Here's a press release that I found very timely. This morning I had the chance to chat with Stephane Marceau from MOBIVOX on the phone about what they're doing. I'll be working on that podcast later this evening and posting it up online. In the meantime, here's some news.

NINE MORE COUNTRIES GET FREE INTERNATIONAL CALLING FROM ANY PHONE

Expanded access, new web site features make connecting to your world easier than ever

MONTREAL – Oct. 17, 2007 – MOBIVOX today announced an extension of its free calling service to nine new countries, expanding the opportunities for members to use the international calling service from anywhere, on any phone.

MOBIVOX members can now connect for free to fellow MOBIVOX members in over 40 destinations from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia and El Salvador. MOBIVOX has also added local MOBIVOX numbers in 31 new cities in Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Spain.

After registering at www.mobivox.com and uploading contacts, MOBIVOX members dial a local MOBIVOX number to connect with friends and family a world away. Upon calling, members simply say the name of who they want to talk to – no need for a calling card and PIN numbers; computers, special software or complex downloads. MOBIVOX members talk to each other for free in over 40 destinations, so the new local numbers expand the areas from which calls to friends and family can be placed. Additionally, the calls can be placed from any phone – mobile or landline. Members only pay for the local call when calling other members.

"At MOBIVOX, we envision a world where dialing one local number directly connects you to your world. The good news? We're there now," said Stephane Marceau, CEO of MOBIVOX. "This is just the start. We're dedicated to making international calling easy, convenient and inexpensive in order to eliminate the barriers between you and your loved ones."

To coincide with these new offerings, MOBIVOX has launched a newly designed website with simple step-by-step instructions that makes signing up and connecting with family and friends even more convenient. The site also encourages visitors to try the service by placing a free 10 minute call from any phone to any phone – anywhere in the world.

The new website also enables members to now import their contacts from Gmail and Outlook, in addition to Skype.

“It’s easier than ever for our members to call their family and friends – wherever in the world they may be. Combined with the new website and features, we are confident that there is no better way to stay close to those you love,” said Marceau.

MOBIVOX is an international calling service that makes it possible to call friends and family around the world for free from ANY phone. Calls are free to over 40 destinations and members save up to 98% on all other international calls.

Mobivox is privately held company whose investors include: IDG Ventures Boston, IDG Venture Investment China, IDG Ventures Vietnam, Brightspark and Skypoint.

See how free calls between MOBIVOX users work at www.mobivox.com/help/FAQ/ .

For more information, please visit http://www.mobivox.com/ .

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About MOBIVOX
MOBIVOX makes it possible to call family and friends around the world for free, from ANY phone. Just call a local MOBIVOX number and say who you’d like to speak with. No calling cards and long numbers to remember. No need for a computer, special software or complex downloads. With global availability, MOBIVOX means more freedom to share experiences with those you care about no matter where you or they may be.