Truphone

Truphone operates as a global mobile network, with a strong focus on digital SIM (eSIM) technology. The company was founded in 2006 by James Tagg and Alexander Straub. Tagg, an inventor and serial entrepreneur, was motivated to start the company due to the high costs of international roaming while commuting between the UK and the US. His background in physics, computer science, and engineering, coupled with his pioneering work in touchscreen technology, provided a strong technical foundation for the venture. Straub is also a serial entrepreneur in the tech space, having built other valuable companies.

Initially, Truphone launched as a Voice over IP (VoIP) service in 2006, allowing users to make low-cost international calls over Wi-Fi. A significant milestone was the launch of its SIM-based mobile service in 2010, which provided bundles of minutes, texts, and data for business customers across 66 countries. A key feature of their service is the ability to have multiple international numbers on a single SIM, allowing users to be reached on a local number in different countries. Over the years, the company has put a strategic emphasis on developing a full-stack eSIM ecosystem, partnering with major device manufacturers like Apple to integrate the technology into devices like the iPhone.

The company's business model is centered on providing global mobile connectivity to both enterprises and individual consumers. For its business clients, which include over 3,500 multinational corporations and 8 out of 10 tier 1 investment banks, Truphone offers worldwide business plans. Another key service for the financial sector is mobile call and SMS recording, which helps regulated institutions meet compliance requirements. For consumers, Truphone provides eSIM data plans that offer connectivity in over 114 countries, which can be managed through the 'My Truphone' app. The company also provides its eSIM technology and management platform to other mobile operators and device makers.

Truphone's core product is its global mobile network, accessible via physical SIM cards and, increasingly, through eSIMs. The eSIM is a GSMA-accredited rewritable chip embedded directly into a device, allowing users to activate and switch mobile plans remotely without a physical SIM card. This technology is central to their offerings for the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling mass deployment and remote management of connected devices like asset trackers and smart home products. The company has built a global network with numerous points of presence worldwide to reduce latency and improve call quality and data speeds. In January 2023, the assets of Truphone were acquired by TP Global Operations Ltd., a company owned by Hakan Koç and Pyrros Koussios, and now operates under the name 1GLOBAL.

Keywords: eSIM technology, global mobile network, MVNO, international roaming, VoIP, mobile connectivity, IoT connectivity, remote SIM provisioning, dual SIM, mobile recording, compliance solutions, global data plans, enterprise mobility, telecommunications, mobile network operator, connected devices, FinTech, multinational corporations, business travel, asset tracking