Tokiva Introduces a Wireless Variation to Its VoIP Theme

            With VoIP technology comes a lot of hybrids and variations. Presently, the wireless mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Tokiva has added instant messaging on mobiles to the mix which is a way to initiate a packetized voice call

            A few days ago, the Toronto-based operator made it known that its IM-To-Call service will now be available with immediate effect on leading IM clients. This includes MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Messenger, and Google Talk. In a statement, Tokiva said its general availability follows a beta test that began in January.

            According to Tokiva, the users do not need to download any software in order to make any wireless VoIP call. What happens is that registered users receive an invitation to add Tokiva as a buddy on their IM lists. All they now need to do is to send an instant message to Tokiva to call them. Tokiva will definitely call back, with the user's landline or mobile phone. They will then connect the caller to the desired number immediately.

            The MVNO claims that, "using Tokiva can save up to 90% of normal call costs because the calls are carried by Tokiva's global VoIP network that has a footprint in over 185 countries."

            Tokiva observed that their customers tend to be heavy users of IM. Which means that the Tokiva IM-To-Call service is a natural extension to what they are already doing. According to Tong Li, the founder and chief executive of Tokiva, "Tokiva is connecting text-based IM systems with voice-based phone networks in a simple yet powerful way." 

            From the figures obtained from the ComScore Media, there are 90 million instant messaging users in the United States. Come second quarter of 2008, Tokiva said it plans to support QQ Messenger, the most popular IM systems in China, which counts 520 million users.