Lebara currently has 5.3 million customers in Europe and Australia. It is looking to bring its services to another 11 nations, particularly North America, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, in the next three months however.
UK-based and founded Yoganathan Ratheesan, it is aiming to create a “digital hub” to allow people working far from their families to communicate and connect. Ratheesan aims to serve the global migrant community as the company feels it is an under-served market. The new app is built around this ethos.
Lebara Talk will be free to download but payment in the form of credit will be required to keep using the app. Users will get some free when the app is installed but more can be bought from convenience stores. Explaining the choice, Ratheesan said “From experience we know that not everyone has access to a bank account, which is why we partner with local stores who provide a cash top-up option. We’ve adopted this same approach with Lebara Talk to make the app as universally accessible as possible.”
In this way the app differs from commercialised business solutions like Broadconnect that are aimed solely at the Western markets. By making it possible to buy access with cash, Lebara has removed the barrier to communication for many people in just one move.
To be made available on Android and iOS smartphones and in eight languages including English, Mandarin, Arabic and Italian, the app promises quick and easy communication functionality with maximum accessibility. It works without a SIM card across all networks and is capable of supporting HD-quality video calls if connected to a WiFi network.
The app promises maximum reliability and performance in calls and transparent, simple rates for calls to nations overseas. It will also be possible to earn discounts to make your next top-up a little cheaper.
Lebara plans to double the number of outlet stores in which it is present to 500,000 across the next three months to public awareness of its products. It is also going to expand its services with more offerings in the next year including financial services and insurance to help migrants with.
