'Swytch' app finding a new fan base: unfaithful partners

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There’s a new player in the game when it comes to the “burner” phone number market, and it might just be the latest craze for unfaithful partners. Swytch is an app that allows users to run multiple phone numbers from a single SIM. And while there is no shortage of potential uses for having more than one number on a device, it seems the app is developing a naughty reputation.

Imagine having the ability to communicate with a secret lover using a separate phone number that won’t be tracked by your existing mobile network provider. You don’t need a burner phone or back up SIM card to do your dirty work, and the number can be switched on and off at any time. The phone number wouldn’t be associated with a contract, so flipping the on-and-off switch is no biggie. Slimebags, unite!

The cloud-based mobile network and dialer app was founded in April 2014 and made a splash when it was presented at TechCrunch Disrupt London’s Startup Alley later that year. The official launch was delayed until October 2015, however, after some technical issues. The initial buzz surrounding the app had nothing to do with its capabilities for cheating lovers (or drug lords), but rather its value as an organizational tool for individuals needing a little more compartmentalizing in their lives.

According to co-founder Chris Michael, business people were an obvious main target when the app was developed. Those looking to have their work and personal communication remain separate could easily do so using Swytch – with the added benefit of having all lines live at the same time and no extra hassle (as opposed to switching between SIM cards or multiple cell phones).

Multiple lines could also be a helping hand for someone who likes to shop/use services online but doesn’t want to divulge their personal phone number – like a back-up email address that you would use for signing up for contests or promotions.

While Swytch currently only offers UK mobile numbers, there are plans to expand into more European and American markets in the future. So even though the app is available to Canadians, only UK phone numbers are being offered for now. International users are also limited in that sending text messages is not yet available outside of the UK – another thing that Swytch has plans to do in the future.

There has been concern that with unlimited phone numbers available per device, spammers will abuse the app’s capabilities. But Michael believes spamming will not be an issue with Swytch, partly due to the cost to use compared to bulk SMS services. Users are given one number free of charge for six months for incoming calls and messages (there is a minimal charge for outgoing calls and messages, but it’s cheaper than traditional mobile or pay-as-you-go plans) after which they must chose from available one month, six month and year long packages.

So whether users are interested in the app for innocent or obscene reasons, Michael admits that there’s not much that can be done about it. After all, cheaters were cheating long before apps were there to smooth out the process.