FreeKall, a Bangalore India based startup, is offering free calls to its users without requiring a data plan on their mobile phones, but in return users will have to listen to ads during calls.
FreeKall is different from free voice call apps like Skype, Viber, Hangouts, which do offer free voice calls, but require a data connection on their mobile phones. Using FreeKall even feature phone users will be able to place free calls.
However, nothing comes free in current times! Right? The catch here is that users will have to listen to ads for using this service.
Users, to make a FreeKall, are required to dial a particular number, which is picked up by systems of the cloud-powered service. The call is automatically disconnected after one ring and the system initiates a reverse call to the user. After answer the call, user will be prompted to enter the number to which s/he wants to place a call. FreeKall will then connect the two users.
This is where the ad-serving starts. First, instead of hearing a ring tone, users will hear an advertisement. That’s not it; users will be served ads in between the calls as well at regular intervals – every 2 minutes to be precise. When the ad is served during a call, the call is paused for that duration of time.
As of now, unregistered users will be able to place calls of 3 minutes duration while registered users can place calls that can last up to 12 minutes.
The company revealed that once its infrastructure is equipped to handle higher loads, it will roll out unlimited calls without any caps on the duration.
The company also revealed that it is planning to provide international calling service as well once its regulatory requirements are fulfilled.
The service has been started by a trio of engineers from M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore – Yashas Shekar, Vijayakumar Umaluti and Sandesh Eshwarappa. The company raised a seed capital of INR 1 million from Ranjith Cherickel, a telecom professional with experience in the field.
