Ringo launches cheapest local calling service at 19 paise per minute

Following the success of its international calling app, Ringo has launched a local calling app in India that levies the cheapest call rate of 19 paise per minute. The app enables a user to dial-in like in a telephone call, and even reach people who have not installed the app.

The app, which enables users to make calls to any landline or mobile in the country, comes without additional charges such as roaming, STD, or top-ups.

“The call rates are 90 per cent cheaper compared with most carriers and 25 per cent cheaper than most Internet-based calling apps. Further, it also offers 50 minutes of free talk time to first-time users and 50 additional minutes to a user who refers a friend,” said Ringo Chief Executive Officer and Founder Bhavin Turakhia.

“Ringo calls do not use data and this helps in containing prices. The app uses telephone networks instead of Internet and thus ensures superior voice calling and eliminates call drops,” said the serial entrepreneur.

Turakhia is the Chief Executive Officer of Directi group that comprises Flock, Ringo, Zeta, Media.net, Radix, and Codechef.com. Directi is a tech and Web products development company that he co-founded in 1998 with his brother Divyank Turakhia.

In January last year, Directi sold some of its brands – ResellerClub, LogicBoxes and BigRock, and Webhosting.info to Endurance International Group.

How does the app work?

Ringo does not use a subscriber’s talktime but initiates a call by connecting both the caller and the recipient over a bridge call. The company has also purchased minutes in bulk at extremely low prices and is passing on the savings to its customers. 

“Obviously, we won’t make money at 19 paise per minute, but we will launch many more services that will help in bringing in additional customers on our platforms. We expect these customers to use our premium services, from which revenues will flow in but at a later stage,” Turakhia added.

In January this year, Ringo launched an app that lowers international call costs by up to 90 per cent. Ringo does not require Wi-Fi, Internet, or carrier minutes, but uses a call flow algorithm to convert international calls to local ones.

rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in