Mark Bridge writes:

Mobile networks aren’t what they used to be. As last week’s interview with Vince Russell of The Cloud demonstrated, more and more customers are relying on WiFi to augment their mobile data service.

Truphone is now planning to do exactly the same with voice calls and text messages by linking its mobile network with WiFi for even wider coverage.

UK telecoms service Truphone, which runs a mobile Voice-over-IP service and a mobile virtual network operation, has announced its intention to create a new service that combines the benefits of GSM with internet calling.

Truphone+ will enable customers without GSM coverage to make and receive calls on their ‘mobile number’ via a WiFi connection.

Voice over IP service Skype has announced the first countries where customers will be able to use its direct mobile operator billing option. This will let customers pay for Skype credit by charging it to their mobile phone account.

The facility has just been launched in Russia and will soon be enabled in the USA and Canada as well.

Virtual mobile network and VoIP service provider Truphone says it’s arranged £75 million of new funding, which will enable it to open a number of new businesses around the world and employ around 500 additional staff members in the next 18 months.

The British-based company is also planning a number of new product launches.

It's another packed podcast this week, starting with mobile payments and ending with DIY mobile accessories.

We also cover manufacturing news, mobile VoIP calling, a new virtual network heading for the UK high street, shop closures, smart accessories and phablets.