other international calling services. And, because there are no special PIN numbers to remember or long international phone numbers to enter when using Rebtel, 83 percent of respondents said Rebtel was easier to use. Finally, 71 percent said call quality is better or much better with Rebtel than any of the cards or services the survey participants had used previously.

“No one makes calling the Philippines from 50 countries around the world easier, cheaper, or with better sound quality than Rebtel,” said Andreas Bernstrom, CEO of Stockholm-based Rebtel. “Call your family and friends at home and use any phone you like – mobile or landline. These are the world’s lowest calling rates to the Philippines, bar none.”

By: admin, March 18th, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , ,

First-ever Report On International Communications Habits of Kenyans In US

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – December 22, 2009 - A new study issued this month shows several remarkable changes in the ways Kenyans in the U.S. are communicating with loved ones and family in Kenya. The research provided by Rebtel, based on its calling volume from January 1, 2009 to November 1, 2009, shows several key findings. Findings Conclude More People Are Calling Kenya More Often; Service Ease of Use and Call Quality More Important than Lower Costs to Kenya Callers

Perhaps expectedly, Sunday is the most popular day that Kenyans in the U.S. call their homeland. Texas followed by Minnesota, Georgia, Maryland and California make up the most active states calling Kenya. But surprisingly, Wichita, Kansas is the No.1 city on the list where calls to Kenya originate. Nairobi and Mombasa are the top two destination cities, of course.  But the vast majority of calls are now going to mobile phones in Kenya rather than landlines.

As of November 1, 2009, of those surveyed:
Kenyans in the U.S. spend just over 100 minutes per month – a little more than an hour-and-a-half – on their monthly calls to Kenya.
Calls are going to friends and families more often on their cell phones with service provided by Safaricom Mobile and Kencel Mobile vs. landlines.

Top Kenyan Phone Lines Receiving Calls from the U.S.:

  1. Nairobi
  2. Other destinations in Kenya
  3. Mombasa

Top U.S. Cities Calling Kenya:

  1. Wichita, Kansas
  2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  3. Dallas, Texas
  4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
  5. Fort Worth, Texas
  6. Raleigh, North Carolina
  7. Atlanta, Georgia
  8. Rochester, Minnesota
  9. Kansas City, Missouri
  10. Houston, Texas

“Low rates combined with the most reliable and clear connections are driving the increase in international calling to Kenya,” said Rebtel CEO Andreas Bernström.
Of callers participating in the survey, 58.4% said Rebtel is easier to use than other international calling services and 48.2% said Rebtel’s call quality is much better than other services.
Nearly 78% of all calls to Kenya with Rebtel go to family members, respondents said.
Founded in 2006, Stockholm-based Rebtel was established to give people around the world an alternative to mobile operators’ rip-off rates for making international calls. Today, thousands of people living in the U.S. use Rebtel to call Kenya for $0.083 per minute to landlines or $0.109 per minute to mobile phones.
Rebtel has been ranked No.1 in international calling by Technology Appraisals and has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and The International Herald Tribune for its unique calling service.

By: Alex Drewniak, December 22nd, 2009 Tags: , , , , , , , , ,