Goldkist, a Singapore-based IT distributor, has launched i-phone, a product that allows users to make free international calls. The company has presently tied-up with Delhi-based Creative-E-Biz.Com for distributing the product in the country but is aggressively looking to add more channel partners.

"This is a new product and has hit the international market last month only. A few sets have been introduced into the Indian market for trial and demonstration, and the response has been very good," HD Gupta, Managing Director, Goldkist, said.

"Though the device works on Internet but it offers unsurpassed sound quality, it is almost like talking on local mobile phone. It works not only on dial up as well as broadband Internet but even behind firewalls, shared Internet connections, VPNs and routers. Besides, it has useful facilities like call forwarding, call transfer, caller ID, missed calls, last number redial, address book," he said.

While i-phone to i-Phone calls are absolutely free, phone user can still call on normal landline or mobile phone abroad of other person on very low rates. For example per minute rates are Hong Kong 1 cents, Singapore 2 cents, Europe/Taiwan/USA/China 3 cents and so on. It has online billing to keep track of the spending.

"The USP of the device is its retail price which is just Rs 6,990. It is targeted at the SME and SoHo segment and is apt for people who have to call up overseas regarding business discussions or need to speak to relatives, significantly reducing their cost of communication," he said. Goldkist i-Phone has six incoming lines enabling 6 party worldwide conferences to act as Global EPBAX making it a cost effective communication solution for Small and Medium size Enterprises.

Gupta said, "We are also in the process of appointing regional distributors and regional dealers who have a widespread reach in the country. We plan to appoint 30-40 distributors and 1000 resellers by the end of December."

Arun Kumar Yadav, Manager, Creative-E-Biz.Com, said, "The feedback that we have received on the product has been very positive. Other VoIP products that were launched earlier could not penetrate the market because of their high price. We intend to sell the product by creating awareness amongst the end users and have chalked out a vigorous marketing campaign for it." Creative-E-Biz.Com presently has 25 resellers in Delhi.

Goldkist aims to sell 100,000 units of i-phone in the current year and also palns to set up a back office in Delhi for after sales support.

Talk Back: Will i-Phone be a hit? Or will there be some regulatory concerns?