GlobalTel is a phone service provided by InterActive Media Technologies, Inc.[1] It provides Universal International Free Number (UIFN), Direct dial, Callback and Calling card service to customers in over 200 countries. Additional services include CallMeBack, prepaid phone cards, carrier and switching services for resellers and phone card distributors.[1] The company is based in Boca Raton, Florida and was founded in 1991 by president and CEO, Steven M. Williams.[1][2] The company was ranked in the top 100 by South Florida Business Journal from 1995-2001.[3][4]
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Founded in 1991 by Steven M. Williams, the company initially focused on phone services for major market and satellite radio station request lines. GlobalTel eventually focused on developing the international callback business and marketed its services to the World Bank, U.N. and international companies. Globaltel also owned 50% of a pay per call services joint venture company with the Saad family called RSA Informatica, LTDA in São Paulo, Brazil. In 2004 the company changed its name to InterActive Media Technologies, Inc., but still retains the use of GlobalTel for its worldwide callback operations. In 1993, Globaltel upgraded its switching equipment, added multilingual personnel and added an experienced team of developers to manage and direct its operations and billing systems. Soon afterwards, it entered the US domestic long distance market, a "source of significant revenue for the company". The company invested in another upgrade in 1999 which again increased traffic capacity and productivity. Direct Dial services, also known as "Universal International FreePhone Numbers" were offered as well as Prepaid calling cards that utilize callback switches marketed as Callmeback.net.[3] Another upgrade in 2001 installed the "latest switching equipment by CISCO. This enabled the company to offer VOIP service.
GlobalTel is a privately held boutique telecommunications holding and operating company controlled by Steven Mark Williams. In 2006, GlobalTel acquired "American Roaming Network from Verisign, Inc., ARN is the only unregistered roaming service in the U.S. and has agreements with Sprint, Verizon, AllTel and other mobile carriers in the U.S. In 2008, Globaltel sold its joint venture interest with in GlobalNova, Inc., which was a U.S. based long distance carrier with a network throughout Brazil. GlobalNova was a joint venture company owned 50% by GlobalTel and 50% from a grou controlled by the Gerdau family of Brazil. The Gerdau family owns the largest steel company in the Western Hemishere and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GGB".
GlobalTel expanded again in 2007 when the company moved its Miami switching center to new facilities and acquired BestNetCall.com. GlobalTel also won its five year long patent lawsuit against Cygnus.
In April 2009, American Roaming Network, Inc., acquired VSB Telecommunications Services, LTDA (VSB)from Verisign, Inc. VSB was formerly known as Verisign Brazil and is involved Roaming Settlement, CDR Reconiliation, Co-Billing, Profitability Reporting and customized billing solutions for the Latin American and Caribbean market. VSB currently services Claro, VIVO, TIM (Telecom Italia), Telefonica and other mobile providers in Brazil. In 2009, VSB will open its U.S. based VSB International arm to service the Latin American and Caribbean marketplace.
As of 2009, the company "has over 300 agents doing business in 240 countries".[3] According to the South Florida Business Journal, "Customers include Shell Oil, American Express, embassies, the World Bank and the United Nations."[4]
International Callback: This service allows the customers to bypass high international calling rates in parts of the world where international calling rates are is still very high. To accomplish this UWT switching network chooses the appropriate carrier for each customer call based on the origination country of the call and the destination country. Because different carriers have different prices and levels of quality for calls to certain countries, the switch chooses the carrier with the best quality at the most effective cost for each call.[5]
Virtual Calling Card: The company offers international calling cards known as “Virtual Calling Cards.” Calling card customers are given a unique PIN (personal identification number). To use the service, an access number is dialed and the PIN is entered. This gives the customer access to UWT’s network where they can then dial the destination number.[6]
Global Call Connect: Global Call Connect is a direct dial international calling service. Customer dials an access number from a fixed or mobile phone, and upon verification of the caller ID number of the customer, access is given to United World Telecom’s international calling network without the need of a PIN.
CallMe800: This is a call forwarding service through which customers can obtain a personal toll free phone number and automatically redirect calls to any phone number in the world.
CallMyGlobalNumber: This call forwarding service allows customers to have a local phone number in another country or area than where they are located. Calls to that personal number are automatically redirected to any phone number in the world.
Global VoIP Connect: Global VoIP Connect is a Voice Over IP service. VoIP uses a broadband internet connection to transmit calls. Calls can be made from a personal computer using VoIP software or from a specialized VoIP phone.[7]
GlobalTel Company Website http://www.globaltel.com/ http://www.globaltel.ne.jp