Are you still calling or are you toolaniing?
Interview with Toolani executive Micheal Schöpfer
Lets' start from scratch - what's so new about toolani?
Michael Schöpfer:
New features of TOOLANI are that we connect Web 2.0 technology and classic line technology with the help of a self developed software. We call it TOOLANI Hybrid Optimazation Technology. It's a package that was developed over two years and that combines internet savings with call quality and reliable physic telephone lines.
What does this mean for the user?
Michael Schöpfer:
It means that TOOLANI is very cheap and very easy to use. The clever technology runs in the background without you noticing the difference to a standard call. You are calling with a normal telephone and call a normal local number. TOOLANI will then connect you for a few cents per minute to your desired country, worldwide, without time delay, fully automatic. You will save up to 90%.
"Whether you have a mobile contract or a pre paid card will not make any difference - simple toolani always works...'
So TOOLANI is a telephone provider with technology with a difference?
Michael Schöpfer:
Not only do we have a differnt technology, we also have a different approach. To keep it simple we are the specialists for international calls. Our main aim is to provide international calls, especially from mobile phones. So we exclusively concentrate on one thing - and therefore make the best of it. Being concentrated on one thing, our business plan is extremely efficient so we are capable of offering our customers the cheapest prices. You could say that TOOLANI is doing exactly the same thing as cheap airlines do in the airline industry. Instead of flying to New York for thousands of Euros you can now fly for just a few hundred. The only difference is that we don't offer cabin crew service - instead we offer inclusive minutes!
'You could say that TOOLANI is doing the exact same thing as cheap airlines do in the airline industry. Instead of flying to New York for thousands of Euros you can now fly for just a few hundred. The only difference is that we don't offer cabin crew service - instead we offer inclusive minutes!'
In comparison, what do you say to Skype?
Michael Schöpfer:
Skype and other VOIP-Providers are the pioneers for cheap calls and connections. However, the classic application Skype started with, has its restrictions. The typical skype product is a conversation from computer to computer using the internet. For a good reason we don't offer anything like that.
Why not?
Michael Schöpfer:
This reminds me of the time when there was only one landline telephone in each household. This was often in the hall. If you wanted to make a call you had to stand there as if you were stuck to the floor and the other person on the line had to do exactly the same. But only of course if he or she actually was at home. If not, there was no conversation. This is quite unrealistic today. When it comes to Skype I ask myself the question: Why should the consumer have his convenience taken away when he wants to make international calls? Should you be stuck to a technical object with a cable hanging about like in past centuries?
Only the mobile phone gives the consumer the convenience and the freedom he expects today. Eventhough TOOLANI isn't free, it only costs a few cents.
Can I call abroad with toolani?
Michael Schöpfer:
Yes, brandnew with toolani wifi. With this product you can make calls from your IPhone or Smartphone through hot spots and you will not be charged for dial-up and roaming charges. The toolani rates are always cheap and keep like that no matter if you use your mobile phone in Germany or abroad.
And where do I find such a hot spot?
Michael Schöpfer:
At the moment there are about 200.000 free hot spots worldwide, 12.000 of which are in Germany. This number rises constantly. At many cafes and hotels, at most universities, at McDonalds, Starbucks and even in public areas like train stations you cand find free wifi access. The most convenient way is using your own wifi at home or at work. It costs a one-off fee under 30 Euros and the classic telephone charges are gone.
Does this mean it will cost the same no matter if I'm calling from Berlin Mitte to Charlottenburg or from New York to Hamburg?
Michael Schöpfer:
Exactly, it will cost you 1,9 Cent per minute. If you are a student, it will only cost you 0,5 Cent.
How does this pay-off for toolani, you can't really earn anything?
Michael Schöpfer:
It pays off like every other bill-broking through extremly small organisations, low margin, many customers. About 20% of Germany's population have the need to call abroad no matter whether they are in Germany or on holiday. This means we are talking about considerable potential. If we convince those customers with a practical solution, which is so cheap that you will never have to watch the time again when on the phone, then we have the volume that it pays off.
