LOS ANGELES — Rebtel's monthly plan is hugely popular, generating $80 million yearly for the Swedish company, even if most folks here in the United States have never heard of Rebtel.

The basic gist - unlimited calls, anywhere in the world, for $10 monthly. But why would consumers want to pay, when they get free calls from Skype, Whatsapp Messenger, FaceTime, Google Hangouts and so many other apps?

Because Rebtel goes further than the wi-fi app experience and lets folks call from anywhere, over the internet and through traditional phone lines. "We combine the best of both worlds," says Rebtel CEO Magnus Larsson.

The Swedish based CEO recently visited the United States, and sat down with USA TODAY for an extended #TalkingTech podcast.

While the apps are free when there's a wifi signal, Rebtel works in Wifi and over-the-air, Larsson said, meaning that people can make their calls in the subway, basement, on the streets, while shopping at Target, and the like.

He says his service works in more countries--places like Cuba and China have blocked Internet, but his main pitch is way lower rates than the big telcos.

Click the links above to listen to our conversation and to watch a snippet from the interview.

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