It was a GSM SIM-based mobile service that provides bundles of minutes, text and data to business customers for use in an area of 66 countries.
Truphone was originally formed to develop downloadable mobile VoIP applications for smartphones, using the integrated Wi-Fi connection on the device.
[10] These offered the ability to make free or low cost calls on the mobile device in areas where there is weak or no GSM coverage, and to send Instant Messages to other networks in partnership with the multimillion-dollar Air Voice Telecommunications Group.
In December 2024, German Manager Magazin revealed that Russian oligarchs Abramovich, Abramov, and Frolov, who previously owned 96% of Truphone, still benefit from 1Global's success.
This could lead to a situation where, under certain circumstances, such as an IPO, a sum in the triple-digit millions will still flow to the Russian oligarchs.
Truphone used these local points of presence (POPs) to reduce the distance that mobile traffic has to travel.
Truphone offered local rates for calls, texts and data through commercial arrangements with mobile network operators in 66 countries around the world.
[49] In addition to the roaming service, Truphone offers mobile call and SMS recording service to financial institutions in the UK and US to comply with the mobile recording legislation from the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform Act.
International mobile traffic is routed through the nearest point of presence, this reduction in physical distance reduces call interference and latency, and increases data throughput.
[59] Text messages could be sent from Tru app versions for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Nokia; as well as Apple Mac OS, Windows and Linux.
According to an email to its user base from Director of Service & Operations, Paula Booth, Truphone "took this hard decision to allow us focus on our core business".
[ Update per website 2023-12-22 ] Due to changes in payment systems, consumer prepaid service top-ups are no longer supported; after 180 days of no usage such accounts are terminated.