Hutch launches smartphone IDD app for cheaper calls

Hutch has announced the launch of a unique Smartphone IDD App called ‘Hutch Connect’ that enables customers to call any international mobile or landline around the world at savings of more than 40%. This ‘first of its kind’ App will allow Hutch customers to stay in touch with family, friends and business associates abroad at a very affordable rate, with the utmost convenience.

This is a uniquely different App compared to other popular Apps like Skype, Viber and WhatsApp in that it doesn’t require the other party to be also using the App. The call receiver overseas will also see a Hutch CLI so they can conveniently return a call back. 

The App has been designed to give maximum ease of use and cost saving to its users. One does not require a credit card to buy credit to make non App calls. Calls are charged seamlessly directly to the Hutch mobile account. Charging is on per second basis and not per minute. The total charge and duration information is also viewable on completion of the call.  

All a person requires to start calling on this App is just downloading Hutch Connect from Google store and using a Hutch number for simple registration. The customer then starts enjoying immediate benefits for every international call made. 

With Smartphone penetration growing rapidly in Sri Lanka, Hutch Connect provides valuable cost savings for both individuals and businesses that make international calls around the world. In developing the App, Hutch has borne in mind to extend its great benefits to as many of the population as possible. Hence, it only requires a Hutch number for the initial registration to facilitate call charging and thereafter can be used over any Smartphone irrespective of the operator SIM they are on. It could even be used over Wi-Fi. 

The user only needs to ensure there is sufficient credit balance on the Hutch number which the App conveniently displays and can be topped up across 40,000 plus points island-wide including credit card online, leading supermarkets and banks. The App is currently available on the Google Play Store on searching Hutch Connect and will soon be available on iOS and Windows mobiles and PCs.  

Commenting on the launch of ‘Hutch Connect’, Hutchison Telecom Lanka Chief Executive Officer Thirukumar Nadarasa said, “Hutch Connect is developed for international callers, whether you have overseas clients and customers or whether you need to stay in touch with a loved one who is studying or working abroad. In a very dynamic telecom market we are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to increase the cost benefit to our end user and we believe that with the launch of ‘Hutch Connect’ we have managed to do just that.”