This app lets you make free calls without an internet connection

Hush. No one tell South Africa’s mobile networks about this. Swedish mobile communications service Rebtel this week announced a new in-app feature that allows users to make free international calls without an internet connection.

The service, which costs US$1 a month, works by hijacking local phone lines and, according to Rebtel, the call quality is as clear as it would be with a conventional landline call. The new feature adds to Rebtel’s existing offerings, which allow people to make unlimited app to phone calls, app to app calls, and the ability to call any phone in the world via Wi-Fi when traveling abroad.

“At Rebtel, we’re redefining the way we communicate via calling in the same way WhatsApp overtook text messaging. By taking back the phone lines from the corporations and putting it in the hands of the consumers, we’re allowing them to connect with anyone they want in the world. Our wifi-free calling service provides the best possible call quality at the lowest price, and having already completed over 1 billion minutes in calls abroad yearly, we’re ready to break even more boundaries.” said Rebtel CEO Magnus Larsson.

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According to a press release sent to Memeburn, the service is available to users in more than 50 countries and and covers around a quarter of the world’s population.

In addition to the app launch, Rebtel will unveil a complete remake of the brand including logo, product design, and communications with the help of the creative team behind VICE.

“Our mission is to turn the telecommunications business on its head and to change Rebtel’s digital business model to reflect an independent modern service that matches a user’s desire. The need for people to call across the world has never been greater. Right now, we’re seeing huge migrations internationally and the big cities are becoming even bigger melting pots. We are creating a brand for these people and our app is making the experience of connecting truly borderless,” said Rebtel CMO Fredrik Wrahme.

The app is available on iOS and Android.