At TechCrunch40 this week, Ireland's Cubic Telecom introduced the concept of a virtual PBX, which allows you to give your mobile phone a local number anywhere in the world using the company's MAXroam SIM card.

"Cubic is taking a hybrid GSM / WiFi approach; its handsets will support both traditional calls and VoIP services, with all VoIP calls on its own network coming free of charge," explains Engadget's Chris Ziegler. "The MAXroam SIM card will be available separately for $40 starting September 24, or you'll be able to get it with one of the company's own handsets, a basic model for $135 (pictured) and a Windows Mobile device for $219; both phones launch October 1 with a MAXroam card included along with $8 in calling credit."

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