This week leading Mobile VoIP provider Truphone, announced that they had acquired the assets of SIM4travel, a mobile network operator. The acquisition will allow Truphone to leverage both SIM4travel’s travel SIM capability and its Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) platform making it possible for Truphone to offer low cost calling over cellular (GSM) and WiFi networks.

There are a few reasons this is big news:

1. Consumers will eventually be able to access Truphone’s services over multiple networks.
2. The integration of technology, will allow Truphone to possibly offer a Mobile VoIP solution to cellular providers.
3. It could mark the emergence of a new kind of cellular provider, one that offers global coverage at local calling rates.

It is number three that is the real game changer for Truphone. To date, cellular providers have been limited by geography.  The convergence of Truphone’s technology and that of SIM4travel has the legs to carry Truphone towards a new business model. Imagine a worldwide GSM provider. One who also offers service via WiFi networks and quite possible fixed IP lines at one flat rate, no matter where you are calling from or to. Interesting, huh?