GuestLogix and Forum Telecom launch Product to Combat Roaming Charges

GuestLogix and Forum Telecom Ltd, New York, have reached an agreement that will allow airline passengers to save on international roaming and long-distance charges when using a mobile phone in a foreign country. The service will soon be offered by airlines through GuestLogix latest merchandising program, OnTouch Minutes On the Go.

OnTouch Minutes On the Go is designed to serve international passengers with a convenient and money-saving solution, complete with phone and or SIM card with long-distance minutes.

Customers can call from anywhere to anywhere for much less than typical out of country roaming charges, including countries in Asia Pacific such as India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Travellers are provided a telephone number with each package, and have the option to use their existing mobile phone number.

The new phone service is being made available through GuestLogix’ OnTouch merchandising platform which is now being deployed on different airlines. Information about the phone package will be found in literature onboard and through announcements during flight. Passengers purchasing the service will receive a voucher with information on where to pick up the phone at the airport or how it will be shipped to their final destination, how to register with the network and how to top up mobile minutes for longer use.

“A minute on a personal mobile phone in London UK can sometimes cost US$5.00 when international roaming charges and taxes are included,” said Tom Douramakos, President and CEO, GuestLogix. “We’re eliminating these annoying charges forever and allowing airlines to participate in the savings through a new onboard revenue stream. This is yet another great opportunity for airlines to improve their bottom line while improving their customers’ travel experience.”

The basic package includes a 2-G style phone, a SIM card and minutes of anywhere talk time. Low cost minutes can be topped up automatically or manually via a website or call. SIM cards with minutes can also be purchased separately.

“We have successfully trialed our phone package offer with a major carrier and we’re looking forward to launching this service to the world’s leading airlines with GuestLogix and its expanding OnTouch merchandising platform,” said Russell Brown, Managing Director, Forum Telecom. “Together, we provide a clear value proposition for both airlines and passengers at a time when consumers are especially looking to reduce the cost of travel.”

OnTouch is the new merchandising platform developed by GuestLogix to leverage its onboard retail transaction platform. Airlines can mix and match OnTouch products and services to provide unique customer value propositions, drive deeper passenger engagement, and produce new profitable revenues.

For example, airlines will soon have the option to combine OnTouch Minutes On the Go with the soon to be released OnTouch Concierge Everywhere service in a unique web-enabled mobile phone offer with phone minutes, a data plan and a subscription to Concierge Everywhere which provides itinerary management and other destination-relevant offers.

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